FIDELIO IN THE GULAG :
Act one, Scene one.
Project produced for SCDLP
architects.
Act One, Scene One of Fidelio in
the Gulag introduces Marcellina,
ironing linen in the prison camp in
which Beethoven's opera is set.
Young and naive, she carries out
her duties without paying notice to
the atrocities around her. The set
transforms across the duration of
the scene from an elaborate doll's
house to a group of domestic
appliances and interior elements.
Combining childish escapism with
practical realities, this meticulously
designed and choreographed
transfiguration symbolises her self-
centred refusal to acknowledge the
reality around her and serves as a
physical manifestation of her
personality.
The style of the doll's house was
informed by the architectural
vernacular of Perm, as observed on
site visits to the gulag and
surrounding areas. This intact,
free-standing 'house' breaks down
and transforms piece-by-piece into
a table and chairs, window, cooker,
stove, pans, ironing board and
iron. The iron and stove are fully
functioning and incorporated into
Marcellina's actions, introducing
the smell of cooked food to the
audience experience.
The piece was developed in its
entirety from from concept to
detailed design, visualisation and
CAD fabrication.