a year ago
3
10
Posted On: December 4th 2025, 12:37 pm
more illustrations from my folk theatre re-imagining of Woolf's 'Orlando'. The sudden and unexplained transformations in the novel, from character's genders to the time period, encouraged me to lean into a whimsical, non-naturalistic style inspired by the likes of Kneehigh and @emmaricecompany .
How could a small ensemble of performers quickly change costumes in view of the audience? Ribbons! layers! - I looked at traditional Mummer’s plays and Morris dance, and of course the incredible costumes and theatrics of @boss.morris , and the stripy stays of @belles_of_london_city
@e_m_parry was another huge inspiration - their experimental use of historical garments as unconventional accessories was key in inpsiring my exploration of gender and transformation through dress.
With performers wearing historical underwear inspired ensembles, the costumes could serve as a blank canvas ready to decorate with accessories of varying personas - different eras, statues and genders. And that’s all they are, accessories. Artifice.
Orlando’s perfomer, who wouldn’t multi-roleplay, would make use of multiple ties in a patchworked base costumes - allowing for adjustable lengths, detachable collars and sleeves etc to progress with time - before finally stripping down to a silky teddy underneath everything else. Peeling back the artifice and costume to a hidden true self that had always been there.
Atop nightgowns, bloomers, and farmer’s smocks: a love letter to folk culture and heritage craft - morris tatter jackets and baldrics, hoop skirts made from willow, horse brasses, corn dollies, roses and castles narrow boat painting. Minimal elements of the actual historical ensembles needed to communicate the character, but maximum whimsical patterns, colours and textures in the decoration. This was a quick project, and of the designs I fully realised the canal boat stays. But, I would love to explore this style further. It felt like playing dress up for me too! 🌹✨🪗
How could a small ensemble of performers quickly change costumes in view of the audience? Ribbons! layers! - I looked at traditional Mummer’s plays and Morris dance, and of course the incredible costumes and theatrics of @boss.morris , and the stripy stays of @belles_of_london_city
@e_m_parry was another huge inspiration - their experimental use of historical garments as unconventional accessories was key in inpsiring my exploration of gender and transformation through dress.
With performers wearing historical underwear inspired ensembles, the costumes could serve as a blank canvas ready to decorate with accessories of varying personas - different eras, statues and genders. And that’s all they are, accessories. Artifice.
Orlando’s perfomer, who wouldn’t multi-roleplay, would make use of multiple ties in a patchworked base costumes - allowing for adjustable lengths, detachable collars and sleeves etc to progress with time - before finally stripping down to a silky teddy underneath everything else. Peeling back the artifice and costume to a hidden true self that had always been there.
Atop nightgowns, bloomers, and farmer’s smocks: a love letter to folk culture and heritage craft - morris tatter jackets and baldrics, hoop skirts made from willow, horse brasses, corn dollies, roses and castles narrow boat painting. Minimal elements of the actual historical ensembles needed to communicate the character, but maximum whimsical patterns, colours and textures in the decoration. This was a quick project, and of the designs I fully realised the canal boat stays. But, I would love to explore this style further. It felt like playing dress up for me too! 🌹✨🪗
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