“Sets and costumes by Nathan Burmeister and Matilda Woodroofe were lavish, lurid and effective.
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“Nathan Burmeister, Matilda Woodroofe have knocked themselves out with the set design, which is an example of simple design using various materials of a single colour, “Red”, including the backdrops, and Handmaids’, Bellboy’s’ uniforms and other costumes....
Other costumes are not only individualistic, they are also very aesthetic, with special note to the magnificent selection of Pasha’s outfits.
Within the opening scene, the introduction of Luke Stoker as Osmin, standing there, straight-faced faced while dressed as the gatekeeper, in costume, complete with red cowboy tasselled chads, and a matching black hat with red tasselled fringe, sets the tone for the night.”
VICTORIAN OPERA 2025
Set & Costume Design Matilda Woodroofe & Nathan Burmeister
Direction Constantine Costi
Conductor Chad Kelly
Lighting Design Paul Jackson
Photos Jeff Busby
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Director Constantine Costi (Melbourne Cheremushki) brings a cheeky, modern edge to this classic with a fresh, English-language libretto that delves into themes of lust, obsession and unwavering loyalty. Conductor Chad Kelly leads Orchestra Victoria in a performance grounded in Mozart’s original intentions.
The story follows Blonde and Konstanze, two young women who slip away from their well-meaning but bumbling fiancés, Pedrillo and Belmonte, in search of excitement at the mysterious and hedonistic House of the Pasha.
“Woodroofe and Burmeister have created a cheekily suggestive chocolate-box setting
peopled with strange and sexual beings”
