"From The Triadische Ballet to the Giudecca"

Drazen Digital - 21 agosto 2009 -
"From the Triadische Ballet to the Giudecca"

“Biacchi started making costumes driven by her passion for the theatre and inspired by the creations of German painter, sculptor and designer Oskar Schlemmer.

Papier-mâché, wood, glass, metal, coloured surgical gloves, tyre inner tubes and nautical materials bought from specialised shops in and around Venice helped Sonia create a very special universe in which actors, dancers and models’ bodies and movements are transformed by the weights and volumes of her costumes.”

DD: What fascinates you about Oskar Schlemmer?
Sonia Biacchi: : One day while researching for my costumes I found out about Oskar Schlemmer’s work and realised his costumes for the Triadische Ballet were the most dramatically theatrical creations I had ever seen. Schlemmer lived in a time when artists were trying to break free from traditional theatrical forms and, through his costumes, he caged and trapped the bodies of dancers. While studying Schlemmer’s work I met other people who loved him and together we restaged the Triadische Ballet on a barge. It was a sort of miracle that came to life and a few artisans – from painters to ironmongers – helped me making the costumes. I’m actually planning to restage the Triadische Ballet show once again in a few years’ time. “

DD: What's the best part of your job as artistic director of the Theatre Research Centre?
Sonia Biacchi: It can be a hard job since the centre offers the opportunity to follow different courses, seminars and workshops connected with the world of performing arts and organises many activities. Yet best part of my job is seeing talents being nurtured here. It’s a magical experience and I think that once you step into the door of our centre you realise you are surrounded by a very special magic.”

DD: What kind of advice do you have for young people who would like to become costume designers?
Sonia Biacchi: You must have a great passion, but must also be able to sacrifice yourself a lot. Sometimes I end up working on a costume until 4am, without even realising it, because for me it's a bit like immersing myself in a dream. Like a fashion designer, a costume designer creates something almost magical for other people and I think that making a costume is an emotional experience. You end up sharing those emotions with the audience once your work takes a new life on the stage.

Anna Battista