Making a scene

Acclaimed set and costume designer Tracy Grant Lord is sprinkling more than fairy dust on the Royal NZ Ballet's reimagining of a Christmas classic.

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Tracy Grant Lord designed her first opera at 23 and has since been in demand for shows by the Royal New Zealand Ballet, NZ Opera, Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Singapore Dance Theatre and regional theatre and ballet companies. Her work on the RNZB’s 2023 production of Romeo & Juliet contributed to a standout production that was nominated for an Olivier award when it toured the UK. For the RBNZ’s pre-Christmas tour of The Nutcracker, the costumes alone call for 5000m of fabric, 15,000 crystals and 10,000 sequins – but she and artistic director Ty King-Wall are promising to bring a distinct “summer in Aotearoa” twist to the production.

What is your earliest memory?
Wandering through a garden in the arms of my grandfather as he named all the flowers and trees for me. It's a very early memory often retold by my parents and was formative, as I have investigated life ever since through flora and especially trees.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?
To be an archaeologist was my dream job. I imagined a lifetime of exploration and exotic discovery wearing gorgeous block colour khaki drills with beautiful handmade boots. I was drawn to the androgyny of the role as I was born into a time when women really could do anything.

When were you happiest?
Waking up in the morning on one of my dad's various motorboats to the smell of fresh fish cooking in the pan and surrounded by the sea with the beginning of a brand-new beautiful day beneath a big blue sky.

What makes you unhappy?
Anyone or anything that is hurting in any way. I find this all too difficult. It has a visceral effect on me and I certainly avoid seeing or hearing it.