PNB’s production of Giselle features intricate costumes and sets designed by Jérôme Kaplan. Kaplan created two different moods. one for each act. Act I is set in Giselle’s home village, and features warm, autumnal tones. Act II takes place in a ghostly, moonlit forest. Both acts feature sets hand-painted by skilled artisans. Keep scrolling to see photos of the design process from start to finish!
These dioramas were created by Jérôme Kaplan and showcase his meticulous attention to detail. In the background, you can even see Prince Albert’s castle (Albert famously hides his identity from Giselle and presents himself as a peasant instead of a prince).
Below, you can see PNB’s talented scenic team bringing Kaplan’s designs to life by creating drops (large, painted pieces of fabric used in theatre to establish a setting). First, they lay large pieces of muslin on the floor, staple them down, and starch the fabric. Next, they create a grid and sketch large-scale versions of the designer’s renderings.
Once the outlines are complete, the team applies the basic colors with large brushes, push brooms, and sprayers. Then comes the detail work, including shading and back painting. Back painting ensures the details remain visible even when the drops are lit from behind. Finally, each drop is cut out and hung on netting, so small props like branches can be added.
Kaplan’s designs create a stunning backdrop for PNB company dancers! Next time you attend a ballet performance, take a moment to look closely at the sets. It’s a reminder that you’re not only experiencing the artistry of the dancers onstage, but also the work of hundreds of artists responsible for the sets, costumes, music, and so much more!
