![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-top.jpg)
Pappa TARAHUMARA Punk Don Quixote by Torafu Architects
Tokyo practice Torafu Architects have designed a stage set for a theatre adaptation of Don Quixote.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-4.jpg)
Called Punk Don Quixote, the performance by theatre company Pappa TARAHUMARA tells the story of a man who becomes obsessed with tales of chivalry and appears to go mad.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-7.jpg)
Torafu Architects designed a house-shaped structure made of white mobile blocks as a backdrop to the play.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-9.jpg)
Characters rearrange these blocks as needed for different scenes, gradually dismantling the house as the play progresses.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-11.jpg)
More about Torafu Architects on Dezeen:
Nissan Y150 Dream Front pavilion (June 2009)
House in Kohoku (September 2008)
Kiriko Bottles (November 2007)
Nike Air Force 1 Store (November 2007)
Boolean interior (November 2007)
House in Yokohama (November 2007)
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-12.jpg)
Here's some more information from Tofafu Architects:
--
Pappa TARAHUMARA "Punk Don Quixote"
Our involvement with the performing arts scene came through Hiroshi Koike, founder of Pappa TARAHUMARA, to build a stage set for the company’s most recent production: “Punk Don Quixote”.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-13.jpg)
Pappa TARAHUMARA’s performance offers a mixture of theater, musical performance and dance but often defies categorization. We felt that a static backdrop was out of the question and thus we proposed a stage that would gradually morph, following the play in a dynamic way.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-24.jpg)
The story revolves around a patriarch consumed by wild delusions and the members of his family. The play deals with contemporary problems in a bright and non-pessimistic manner imbued with hope.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-25.jpg)
We proposed a stage set with a house whose white walls would decay over time, portraying the family’s own disintegration as events unfold.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-28.jpg)
Since Pappa TARAHUMARA’s stage lights are never lowered to accommodate stage rearrangements, a great deal of thought and concern went into details to ensure the actions in one scene would set the stage for the next scene in a transitioning manner.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-29.jpg)
Parts of the structure are turned upside down, moved or removed altogether from where they belong, causing it to gradually lose its purpose as a house. Like a puzzle disassembled into its pieces, the whole stage and its disarticulated parts become an integral part of the performance.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-27.jpg)
Towards the end of the play, the gable roof is turned on its head, offering a completely different view to the spectator.
Suddenly, the roles between humans and their strange creatures have been reversed.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-10.jpg)
The story culminates with this shocking portrait as the house and its household lay in ruins.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/02/dzn_PunK-Don-Quixote-by-Torafu-Architects-26.jpg)
PRINCIPAL USE: STAGE SET
BUILDING SITE: OWL SPOT, Toshima Performing Arts Center
TOTAL FLOOR AREA: 116㎡
CONSTRUCTION: C-COM, TAKIZAWA
DESIGN PERIOD: 2009.07-2009.11
CONSTRUCTION PERIOD: 2009.11
DURATION: 2009.12.11-12.20
PHOTO: Daici Ano(others), Hiroshi Koike (06,11,14,21,23), Nam Jangho(09)