TOP GIRLS

The decision has been made, I'll be designing both the set and costume for the play;


                                                                  'Top Girls'
                                                           by Caryl Churchill.


To begin the designing process I am drawing up a character analysis for each character, from this I hope to be able to design a fitting costume so as to communicate to the audience how I see the character.
I am also in the process of researching the 1980's. I am hoping this will give me a deeper understanding into the character's lives and a knowledge of the fashion. This play however is not wholly focused on the 80's; in the opening scene strong female characters from the past are invited to a meal to celebrate Marlene's successful promotion at work.
My research will extend to the 19th Century for the character Isabella Bird. The next character Lady Nijo will require research into 13th Century Japan. Dull Gret is the subject of a 14th century painting; 'Dulle Griet' by Pieter Breughel. The next character is Pope Joan who will require research into 9th century. Then finally Patient Griselda who is a 12th Century fictional character from  'The Canterbury Tales' in 'The Clerk's Tale' and 'Petrarch's Tales' by Chaucer.


The use of different periods is exciting as it allows me to design a range of costumes, not only from Britain's history but Japan, Rome and the Netherlands.