The art of set design

Installation art not only involves all disciplines but also incorporates performance and so lends itself perfectly to the theatre.

This is why installation artist Norbert Francis Attard (picture) has been invited to create the set for the new opera Elisabeth; Or To Be a Mann, which will be premiered at the Valletta Waterfront on Wednesday at 8.30 p.m.

In his present installation art works, Mr Attard incorporates several disciplines ranging from architecture, sculpture and photography to sound, video and light.

The set for this 30-minute opera will be very minimal in its composition. The floor is simply composed of a number of water containers connected by the surrounding gravel throughout the stage.

Apart from a number of fixed props, the other most important item that becomes an integral part of the set is the video which was specially made for this production.

The opera, with lyrics by Peter Serracino-Inglott and music by Charles Camilleri, is part of Festival Malta 2005 organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta and Viset.

The two main characters will be interpreted by bass Albert Buttigieg as Thomas Mann, the German essayist, cultural critic, and novelist, and soprano Rosabelle Bianchi who will be playing the part of his daughter Elisabeth.

The opera will be preceded by a concert of chamber music by the Medit Chamber Players.

Tickets at Lm5 can be obtained from The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts or from St James Cavalier in Valletta.