History of Theatre Costume
– Ancient Greek village festivals and processions in honor of Dionysus are believed to be the origin of theatre and theatre costume.
– Ritualized masks were used in ancient Greek theatre, giving each character a specific look.
– The Romans continued the mask tradition, making it easier for actors to play multiple roles.
– During the late Middle Ages in Europe, dramatic enactments of Bible stories were prevalent, and actual Christian vestments were worn as costumes.
– In Elizabethan performance, costume became the most important visual element, with garments made of expensive fabrics.
– In the 18th century, major actors competed for the most lavish stage dress.
– In the 19th century, realism became favored in theatrical costume, with authenticity and accuracy emphasized.
– In the 19th century, Adrienne Lecouvreur adopted elaborate court dress for tragedy, setting a new standard.
– James Planché advocated for accurate costumes in Shakespearean plays in the 19th century.
– In the 20th century, innovative modern dress productions of Shakespeare plays emerged.
Cultural Significance of Theatre Costume
– Chinese theatre, especially Beijing Opera, places great importance on costumes, using intense colors and patterns.
– Symbolic significance is found in the designs and colors used in Chinese theatre costumes.
– Japanese Noh drama uses wooden masks and traditional costumes, while Kabuki relies on makeup and exaggerated features.
– Traditional costumes in Japanese theatre are based on historical garments altered for dramatic effect.
– Costumes in different cultures and traditions reflect social status, character types, and symbolic meanings.
The Costume Design Process
– The first step in costume design is the analysis of the script, music, and choreography.
– Design collaboration is essential, with all designers meeting the director to establish the overall show concept.
– Costume research is conducted to establish the world and characters of the play.
– Preliminary sketching and color layout help visualize the show and maintain the rules of the world.
– Final sketches are created once the costumes and ideas are fully developed and agreed upon by the designer and director.
Importance of Costume in Theatre
– Costume plays a crucial role in establishing the visual elements of a production.
– Costumes help define characters, their personalities, and their roles in the story.
– The choice of costumes can enhance the audience’s understanding of the show’s themes and messages.
– Well-designed costumes contribute to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of a production.
– Costume design is an art form that requires creativity, research, and collaboration to bring characters and stories to life.
Production Process
– Four options for sourcing garments: pulled from costume shops stock, rented, shopped/purchased, constructed (made to order)
– Two methods of garment construction: pattern drafting and draping
– Pattern drafting involves using basic pattern blocks developed from actors measurements
– Draping involves manipulating fabric on a dress form or mannequin to conform to a three-dimensional body
– Costumes must be assessed for their impact on actors performances and function within settings Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costume_design
Costume design is the creation of clothing for the overall appearance of a character or performer. Costume may refer to the style of dress particular to a nation, a class, or a period. In many cases, it may contribute to the fullness of the artistic, visual world which is unique to a particular theatrical or cinematic production. The most basic designs are produced to denote status, provide protection or modesty, or provide visual interest to a character. Costumes may be for a theater, cinema, musical performance, cosplay, parties, or other events. Costume design should not be confused with costume coordination which merely involves altering existing clothing, although both create stage clothes.
Four types of costumes are used in theatrical design: historical, fantastical, dance, and modern.
