“Designer Takis and lighting designer Mark Howland have found an elegantly simple way of making Monteverdi’s sound-world visible.” — The Independent
“Timothy Nelson and takis deserve credit for creating a superb production with a stunning set and eye-catching costumes. (…) takis’ costumes have moments of genius; his Pane, a patchwork of crimson and gold, with horsehair draped down his enlarged ankles was excellent, as was Diana in hunting garb (brilliantly parodied when Giove took on her likeness).” — Bachtrack
“Takis’ set consists of a series of twisted, intercrossing poles. With cogwheels and steering wheels hanging from these, they clearly represent flowers and trees, but the fact that they are entirely metal, and hence barren and lifeless, highlights the scorched nature of the earth following Giove’s burning of it.” — Music OMH
“Designer Takis has created a set that is both mechanical, but gorgeous on the eye.” — Broadway World
La Calisto | English Touring Opera, UK Tour, 2016
Francesco Cavalli’s 1651 Baroque opera toured the UK with English Touring Opera in autumn 2016, including performances at Hackney Empire. Directed and conducted by Timothy Nelson with designs by takis, this production brought Cavalli’s mythological comedy—based on the story of Callisto from Ovid’s Metamorphoses—to regional audiences in English with captions.
takis’ design created the fantastical world of gods, nymphs, and mortals where Jupiter pursues the chaste Calisto, leading to transformations, disguises, and comic complications. The production featured Paula Sides as Calisto, George Humphreys as Jupiter, and Katie Bray as the scene-stealing goat-boy Satirino. The baroque orchestra and Timothy Nelson’s direction balanced the opera’s mythological extravagance with its satirical edge.
La Calisto represents Baroque opera’s blend of spectacle, comedy, and vocal virtuosity. This ETO production demonstrated how 17th-century opera can achieve contemporary relevance through spirited direction and accessible staging, earning 4-5 star reviews.
Creative Team: Director/Conductor: Timothy Nelson | Designer: takis | Composer: Francesco Cavalli