The world of Pied Piper: meet Costume & Scenic Designer Hanne Loosen
It may be a bite-sized show, but creating the visual world of Pied Piper is an opera-sized task! Meet Hanne Loosen, Set & Costume Designer, who's building the town of Hamelin and the curious characters who live there. We asked Hanne about designing opera — that moves!
How have you imagined the visual world of Pied Piper in your set and costume design?
HL: "For me, the scenery and props were inspired by the children's books that I read to my daughter. Some of my favorites are illustrated in watercolours, so I started to use this medium myself to draw streets, buildings, and rats."
What's the trick to designing sets and costumes that travel well, for the Pied Piper tour?
HL: "It all needs to fit easily in a truck to go on the road, so sturdy and easy shapes are best. We make everything extra sturdy so it can take a punch."
Do you have a favourite moment in Pied Piper?
HL: "I love how the Mayor and Clerk haggle the money back from Pied in this version. This might be a funny wink for the adults who can relate to having your hard-worked money disappear so quickly."
What's a non-opera-related skill you have that you're most proud of?
HL: "I finished running my first half-marathon in October, of which I am very proud."
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Set design by Hanne Loosen for Pied Piper, 2026.
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Set design by Hanne Loosen for Pied Piper, 2026.
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Set design by Hanne Loosen for Pied Piper, 2026.
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Pied Piper costume design by Hanne Loosen.
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Woodland Nymph costume design by Hanne Loosen.
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Woodland Nymph headpiece design by Hanne Loosen.
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