Rome Opera House revives Puccini's Tosca with original costumes
- A former pasta factory in Rome now serves as the Rome Opera House's workshop and warehouse.
- This year, the opera house team is focused on reconstructing costumes for Puccini's opera Tosca, celebrating its 125th anniversary.
- The efforts of costume and set designers highlight the importance of maintaining Italy's cultural traditions in the performing arts.
In Italy, a four-story building that once served as a pasta factory has been transformed into a dynamic workspace and warehouse for the Rome Opera House. This facility is home to an impressive array of scenic backdrops and approximately 70,000 costumes that have been preserved from over a century of opera and ballet performances. As part of the upcoming celebrations, the Rome Opera House is focusing on reconstructing the costumes for Giacomo Puccini's renowned opera, "Tosca," marking the 125th anniversary of its debut performance, which first captivated audiences in 1900. Costume designers, tailors, and seamstresses at the opera house are delving into various historical archives. They aim to recreate the detailed costumes that reflect the artistic and cultural authenticity of 19th-century Rome, the setting of the opera's dramatic narrative. Anna Biagiotti, the costume director, leads a dedicated team that includes about 30 skilled tailors, all working diligently in a space where every inch is utilized for the art of costume-making. Each costume reconstruction is guided by sketches and detailed notes from the original costume designers, particularly Adolph Hohenstein, whose meticulous work continues to inspire contemporary artisans. The team is committed to respecting the fabric choices, shapes, and materials used in the original designs. Biagiotti has compiled a binder known as “the bible,” filled with transcriptions of Hohenstein's cursive notes, ensuring the reconstruction process remains true to the opera's historical context. This year, they anticipate producing approximately 700 costumes that will enhance both opera and ballet performances while preserving Italy's rich artistic heritage. Furthermore, above the costume workshop, set designers work in a spacious loft that allows them to create expansive backdrops for performances. Utilizing traditional painting techniques, they replicate the grandeur of a Roman palazzo using canvas and paint to evoke a sense of realism. Both Danilo Mancini, the director of set production, and Michele Mariotti, the music director, attribute their passion for the craft directly to Puccini’s influence, acknowledging his genius in blending music with theatrical elements that resonate with audiences even today.