Commissioned to design
the production of Strauss’
Opera for Bill Friedkin’s
freshman opera outing, The
approach on this unique
project was a minimal,
stripped down production
focused on the kinetic action
of the players themselves
while eschewing the ornament
of traditional stage set
design.
Act 1 featured a
2-story backdrop formed from
collaging ruled surfaces to
freate folds and voids, thus
defining the space. The
approach for Act 2 entailed a
naturalistic angle, using
“rockwork” to create a cave
through which characters
could emerge and retreat.
All sets were
constructed locally, under
supervision, in the Opera’s
shop out of readily available
materials and methods.