Francesca Pipi

Costumist Francesca Pipi was born in Palermo in the family of the historic “Sartoria Teatrale Pipi”. She earned her university degree in Political Science with a major in Administration from the University of Palermo. She began working in the family business as a little girl accumulating noteworthy experience in the production and administration of theatrical costumes and accessories. Her professional experience includes work as a costumist, stage technical director, professor of costume history, assistant stage director, wardrobe mistress, stage manager and professor of theatrical costume production. She has collaborated with the following theatres Bilbao, Ferrara, Regio di Parma, Luglio Musicale Trapanese, Operama Lisbona Amsterdam, Teatro Sociale Mantova, Art Centre Soeul Korea, Teatro Verdi Padova, Teatro Comunale Imperia, Earls Court London, Helsinki, Teatro S. Pedro S. Paolo Brasile, Teatro Bellini Catania, Teatru Manoel Malta, Teatro Comunale Todi, Teatro Romano di Cartagine, Teatro Antico Taormina. Francesca Pipi is the costumist for the double bill of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Nino Rota’s Notte di un Nevrastenico, which are part of the ninth edition of the BOV Opera Festival taking place this month in collaboration with Italy’s Operalaboratrio.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

41 years old… a Capricorn.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I’m not really sure.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I don’t have one.

What is your favourite occupation?

What I do… theatre costumist.

Significant other?

I’m not sure.

What is your greatest fear?

I don’t have one.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Generosity.

How would you like to die?

Ideally, in my sleep.

What is your greatest

extravagance?

Ice cream!

What is your greatest regret?

To not have entered politics.

What is your most treasured possession?

My children.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I’d like to be able to dance.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Starvation in Africa.

Where would you like to live?

Preferably out of the city… in the country.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I’m stubborn.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

Madre Teresa di Calcutta.

What is it that you most

dislike?

The continuous delays in airports.

What is your motto?

Live serenely.