prada, herzog and de meuron : attila stage design

italian composer giuseppe verdi’s ninth opera ‘atilla’

while collaborations between the fashion, art and architecture disciplines are not new, the connection has been strengthened by the stage design of swiss architects jacques herzog and pierre de meuron for verdi’s ninth opera ‘atilla’. miuccia prada has also lent her talent to the costumes designs for this production.

the opera explores the collapse of the the roman empire under the barbarian invasion of attila, the hun’s hordes. the production touches on very contemporary themes, ranging from political instability and freedom to the contrasts between the old and new world and the clash of religion, as indicated by the encounter between verdi’s anti-hero attila and the pope. the post-apocalytic costume and stage design are a direct reflection of this chaos.

the unfortunate fate of attila and other main characters is visually communicated by the rubble and destruction of the set, the juxtaposition of the forest to the ruins and the artificially green military lights that shine on the stage.

prada’s costume designs consists of long distressed leather coast in a rusty brown and black palette reminiscent of the prada autumn/winter collection of 2009. tribal feathered cycling helmets and dresses in dusty sack-like fabrics are similar in color to the surrounding ruins.

with the promise of high, intense drama, this production will not easily overlooked by opera fans. meanwhile, the modern feel thanks to the costume and set designs by prada and herzog & de meuron will offer a point of interest for new and younger audiences.

performance dates for ‘attila’ run until march 12 at the metropolitan opera, new york.

via archpaper via dazeddigital