Behind the scenes of grand ballet and opera productions, there is a whole world of skill, patience and painstaking handwork. In the sewing warehouse of the Astana Opera Theatre, images are born that make viewers fall in love with them at first sight. Here, among fabrics, threads, sketches and patterns, a team of professionals works under the leadership of the head of the sewing workshop Fatima Satybaldina, who knows everything about theatrical costumes - from the first line to the last fitting. In an interview with Qazaq Culture, our heroine told us where the creation of stage costumes begins, how many people are involved in the process and why a stage outfit is not just clothes, but an extension of the role.

Each premiere is like a new chapter for the theatre. Where does the costume begin its journey to the stage? How is a stage image born - from a sketch to a finished outfit?

- That's right, each premiere is an exciting and responsible process for us. Everything begins with the sketches of the costume designer. Next, we assemble a team: women's and men's costume technologists, an artist's assistant, and cutters. We discuss each image: style, silhouette, fit features, fabrics, and decorative elements.
After this, an estimate is made and fabrics are purchased. As soon as the materials arrive from the warehouse to the sewing shop, work begins. Technologists distribute tasks and explain the intricacies of sewing to each craftsman. After the first fitting, the costumes are adjusted for a specific artist. On average, it takes 3 to 4 days to create one costume. A week before the premiere, we hand over the costumes to the artists so that they can rehearse in them and get into the stage image.

What materials and techniques are most often used for stage costumes? Does the approach differ depending on the genre - ballet, opera, modern choreography?

- Of course, the approach is always individual. Ballet costumes require elastic, stretchable fabrics so as not to restrict movement. But opera artists ask for materials that “breathe” — light, comfortable in hot stage conditions and long performances. We always focus on the artist’s comfort and, of course, on the artistic task.

How many people are usually involved in the process of sewing costumes for a major premiere? And how much time does it take to prepare one performance?

— On average, about 23 people work on a production. Of these, 12 are tailors, two cutters, two technologists, several assistants, hat masters and, of course, costume designers. Everything depends on the scale of the production — there are performances that require 200 or more costumes. In such cases, the work can last for months.

Are there situations when costumes have to be urgently altered — literally the night before the premiere? How does the team cope with force majeure?

— Yes, it happens. Sometimes an artist suddenly falls ill, and we have to urgently adjust or completely remake a costume for another performer. Then we work as a team in an emergency mode - in a coordinated manner, quickly, without panic. We have a well-coordinated team, and everyone knows that the success of the entire production depends on them.

Do you remember any costumes especially - in complexity, in beauty, in history?

- There are many such examples. For example, in the play "Notre Dame de Paris", the sleeves of one of the dresses alone were 2.5-3 meters long - a very complex design that was sewn especially for the ballet stage, where the artist appears for literally a minute. Or "Cinderella" - an incredible amount of organza, multi-tiered skirts, complex trim. These costumes required colossal time and attention to detail.
But when you see your work on stage - in motion, in the spotlight, in combination with music - your heart stops. The audience does not see it, but we, the backstage masters, know: every stitch in this costume is part of the miracle.

How would you describe your work in one word?

- Magic. We create images that transport artists and audiences to other eras, other worlds. We are part of this theatrical magic. And this is true happiness.