local storiesApril 3, 2023

Meet Tianxing Yan

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianxing Yan.

Hi Tianxing, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in theatre began as a young dancer, enamored by the energy and immediacy of live performance. It was during this time that I discovered the work of Pina Bausch, whose physicality captured raw emotions and human experiences on stage, inspiring me to explore the power of storytelling. As I grew older, my passion for theatre deepened, and I became increasingly fascinated by the role of design in shaping and enhancing these stories.

Starting out as a costume designer, I honed my skills by working on a variety of productions, ranging from dance and plays to musicals and short films. It was through these experiences that I began to fully appreciate the importance of design in creating immersive and compelling theatrical experiences.

Eventually, my journey brought me to Yun Theatre, a bicultural and experimental theatre company committed to challenging traditional norms and confronting social and political issues affecting marginalized communities. Here, I found a community of artists who shared my passion for storytelling and my belief in the transformative power of theatre.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As an immigrant, one of my biggest struggles was breaking into the costume design industry, as I had to compete with many talented designers and faced limited opportunities to showcase my work. Networking was not my strength, and I often found myself sending countless emails without hearing back, which was discouraging. Additionally, finding my place and voice in the American theatre and understanding cultural differences was challenging. One of the questions I ask myself often – what this particular piece meant to me. And I don’t always have the answers.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a visual designer, I believe that costumes play a vital role in helping the audience understand the narrative of the production, as well as the emotions, experiences, and status of the characters. Costumes are more than just beautiful clothes to me; they are a powerful tool to reveal a character’s secrets and personality without uttering a word.

When it comes to creating costumes that truly capture the essence of a character, I always start by immersing myself in their emotional journey and the world they inhabit. I select colors, textures, and fabrics that can best capture the essence of the character and help convey their story. For example, in the Monologue of n Women, there was a scene featuring an AI robot struggling to understand human emotions and humor. To bring out the character’s whimsical and human-like traits, I used a stiff mesh for her pleated skirt with red/black sketch lines, and added wired elements to her top. I also incorporated lighter colors and playful textures, such as a yarn-made string sewn across her body to create an abstract pattern of a heart.

Furthermore, while designing costumes, I also consider practical aspects such as the comfort and movement of the actor. It is important to strike a balance between form and function to ensure that the costume not only looks great but also works seamlessly with the actor’s performance. My work is centered around attention to detail, and I carefully select and execute every element in my costumes to serve a specific purpose. I take pride in bringing my unique perspective to each project and working collaboratively with directors, actors, and other designers to bring their vision to life. When diverse perspectives and ideas are brought to the table, I feel like I’m in a garden blooming with different flowers. I collect these beautiful thoughts, research, sketch, and sometimes create prototypes to ensure that the final product is both functional and visually stunning.

Contact Info:

Website: Kikyouyan.com

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Siqi Chen; Justin Han; Tianxing Yan

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