In our interpretation, the opera Faust is set in a dystopian near future . It is a world after catastrophes and wars,controlled by a totalitarian state organisation. Society has a clear structure, to step outside of which threatens death. Every citizen has a precisely assigned place and function, everyone is subjected to the system’s complete control. My intention was to find an expression for the architecture associated with totalitarian systems. The city plan, consisting of two huge three-storey platforms, may resemble a gigantic monstrosity devouring society. A true Leviathan. The counterpoint to the heavy concrete architectural form is the transparent and light in tone Margaret’s garden. There is a tree there, perhaps the last vestige of nature on earth saved by a miracle, symbolising the freedom and naturalness of wild nature. And also the process of transformation that Margaret undergoes. As time passes, this space becomes appropriated and degenerated.
In my set design, the heavy form of architecture is juxtaposed with the oval lines and calming symmetry of the Japanese garden. I was seeking lightness and beauty in the heavy concrete.
Faust Opera by Gounod
Cast:
Nazarii Kachala / Irakli Murjikneli
Wojciech Gierlach / Grzegorz Szostak
Patrycja Krzeszowska / Aleksandra Orłowska
Arkadiusz Anyszka / Łukasz Motkowicz
Nikhil Goyal / Jan Szurgot / Witold Tomczyk
Agnieszka Makówka / Katarzyna Nowosad
Bernadetta Grabias / Olga Maroszek
Marcin Ciechowicz / Krzysztof Dyttus
Choir & Ballet & Orchestra of the Grand Theatre in Łódź
Theatre company: Grand Theatre in Łódź
Month & year of production: June 2023
Set designer: Agata Skwarczyńska
Other Designers:
Director – Ewa Rucińska
Conductor: Rafał Janiak
Choreography – Aleksandra Osowicz
Costume designer – Arek Ślesicki
Light designer: Paulina Góral
Video: Artur Sienicki
Assistant director’s: Waldemar Stańczuk, Adam Grabarczyk
Stage manager: Zbigniew Pawełczyk, Andrzej Kowalik
Photo: Krzysztof Bieliński, Joanna Miklaszewska
