Tamino meets Godzilla

[pallas_athena]

I need a monster.

At the very beginning of The Magic Flute, Tamino (the hero) is threatened by a monster of some kind, and faints from fear. The libretto describes it as a "giftige Schlange"-- a venomous serpent. (English National Opera had a python-type snake strangling Tamino, while Covent Garden had a giant snake-puppet operated by multiple people.)

I want the monster to return at least once after the first scene: to dance with Tamino when he plays his flute, in order to show that he's no longer quite so helpless. If I can get a really good monster, I'll work out ways to give it some more stage-time.

I think I need a dragon. Preferably a 2-person costume. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make one that doesn't look completely lame?

Comments

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

Oh, they're beautiful! And effective, and operable by one person... excellent.

[wolfinthewood.livejournal.com]

When, and where, is this production taking place?

[artnouveauho.livejournal.com]

Oxford, 5, 6 and 7 November. It clashes with Bonfire Night, sadly, but ought to be fun nevertheless.

[larissa-00.livejournal.com]

So soon! Oh my goodness. Ok, I can see why you want to keep rehersals tight.