The dramatic set design proposed by Yovanovitch has a suggestive and contemporary sensibility with a timeless aesthetic. Pierre Yovanovitch's mobile set comes to life as a central structure made up of three revolving walls, painted blue and red, evoking abstract flower petals. These walls move along a 360-degree circular track, turning and shifting positions as the storyline progresses.
Every position creates an entirely new backdrop for the characters with his signature white staircase that curves along the background, with distinct colours and architectural angles into a bold yet uncomplicated canvas to help the complex story unfold seamlessly.
The production tells the story of Rigoletto, a lowly jester who works at the court of Mantua run by a cocky Duke who boasts of his long list of lovers and humiliates his subordinates. While typically playing cruel jokes on the duke’s "victims", Rigoletto’s world comes crashing down when Gilda, his daughter, attracts his master’s attention.
With a focus on a tragic storyline and the universal themes of vengeance, naivety, and power, Yovanovitch has conceptualized a contemporary, moveable design scheme, creating a bold yet uncomplicated canvas for the psychologically complex storyline.
Set Design for Rigoletto in Basel by Pierre Yovanovitch. Photography by Paolo Abate.
Last but not least to complement the central space, the designer brought modern and vibrant custom furniture to the opera set, including a chaise longue, curved sofa and cylindrical table with stools.
Known for his mastery of volumes, proportions and light, the designer his concept effortlessly meshes with Rigoletto’s universal themes of power, naivety, responsibility and vengeance. Conducted by Michele Spotti, with Swiss soprano Regula Mühlemann in the role of Gilda, the show runs until June 21, 2023, giving time for opera and design lovers to experience Yovanovitch’s operatic endeavour.
Head to Theater Basel’s website for more information on the "Rigoletto" production.
Every position creates an entirely new backdrop for the characters with his signature white staircase that curves along the background, with distinct colours and architectural angles into a bold yet uncomplicated canvas to help the complex story unfold seamlessly.
The production tells the story of Rigoletto, a lowly jester who works at the court of Mantua run by a cocky Duke who boasts of his long list of lovers and humiliates his subordinates. While typically playing cruel jokes on the duke’s "victims", Rigoletto’s world comes crashing down when Gilda, his daughter, attracts his master’s attention.
With a focus on a tragic storyline and the universal themes of vengeance, naivety, and power, Yovanovitch has conceptualized a contemporary, moveable design scheme, creating a bold yet uncomplicated canvas for the psychologically complex storyline.
Set Design for Rigoletto in Basel by Pierre Yovanovitch. Photography by Paolo Abate.
Last but not least to complement the central space, the designer brought modern and vibrant custom furniture to the opera set, including a chaise longue, curved sofa and cylindrical table with stools.
Known for his mastery of volumes, proportions and light, the designer his concept effortlessly meshes with Rigoletto’s universal themes of power, naivety, responsibility and vengeance. Conducted by Michele Spotti, with Swiss soprano Regula Mühlemann in the role of Gilda, the show runs until June 21, 2023, giving time for opera and design lovers to experience Yovanovitch’s operatic endeavour.
Head to Theater Basel’s website for more information on the "Rigoletto" production.
