Al Shindagah

12 | Al Shindagah | Issue 139 here did the inspiration for the costumes come from? The costumes were all designed by Phillipe Guillotel, who works very closely with Franco Dragone. He listens to his requirements, vision and requests and creates stunning mood boards and sketches. How do the different characters stand out? Each character has a very different and unique costume, best demonstrated through the juxtaposition between the very streamlined and pointy costume of the ‘villian’ character costume to the very padded, soft and rounded look of the ‘king’ character. A wide variety of custom textiles are used in the show. From the locally inspired colours of the citizens in bright orange, yellow and cream to the reflective, metallic colours of the cyborgs. This gives an authenticity and richness to the look while enhancing the performers actions on stage making it a true visual spectacle. What is the process from inception to reality? Franco Dragone and Philippe Guillotel spent a vast amount of time creating the concept and look of the costumes. They discussed the plans, themes, and inspirations for the show and its characters, reviewed renderings and perfected sketches until approvals were agreed upon. Hundreds of ideas are shared until the marriage between show and costume was deemed concreate. Once the costume team had created sample prototype costumes, they were presented to Franco Dragone. It is only until Creation is nearly complete that the costumes can be considered finalized. This creative process means we only have a few weeks to complete the construction and fit of all costumes, plus work them into the show from an operational standpoint. It’s an intense few weeks with very little sleep, but you W La Perle by Dragone, the region’s first permanent aqua theatre has taken Dubai by storm selling out many of its performances night after night. The show, brought to Dubai by the Al Habtoor Group, first premiered in August 2017. Joanna Andrews went behind the scenes of the state-of-the-art, high-tech theatre to speak to Jonelle DeBlanc, Head of Wardrobe, to see what it takes to get the performers ready for the twice nightly theatrical extravaganza. Inside the La Perle wardrobe LA PERLE