The Royal Opera House is a place of motion and emotion. New scrims above the escalator the beauty and athleticism of dancers’ movements. Photo © Devorah Moritz — The Royal Opera House is a place of motion and emotion. New scrims above the escalator the beauty and athleticism of dancers’ movements.
© Devorah Moritz

Display of production materials and photographs showing the processes involved in making the Royal Ballet’s new 2018 production of Swan Lake. Photo © Devorah Moritz — Display of production materials and photographs showing the processes involved in making the Royal Ballet’s new 2018 production of Swan Lake.
© Devorah Moritz

'OPEN UP', ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Project context

Through a major capital project, 'Open Up', the Royal Opera House (ROH) was undergoing a significant architectural transformation in order to enhance the experience of coming to its Covent Garden home and to welcome new audiences. In tandem with this work and a period of organisational change, and following on from the new direction begun with the Making Don Giovanni project, the ROH wished to develop a new approach to its foyer displays. Amongst the many challenges and project constraints, ROH managed to keep the theatre open throughout construction. Following the project, ROH is now open to visitors every day from 10am, whether or not they have a ticket for a performance.

Role

I initiated and developed an interpretation strategy for the ROH - exploring new opportunities to interpret its rich collections and stories, the incredible Grade I listed building and the extraordinary range of creative work developed within. I liaised with internal stakeholders to develop content, wrote design briefs, suggested new systems and managed designers, budget and programme within a large and complex wider scheme. I helped ROH to appoint an in-house Exhibitions Manager to take the work forward and create a sustainable approach for the future. I continued to advise as a 'critical friend' to take the project to completion.

Impact

The interpretation strategy was well received by the ROH. I worked with the team to implement this and the first set of exhibits opened in September 2018. These were a baseline from which further work has continued to develop and evolve.

Tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn for the character of Odile in the Royal Ballet’s 1950s production of Swan Lake designed by Leslie Hurry. Photo © Devorah Moritz — Tutu worn by Margot Fonteyn for the character of Odile in the Royal Ballet’s 1950s production of Swan Lake designed by Leslie Hurry.
© Devorah Moritz

“Congratulations on all the work that you are doing on the ROH exhibition and display strategy for our building post-Open Up. You are creating a really thoughtful and comprehensive plan which has the potential to transform our public spaces and make them accessible to a wide group of people. I’m really impressed with the level of understanding and detail that you are putting in - in terms of the needs of different visitors and and ways to curate a cohesive story. Profuse thanks for such a strong piece of work.

...The exhibits are looking amazing. Huge thanks for laying the foundations and for the significant contribution you have made.”

— Jillian Barker, Director of Learning & Participation, Royal Opera House

Large format projection in ROH foyer
© NewAngle

The new Bow Street entrance to the Royal Opera House, showing the Floral Hall (above) and window into the main and Linbury foyers (below)
© Luke Hayes / Royal Opera House

Date: March 2016 - September 2018
Client: Royal Opera House
Architects: Stanton Williams
Designers: Skellon Studio and Studio Eger
AV designer: NewAngle
Lighting designer: Studio Fractal