I was entrusted with the role of costume designer for the Act 1 opera ‘The Choice of Hercules.’ Collaborating closely with director Christian Hey, whose contagious passion for the piece ignited my own enthusiasm, we embarked on a journey to infuse this timeless tale with contemporary relevance. Christian’s innovative concept explored the dichotomy of Hercules torn between virtue and pleasure, delving into societal constructs of masculinity and femininity, and the pressures of conformity.

Navigating the challenge of sensitively portraying these themes, I delved into the intricacies of colour and texture. Muted pastel shirts juxtaposed against buttoned-up grey suits symbolized the interplay of masculine and feminine energies. Experimenting with dyes and dip-dye techniques, I crafted a soft yet contrasting colour palette, evoking both natural and industrial landscapes to create a dreamlike, abstract world.

Despite budget constraints, the generosity of my local community shop provided a wealth of textiles, fostering a spirit of collaboration and gratitude. Embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, I constructed a lion cloak for Hercules using cardboard, papier mache, and remnants of faux fur, showcasing my commitment to resourcefulness and inventive problem-solving in costume design.

In addition to crafting original pieces, I curated selections from Bristol costume hire, maximising our resources while maintaining the integrity of Christian’s vision. Immersed in the opera world, I revelled in the creative freedom afforded to me, finding immense satisfaction in the collaborative process of bringing this vision to life within our limited means.