Working as an assistant construction draughtsperson for the 2018 Royal Opera House production of La Forza del Destino was an intricate and rewarding experience. This grand opera, renowned for its dramatic intensity and complex narrative, required a meticulous approach to bring the elaborate set designs to life on stage.
The set, designed by the acclaimed Christian Schmidt, demanded a careful balance between grandeur and functionality. It featured grand architectural elements and detailed period pieces that required precise engineering to ensure their stability and practicality during performances.
Our role involved drawing the side room and adjoining wall, along with some smaller elements of the set. The side room and wall were particularly challenging due to their size, and the designer was adamant that no visible joins should be seen on the wall. To achieve this, we used a less common technique of finishing the large walls with painted stretched fabric cloths to conceal any joins in the underlying structure.
Reflecting on this project, we are reminded of the crucial role that technical drawings play in theatre. They bridge the gap between creative vision and practical execution, ensuring that every aspect of the set design supports the storytelling. The 2018 production of La Forza del Destino stands as a testament to the importance of detailed planning and collaboration in creating compelling and visually stunning theatrical experiences.
Seeing the final production come to life on stage, with audiences fully immersed in the grandeur and drama of Verdi’s masterpiece, was incredibly rewarding. It was a privilege to contribute to such a magnificent production and witness the powerful impact of our work in bringing La Forza del Destino to the Royal Opera House stage.
- Director – Christof Loy
- Designer – Christian Schmidt
- Head of Construction – Mark Pursey
- Lead Draughtsperson – Nathan James
Christoph Loy’s 2019 staging feels more cogent in this, its first revival.
Tim Ashley, The Guardian
