It
is Shakespeare's most popular play... and it turned out to be
one of my most complicated costuming jobs. The director decided
early on to adapt this classic to reflect the first Indian revolution
against the British in 1849. This was also one of my most researched
plays. When it was all over, the research filled a two-inch
notebook. Special thanks also go to the four Indian cast members
who were able to tell me about India's customs and traditions.
Claudius'
costumes were some of the most complicated of the more than
90 costumes me and my staff created.
Like
all the costumes, my design starts out as a drawing where
it is then approved by the director.
Hamlet's
father is a ghost in the story. To help with the illusion, I
designed the costume using gold, white and creme colors.
These
colors, combined with special lighting, fog and makeup, produced
a very convincing ghost.
All
of the faux jewelry had to be created and set by hand. This
is an extremely time-consuming process but very effective on
stage.
Also,
all the women cast members were specially taught by the Indian
women castmembers on how to wrap themselves with the special
costumes.
