Student profiles
Hiroko Oshima
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hiroko-oshima-5736a231b
Email: oshima165@gmail.com/ h.oshima1@lancaster.ac.uk
Webpage: www.hirokooshima.net
Thesis Title
Institution
Supervisors
Prof Andrew Quick
Dr Michael Stead
Dr Cami Rowe
Research Summary
Through this research I will contribute to theatre’s transition to sustainable design by improving the circularity of scenographic practices, specifically through innovative fabrication techniques that enable their use of materials employed in scenography. Since most materials used in stage design follow a similar standard worldwide, this research could provide a blueprint for a paradigm shift towards sustainable design that could have an immediate and practical impact on the theatre industry. In so doing, it would counter unsustainable practices of the theatre industry that contribute to climate change and are typical of the overconsumption and wastefulness of Global North societies.
During my master’s studies, I identified obstacles to sustainable production in the theatre industry. The major obstacle is the absence of technical and physical resources for material circulation. For instance, primary set-making materials such as plywood, timber, plastic, styrofoam, and synthetic fibers are produced using environmentally unsustainable methods. Moreover, these materials are often permanently mixed in single-use industrial practices, resulting in a significant amount of waste instead of recyclable material.
The PhD project is practice-based research, which involves developing sustainable materials and fabrication techniques for scenography, using cross-cultural innovation and ecofabrication. This involves reimagining set-making techniques by incorporating traditional materials and craftsmanship from different regions. These sustainable materials will be applied in real performance settings. The theoretical analysis examines the aesthetics and environmental impact of these materials and methods, as well as their potential to influence the global theatre industry.
My previous work includes designing a performance set using recyclable paper tubes and incorporating Koboku, timber from old Japanese houses, into scenography. The research is grounded in the philosophies of new materialism and ecosenography, emphasising the role of materials in storytelling. Ultimately, the project advocates for a shift in scenography to consider not only the creative process but also the life cycle of materials, ensuring they return to nature in a sustainable manner.
Research Interests
Scenography
Sustainability (Sustainable Material, Circular economy in material)
Ecomaterialism
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
Personal Fabrication
Publications
Oshima, H. (2024). ‘How Scenography can Contribute at the State of Climate Crisis- Potential of Ecoscenography.’ In: ‘Our States of Emergency: Theatres and Performances of Tragedy’ IFTR Annual Conference, University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), Quezon City, the Philippines. – presented on 15th of July 2024.
Oshima, H. (2024). ‘Research Notes; The Potential of Ecocenography: The Contribution of Scenographers to Sustainable Performing art’. Bulletin 2023, Kyoto Performing Arts Center (KPAC), pp.95-114.