“The designs by takis were simple but glorious.” — Planet Hugill, Robert Hugill
“The set designs by takis, part gilded and separated Byzantine dome, part oversized copper and verdigris diving-bell, is simple and effective, glowing with jewel-like colours and the soft sheen of gold … stunning costumes (particularly for Teofane)” — Bachtrack, Charlotte Valori
“takis’s versatile set is a copper-clad apse highly decorated in sumptuous Byzantine gold, blue and terracotta images” — British Theatre Guide, Karen Bussell
“the designs by takis contribute a great deal to one’s pleasure: here they economically suggest a world of gilded Byzantine splendour without mere flummery” — The Telegraph, Rupert Christiansen
Ottone | English Touring Opera, UK Tour, 2014
Handel’s 1723 baroque opera toured with English Touring Opera (September-November 2014), visiting twelve venues including Hackney Empire. Director James Conway created a new English translation, with takis designing sets and costumes. Baroque specialist Jonathan Peter Kenny conducted the Old Street Band.
The production starred Clint van der Linde as Roman Emperor Otto II, with Gillian Webster as the manipulative Gismonda and Louise Kemeny as Princess Teofane. Reviews praised ETO’s “consistently high production values” with “wonderful set, stunning costumes and fabulous singing.” The production was revived in 2022.
Creative Team: Director/Translator: James Conway | Set and Costume Designer: takis | Conductor: Jonathan Peter Kenny | Composer: George Frideric Handel
Production page: English Touring Opera · Reviews: Planet Hugill, Bachtrack, British Theatre Guide, The Telegraph