Markus Hamence chats in The Jungle Room with designer Takis from State Opera South Australia‘s Roméo et Juliette.
Meeting the Makers: a designer’s case for craft: How one of the world’s leading performance designers is creating costumes here in Adelaide with State Opera’s artisans – shaping a production made for the world but crafted for the future.
Shared roots, singular vision: Greek-born, London-based designer Takis and director Rodula Gaitanou reunite for their State Opera South Australia debut, their long-standing creative partnership yielding a world that feels both timeless and deeply human.
Designing suspension: how Takis built a world between reality and poetry. An Olivier Award-nominated visionary, Takis has created a set suspended between concrete and constellations – a timeless fusion of architecture, costume and light designed for future touring and to reflect the director’s vision of rekindling first love.
The Australian debut of world-renowned designer Takis: The Olivier Award-nominated design visionary behind Roméo et Juliette reveals the modern, poetic world he’s created for this reimagined classic – timeless in spirit, yet designed with future audiences in mind.
Follow Takis on his website here!
The world’s most iconic love story comes to life in State Opera South Australia’s brand-new production of Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette, created, built, and produced in Adelaide for its world premiere season.
Shakespeare’s legendary tale of love, fate and tragedy that has captured hearts for centuries is enhanced by soaring arias, intense duets, and a sweeping, romantic score that elevates love and heartache to sublime heights.
This breathtaking production brings together incredible international talent for an exclusive season you won’t want to miss. Star soprano Siobhan Stagg and powerful, velvety tenor Kyle Stegall portray the legendary lovers, their chemistry igniting the stage with passion, heartbreak, and brilliance. Acclaimed baritone Morgan Pearse returns to Adelaide to take on the role of charismatic Mercutio.
Award-winning director Rodula Gaitanou and Olivier Award-nominated designer takis’ vision for Gounod’s masterpiece merges timeless storytelling with a bold, fresh edge in a global co-production between State Opera South Australia, Irish National Opera, and West Australian Opera.
This Romeo et Juliette promises to be a landmark event for South Australia. With exceptional talent, stunning design, and the captivating story we all know and love, it’s an exciting glimpse of Artistic Director Dane Lam’s vision for State Opera’s 50th Anniversary celebrations coming up in 2026.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s most beloved stories brought to life in an unforgettable new production.
Roméo et Juliette
23 October – 1 November 2025
Tickets: https://stateopera.com.au/
