Behind the Scenes

each season, we engage a team of gifted designers to work on our productions. Their skilled sound, lighting, set and costume designs truly bring our plays to life on stage! Here’s a look at what went into creating the costumes, set and musical composition for Romeo and Juliet.

"The costume design for this production of

Romeo and Juliet is a reinterpretation of styles from the Italian Renaissance. I was looking to evoke an ethereal atmosphere in which the costumes have transparent, iridescent and soft qualities, representing the memory of the story as told from Juliet's perspective. We wanted to create stylized, simplified and elegant silhouettes by revisiting the fashion of the 15th century through a slightly different lens.

Like most designers, I start by reading the script to get some initial thoughts and ideas. Then, I have a conversation with the director to define a visual concept or world in which we see the story taking place. extensive historic and visual research follows, as we collect a series of reference images and do initial sketches. Many conversations happen before we define what the final look of the show will be as we collaborate with the whole design team to build a cohesive vision!" Carmen Alatorre, Costume Designer “The music of the show was inspired by minimalism and wanting to use the voice of the actors to create the atmosphere. For the actual composition of the music, I had an initial meeting with the director to determine the direction of sound, then I began sketching out the main themes for the show. Once I had the vocals mapped out, I added light recorded backtracks that could be incorporated along with the live sound.” Joelysa Pankanea, Composer & Musical Director

“The design inspiration for Romeo and Juliet came from the crypts, tombs and catacombs of old Verona. Our production of Romeo and Juliet starts at the moment Juliet awakens from her drug-induced slumber, so our whole story takes place in a tomb surrounded by the ancestral bones of both the Capulets and Montagues. My initial design process started with reading the script, and then having a lively discussion with the director. I then researched various crypts, tombs, catacombs and burial sites, starting with what’s claimed to be the original Romeo and Juliet crypt!" Pam Johnson, Set Designer

Romeo costume sketch by Carmen Alatorre Juliet costume sketch by Carmen Alatorre

“Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people” –Henry VIII

The Vancouver International Wine Festival was thrilled to welcome back the wine world to Vancouver this May for the 43rd celebration of the grape. From May 16-22, Canada’s premier wine show featured 100 wineries from 14 countries participating in 27 events over seven days. The Vancouver International Wine Festival is proud to partner with Bard on the Beach as its charitable beneficiary. Since 1979, VanWineFest has raised close to $10 million for the performing arts in Vancouver, approaching $2 million towards the outstanding work Bard does onstage and in the community. The Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction, presented by National Bank Private Banking 1859, returned on Tuesday, May 17 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This spectacular five-course dinner featured 11 wines, an exciting live auction, and bidding throughout the night on eclectic silent auction items.

Festival events included tastings, seminars, and of course the amazing dinner and auction at the Bacchanalia Gala.

“ONE OF THE VERY BEST WINE FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD”

Join us in 2023 at the 44th Vancouver International Wine Festival. Sign up for E-News at VanWineFest.ca for updates on all festival information.

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