Yichen Zhou

Yichen Zhou is a lighting and set designer born and raised in China, and is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in Lighting Design at the Geffen School of Drama at Yale. She also holds a BA degree in Theatre from Smith College, where she explored a range of art including installation, architecture, and photography. 
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During her journey across continents, she found a home in the theatre, where understanding is possible, pain is heard, and the trivial joy of existence is celebrated, even in this era of political distress and mistrust. She surrenders to the transient and ritualistic nature of theatre and celebrates this truthfulness that is both specific and universal. 

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In her practice of scenography, Yichen is deeply fascinated by the truth one finds through imagination; the possibilities and danger behind a stage door; how darkness also has colors; and how silence can say more. ​

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Most importantly, Yichen is motivated by a profound faith in the power of stories in political and cultural landscapes. She believes that story is where we came from, and where we're going. Story is the secret of our interconnectedness and the weapon to fight against the abyss. Therefore, she is eager to tell stories that are provoking, inspiring, and awakening. She is always excited to tell a story with you. 
 

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IG: @yichen.zhou.design

​​Email: yichen.zhou@yale.edu

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