Aniara premiere 18th October 2024

I’ve been a huge fan of science fiction all my life, and having the opportunity to create the scenography for Harry Martinson's Aniara at Skånes Dansteatern feels like a dream come true. The chance to design the scenography for such a profound sci-fi story, which explores themes of isolation and hope, is the perfect extension of my artistic journey. Sci-fi has always been a major part of my life—my first encounter with the genre was through Frank Herbert’s works, and later, I became a big fan of aesthetics of the Dune movies.

For the Aniara production, I wanted to push the boundaries of sci-fi and bring it to the stage in a new way. We are using four video projectors to create a dynamic, projection-mapped environment that evolves with the dancers’ movements. The projections form a vast, ever-changing cosmos that reflects the characters’ journey—both physically through space and emotionally as they search for meaning in a universe that feels overwhelming.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the chance to play with scale. We work with miniatures, creating spaceships and celestial bodies in both small and large scales to emphasize the vastness of space. During the performance, the actors carry lanterns,  symbolizing planets—this was a particularly fun element, as it feels like I am creating my own miniature universe. These elements help to highlight the fragility of human life in the vastness of the universe.

The scenography is also honoring the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized simple, functional forms and the fusion of art and technology. I wanted to bring a similar sense of grandeur and abstraction to the stage while still grounding the story in something intimate and human. 

Throughout the performance, the spaceship appears both as a miniature and a large set piece, depending on how the action unfolds. This duality adds to the immersive experience, where reality and infinity blend together.

As the premiere on October 18th approaches, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction. Designing the scenography for Aniara has given me the opportunity to combine my love of science fiction with my passion for stage design, and I hope the visual experience resonates with the audience as much as it has with me.

Choreography & Direction Carl Knif
Music Ville Leppilahti
Costumes Karoliina Koiso-Kanttila
Set design, projections & Lighting design by me
All photos Tilo Stengel