Falstaff

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Falstaff' is Giuseppe Verdi's final opera. It premiered in Milan in 1893 and tells the story of the fat, hard-drinking knight Sir John Falstaff who - in a bid to improve his precarious financial position - tries to woo the two well-to-do 'merry wives of Windsor'. The two women outwit Sir John but he takes the teasing with surprising good humour and declares: "Everything in the world is a jest". This version of 'Falstaff' premiered at Oper Graz, Austria on 19 January 2013 and was performed 13 times between then and 5 May. It was directed by rising Australian star Tama Matheson and featured Peter Corrigan's 'fanciful, fairytale-inspired designs'. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Corrigan has designed hundreds of opera, ballet and drama sets and costumes for directors such as Barrie Kosky and Michael Kantor. 'Falstaff' exposed international audiences to Corrigan's iconoclastic scenography. Corrigan was responsible for the design of backdrops, major set pieces and props for the opera's three acts and the design of about 30 costumes for major and supporting cast. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Oper Graz is one of the world's leading opera companies. It performs in an exquisite 1899 neo-baroque opera house in the city of Graz. 'Falstaff' launched Oper Graz's 2013 season. Among the many reviews was one from 'The Standard' which said Corrigan's work left 'the strongest impression' and the Australian architect's designs were 'plump, colourful and inspired by the vaudeville aesthetic of the 1920s' (see Oper Graz websites for edited review highlights). Aside from being invited to work on this prestigious production, the significance of Corrigan's work on 'Falstaff' was further demonstrated by its inclusion in 'Peter Corrigan: City of Hope' exhibition at RMIT Gallery (12 April - 8 June 2013). Roland Graz and Oper Graz's short film on 'Falstaff' (2:43 mins) set and costume design was exhibited at RMIT Gallery too.