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Costumes & Characters
Soda Stereo was formed during a time of political strife in Argentina, and the
band’s music brought freshness and vitality to teenagers, and appealed to their
desire for freedom. Music often nourishes our inner world – a place where we can
take refuge and imagine a better world. For costume designer Dominique Lemieux,
the costumes of SEP7IMO DIA are woven from the threads of hope of this younger
generation.
The world of the show is made of the vibrations and sounds that emanate from the
music, like ripples in water, and these vibrations and sounds have made their way
into the shapes and volumes of the costumes. For example, the characters Soda and
Stereo have speakers jutting out of their stomachs, as if their whole bodies
vibrate to the sound of the music. The colors, patterns and textures of the
costumes seem like natural expressions of the music.
For Dominique, the provocative post-punk fashion
styles of the 1980s are often associated with the notion of disguise. Soda Stereo
established looks and weird new haircuts, drawing their inspiration from the
underground scene in the UK and the rest of Europe. The costumes of SEP7IMO DIA,
including the extravagant headdresses, reflect these experimental trends with
an added elegance that also borrows from other periods.
The characters from the banquine act are called the Grisailles (Greys) and
represent the younger generation that is taking its rightful place in society;
they all dress the same except for a splash of color that sets them apart and
highlights their uniqueness. The Eccentrics, including the characters Soda,
Stereo and the Sun Lady, have totally embodied the music of Soda Stereo in
the new world; Soda and Stereo’s costumes are extravagant and have soundwave
patterns, as if they were the physical incarnation of the music.
Working with [Agostina to specify the name of person], Eugenia Palafox,
Argentinian wigmaker, Dominique Lemieux designed headdresses using synthetic
hair, vinyl and metallic appliqués that either reflect the post-punk fashion
of the 1980s and 1990s or mimic sound vibrations.
L’Assoiffé
A young man in his late teens, L’Assoiffé (French for ‘Thirsty Man’),
hungers for meaning and social justice. He dreams of a better world and
longs for love, friendship and a genuine connection with others. He is an
artist and a poet living in a world of oppression reminiscent of Argentina
during the military dictatorship. He discovers music as a means of escaping
the grim realities of life, but more importantly as a way to connect with
others in a meaningful way. For him, music is a source of light, optimism
and hope.
Soda & Stereo
These two are inhabitants of the world that L’Assoiffé has escaped to,
and are there to guide him along. Soda and Stereo have speakers jutting out
of their stomachs, as if their whole bodies vibrated to the sounds and
music of Soda Stereo ready to be shared with the world. They embody the
feminine and masculine sides of Soda Stereo’s music on this world.
Grisailles (Greys)
The Grisailles represent the younger generation resolvedly pushing
for change. They are fashion conscious and all dress the same. But
underneath their dark exterior, they each have their own vibrant colors
and bold patterns that reflect their uniqueness and distinct personalities.
Lois in Space
This character is a tribute to Alfredo Lois, an old classmate of Gustavo
and Zeta, who went on to become Soda Stereo's video director as well as the
band’s visual and stylistic guru. Lois Alfredo recorded most of Soda Stereo’s
performances throughout their careers and chronicled the band’s life on and
off stage. Lois in Space has a camera built into his head. He films some of
the action on the SEP7IMO DIA stage, which is then projected overhead in real
time.
Shadows of Childhood
The three characters called the Shadows of Childhood represent Charly,
Zeta and Gustavo when they were kids and evoke their eternal youth. They
first appear inside the Wheels of Childhood through archival images depicting
their childhood days. The three wheels follow separate paths until they
interconnect as a symbol of the formation of Soda Stereo. The Shadows of
Childhood are L’Assoiffé’s guardian angels.
Dog Lady
This character is inspired by the illustration of a clothed Doberman
that appears in the 1984 “Dietetico” music video. The Dog Lady has a
Doberman’s head and wears a short fur coat and fashionista sunglasses. As
curious as she is nosy, the coquettish and exuberant Dog Lady knows
everything about everybody in the Soda Stereo world.
The Gardener
The Gardener is a wacky character who goes around with a watering can
in his hand and has a mushroom sprouting from the top of his head. He
presides over all plant life, which feed on the energy of the music. Instead
of planting seeds, he sows vibrations and good intentions in the world of
SEP7IMO DIA.
Coeur Brisé
A throwback to pre-democracy Argentina, this character embodies the
nostalgia and loneliness of youth overdosing on television to escape
reality. He carries on his shoulders all the sadness of freedom lost,
of friendships that will never be. Corazón Roto’s encounter with the Dog
Lady will make his sadness literally fly away.
Femme Solaire
This archetypal character is the ultimate femme fatale – beauty
incarnate. She is connected to the music and brings light into the world
of SEP7IMO DIA. L’Assoiffé, who has fallen passionately in love with the
Femme Solaire, is transfixed by charm, pureness and integrity.
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