Week 6 - Hands On Assignment: Costuming
Costume Design Write-Up Play: Fences
Character: Rose Scene: Act II, when Rose talks to Troy about his betrayal
In this scene, the costume of strength, suffering, and dignity is of Rose. This is achieved through the portrayal of the character in a house dress of light-blue cotton from the mid-1950s. Though light-blue depicts loyalty and calmness, cotton responds better to fatigue.
Apron,There are scattered food stains on the apron, signifying daily work that goes unseen but is still vital. Presence of house shoes indicates that one is not well prepared for the coming battle.
In terms of hairstyle, Rose has her hair down in frizzy pin curls, rather than done in such a way as to give the impression of professionalism and tidiness. In terms of makeup, this is kept very muted, the eyes are bloodshot from suppressed crying, and aside from the wedding ring, little cosmetic enhancement is evident.
Together, the costume represents the vulnerability and exhaustion in addition to the resilience in Rose.
