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Breaking Character is an immersive outdoor installation of colorful dioramas and movable platforms set within the Ragdale landscape. Arranged in a circular composition inspired by Shaw’s original Ragdale Ring, the project invites both performers and audiences to inhabit the same flexible space.

By dissolving the traditional boundary between stage and spectator, the installation reimagines theatrical experience as something shared, fluid, and participatory. Each diorama — defined by bold forms, playful details, and carefully placed openings — offers unique perspectives into performances, encouraging visitors to shape their own experience.Designed for adaptability, elements of the project extend beyond the site through mobile backdrops used for pop-up performances across Chicagoland, connecting audiences back to the larger installation.

Built with an emphasis on material efficiency and sustainability, all components are designed for reuse. After the installation, elements will be repurposed or donated to community organizations, ensuring the project continues to serve as a creative resource beyond its initial life.