Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Costuming Tartuffe?

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Costuming Tartuffe?

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Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
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Topic: Costuming Tartuffe?

Posted By: SweeneyBob
Subject: Costuming Tartuffe?
Date Posted: 2/23/10 at 2:38am

I would like to direct a low budget production of Tartuffe. My one worry is how I would costume it--without directly modernizing it.
How can I use more modern clothing pieces but achieve 17th century shapes and silhouettes?
Or should I do a sort of anachronistic costume design?

Replies:

Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 2/23/10 at 1:56pm

Panniers weren't yet part of the French fashion scene, so you're spared that nightmare. I think you could do a "rehearsal" "Tartuffe" - along the lines of the Gielgud/Burton "Hamlet" back in the sixties. Have the characters dress in modern clothing that emulates the lines of period clothing, with colors that fit the characters' personalities. Like a cast would do while rehearsing a play - the ladies would wear long skirts to get used to moving in them. The men would wear jackets and capes and rapiers and walking sticks, etc. - to get used to using them. Have your set an unfinished shell, and do a lot with lighting and music.

Another approach - if your heart is set on full costume, but the expense of multiple costumes for all the characters would be prohibitive. Begin your play in modern dress (jeans and sweatshirts and the like, using make-do items for props and costume pieces), and as the play progresses, add bits of costuming, props and sets - sort of like you would see happening during your multiple weeks of rehearsing - so that by the last act everyone is fully costumed and the set is completely dressed. You could even go so far as to have the actors carrying their scripts in the first scene, gradually dispensing with them as they "learn" their lines. This would give the audience a view of what goes into putting on a play, and the additional fun of watching the play "come together".

Posted By: vickifrank
Date Posted: 2/23/10 at 3:24pm

Have you considered using 'costume notes'? The idea is that each character uses modern clothes with one signature item that suggests the 17th century--perhaps a hat or peasant shirt with a waist cinch or high boots. The item can be tied to a part of the character.

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Posted By: SweeneyBob
Date Posted: 2/24/10 at 1:22am

Mmmm Some really nice ideas here. A kind of "Rehearsal Tartuffe" is pretty much what I originally envisioned. I guess the question is how to create the look or outline of a mid 17th c. costume with modern clothing.

The idea of costume notes is interesting. May be something to try.

And as for the panniers, that was really my big concern. I see it in so many Tartuffe costume designs, though.

Posted By: neilfortin
Date Posted: 3/16/10 at 9:45am

Hey SweenyBob....

Panniers are pretty cheap to do, if you are going to go for that look (although not typically correct for the 17th century) Women would use bumrolls. If you are having your actresses wear long skirts, also have them wear a roll shaped pillow tied around their waist. It will absolutly give the correct sillouhette. We just finished up Pirates of Penzance, set in the mid 1700's and boy was it expensive to do.
I have a better explanation and pattern for a bum roll if you would like to PM!

Neil

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Posted By: lclosner
Date Posted: 4/03/10 at 11:12am

You might check Drama Exchange. They are a pretty new resource for costumes, sets, props, etc for theatrical productions. You can both buy items or sell things you don't want anymore. http://www.dramaexchange.com - www.dramaexchange.com