Igor Suvonov (right), technical director for the Mariinsky Opera, talks with Mickey Berra, the vice president of production for the Kennedy Center at the load-in for the set of "War and Peace." The opera represents a logistical challenge, including transporting and arranging 30 tons of props and scenery, all for a mere two performances, which take place Saturday and Sunday.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
Stagehands push the set and props, which were imported from St. Petersburg, Russia, into the Kennedy Center's Opera House. The process involved one container ship, two cranes, six weeks on the open seas, 17 trucks, 57 workmen, 137 crates of costumes and wigs, 8,000 nuts and bolts and 20,000 pounds of hanging scenery.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
Stagehand Charles Talbott tightens some of the 8,000 bolts that are part of the "War and Peace" set.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
The process also required the shipment of a massive turntable -- twice the size of the revolving device used in "Les Miserables" --as well as the arrangement of travel and housing for 331 Russian soloists, choral singers and orchestra members, making the job one of the most complex logistical tasks in the center's history.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
Prop muskets await placement backstage at the Kennedy Center Opera House.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
Also among the props: a pile of dead soldiers.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
Stagehands piece together the elaborate set.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
Suvonov (left) and Berra deal with set logistics. Berra traveled to St. Petersburg twice last year to witness set assembly in preparation for the production.
Scott Suchman-For The Washington Post
The scene is set as a New Year's Eve ball in St. Petersburg.
Susan Biddle-FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
In this scene, Old Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, sung by Mikhail Petrenko, is upset about his son Andrei's engagement to Natasha,sung by Irina Mataeva. He comes out in his dressing gown to check her out with his spectacles.
Susan Biddle-FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
At thew Year's Eve Ball, rince Andrei (Aexy Markov)sings to Natasha Rostova sung by (Irina Mataeva) after they danced.
Susan Biddle-FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
Here, Natasha (Irina Mataeva) casts a glance while joining the party at the Bezukhov house.
Susan Biddle-FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher
Text Editor Stephanie Merry
