As we saw in the previous blog post about the costumes in Ariadne auf Naxos, many of the characters are seen in two modes: "backstage," waiting to perform their roles, and "onstage," in the context of the play-within-a-play. The Prologue of the opera (which takes place backstage at a theatre) is set in the present day, while the opera proper is set in a theatrical dream world. In these photos we can see how that contrast plays out for the character of one of the opera's comic performers, Scaramuccio. Scaramuccio will be played by Ensemble Studio member Christopher Enns, who most recently performed the role of Tamino in our Ensemble Studio special performance of The Magic Flute. The sketch for one of Scaramuccio's costumes is at the top left. All designs here were created by Ariadne's set and costume designer, Dale Ferguson.

Director Neil Armfield imagined the troupe of comic performers as having met and gotten their start performing at University. Here's Scaramuccio's "backstage" outfit, which wouldn't be out of place for a University student.  

This leather jacket came with the production, but the sleeves were a bit too short and it didn't quite fit. Fortunately, costume supervisor Sandra Corazza had some other leather jackets in storage as possible replacements. A few different styles were debated (is this one too 80's? Is that one too old-fashioned?) and some snapshots were taken to send to the costume designer for opinions. 

Next, Chris tried on the "onstage" costume, a more traditional commedia dell'arte outfit. Assisting him is Cassy Spence from the costumes department.

The costume includes a neck ruff. For the performances, Chris will need to be able to tie it on himself rather than being helped.

There's also a hat.

Chris was relieved to hear that for the dancing scenes, he'll be wearing sandals instead of the black dress shoes in the previous picture, which have a heel. In this photo, he tries on two different sandal styles. Snapshots will again be sent to the designer, who will decide which he likes best.

 

These shoes will be much more comfortable for frolicking on the (pretend) isle of Naxos.