Written by David Winfield and Barbara George
When talent comes to The Court, we welcome her with open arms. A ready partner for the workshop team, there is nothing that this capable theatre professional can’t turn her hand to, her paint splattered overalls giving us some clue to the huge number of productions she has crafted.
Anne Le Blond was born and raised in France, but moved to NZ thanks to a work holiday visa programme. She applied to The Court Theatre working initially as a freelancer before being offered a full time position.
Gaining a certificate in light, sound, stage management, and set machinery over 10 years ago, she set her sights on scenic art and design, enrolling in a fine art programme. Anne graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Production Art and Design, from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, specialising in set construction.
Since then Anne has worked for major theatre and opera companies, TV and film studios across Europe, including Scottish Opera, the BBC (Coronation Street), Luc Besson's cinema studio and many more.
Here in New Zealand she has primarily worked at The Court and Te Papa in Wellington.
Anne considers herself fortunate to be working in the workshop team at The Court because it enables her to use a broad range of her skills in expertise as a carpenter as well as a welder, prop maker and set designer.
But it is mainly her work as a scenic artist that has set her apart. Alongside her love for theatre, it is the diversity in the job that appeals, not being one for repetitive tasks.
O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua was her first set design for The Court but she has also helped build sets for Elling; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Father.
She particularly enjoyed working to realise Julian Southgate’s design of The Wind in the Willows, commenting that his shows “tend to be very scenic orientated, very challenging, and the most rewarding”.
Anne is part of a supportive team where colleagues mutually encourage. She is particularly proud that being a woman in this field means she is able to be a role model for the young talent who see her at The Court, and wonder if they could do it too.
Her advice is simple: “the work is demanding, particularly where there are time pressures. But you are part of a team who loves to solve problems and produce beautiful work. Grab that paint brush – we have work to do!”