Geography and Regional Planning

Geography and Regional Planning

Using geocultural signs and symbols in theater stage design with an emphasis on Jung's theories

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Monire Naderi
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.22034/jgeoq.2025.498061.4206
Abstract
This article examines the pivotal role of signs and symbols in theater set design and the relationship between Jung's psychoanalytic theory of the collective unconscious and archetypes. Through a comparative analysis of two iconic plays, William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, the author examines how elements of theatrical design convey deeper psychological and emotional effects. The article argues that the visual codes employed in these works not only enhance narrative but also evoke universal themes that transcend time and culture. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the conscious use of light, color, and spatial arrangements portray the characters' inner conflicts and magical transformations, based on archetypal motifs of love and identity. In contrast, the set design in Death of a Salesman uses overt realism and symbolic devices to reflect the protagonist's struggles with ambition and reality, and to express a bitter critique of the American dream. Through these case studies, it is demonstrated how the integration of Jungian concepts into theatrical set design can provide the audience with a richer understanding of the character's emotional approach. and ultimately bridge the gap between visual art and psychological depth in storytelling. This exploration advocates for a broader use of signs and symbols in theatre and encourages contemporary designers and practitioners to use these tools to enhance emotional engagement and narrative complexity.
Keywords
Theater
Jungian theory
stage design
semiotics
symbols and signs
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