Theatrical Costume

Western theater tradition has its foundations in the Greek celebrations honouring Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. The traditional costume for Greek tragedy consisted of a long tunic, a stylized mask for character recognition, and a pair of high-soled shoes. All of these garments were exclusively for theatrical use. One cannot act the hero in everyday wear. Short tunics, much like those worn by ordinary citizens, were thought appropriate to comedy.

The costume conventions established by the Greeks essentially remained the same until the fall of the Roman Empire, when Western theatre disappeared for eight hundred years.

From the fifth century mystery plays, which depicted the lives of the saints, were increasingly performed both inside the church and on church grounds. Then they moved to the market squares. Costumes worn in the early religious dramas were ecclesiastical garments.

It was during the Renaissance that scenery and costume came to be even more important than the text. Costumes depicted gods, animals, and mythological creatures, as well as emotions.

Costumes for Shakespeare's plays were a mixture of various periods. Most parts were performed in contemporary dress either owned by the actor or provided by the theater. A helmet or breastplate indicated a soldier. Fairies and nymphs might wear classical draperies.

The same principles were applied to costume in the seventeenth and eighteen centuries. Most actors and especially actresses dressed as fashionably as possible. A turban indicated an Eastern character. A helmet signified a soldier. Performers provided their own wardrobe with the exception of special items provided by the theater.

The period between the 1770s and the 1870s saw a drive toward historical accuracy in costume design. Travelling became relatively easier, written reports and exhibitions increased people's knowledge of other cultures. They wanted what they saw and read about to be reflected on the stage.

Theaters used every available resource to create authentic costumes for actors. This new realistic style greatly influenced Paris and Moscow theaters.

Nowadays, theatrical costumes are designed to support the script. If realism or historicism is central to the text, the costumes will accurately reflect the clothing appropriate to the period or to the environment. Costumes for the theater have special requirements in fit, colour and effect. Garments must allow the performer's body to move easily and be well made. For example, costumes of professional actors and dancers often receive hard wear. Constant use or vigorous movement for dancers, circus clowns, and acrobats can put a strain on garments, thus requiring sturdy fabrics and specific construction. When many viewers see costumes from afar, colours or other aspects of design may be exaggerated for effect. Some colours, therefore, may be more bold or brilliant than choices for everyday dress. Such choices depend on the interpretation of the costume designer in planning the outfit for each performer's individual role and for the interaction among the performers.

IV Answer the questions:

1. What was the traditional costume for Greek tragedy?

2. When did the costume and scenery come to be even more important than the text?

3. What did costumes depict during the Renaissance?

4. Could you describe the costumes for Shakespeare’s plays?

5. When did realistic style become popular?

6. What did actors and actresses wear in the 17^th and 18^th centuries?

7. Are modern theatrical costumes designed to support the script?

8. What are special requirements for theatrical costumes?

9. How should colours be used in costumes for actors and dancers?

Дата добавления: 2015-09-05