Terhal land-abra scenic boat moving through the live performance under theatrical lighting in Riyadh.

Scenic elements for live performance must do more than establish a visual world.


When performers interact directly with scenery, every structure must balance creative intent with movement, durability and performance functionality.


For Terhal by Dragone in Diriyah, Riyadh, Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated a collection of movable scenic elements inspired by traditional Saudi environments. The scope included authentic market carts engineered to become parkour obstacles and a custom land-based abra combining traditional Arabian boat styling with a self-powered buggy system.


Working across engineering, fabrication and scenic finishing, the team developed performance-ready structures that contributed to the visual identity of the production while responding to the physical demands of live acrobatic performance.

The Challenge


The scenic elements needed to appear authentic within the cultural world of the production while functioning as active pieces of performance equipment.


The market carts needed to support parkour sequences, requiring robust construction and controlled mobility.


At the same time, the custom Arabian boat needed to move independently across the performance space while retaining the appearance and character of a traditional abra.


Rehearsals introduced additional considerations. The uneven, sand-like performance flooring affected the movement of the carts, while the buggy boat required responsive braking and manoeuvrability for controlled positioning during the show.

The Solution


Evolution Scenic combined engineering, fabrication and specialist scenic finishing to develop each element around both its visual and performance requirements.


A collection of Saudi street market carts was designed and fabricated to serve simultaneously as scenic props and parkour obstacles. Their construction needed to withstand repeated interaction with performers while remaining movable during the production.


Following rehearsals on the sand-like flooring, the caster configuration was adapted with manual braking systems, improving control and allowing the carts to be positioned more effectively during performance.


For the show's custom land-abra, Evolution Scenic fabricated a traditional Arabian boat around a self-powered buggy platform. The structure incorporated a functional steering tiller and rustic scenic treatment, concealing the underlying mobility system within an authentic-looking scenic piece.


The braking system was also refined during rehearsals to provide the controlled movement and accurate stage positioning required for live operation.

Evolution Scenic steel-framed market carts engineered to support physical parkour performance.

Delivery Highlights


  • Saudi street market cart fabrication
  • Performance-ready parkour obstacles
  • Movable scenic structures
  • Custom land-based Arabian abra
  • Self-powered buggy system
  • Functional steering tiller
  • Rustic scenic finishing
  • Engineering for live acrobatic performance
  • Caster wheel adaptations
  • Manual braking systems
  • Rehearsal-led technical adjustments
  • Integrated engineering, fabrication and scenic finishing

Outcome


The completed scenic elements became active components of the Terhal performance rather than static pieces of scenery. Market carts supported physical parkour sequences, while the custom land-abra introduced a mobile theatrical feature that combined traditional visual references with concealed mechanical functionality.


By responding to challenges identified during rehearsals and adapting the structures for the performance environment, Evolution Scenic delivered robust, controllable and visually convincing scenic elements capable of meeting the demands of a live production.


The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to integrate creative fabrication with practical engineering, particularly where scenery must move, carry performers or interact directly with choreography.

Project Ecosystem


Evolution Scenic – Scenic engineering, bespoke prop fabrication, structural development, mobility systems, performance adaptations, scenic finishing and rehearsal-led modifications.