The wizards backstage
Ingenious special effects and high-tech spectacles are becoming de rigeur in theatrical productions, but are they worth the expense?
A rehearsal from the New York Metropolitan Opera production of Wagner's Das Rheingold. The set was designed by Canadian Robert LePage.
From Nineteen Eight-Four: Alex Lazaridis Ferguson, being restrained, taunted by Joel Ballard.
Owen Sharpe (Pippin) and Dylan Roberts (Merry) encounter the Ents of Fangorn in a scene from the World Premiere production of The Lord of the Rings. Toronto, 2006.
Lord of the Rings cast member Joe Eigo practices his moves during dress rehearsal in Toronto, Friday October 28, 2005.Aaron Harris
An image from the original London production of The Railway Children.
A rehearsal image from the Metropolitan Opera production of Wagner's Das Rheingold in New York. The stage and settings were designed by Robert LePage.
A production image from the New York Metropolitan Opera's staging of Wagner's Das Rheingold. The set was created by director Robert LePage .