ikea goes to the opera

ikea used in set design for ‘the bell’ by gaetano donizetti at teatro carlo felice, genoa  all images by marcello orselli

ikea products were used in the set design of two operas, ‘the bell’ by gaetono donizzetti and ‘gianni schicchi’ by giacomo puccini  at the teatro carlo felice in genoa, italy. the plays, one set in the victorian era and the other in the medieval times,  show the diverse range of products found at the popular furniture manufacturer and retailer. 

‘the bell’ takes place inside of the house of a newly-wed couple. along with the costumes and props, the chairs, tables and buffets communicate their location and social status. the flexible quality of the pieces allowed them to be moved and arranged by the actors, becoming a key component of the play. 

the liatorp libraries, with and without doors, are connected with an upper element 

liatorp table, chairs and buffets 

‘giacomo puccini’ by gianni schicchi (from left) oddvar stool, table norden (left corner) hemnes secretaire with top element

the second opera, ‘gianni schicchi’ took a different approach to using the furniture, with a bedroom being the main location. using natural wood finishes created a different atmosphere. the aspelund bed frame, in center stage, was a main prop, with the singers jumping on and off several times.

the play is centralized around the aspelund bed frame (right) ingo oddvar table and stool