OPERA AND FASHION "Dammi I colori…" / "Give me the colors"

This year’s production in GNO’s «Opera and Fashion» series is inspired by Mario Cavaradossi’s phrase «Give me the colors» from Puccini’s opera Tosca, a phrase that leads to the famous aria «Recondita armonia». The projects stays true to its experimental character and desire to explore new dynamics between the dashing worlds of fashion and opera by dedicating this year’s performance to the art of makeup. With Achilleas Charitos as a special guest the work is designed as a tribute to GNO’s great costume designers. Costumes from the GNO wardrobe are paired with creations inspired by current fashion trends, especially made for the show, in an attempt to portray how a historic theatre costume from the past could be today’ s haute couture.

The “Opera and Fashion” project was first presented in 2013 at the imposing staircase of the GNO’s main foyer. This year performance will be held on the central stage of the Olympia Theatre completing a symbolic cycle of four productions. It will return in 2017, more impressive than ever.

With GNO’s Principal dancers, Soloists, Demi-Soloists, corps de ballet and members of the GNO Dance School

Free admission upon priority coupons distributed at the box offices of the Olympia Theatre on Τuesday 17/5 between 15.00-19.00 and Wednesday 18/5 between 11.00-14.00. Olympia Theatre, Akadimias 59, Athens. Tel: +30 210 366 2100

Parallel event:
Photography exhibition
«Dammi i colori…The making of» by Vassilis Makris
SNFCC Visitors Center
25 May- 5 June 2016
Free admission

The photography exhibition «Dammi i colori…The making of» aims to function as a symbolic link between the present and future evolution of Greek National Opera’s project “Opera and Fashion”. The project was first initiated in Spring 2013, while this year’s performance production will be held on May 19th, at the Olympia Theatre.

In the context of recording the project’s step by step enchanting preparation, the photographer Vassilis Makris captures the backstage formation, of this year’s production series. Through his photographic lense, he aims to reveal an additional aspect of this multifaceted project, which is the result of this year’s collaboration between the director – choreographer Konstantinos Rigos and make-up artist, Achilleas Charitos.

The photographic imprint of the exhibition commences from the preparatory stages of the project “Opera and Fashion”, offering the opportunity to its viewers, to experience the “background” process of make-up art, its function as a garment, its relation with the costumes’ design, as well as the specialized scenography which will be constructed.

What is the process of conceiving an idea and how does the artist react when the result is unsatisfying? How much joy does he experience when his idea is completed? In which ways can an idea be transferred, from the creator to the viewer? How can a basic color pallet inspire the generation of supplementary colors? Could a theatrical costume operate as a contemporary creation of haute couture, “trespassing” the fundamental trends of the 20th century? And finally, in which way can all of the above constitute part of a broader discussion regarding the role of the theatrical costume, and the convergence between Opera and Fashion, two worlds similarly bright and inclusive? Could this discussion lead us to new explorations, even in the field of opera direction?

Exhibition opening: Wednesday May 25th 2016, 19.00 Exhibition duration: Wednesday May 25th 2016 – Sunday June 5th 2016

SNFCC Visitors Center
Information: 210 8778396/8 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*For your convenience during the opening evening, you can use the free shuttle bus service which connects the SNFCC Visitors Center with Syggrou - Fix metro station (starting point from Kallirrois Avenue and arrival on Evripidou street - beginning of the Esplanade). Scheduled routes will take place 30’ before and after each event.

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