Fashion and Photography: The Marriage of Figaro

Opera Atelier Costume Designer wins Award

Photograph of Sleeve Detail of Countess Almaviva Costume by Ingrid Mida 2010

A few weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of photographing two of the Opera Atelier costumes from their recent production of The Marriage of Figaro. While handling these gowns during the shoot, I was struck by the exquisite detail and workmanship. Note the delicate sleeve detail with the ribbon roses in the photo above.

Photograph of Countess Almaviva Costume Petticoat Detail by Ingrid Mida 2010

I was compelled to photograph the beautiful petticoat peaking from underneath the overskirt of the gown worn by Countess Almaviva. This petticoat would not have been visible as it is otherwise completely hidden by the overskirt. Only a true artist would care what lies beneath. For this reason, it was not a surprise to me when I heard that costume designer Martha Mann won an award last night for her work on this production.

Martha Mann received her first Dora Mavor Moore Award yesterday for Outstanding Original Costume Design for Opera Atelier’s production of The Marriage of Figaro. The Dora Mavor Moore Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of Toronto’s performing arts industry annually in five categories: General Theatre, Independent Theatre, Dance, Opera, and Theatre for Young Audiences.

“Working with Martha Mann on The Marriage of Figaro was a thrill for the entire creative team,” said Opera Atelier’s co-artistic director Marshall Pynkoski. “We are delighted that her superb artistry has been celebrated in her debut production with Opera Atelier.”

Congratulations Martha!

Photo: Bruce Zinger / Artists: Phillip Addis, Wallis Giunta, Carla Huhtanen, Patrick Jang, Peggy Kriha Dye, Curtis Sullivan and Cavell Wood

If you have an affinity for Marie Antoinette or the 17th and 18th centuries, you will take great delight in seeing a performance of Opera Atelier. This Toronto-based company brings the 17th and 18th centuries to life on the stage by producing opera, ballet and drama from those centuries. Drawing on the aesthetics of that time and reinterpreting the experience for modern audiences, the company also makes the period more accessible to audiences by performing their operas in English.

Photo: Bruce Zinger / Artists: Phillip Addis, Carla Huhtanen and Patrick Jang

The Opera Atelier is currently performing Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the restored Elgin Theatre in Toronto. This enchanting comedy was first performed at the private home of Joseph Hyacinthe Vaudreuil prior to its official debut in Paris at the Comedie Francaise in 1784. Although I've seen this opera several times before, it wasn't until I saw the Opera Atelier's version that I appreciated the subtle nuances of the repartee between the main characters. Although some opera fans might disparage an English interpretation, I loved it, especially as it sparked new ideas for my Revolutionary Fashion series of textile works. Plus there is much eye candy on display, including exquisite sets by one of my favourite Toronto artists Gerard Gauci, divine period costumes from the talented Martha Mann, and some very handsome actors wearing snug velvet breeches!

Photo: Bruce Zinger / Artists: Phillip Addis and Peggy Kriha Dye

There are only four performances left on the schedule this week: April 27, April 28, April 30 and May 1st. If you don't live in Toronto, watch for Opera Atelier on tour as the company has been to New York, Houston, Stuttgart, Bremen, London, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo and Chateau de Versailles in France.

Opera Atelier
416-703-3767 ext. 22