Project
Opera “The Queen of Spades”
Category
Best Implemented Theatre Set Design
About the project (provided by the applicant)
Director Ilya Arkhipov and the team of the F.I. Shalyapin Musical Theatre created a unique concept for Tchaikovsky’s opera “The Queen of Spades,” combining elements of classical theatre with contemporary approaches. The premiere took place on June 27, 2025, at the Hermitage Theatre.
The set design is minimalist, reflecting the monumentality of Tchaikovsky’s music and creating an atmosphere of a luxurious yet gloomy St. Petersburg, which acts as a character itself, imposing its rules on the mystical storyline. The main task for the set designer was to combine minimalism with the architectural features of the city. Using historical palace drawings as a reference, the designer created a multi-layered space that exists within the production as a distinct character. The color scheme of the scenography supports the concept of the performance. Movable monumental columns with surfaces of varied textures, decorated with digital printing, emphasize the dramatic aspects of the plot.
Location
34 Dvortsovaya Embankment, Hermitage Theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia
Project implementation year
2025
Project website
https://chaliapin-teatr.ru/afisha/opera-pikovaya-dama-v-ermitazhnom-teatre/3785
Extra visual materials
Video recording: https://vkvideo.ru/video-155911923_456239045?list=ln-pRoH8OPqQOc0AREbZU
Clip: https://vk.com/video-27793448_456240489
Photos: https://disk.yandex.ru/d/cRPK6YCtZvMpbQ/%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE
Applicant
F.I. Shalyapin Musical Theatre, St. Petersburg
The F.I. Shalyapin Musical Theatre is one of the leading cultural institutions in St. Petersburg and Russia. Director — Y.N. Strizhak, Artistic Director — Fabio Mastrangelo. The theatre presents a wide range of concerts, opera productions, musicals, and performances for children and families. During the reconstruction of the historical building, concerts and performances are held on major stages across St. Petersburg.
Authors of the project
F.I. Shalyapin Musical Theatre
Set Designer: Roman Isaykin, Director: Ilya Arkhipov
Photo
F.I. Shalyapin Musical Theatre
Customer
F.I. Shalyapin Musical Theatre, St. Petersburg
Other participants
Theatre workshop DAAP
Status of the project
Implemented
