We had the fabulously exciting design
presentation this week from Mark Gaal, director, and Alex Sommer and Brad
Clark, designers. They came to my place and met with Andrew Johnston, production
manager; Alison Johnston, artistic administrator; John Pitman, board member;
Liz Nielsen, Chair; Sophie Mackay, stage manager, and myself.
We have all been very excited and anxious to know how Haydn’s L’anima del filosofo will look. We know the music is going to be simply stunning but how will it be experienced visually?
Mark has of course worked with us previously and he has an amazing way of thinking and the treatment of this work is really something. It will certainly be different to what we have done before, with the City Recital Hall being transformed into an urban forest of sorts. Without spoiling your delight when you walk into the space on performance night - they have created a timeless world of fates, gods and mortals. It will be transporting with some lovely surprising moments. They will use the height and splendour of the City Recital Hall, with Haydn’s ending of the Orpheus myth presented with passion and rawness.
Mark explained first how they got to the design. Alex and Brad then showed us around the set using the model box and the unusual way of creating this world that the characters will inhabit (and that Andrew will have to start building soon!). They showed us ideas of what the costumes will look like and some interesting effects that will be achieved.
Expect an exciting landscape, gorgeous lighting, and
beautiful costumes and make-up. It really is a stunning design that assists in
the telling of this Orpheus story and Haydn’s beautiful music.
Photo of Brad, Alex and Mark at the design presentation - with a snippet of the model box
