The Weeknd's Stadium Tour: Alexander Wessely Designs a Collapsing City
The After Hours Til Dawn tour by The Weeknd, which kicks off on August 14, features a set designed by scenographer Alexander Wessely, showcasing five performances at London’s Wembley Stadium. The design presents a post-apocalyptic urban landscape that transitions into a four-act depiction of decay. Wessely characterizes the set as "a city that ages, fractures and outlives its performer," utilizing physical structures, LED screens, lighting, and smoke effects. A striking visual is The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) emerging from ash, while Hajime Sorayama's chrome sculpture symbolizes a civilization that "mistook the machine for a god." The design embodies The Weeknd's personal battles and evolves alongside him. Wessely worked alongside La Mar Taylor, leveraging insights from Sphere Las Vegas. Interview by Sofia de la Cruz, Wallpaper*.
Key facts
- The Weeknd's After Hours Til Dawn tour will play five nights at Wembley Stadium from August 14.
- Scenographer Alexander Wessely designed the tour's post-apocalyptic cityscape.
- The set is a four-act architecture of collapse, with the city falling apart during the show.
- The design includes physical sets, LED walls, light, and smoke.
- Hajime Sorayama's chrome sculpture is central to the visual identity.
- Wessely collaborated with La Mar Taylor, The Weeknd's creative director.
- The tour is part of a trilogy about a man losing himself.
- Wessely previously worked on Sphere Las Vegas.
- The interview was published by Wallpaper* and conducted by Sofia de la Cruz.
Entities
Artists
- Alexander Wessely
- The Weeknd
- Abel Tesfaye
- Hajime Sorayama
- La Mar Taylor
Institutions
- Wallpaper*
- XO
- Coachella
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Wembley Stadium
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Las Vegas
- United States