Albert Herring is a comic opera by Benjamin Britten, presented by Chicago Opera Theater under the direction of Stephen Sposito and conducted by Dame Jane Glover. The story follows a timid young man in a small English village who is unexpectedly crowned “May King,” setting off a humorous and heartfelt journey of rebellion and self-discovery.
I served as the Scenic Designer, creating a vibrant, character-driven environment that highlighted both the charm and satire of provincial life. The design contrasted the over-the-top, self-righteous world of Lady Billows with Albert’s humble simplicity, culminating in the peach tree motif as a visual metaphor for purity, temptation, and the natural awakening of youth. Traditional English motifs were blended with playful, stylized elements to underscore the opera’s wit and humor.
