The Atlanta Opera has created the Sidebar series, where artists and designers discuss their concepts, processes, and inspirations for their designs. In this episode, Costume Designer for the upcoming production of The Threepenny Carmen, Joanna Schmink delves into her designs that evoke a flashy, cabaret setting through bright, primary colors and rich textiles – costumes that not only serve the story but help the artists stay safe and healthy. This production opens April 15, 2021.
The Threepenny Carmen is not simply a stripped down version of the original opera, it digs into what Bizet’s 1875 classic might mean for audiences today. Capturing its essence as an exploration of sexual freedom, social hierarchies, and the class system.
Directed by Tomer Zvulun, The Atlanta Opera General & Artistic Director, this world premiere production updates the action to a Spanish-themed dive bar, where Carmen works as a cabaret singer. Designed by ArtsImpulse Theatre Award-winner Julia Noulin-Mérat and Joanna Schmink respectively, the sets and costumes draw inspiration from the films of Pedro Almodóvar, using bold primary colors and a larger-than-life aesthetic to reflect the bar owner’s crudely reductive approach to the cultures he exploits.
Bright colors, costumes, and Flamenco are featured, and the production marks the Atlanta Opera debut of Flamenco dance legend Sonia Olla.
The creative team includes: Julia Noulin-Merat, Set Designer; Joanna Schmink, Costume Designer; Erin Teachman, Projection Designer; and Marcella Barbeau, Lighting Designer.
