Theoretical Theatre Project
Set Box - Scene 2b
For my second part of my Final Major project at Uni, I have been designing the stage and costume for a theoretically set production of Threepenny Opera. I wanted to set this in 1953, of a real Queen's coronation, as opposed to the traditional setting of the play, Victorian. For the project I wanted to base the production in Soho Theatre, as this added a nice touch that the story is set in Soho.
Trying to put as much of reality into the theoretically set production, I wanted to give myself a fairly small budget, and stick to designing costumes from being either hired, or sourced, this to me, made it more relevant to the industry, and also more relevant to how I may be working in the near future.
Taking inspiration from both 1953, and also with elements of present day trends and styling, I came up with costume designs that would work for a modern audience, yet still be in keeping with the time I had set.
Macheath is probably my most favourite design, as he represents the emerging sub-culture trend and youth of the 1950's, the Teddy boy. I wanted to interpret the gangster character of Mac, into a 1950's model, and felt that the model of a young Ted would depict this character well.
The love interests of Mac have strong character concepts when it comes to their costume, I have tried to portray each ones characteristics through their silhouette and choice of styling.
The characters of Mr. and Mrs. Peachum, are what one could call, 1950's 'chavs'! I really enjoy making connections to period characters with modern day equivalents. I chose to represent this through a cartoon affect, of tight leopard print on Mrs. and Burberry print on Mr. The fact that their costumes are slightly warmer in tone also is that it makes them seem lighter. They are never too serious, and usually encourage the most amount of laughs.
I am really pleased with my outcome for this project, and would actually really love for it have been a real event, as I have had so much fun designing it...I guess I just need a director and producer now...and some actors...oh and a budget wouldn't hurt....! :)
