The story of Parsifal is presented in two manners: through action and through narrative. Using the formalist theories of Vladimir Propp, the overall narrative is articulated in three narrative episodes. This thesis interprets the structure of narrative episodes in Parsifal on the basis of expectation. Propp's theory of functions provides labels for an interpretive analysis. Levi-Strauss' reconstruction of Propp's functions into paired structures identifies key points in the drama as moments of "functional" saturation. This "functional" saturation coincides with Wagner's practice of Leitmotivic saturation. The semiotic theories of Charles Sanders Peirce, specifically his notion of sign, clarify the dense accumulation of meanings accrued by the Leitmotifs. Finally, Parsifal, as a "quest" for the unobtainable object, fits into the matrix of desire as formulated in the theories of Jacques Lacan.

The purpose of this thesis is to present a context and background to thepractical design aspect of my work. I considered this project to be anexperiential journey in search of a way to make Wagner's Parsifal relevantand interesting in relation to my own life and personal sensibilities. My aimwas to use the music as my guide and my hope was to reach a scenographicsolution by following my intuition. This project has been an important step inmy development as an artist and designer and I feel it has strengthened thebond between my conscious and subconscious mind, giving me theconfidence to trust my feelings and harness them to come up with innovativeinterpretations translated into inventive designs