"Dutchman" Sets Sail on Sea of Yellow Boots

BLO Artistic Advisor, John Conklin, 

gives us a sneak peek at his costume design for  

The Flying Dutchman:

 

We use over 100 rubber boots in this production-- 

both for male and female working (and  partying!) outfits.

This photo of 19th Century Scottish workers was the evocative source for the women's costumes in the so-called "Spinning Scene." We have diverged somewhat from Wagner's specifics as our female Chorus are engaged in what is more a fishing village task; gutting and grinding up fish.

And speaking of fish-- we've made over 100 of these slippery little creatures. 

             They are black "satin-like" forms filled with sand and sprayed with silver.

Costume Sketch by John Conklin

But it is not grim work all the time. There is a party (of sorts) during which the ladies discard their dark, rubber aprons and don an almost flamboyant range of patterned blouses and skirts. 

Costume works-- the excellent shop that builds BLO's costumes-- estimates that these costumes employ over 75 different patterned materials.