Theatre of the Absurd

Publication Design

Theatre of the Absurd describes plays that portray human existence as uncertain and often illogical, frequently using interrupted dialogue, repetition, and unconventional narrative structures.

The project was to design a theatre program for Theatre of the Absurd. The program needed to function both as a promotional piece for upcoming productions and as a record documenting the season’s plays, cast members, and creative teams.

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Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo
A close-up photograph highlighting the barley grains used as the basis for the packaging pattern. The elongated forms and layered arrangement inspired the repeated stitched motif applied throughout the identity system, translating the organic texture of the grain into a simplified visual language.
A close-up view of the stitched surface pattern applied across the reusable grain bags. Repeated linear motifs are embroidered directly onto the neutral fabric, creating a subtle textured detail that adds rhythm, tactility, and visual consistency throughout the packaging system. Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo
An open reusable fabric grain bag filled with grains, shown alongside a second closed bag in the background. The soft textile materials, visible contents, and minimal color palette highlight the tactile and natural qualities of the packaging system. Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo

The design approach highlights the logic of absurdist theatre. Instead of presenting information in
a strictly linear way, the brochure invites readers to encounter visual and emotional elements first,
with informational content revealed more deliberately afterward. This reverses the typical hierarchy of theatre programs, where text usually leads the experience.

“A process shaped
by patience, material, and time.”

Mark-making became the primary method for expressing the abstract dynamics of each play. Rather than illustrating scenes or characters directly, gestural compositions were developed to suggest character relationships, themes, and underlying tensions.

While the imagery encourages interpretation, the brochure still follows a consistent layout structure so readers can clearly navigate the program once they move from visual exploration to the informational content.

Half title page of cookbook
Title page of cookbook
Cookbook colophon
Cookbook acknowledgements
Table of content of the cookbook
Cookbook preface
Cookbook introduction
A quiet landscape of layered mountains and dense forest surrounding an isolated white structure in an open field. The soft haze and muted lighting create an atmospheric scene centered on stillness, distance, and solitude.
Cookbook bread making key ingredients spread
Cookbook bread making tools spread
Cookbook bread making techniques spread
A fog-covered rural landscape featuring grazing cows in an open field, with distant farm buildings fading into the mist. The muted tones and low visibility create a quiet, atmospheric scene centered on stillness and isolation.
A close-up photograph of small white wildflowers with soft orange centers emerging through dense green foliage. The shallow depth of field and muted tones create a quiet, atmospheric image that emphasizes delicacy, texture, and stillness.
A close-up photograph of wheat stalks illuminated against a dark background, emphasizing texture, softness, and organic detail through shallow depth of field and muted natural tones.
A softly lit interior scene featuring dried flowers arranged in a glass vase on a wooden table. The warm tones, natural textures, and quiet composition create a calm and intimate domestic atmosphere.
Cookbook bread section opener
Cookbook bread section opener
Sourdough Starter recipe spread
68-Hour Sourdough Loaf recipe spread
Baguette recipe spread
Bourbon bread recipe spread
Garlic, Black Olives and Thyme Focaccia recipe spread
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Front cover of the theatre brochure
Expressive watercolor studies inspired by the chaotic and grotesque world of Ubu Roi. Swirling forms, radiating lines, and layered pigments create a sense of excess, instability, and explosive energy, while the distorted circular compositions reflect the absurdity and unpredictability of the play. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Expressive watercolor studies inspired by the chaotic and grotesque world of Ubu Roi. Swirling forms, radiating lines, and layered pigments create a sense of excess, instability, and explosive energy, while the distorted circular compositions reflect the absurdity and unpredictability of the play. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor studies inspired by the tension and psychological intensity of Les Bonnes. Expanding washes, dark splatters, and mirrored forms suggest conflict, instability, and emotional pressure, while layered pigments and bleeding edges create a sense of distortion and unease. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor studies inspired by the tension and psychological intensity of Les Bonnes. Expanding washes, dark splatters, and mirrored forms suggest conflict, instability, and emotional pressure, while layered pigments and bleeding edges create a sense of distortion and unease. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the atmosphere of En attendant Godot. Soft washes, fading pigments, and isolated points of color evoke emptiness, stillness, and the passage of time, while the subtle contrast between light and dark suggests uncertainty and quiet anticipation. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the atmosphere of En attendant Godot. Soft washes, fading pigments, and isolated points of color evoke emptiness, stillness, and the passage of time, while the subtle contrast between light and dark suggests uncertainty and quiet anticipation. Mark-making by Amy Yi
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
Front cover of the info booklet
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
An accompanying booklet containing information on the theatre of the absurd, featured plays, mission and values, venue details, and visitor information.
Back cover of the info booklet
Watercolor studies inspired by the rhythm and movement of ping pong. Circular forms connected by thin lines suggest the back-and-forth motion of the ball, while variations in tone and transparency create a sense of speed, repetition, and impact. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the rhythm and movement of ping pong. Circular forms connected by thin lines suggest the back-and-forth motion of the ball, while variations in tone and transparency create a sense of speed, repetition, and impact. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor mark-making studies exploring the texture, weight, and movement associated with a rhinoceros. Layered grey washes and subtle yellow lines create a restrained composition inspired by the animal’s strength, structure, and presence. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor mark-making studies exploring the texture, weight, and movement associated with a rhinoceros. Layered grey washes and subtle yellow lines create a restrained composition inspired by the animal’s strength, structure, and presence. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Minimal watercolor compositions using soft gradients, layered circular forms, and sparse dark accents to reflect the play’s themes of isolation, repetition, and emotional distance. The restrained palette and dispersed shapes create a quiet tension, suggesting fragmented relationships and the lingering presence of absence within empty space. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Mark-making by Amy Yi
Back cover of the theatre publication Mark-making by Amy Yi
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→

Subheader

The final program is a 52-page tabloid-format brochure. The larger scale allows the gestural compositions to be experienced at full size, highlighting texture and movement while giving the artworks an impactful visual presence.

The format can also be folded in half, making the publication easier to handle during a performance. Each play is showcased through a distinct abstract composition that emphasizes emotional tensions and charcater dynamics while maintaining open to interpretation.

Subheader

Program information is placed within a smaller inserted booklet positioned at the center of the brochure. This structure separates the expressive visuals from the program text, guiding readers to move between visual interpretation and practical information. The booklet uses a different paper stock with a soft gray tone, which introduces tactile contrast and subtle material depth.

PROJECTS
CLOSE
A photographed vinyl sleeve held in front of a record collection, featuring a monochromatic square-based cover design and minimal typography. The reflective plastic wrapping, muted palette, and surrounding records emphasize the tactile and collectible qualities of the vinyl packaging system. Mockup from Gumroad

Everything Squared / Squared roots

Poster + Promotional Design

A collection of reusable fabric grain bags featuring different grain varieties identified through minimalist labels and stitched surface patterns. The neutral textile materials, folded closures, and restrained typography create a cohesive packaging system that emphasizes sustainability, tactility, and natural food products. Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo

Grain Bags

Packaging Design

A Book About Bread

Book Design

A sheet of translucent wrapping paper sealed with a circular Timininous sticker placed at the center. The muted grey tones and minimal typography create a soft and understated packaging presentation. Mockup from Bendito Mockup

Timininous

Branding Design

A folded theatre programme placed on a textured surface featuring large fragmented typography across the cover. The layout combines bold letterforms with minimal text to present the Théâtre de l’absurde seasonal programme. Mockup from Bendito Mockup

Absurdist theatre Brochure

Publication Design

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Theatre of the Absurd

Publication Design

Theatre of the Absurd describes plays that portray human existence as uncertain and often illogical, frequently using interrupted dialogue, repetition, and unconventional narrative structures.

The project was to design a theatre program for Theatre of the Absurd. The program needed to function both as a promotional piece for upcoming productions and as a record documenting the season’s plays, cast members, and creative teams.

scroll this way →

Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo
A close-up photograph highlighting the barley grains used as the basis for the packaging pattern. The elongated forms and layered arrangement inspired the repeated stitched motif applied throughout the identity system, translating the organic texture of the grain into a simplified visual language.
A close-up view of the stitched surface pattern applied across the reusable grain bags. Repeated linear motifs are embroidered directly onto the neutral fabric, creating a subtle textured detail that adds rhythm, tactility, and visual consistency throughout the packaging system. Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo
An open reusable fabric grain bag filled with grains, shown alongside a second closed bag in the background. The soft textile materials, visible contents, and minimal color palette highlight the tactile and natural qualities of the packaging system. Photography by Tommy-Paul Keo

The design approach highlights the logic of absurdist theatre. Instead of presenting information in a strictly linear way, the brochure invites readers to encounter visual and emotional elements first, with informational content revealed more deliberately afterward. This reverses the typical hierarchy of theatre programs, where text usually leads the experience.

Mark-making became the primary method for expressing the abstract dynamics of each play. Rather than illustrating scenes or characters directly, gestural compositions were developed to suggest character relationships, themes, and underlying tensions.

While the imagery encourages interpretation, the brochure still follows a consistent layout structure so readers can clearly navigate the program once they move from visual exploration to the informational content.

Expressive watercolor studies inspired by the chaotic and grotesque world of Ubu Roi. Swirling forms, radiating lines, and layered pigments create a sense of excess, instability, and explosive energy, while the distorted circular compositions reflect the absurdity and unpredictability of the play. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Expressive watercolor studies inspired by the chaotic and grotesque world of Ubu Roi. Swirling forms, radiating lines, and layered pigments create a sense of excess, instability, and explosive energy, while the distorted circular compositions reflect the absurdity and unpredictability of the play. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor studies inspired by the tension and psychological intensity of Les Bonnes. Expanding washes, dark splatters, and mirrored forms suggest conflict, instability, and emotional pressure, while layered pigments and bleeding edges create a sense of distortion and unease. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor studies inspired by the tension and psychological intensity of Les Bonnes. Expanding washes, dark splatters, and mirrored forms suggest conflict, instability, and emotional pressure, while layered pigments and bleeding edges create a sense of distortion and unease. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the atmosphere of En attendant Godot. Soft washes, fading pigments, and isolated points of color evoke emptiness, stillness, and the passage of time, while the subtle contrast between light and dark suggests uncertainty and quiet anticipation. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the atmosphere of En attendant Godot. Soft washes, fading pigments, and isolated points of color evoke emptiness, stillness, and the passage of time, while the subtle contrast between light and dark suggests uncertainty and quiet anticipation. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the rhythm and movement of ping pong. Circular forms connected by thin lines suggest the back-and-forth motion of the ball, while variations in tone and transparency create a sense of speed, repetition, and impact. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Watercolor studies inspired by the rhythm and movement of ping pong. Circular forms connected by thin lines suggest the back-and-forth motion of the ball, while variations in tone and transparency create a sense of speed, repetition, and impact. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor mark-making studies exploring the texture, weight, and movement associated with a rhinoceros. Layered grey washes and subtle yellow lines create a restrained composition inspired by the animal’s strength, structure, and presence. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Abstract watercolor mark-making studies exploring the texture, weight, and movement associated with a rhinoceros. Layered grey washes and subtle yellow lines create a restrained composition inspired by the animal’s strength, structure, and presence. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Minimal watercolor compositions using soft gradients, layered circular forms, and sparse dark accents to reflect the play’s themes of isolation, repetition, and emotional distance. The restrained palette and dispersed shapes create a quiet tension, suggesting fragmented relationships and the lingering presence of absence within empty space. Mark-making by Amy Yi
Mark-making by Amy Yi
Back cover of the theatre publication Mark-making by Amy Yi
←
→

Subheader

The final program is a 52-page tabloid-format brochure. The larger scale allows the gestural compositions to be experienced at full size, highlighting texture and movement while giving the artworks an impactful visual presence.

The format can also be folded in half, making the publication easier to handle during a performance. Each play is showcased through a distinct abstract composition that emphasizes emotional tensions and charcater dynamics while maintaining open to interpretation.

Subheader

Program information is placed within a smaller inserted booklet positioned at the center of the brochure. This structure separates the expressive visuals from the program text, guiding readers to move between visual interpretation and practical information. The booklet uses a different paper stock with a soft gray tone, which introduces tactile contrast and subtle material depth.