When we faced the looming steps of the metro with a bit of uneasiness we were unaware of the fun that would follow. No, I don’t mean the metro but hey if things like that are fun for you then so be it. Set with perpetual tram faces we headed to the workshops of The National Theatre.
This tour was huge. We began in thier costume facilities in which we got to see the incredible individuals putting immense amounts of work. The work done there is incredible, where we have one costume shop they have floors and floors of people doing specific things. Everything from making fabric cuts to creating brand new shoes for particular actors. An interesting fact is there they will make a specific mannequin if an actor is in multiple shows with them. This way measurements will not need to be retaken. Once we got over the utter disbelief of the size of the facilities, we were wowed once more. We were allowed the opportunity to see the set design shops. Y’all I was so excited I could’ve cried. They were breath taking. Multiple shops like the costume department including carpentry, metal working, sculpture, paint, and props. Every production student’s dream. It was amazing to see the time and details that went into all of the shows that graced the stage of The National Theatre.
Following all this excitement we got a chance to create our own revolutionary costumes, fitting with the theme of our trip. It was an oppurtunity to be creative, a good break for the mind. Some wonderful costumes sprang fort has well as some pretty cool accessories. For example, my group trusted me to create a crown from plastic bottles. It completed our look as did so many accessories on the other works.
Following a brief pause for lunch we toured The National Theatre. An incredible building full of history. Multiple floors rebuilt after fires. The picture inside depict a colorful history of decades past.
Later we were privileged enough to see Rusalka. A beautiful opera basically telling the story of beloved Little Mermaid. Although it ends with a much darker “tail.” All in all yesterday was a pleasure in which much was learned. This city is so amazing and proves it to us everyday. Thank you to everyone who helped us get here and thank you to those with are on the journey with us. 