The Happy Prince
How do you make a dancer look like a statue - and still be able to move? This fluid gold suit is Carpenter's solution.
The Designs of The Happy Prince
Want to get a feel for the vibrant colour, larger-than-life characters and humour of The Happy Prince, our world-premiere ballet by Graeme Murphy? Check out Kim Carpenter’s lovingly detailed designs.
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Published on
26 Nov 2019
The Swallow
The faithful Swallow, who delays his journey south to help the Happy Prince give his wealth to the poor, is transformed in this version into a larky teenager with punk stylings and a skateboard. He will learn some beautiful lessons about loyalty and sacrifice.
Rita Reed
The Swallow is infatuated with a sinuous Reed, whose costume suggests the showgirls of the Tivoli era.
The Artist
The poor Artist, one of the struggling souls that the Happy Prince longs to help, is assailed by doubt but buoyed up by his muse.
The Mayoress
In Wilde's version, we have a Mayor, but Graeme Murphy makes her into a florid Mayoress.
The Little Match Girl
High on his statue, the Happy Prince can see the plight of his vulnerable subjects, like the little girl who sells matches on the street.
The Seamstress' Son
The Seamstress labours over fine dresses for rich ladies, but is too poor to care for her sick son. With the help of riches bestowed on her by the Swallow from the Happy Prince, she can help him get well again.