Port Lands Centre for Performing Arts

In collaboration with Bronte Morris-Poolman

The concept of mise en abyme was the main driver behind our Port Lands Performing Arts Centre. The term mise en abyme translates from the French into “to put into the abyss.” It is a phenomena ...found across all art forms in which similarity and self-reference occurs within a work of art. It proposes the occurrence of at least two hierarchical levels and mirrors elements between them. Mise en abyme appears in the form of nested, mirrored, and paralleled elements that reveal a truth about their counterparts. The way in which mise en abyme presents itself in theatrical works is in the play within a play. Common examples of these are the plays within a play found in Shakespeare’s famous pieces A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet. In both of these cases, the nest, fictional narrative is a reflection of the real, main narrative.

The way that we have translated mise en abyme in architectural terms is through nested narratives, forms, and structures. Our building tells the story of the site and the creation of the play. By reflecting and mirroring the theatre’s surroundings as well as using water as an element for design our building tells the story of the site. The built form enhances the theatricality of each internal space and the surrounding site. It invites visitors to take on the role of actors within the narrative of the building and the water to become a dynamic set.

“Like in a play within a play, the theatre itself inverts of spectator and spectacle”

Ground Floor 1

The ground floor is split between two levels with Ground Floor 1 being closer to the water and Ground Floor 2 at entry level. At the end of the pier, the building lowers down to provide visitors with the opportunity to get close to the water and move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Ground Floor 2

The entrance sequence is a procession along the pier, into the building, up the ramp, stopping at the skits and finally into the theatre. It becomes a series of scenes that animate the building. The rooms on the ground floor plan act as a separation between public and private programming. All public spaces can be accessed by the northern hallway whereas private spaces are accessed by that on the south side.

Level 2

The informal theatre spaces, mirror the formal theatre programming and the loose fit floor plate creates balcony spaces and makes volumes appear to be boxes within main box. The two theatres on the second floor share backstage spaces and the studio cantilevers over the main entrance to engage with visitors as they enter the building.

During the day, the building reflects its surroundings and the skits become prominent figures on the elevation. At night, the building displays a spectacle by revealing the activity of its users and the inner volumes become prominent figures within the building’s enclosure.