The Elixir of Love

Oklahoma City University Bass School of Music

We decided to place this piece loosely during World War I, when a female landowner, Adina, would not be unusual while the men are at war. We loved the sense of innocence as well as the propaganda surrounding the Women’s Land Army in Europe and America.

In my design I specifically refer to the softness of well-worn work clothes, the layering of sheers and lace, and the delicate and personal accouterments that laborers retain in their uniforms. The three-dimensional renderings represent the pop-up book quality of the scenic design, which incorporated the story-book quality of the opera. My emphasis was not on beauty or realism, but on lightness and charm with a dash of nostalgia.