"Le Chanteur de Mexico" Opéra-Théâtre de Metz – Metz, France
- Customer
Metz Opera and Theater
- Location
Metz, France
- Set Design
Hernán Peñuela
We were involved in the creation of the new production of the operetta “Le Chanteur de Mexico” by Francis Lopez, which will be performed at the Opéra de Metz in 2025. This iconic work tells the story of the joyful and unexpected rise of Vincent Etchebar, a young Basque man who became an opera star in Mexico, set in a festive world with Latin American flair.
Set designer Hernan Penuela gave us great freedom in the design and trimmings of the burgundy ALICANTE velvet curtains. Using his sketches, as well as through video conferences and remote communication, we worked alongside our seamstresses to oversee the project’s development, creating a rich, colorful stage design that remains true to the spirit of this operetta.
Statement by the Set Designer
“I am a trained architect and set designer. I have worked in various design firms, set workshops, and as technical director at several French theaters (Comédie Française, Théâtre du Châtelet, Théâtre du Capitole, Opéra-Comique). At the same time, I develop my own set designs. The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz has commissioned me to design the sets for the new production of “Le Chanteur de Mexico” in 2024.
The idea was to create atmospheric sets that invite the audience to travel—while remaining faithful to the work, but with a fresh, cheerful, and colorful perspective. I drew inspiration from travel posters of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s… by ocean liners and transatlantic airplanes, exotic destinations across the Atlantic, rich color palettes, and bold graphic design. This resulted in a touch of nostalgia and a longing for faraway places that the audience would surely feel in the visual design.
Another major influence was the film studios behind the great musical productions of the ’40s and ’50s. The action took place during a film shoot, amid painted set frames, custom-made velvet curtains, escalators and platforms, old-style painted screens, cameras, dressing rooms filled with costumes, scaffolding, and spotlights on dollies. This dynamic and fluid world made it possible to transition seamlessly from one scene to the next.
The scenes in Mexico in Act 2 hold a special place in my heart, partly because of my South American roots, but also because of the subdued atmosphere of the tavern scene with its beautiful red velvet curtains and candles, which was freely inspired by the Mexican tradition of “Día de los Muertos.”
This is one of my most wonderful artistic collaborations.”
Project
- Delivery of 2 curtain panels with a border made of burgundy ALICANTE velvet, 3.53 m wide + 50% extra length, 7.20 m high, with curtain holders made of SHINE fabric in gold
- Delivery of a valance with a border made of burgundy ALICANTE velvet, 9.00 m wide and 3.50 m high
Team
- Set Design: Hernán Peñuela
- Director: Pablo Proporciona
- Musical Director: Victor Rouanet
- Choreography: Graham Erhardt-Kotowich
- Costumes: Giovanna Fiorentini
- Lighting and Photography: Patrick Méeüs
- Vocal Accompaniment: Silvia Magagni
