Daphne by Strauss, La Fenice, Venice

I was commissioned to research, design and realize a new design and costumes for a new production of Strauss’s opera. This production was for the first season of the newly re-built Fenice in Venice. I worked in very close collaboration with the director and lighting designer to create a visually simple scenographic approach that would resolve the complex staging problems of this difficult work. The design problem was resolved using circular motifs that could be mounted on a revolve and could be adjusted mechanically and in synchronization with the music during the performance.

La Fenice is one of Italy’s foremost opera houses its very geography, sited in the middle of Venice, poses many challenges and stimulating opportunities. Developing a theatrical language that could embrace this mythological tale of gods and transformation was the focus of much of the general concept of the production and the design.

Working as an integrated team this project marked a significant development in the evolution of a shared language between the creative partners. We worked on creating physicality with the performers, which included some with a dance background. Working with the director I developed design and movement arrangements that could be realised on the steep inclination and rotating environment finally built for the stage.

The work was reviewed internationally and nationally in the press. It was covered by editorial in all the major classical music and opera publications. A compact disc recording was made at a live performance and is now available at leading classical music stores. A DVD recording of the production was released for sale in October 2006.