After nearly a year since Broadway’s lights turned dark leaving its artists in limbo, the return of live performance has Set Designer Vivienne Liu excited for the theater industry’s long-awaited return.
This September, as stage lights flicker awake, Vivienne will be making her Broadway debut as the Associate Scenic Designer of Manhattan Theatre Club’s Lackawanna Blues—one of the first shows to return to the Great White Way.
Vivienne Liu is a Set and Production Designer whose work can be seen across platforms—from the stage and screen to magazines and the catwalk. “The pandemic has only increased my belief that artists especially in the theater should be multi-hyphenates and not limit their art to one format or audience. Regardless of genre, I aim to create designs that tell provocative stories that celebrate human existence. I’m always excited by the underdog and by stories that shed new light on classic themes,” she said.
Originally from China, Liu cut her teeth working on productions in Beijing for National Theatre of China, Poly Theatre, Jinan Opera & Dance Drama Theatre, and Ke Contemporary Theatre. Liu realized that to best chase her design dream she would make the leap and move to New York City. While expanding her knowledge and expertise working under noted designers Robert Perdziola and Paul Tate dePoo III, Liu took the next step in honing her craft enrolling in the MFA program at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a halt to Liu’s plans to return to the theater, but Liu has kept herself busy. Vivienne joined the Art Department of the new CBS show The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah. “I really appreciate that the pandemic offered me the opportunity to explore design for the screen,” Liu reflected. Recently, news spread that the show will be greenlit for a second season. Liu would be excited to return to the team as a Set Designer.
As Broadway now has a scheduled reopening date, Liu is excited for the future. “It was hard to see the entire industry turn silent suddenly due to the pandemic, but it’s been so comforting to see the industry take this time dark to reflect and dismantle the systemic barriers facing in particular artists of color. We See You W.A.T. and the See Lighting Foundation has made amazing efforts to advocate and instigate change,” she shared. “I am ready to see how the industry will rise up and support its artists and to further discover how I can help advance my fellow BIPOC artist’s voices. We are on the precipice of a revitalized industry that is primed to produce some incredible art. I feel honored to be joining the Lackawanna Blues team and begin the great work.”
The Broadway production of Lackawanna Blues produced by Manhattan Theatre Club is set to begin previews on September 14th.
To learn more about Vivienne Liu’s designs by visiting her official website.
