Working as the lead construction draughtsman on the 2019 Royal Opera House production of Death in Venice was a thrilling and intricate project that pushed the boundaries of our craft. Known for its dramatic narrative and evocative setting, this production demanded a level of precision and creativity that truly brought the opera to life.
Vicki Mortimer’s striking and intricate set design featured a series of portal headers and legs, with tapered columns moving across the stage to denote various scenes. The main challenge was the requirement for the portal legs to track on and off stage, with the downstage legs opening to reveal a grand pair of louvered doors. Additionally, we had to ensure the set could be broken down and adapted for a smaller stage when the production toured to Vienna.
Creating seamless transformations of scenes was essential, reflecting the protagonist’s journey from the bustling cityscape of Venice to the abstract, internal landscapes of his mind. The moving columns and tracking legs had to work with these dynamic shifts, enabling smooth transitions while maintaining the visual and emotional impact of each scene.
Seeing the final production on stage, with the audience immersed in the world we helped to create, was immensely rewarding. Our technical drawings played a crucial role in bringing Death in Venice to life, ensuring that every visual element supported the powerful storytelling of this celebrated opera.
Reflecting on this project, we are reminded of the crucial role technical drawings play in the world of theatre. They are the bridge between vision and reality, transforming creative ideas into tangible experiences.
- Director – David McVicar
- Designer – Vicki Mortimer
- Head of Construction – Mark Pursey
And so the backdrop to Vicki Mortimer’s set is mostly black as night, with scenes emerging out of darkness.
Erica Jeal, The Guardian
