Sourcing and Set Developments.

This week I have solved quite a few set issues and decided on materials and amounts. For the last tavern sign we are going to re-use some plastic mirror from a previous production. This is great as it does look like glass but is much safer. I would like the banners for the Knight's tale (Arcita and Palamon p28 of the script) to be two of the fighting staffs with fabric tied around them. I think this goes more with the feel and spontaneous nature of the play. Below is the sketch I sent to the director:

To reacquaint myself with the draping of the bench coverings I tested the different ones that would be performed in the play. The fabric I used for the test is thicker than the fabric for the coverings. The fabric I have chosen for the coverings is called Amazon Linen Bleached by Whaleys. It has a good texture and weave and a floppiness to it that will make it good for the draping. See below:

 Arcita

Palamon

 Diana

 Mars

Venus

The Roman Emperor

Theseus

The Empress

Hippolyta

This experiment helped me to realise that the covers needed to be a bit more rectangular, so I changed the sizes slightly to improve this. Below are some pictures of some other options for the Wife of Bath. As her costume is quite large it might be easier for her to try some different options.

Below also shows the warden and the Messenger's draping although their costumes will be tartan. I think that I need more woolen and textural tartans than my original choices for these characters therefore this is something to keep in mind when fabric shopping an talking to my supervisor and buyer.

 Messenger

Warden

I will present these draping costumes to the actors on the first day of rehearsals so that they can ask any questions and understand the concept better.
I think that I am understanding more and more a designer's role in a production and how much you need to stand up for your designs and to only compromise where necessary. I think that I'm gaining more confidence in my designs from the success of things that have already been created, for example the benches.

This week I also had a meeting with the lighting designer to ensure that we had all the areas and focus points covered. I don't have much experience with lighting and the technical aspect of lighting but I have seen a lot of theatre and know how I want the set to look to the audience. I think in this aspect of design it will really help when we get in to the Studio theatre, to just test and see how this will work. I think this will improve my confidence in this aspect.
This week I went with my buyer and supervisor to Hierarchy to see if there were some costumes that might be good to hire for the production.

 Yeoman, shirt options -would need some lacing added. Above and Below.

 Chaucer option- not so keen on the gold buttons and patterned fabric.

 Cook- correct colour and good fabric but overlocked edges, can we hide these?

 Chaucer's hat-correct shape.

 Optional shoes below- bit long?

 Below, Wife of bath?

 Laurel reefs- I like these as they look and feel real and they sit on the head well. They had two.

 Crowns-the one on the right was the best at this hire department.

 Parson's hat? Bit Victorian?

Overall this visit was a good start towards getting the correct items although I think the National will be a very good place to visit and also History in the Making in Southampton as a back up.