Shivani Pinapotu is a spatial thinker and designer interested in how space intersects with story, society and our sense of self.


Her earliest memory of a space was a pillowfort that her aunt had built when she was young. The experience of having a space that fit her and a place to call her own fascinated her beyond measure. She has since then been driven by the impact of empathy, wonder and a story well-told, and always finds herself reaching for these virtues to position herself within a project. Her practice is, therefore, an attempt to humanise the built environment.

She holds an MDes. in Interior Studies from the Rhode Island School of Design, where she concentrated in Exhibition and Narrative Environments, and has extensive experience in architecture, interiors, exhibitions and theatre design across India and the States.

She is presently working at Home Studios, Brooklyn.

Reach out to spinapot@gmail.com or find her on Linkedin, if you have anything in mind!

WORK ︎︎︎




















Image Credits: Trinity Repertory


Process Images

scenography

Soul Tapes, JaMario Stills

Adapted from “The Soul Tapes of Black Folk” by Will Johnson


In 2105, soul musician Taji and filmmaker Siya bond over their shared love of vintage media: cassette tapes, film reels, and the public access television show “Beautiful Black Brilliance,” featuring a record store owner named Genesis Jones. But when Taji and Siya’s relationship is challenged by a tempting celestial force, Genesis, a sage and ancestor, guides them through a series of surprising revelations that help illuminate their path. Soul Tapes explores the challenges of when shared visions are tested by individual pursuits.

The play is written by directing student JaMario Stills, adapted from Will Johnson’s lecture “The Soul Tapes of Black Folks” and presented by The Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company MFA Programs in Acting and Directing.


program scenography - live production

collaborators Sara Ossana, Lead Scenographer and Creative Producer

date November 11 - October 20, 2022

place Trinity Repertory Company, Providence, RI

commissioning, directing, photography Brown University / Trinity Repertory Company MFA Programs in Acting and Directing

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