Architects Herzog & de Meuron have collaborated on the set and costume designs for Attila at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Herzog & de Meuron have taken to the Met stage for the first time, with the new set design for Verdi's ninth opera 'Attila'. With lighting design by Jean Kalman and Robby Duiveman as associate costume designer, the architects have collaborated with Miuccia Prada on the set and costume designs.

Attila takes place in the mid-fifth century as the remnants of the western Roman Empire crumble before the barbarian invasions. The opera is based on a German Romantic play by Friedrich Ludwig Zacharias Werner – Attila, König der Hunnen – and involves attempts to spare Italy from the onslaught of Attila the Hun’s hordes. While historical in nature, the opera also reflects contemporary themes such as the current political climate, and the ongoing clash of religions; the costume and set design both reflect these themes.

The destruction of Attila is mirrored in the destruction of the set, and reference is made to warfare through artificially-green military lights shining onto the stage. Prada's costume designs work in harmony with the set design, in similar tones to the ruin and rubble.

Performances run until March 27, 2010 and should satisfy both traditional opera fans and those desiring to see modern costume and set design.

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