Ardis Gushes, Hockney Drones: Our Report From the Lyric Luncheon
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Hockney was invited to the podium sans Falconer to discuss their designs, only to ramble on and on without generating any interest in himself, opera, or the Lyric production. He did make the point–several times–that he likes to create precisely scaled models of his opera sets. Then he expressed his regret that the opera industry can’t manage to sufficiently remunerate renowned artists such as himself for their work. Hockney said he does the designs anyway because he loves opera.
He concluded by showing a videotape of scale models of the Turandot set and, presumably, of the lighting intended to illuminate his designs. But the lengthy tape was so dark it was impossible to tell much about the sets or his concept as a whole. (Perhaps the poor tape quality accounts for the palpable restlessness that had set in among those guests who had not dozed off.)
The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, which is overseeing the redevelopment of Navy Pier, has hired Suzanne Brown, the former deputy director of the League of Chicago Theatres, to explore the idea of building a theater for multiple performing arts in the pier. “We’re first going to look at the question of whether it’s feasible,” said Brown, “and if it is, what form it should take.” Some dance and music groups expressed concern about Navy Pier’s remote location relative to downtown Chicago. Brown, high on the scenic beauty of the pier, doesn’t think access to the pier would prove as much of a problem as some arts executives believe. While Brown explores the theater option, the first phase of reconstruction at the pier is expected to start in late spring; it’ll include exposition halls as well as space for restaurants, retail shops, and one or two museums.
Michael Kutza’s 17-Year Plan
