DON GIOVANNI - Co-production Opportunity
Full set of sketches at bottom of page...
A consistent demand for this very popular 17th century Mozart classic has inspired us to seek co-production partners for an entirely new production. We have met with Designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan to discuss the concept of this new show and Howard has supplied us with a complete set of DON GIOVANNI sketches to demonstrate our intentions.
Having had a great deal of success working with Howard Tsvi Kaplan in past years, he was the natural choice to design these costumes. Once executed, Howard's signature garment treatments produce richly detailed costumes that breathe life into their characters. Popular shows Howard has designed for Malabar include Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, and Attila. If you haven't already seen these exceptional costumes on stage, photos are available online at www.malabar.net/opera-sub2.htm.
Malabar co-productions guarantee costumes to fit all performers and there are no additional fees for extra principal builds due to size variation. The full set of DON GIOVANNI sketches can be viewed online at www.malabar.net/opera-sub1.htm.
Interested parties contact Louis Nosko, Opera Department Manager at (416) 534-0466.
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NOTES FROM THE DESIGNER - By Howard Kaplan
Luigi approached me and asked if I would be interested in designing a new production of DON GIOVANNI with mid seventeenth century styling. He envisioned traditional period silhouettes for the characters and liked the idea of creating "real clothes" for the peasants. My answer was yes, I would be delighted.Our in-depth discussions of the characters, plot and visual dreams inspired me to go home and start drawing the 70 or so new sketches we would require for this project. Pulling out all my research and reference materials, I started to render the elegant Spanish court outfits for the principals and a plethora of individualized chorus outfits with lots of ethnic touches. I wanted to create enough variety amongst the chorus to suit any age or body type.
Irene and I will search the bowels of Toronto's garment district to find the appropriate rich jewel tone brocades and velvets for the principal outfits. We will be on tenterhooks to find the perfect gold appliqués, beads and trims to embellish the costumes. I fancy contrasting peek-a-boo linings in the slashed areas for extra interest and splashes of colour. I believe this will be particularly exciting on Don Giovanni's sleek and stylish black leather outfit lined in a dark red. Each of the principal women will have signature designs that will suit their personalities. Even though Donna Anna will be in black brocade for much of the opera we plan to adorn and decorate her outfit with muted gold lace appliqués, velvet and jet beads.
Leporello, Massetto and some chorus men's garments will be made from patched leather. Embroidered blouses, aprons, vests and accents will be the key design element for the peasants. I will use warm colors and incorporate lots of snoods, mantillas, shawls and combs to give that true Spanish zest.
Collaborating with Luigi and his staff at Malabar on a new production is a designer's dream and is always a great adventure.
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DON GIOVANNI SKETCHES - By Howard Tsvi Kaplan
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