Nixon in China construction is well underway. The set is being built in Richmond, Virginia, by the Blankenship Company.

I will be taking a trip out to the shop to check up on the build just to make sure that they are keeping with strict Vancouver Opera construction standards. The Set Designer, Erhard Rom, will also be visiting the shop to check up on painting techniques.


Look at the size of this podium! There has to be matching big speeches!


Ergonomically appropriate tilt for the back. Wouldn’t mind one of these at home!

The construction is scheduled to be finished, and the set shipped to Vancouver, around the end of the first week of March.

Some fun trivia:

The Blankenship Company is run by Richard Blankenship, who established it in the early 80’s. His credit includes numerous major film and television productions; some of the recent ones include:

John Adams (2008 – HBO mini-series)
The New World (2005)
War of the Worlds (2005)
Mickey (2004)
Iron Jawed Angels (2004 – HBO original movie)
Hearts in Atlantis (2001)
Hannibal (2001)

He also builds sets for many opera companies in North America, including Virginia Opera and New York City Opera.

~ Terry Harper, Director of Production