Although itB次元官网网址檚 at least 7,000 sq. ft., the workshop at Pacific Opera VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Discovery Street shop is crowded.
Framing the room stuffed with moveable scenery backgrounds from the seasonB次元官网网址檚 productions is a line of six-metre-high walnut stained panelled walls that look like they should be part of a 15th-century timber frame manor. And they will be once on stage for Pacific Opera VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 production of Maria Stuarda, opening at the Royal Theatre this week.
B次元官网网址淭his production is very different from anything else this season,B次元官网网址� says production manager Ereca Hassell. The large set will stretch 10 metres across the stage accommodating a 22-member chorus and six supernumeraries. Hassell points out that itB次元官网网址檚 rare for a company to build its own scenery, most just rent props. B次元官网网址淏ut this company is able to make that work, (itB次元官网网址檚) an opera thatB次元官网网址檚 stolen some things from theatre that work very well.B次元官网网址�
Hassell should know. Since graduating from the University of VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 theatre program in 1988 sheB次元官网网址檚 worked in many production positions at theatres across the country, including the National Arts Centre, Belfry Theatre and at the Shaw and Stratford festivals.
Since joining Pacific Opera Victoria last summer sheB次元官网网址檚 overseen three productions, keeping wardrobe and props departments on track.
Gaetano DonizettiB次元官网网址檚 Maria Stuarda is a tragic opera, first performed in 1834, and is a fictionalized story of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I (Elisabetta) and her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots (Maria Stuarda).
Donizetti B次元官网网址渢akes shameless liberties with historyB次元官网网址� a Pacific Opera Victoria overview states, with a meeting between the two queens that historians agree never took place.
Timothy Vernon will direct soprano Tracy Dahl making her debut at Pacific Opera Victoria in the role of Maria Stuarda and soprano Sally Dibblee B次元官网网址� known to opera goers from Pacific Opera VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 2007 production of Madama Butterfly B次元官网网址� who counters as Queen Elisabetta.
Maria Stuarda includes four painted 6.5 metre by 2.5 metre tapestries designed by costume and set designer Camellia Koo and constructed over the last four-and-a-half weeks by head painter Jennifer Hedge and assistant Diana Nielsen.
The scope of the production is a challenge, Hassell says. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a very heavy paint show with lots of surfaces and stained wood grain.B次元官网网址� Painters used a variety of techniques including stenciling, freehand painting and spattering in the making of the tapestries.
Wardrobe staff have been able to indulge their skills, incorporating elaborate materials, including embroidered silk in ElisabettaB次元官网网址檚 cream Armada gown. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a period they donB次元官网网址檛 normally get to do,B次元官网网址� Hassell says. She then leaves us with a dangle of mystery, that B次元官网网址渢his production will have a contemporary element, a really intriguing interpretation.B次元官网网址�
Maria Stuarda runs April 12 through 22 at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St. Tickets, $30 to $125, are available in person at the box office, by calling 250-385-0222 or online at rmts.bc.ca.
