Pagliacci Designs for the Costume Showcase

My fellow designer, Melonie Mortenson, recently posted some designs for two characters in Madama Butterfly. These designs have been specifically created for a Costume Showcase which will be presented after the opening performance of Madama Butterfly for Utah Opera’s 2008-2009 season.  I chose to design two characters from the opera Pagliacci.

A one act opera, Pagliacci is a tragic story of two actors, husband and wife, who perform onstage together. Afterward, the wife is murdered by her husband.  I was intrigued by the story of the characters, but also by the fact that their performing art was Commedia del Arte.  These performers traveled presenting comic performances to wide audiences in Italy, France and Spain.  As a matter of fact opera finds it’s roots in the Commedia art form.

But back to the designs, I thought of a design concept which would illustrate both the farcical nature of the performance that the actors give, and the tragedy that closes the performance. In order to show both I chose to create vinyl outer costumes, through which undergarments could be seen which give a

view into the hearts of each character. I also love to incorporate modern sculptural elements into my designs. I feel that costumes can heighten the emotions expressed by the character and underscore their performance.

Here are my designs for the upcoming Costume Showcase. I hope you will check back with us for upcoming blogs on our process from designs to 3-D interpretation!