Daniel Pinha, sketch for In the Attic set, 2020
from the performance of In the Attic, January 2020, featuring Leslie Felbain
Daniel Pinha is a scenic designer with a passion for creating immersive environments that enhance the storytelling experience. Originally from Brazil, Daniel moved to the United States in 2006 after earning his degree in Scenic Design from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, he worked extensively in theater, film, and television. In the United States, Daniel earned an MFA degree from the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of Maryland. Since then, he has designed for a range of theater companies and artistic projects, including internationally.
Daniel's processes have led to several important collaborations. For example, he worked with renowned photographer Carrie Mae Weems to create a multimedia art installation at the Park Avenue Armory in New York. In Brazil, he collaborated with the Oscar-nominated actress Fernanda Montenegro to create the set design for the recent show "Nelson Rodrigues Por Ele Mesmo" and the graphic design project for the book "Fernanda Montenegro: Itinerário Fotobiográfico." Daniel is an Associate Professor in the Theater Program for the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Loyola University Maryland.
Daniel Pinha — Theatre
In the Attic: A Performance Installation
The immersive experience of the set for "In the Attic" is a profound journey that bridges the gap between art and healing through the power of creative expression. At its heart, this performance revolves around a woman in her final moments, delicately navigating the intricate spectrum between resistance and acceptance. To bring this emotional voyage to life, two gifted performers, Leslie Felbain and Colleen Harris embody the voices within her mind, vividly portraying her poignant journey towards the inevitable.
Daniel's artistic exploration with Infinite Stage, alongside his co-creator Leslie Felbain, focuses on the integration of spaces, environments, and objects into the dramaturgical and devising process. He is fascinated by the ways in which humans interact, and he endeavors to create work that accentuates the beauty of these interactions.
What makes “In the Attic” experience truly immersive is the installation that envelops the performance space. Here, you'll find some chairs and a floor adorned with bucket lists thoughtfully crafted by both visitors and the audience. The audience is invited to contribute to the space by sharing their bucket lists. This installation isn't just a backdrop; it's an integral part of the performance, enhancing the immersion and inviting the audience to step into a contemplative realm where they can ponder their own responses to the emotional journey unfolding before them. It serves as a platform where individuals can candidly share their personal encounters with mortality, a subject often left unspoken. This delicate conversation artfully delves into the essence of life, urging us to reflect on our own existence and the preciousness of the present moment.
The creators are committed to bringing this transformative experience to diverse communities, ensuring that all, regardless of their circumstances, can engage with its profound message. After all, death touches every one of us, and this performance serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality, compelling us to evaluate our current existence.
"In the Attic" has traveled across stages in both the United States and Brazil, transcending borders and cultural boundaries. Wherever it goes, it remains a powerful testament to the human condition, inviting us to confront our mortality, recognize our limited control over life's trajectory, and ultimately, focus on the beauty and significance of the present moment.
Credits:
Co-directors- Leslie Felbain and Daniel Pinha
Set Designer – Daniel Pinha
Performers – Leslie Felbain and Colleen Harris
Sound Designer- Matthew Aidekman
