Reference NumberJH/4/60
TitleThe Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
LevelFile
Date1979
DescriptionBy Bertolt Brecht, Director John Dexter. Premiere, The Metropolitan Opera, New York, 16 Nov 1979. The file contains costume and set designs influenced by Brechtian productions of the play [quoted from Jocelyn Herbert - A Theatre Workbook]. The file contains costume and set designs. The costumes are diverse in type for men and women, with men in suits and women in sexualised outfits at the most extreme see, 3433 and 3440 respectively. The play featured a chorus; these are suited in pale coloured suits with bright adornments, such as ties 3433. Most of the named male characters wear casual clothes for example, 3437 is black, white and brights and the main women [Jenny] wears dresses and outer wear mainly in brights or tight dark clothes for example, 3439. There are group drawings of the chorus for example, 3447 and props shown in some drawings for example, cigarette holder in 3441. Most are annotated by character name. Collage has been used to create fabric in some, see 3467 and 3623. All clothes are modern in design. The set designs are in sketch and more complete form with many showing on stage action for example, 3451-3463, 3472-6; 3478. Ideas for abstract backgrounds and cityscapes are also a theme, see 3438-9. 3526-3534 shows the stage layout and where the projector sat and 3535 is a set side elevation. Most are annotated by scene name and some have further notes, colours are dark with brights for example, black with emerald green lettering [see 3506].
Paint, pen, pencil and pastel on paper. Collage.
Also contains a folder consisting of photocopied photos of singers and photcopies of Jocelyn's costume designs.
Extent250 items and 1 folder
SeriesDesign drawings
Persons
CodePersonNameDatesNotes
DS/UK/174Dexter; John (1925-1990); Mr1925-1990 
DS/UK/174Dexter; John (1925-1990); Mr1925-1990 
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