2 minute read
Behind the Scenes
from Vancouver Opera Presents Amahl and the Night Visitors | House Programme | 2020–2021 Digital Season
A Green Approach to Bringing the World of Amahl to Life
Vancouver Opera's production team is conscious of our energy and materials waste and inefficiencies, common within the industry. To address and improve this, we have put into practice initial education and policy applications for Climate Smart Certification. This award-winning program will help us build an implementation plan to reduce our carbon footprint.
Over the summer, Vancouver Opera’s costume department was manufacturing cloth masks in a community initiative to help those on the front lines of the pandemic. Through this process, we assisted several international physicians and laboratories in testing a new biodegradable fabric for Personal Protective Equipment. To minimize the environmental impact of disposable equipment, we also sourced biodegradable wipes and gloves for all departments.
Green initiatives on the set involve everyone from the outset, from director to stage crew. For Amahl and the Night Visitor, we worked collaboratively on sustainable solutions that achieve the artistic vision within the budget for the production.
For example, Jeremy Baxter’s lighting design encompassed low wattage stage electrics and LED washes. Patrick Rizzotti’s set and costume design allowed us to curate on principles of low impact through repurposing, fabric reclamation, and timber recovery. We utilized mostly stock materials, costumes and properties which we then textured, distressed and recoloured. A collection of old barn boards and recovered skinply created the upstage brambled nest wall. We extend a huge thank you to the Arts Club's Scenic Shop who assisted us in this process.
We are mindful of the impact that the creative process has on the world around us. It is especially important to ensure our legacy has a positive impact that lays the groundwork for future artistic endeavours and our planet. Vancouver Opera is committed to meeting these new challenges, adapting with the creativity, ingenuity and the resourcefulness of the creative heart.
Autumn Coppaway is Technical Director at Vancouver Opera.
Stage director Sarah Jane Pelzer and Stage Manager Marijka Asbeek Brusse pose in front of Patrick Rizotti's set. Photo by Autumn Coppaway.
Michael MacKinnon (Balthazar) dancing onstage
Sergio Augusto (Kaspar) backstage
Cast members peeking out of their dressing rooms
Stage Manager Marijka Asbeek Brusse busy at work
Leslie Dala and Tina Chang on The Chan Centre stage
Sarah Jane Pelzer, Jason Cook (Melchior), Andreas Dala (Amahl)
Since 2004, the David Spencer Endowment Encouragement Fund
has been investing in emerging artists at Vancouver Opera. This assistance has permitted many artists a boost as they become professional performers and complements our other young artist development programming.
In this producction of Amahl and the Night Visitors, we recognize Andreas Dala, Stephanie Tritchew, Karen Ydenberg and Tina Chang as the David Spencer Artists.
We thank the Fund trustees and express our sincere gratitude for their role in helping VO become a focal point for young artist training in Canada.
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