Giuseppe Verdi’s opera was explored in all its argumentative and visual aspects by the great architect Kengo Kuma. The story of intrigue and power struggles, set in Genoa, is reflected in the opera temple in Naples and emphasises the connection between the two port cities, which were both cultural crossroads. At the same time, the personal history of the Japanese architect takes place through a landscape, strongly characterised by the presence of volcanoes, a connection to Naples – a connection to an earthy and fluid nature, that bears the symbol of fire.
“Shiwa Shiwa” is the title chosen by Kuma, which means “fold” or “crease” and refers to a Japanese concept that describes the curvature of nature, its fleetingness, its mobility, instability and constant change. This idea is expressed on a 700 square metre perforated surface made of Alcantara , which surrounds the theatre stage and allows it to enter into a dialogue with the voices of the choir and orchestra as the main actors. The stage design is nothing static: waves of material swirl in the air and are powerfully animated by Filippo Cannata’s lighting direction in particular. This creates a true visual-acoustic synaesthesia for the audience, as the colours follow the intensity of the music. The chosen shade of white and the perforation of the material enhance a vivid light effect that changes completely depending on the intensity and angle of view, combining the values of semi-darkness – as in Tanizaki’s important essay “In Praise of Shadow” – with the purest, most crystalline light. This is reminiscent of the softness and untouchability inspired by the statue of the “Veiled Christ” in the Cappella Sansevero. At the same time, the effect is almost shimmering and metallic, reminiscent of the armour and swords of the battles interwoven in the story of Boccanegra. In Kengo Kuma’s vision, the wave of Alcantara, with its constantly moving swirls, becomes a symbol of the opera’s plot – a truly all-encompassing work of art that sweeps the audience away.
Thanks to this partnership, Alcantara embellishes the furnishings of the Teatro di San Carlo with a material, in the iconic shade of theatre red adorns some of the armchairs in the boxes and the balcony of the historic Neapolitan opera house.
Since 2011, Alcantara has launcheda series of artistic projects, that have led to collaborations with curators, museums and cultural institutions worldwide. By trialling different formulas and approaches, the company has company has established a thorough and versatile process, in which the material Alcantara is the medium through which artists express their creativity. This project is therefore part of a journey, in which Alcantara works closely with the best of the design and contemporary art community.
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Generating Visions – more art projects by Alcantara!
