THE MAGIC FLUTE
The Magic Flute is the famous Opera written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Emmanuel Schikaneder.Throughout the years, scenographers have changed the style, atmosphere and feel of the Opera. Most recently scenographers have turned to projection, as this is a creative way to change and enhance the sets. After seeing the Magic Flute at the English National Opera, I was inspired by Simon McBurney’s minimalistic and simple set. Whilst reading into the Magic Flute, I discovered that it was all based around the ideals of the Free Masons and the Age of Enlightenment. The core ideals of these groups can be seen in the Ancient Egyptian culture, and it all refers back to the Gods Osiris and Isis mentioned in the Opera.
From this research, I decided to create an Ancient Egyptian themed set that was all white with projections that portrayed the scenes. However, I kept the set white for the important arias. I decided that the orchestra should be on the stage as I felt it is integral to the Opera and should be seen by the audience. There are three platforms to show the hierarchy that is seen in both the freemasons and Ancient Egyptian culture. The number three is very important in the Opera and is a constant theme: Three priests, three spirits, three woman, three trials, three beliefs, the play begins with three chords of E flat major.
The background projection set the scene and the main projection was the triangle in the middle of the stage. There was also a door on each side, and in the main triangle, so that actors could enter and exit the stage. The set changed during the important scenes; the stairs mechanically merged together creating one platform. This highlighted the theme of Ancient Egypt, as it created a pyramid and also one of the symbols of the Free Masons.
As for Costumes, I felt that the set was quite simple, thus I decided to create quite loud and bold costumes that have been heavily influenced by Ancient Egyptian clothing; however, using modern metallic materials.
