What if... The Mask Wasn't Just a Prop?

This is the oldest photo on my phone, taken on November 4, 2023, during one of the most striking moments in our production. It features the incredibly talented actress Sofia Pekkari, dressed in a red latex bodysuit, wearing a wig and a simple yet oddly creepy mask. She wears this at the very end of the big opening number, and while there’s nothing inherently sinister about the mask—it's just a neutral face—it manages to unsettle everyone who sees it. There’s something about its blank expression, combined with the boldness of the red suit, that gives off a chilling vibe.

 The photo was taken backstage in Stockholm, just after Sofia’s first full run-through in this costume. The dim lighting and the busy stage setting in the background add to the eerie, theatrical feel of the moment. The juxtaposition of Sofia’s intense presence in this bold costume against the chaos and hustle of the backstage world is what makes this image so memorable for me. It’s an image that captures the magic of live theater—the transformation from everyday to extraordinary in just a few steps offstage.

What makes this image even more special is the emotion it evokes. Every time I look at it, I remember the electricity of that night, the nervous excitement in the air, and how even though the mask is just part of the costume, it never fails to make my heart skip a beat. It represents everything I love about working in theater—the unexpected, the powerful visuals, and the emotional rollercoaster that brings us all together.

If you're someone who loves behind-the-scenes moments or enjoys diving deep into the strange, wonderful world of costume and performance, this one’s for you. The mix of surreal and theatrical in this photo is a perfect snapshot of what makes our work so compelling.

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 #creativeinspiration #emotionaleffect #visualstorytelling  

 #behindthescenes #performanceart #theaterworld  

 #scenliv #kostymdesign #teatermagin

Curious to see more? Stay tuned for more snapshots and stories from the world behind the curtain!