Ziru Zhou
Ziru Zhou
Ziru Zhou is from Chongqing, China and graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Design. Ziru is proficient in software such as Rhino7, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and PowerPoint.
Ziru's design emphasises imagination and creativity, prefering not to follow rigid design conventions. They specialise in creating posters and other designs using minimalistic lines.
Their philosophy is that design is a field that allows for the full expression of human creativity and should not be constrained by rules that stifle inspiration.
I chose to set my stage design for Macbeth in ancient Egypt. There are several reasons for this decision. Firstly, Egyptian-themed stage plays are quite rare, and I wanted to bring a sense of exotic atmosphere to the audience. Secondly, an Egyptian backdrop aligns closely with the central themes of Macbeth:
1. Power and Ambition: The symbolism of the Egyptian pharaoh resonates strongly with Macbeth’s ambition. In Egypt, the pharaoh represents the ultimate authority, which aligns with Macbeth’s desire for supreme power.
2. Fate and Prophecy: Mysticism and divination hold significant importance in ancient Egyptian culture. Similarly, in Macbeth, prophecy plays a crucial role in driving the story forward.
3. Death and the Supernatural: Egyptian culture places profound emphasis on death and the afterlife, which complements Macbeth’s recurring themes of death, revenge, and ghosts.
4.Enhanced Visual Elements: The architecture, costumes, and symbolic motifs of ancient Egypt make the characters and themes in Macbeth more visually striking and immersive. Elements like pyramids and sphinxes can deepen the atmosphere of mystery and reinforce the story’s themes.