Advertisement
Baked In BushwickBaked In Bushwick

For this Bushwick scenic designer, less on the stage means more: her case that stripping down a gothic opera deepens it

Bushwick-based scenic designer Jiaying Zhang explains how stripping down sets for Heartbeat Opera’s 2026 Vanessa deepens emotional storytelling, reflecting her philosophy of distillation in theater design.

For this Bushwick scenic designer, less on the stage means more: her case that stripping down a gothic opera deepens it
A stripped-down, emotionally resonant set design for Heartbeat Opera’s 2026 production of Vanessa, created by Bushwick scenic designer Jiaying Zhang.
Advertisement
Baked In BushwickBaked In Bushwick

Jiaying Zhang designs theater sets by taking things away. In an interview with Bushwick artist Milan Schell, Zhang argues that reducing a stage to what’s essential deepens emotional storytelling.

This story continues: 100 more words

Read this story free with your email.

Your first story each month is free with a Bushwick Daily account. We’ll email you a code to sign in.

Featured image: Courtesy jiayingzhang.com

Advertisement
The Cloud Law Firm, strategic legal counsel for consumer brands
Advertisement
Bushwick Yacht Club
Advertisement
Baked In Bushwick
Produced by Bushwick Daily News Desk

Neighborhood news, politics, real estate, and business coverage produced by the Bushwick Daily newsroom.

View all posts
Advertise with Bushwick Daily

Reach all of New York.

Written in Bushwick, read across all five boroughs since 2009.

100,000+ readers a month 500,000+ on Instagram All five boroughs
Advertise with us →
Subscribe to Bushwick Daily