In the course of our hectic visit to Riga in March, we had a chance to tour around the backstage areas at Latvian National Opera. Like every opera house, it's a rabbit warren, full of things to interest the curious opera and ballet-goer. Here are some of the things that caught our eye: be sure to click on the double-headed arrow to see them at full size.
A photography crew was in the house taking promo shots for a forthcoming Swan Lake, with fully lit scenery including projected flying swans.
This ballet rehearsal space looked fabulous: check out the dancer stretched out in the left of the image, who seemed oblivious to our presence.
Now that's what I call a barre. By the way, the skyline outside is actually behind the photographer: what you're looking at is a giant mirror the full size of the wall.
The dance costumes are endlessly fascinating. What's particularly impressive is the quality of detail on the black lace in the second picture.
The wood shop has plenty to excite any one-time woodworkers...
...as, for that matter, does the array of spray cans. Banksy would have a field day...
And here, is some of what they're making: a gorgeous scale model, about 50cm wide of the whole set of an opera.
