Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Plays Monthly Meme December Prompt: Costume [The Merchant of Venice]


I think one of the most interesting aspects of Shakespeare’s plays was costumes. And thanks to Listra’s Plays Monthly Meme dedicated for Let’s Read Plays, we have the chance to post about it. I always admire original costumes for movies or stages, and therefore have browsed some costumes for The Merchant of Venice (the comedy I read for this month) both from original stage performances and illustration, just for comparison (it’s fun, anyway!)

PORTIA

Portia, played by Kate Dolan. 
Painting by Sir John Everett Millais, 1886


From the stage of:
The Merchant of Venice, 2010. 
(Copyright 2010 Utah Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Karl Hugh)
Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, Utah, on July 2nd, 2010
Directed by Sharon Ott, Costumes by David Kay Mickelsen

From what I gathered about Italian women's attire at 17th century, the stage costume photo is more fit for Portia than the painting (although Portia in the painting looks more classy and elegant).


SHYLOCK

played by Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
Painting by Charles Buchel, 1914


From the stage of:
The Merchant of Venice, 2010. 
(Copyright 2010 Utah Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Karl Hugh)
Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, Utah, on July 2nd, 2010

Directed by Sharon Ott, Costumes by David Kay Mickelsen

Although both costumes are similar, I think Shylock looked like some kind of witch in the painting, I think the stage photo is more probable.


JESSICA

Painting by Samuel Luke Fildes, 
from Shakespeare Illustrated, 1888


From the stage of:
The Merchant of Venice, 2010. (Copyright 2010 Utah Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Karl Hugh)
Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, Utah, on July 2nd, 2010
Directed by Sharon Ott, Costumes by David Kay Mickelsen


I don't know which one suits most for a Jewish girl, but I definitely like the painting better... :)



....And while we are talking about costumes, these are more exotic costumes of Portia's exotic suitors...


PRINCE OF MOROCCO

Percy Macquoid (1852-1925)
Costume design for The Merchant of Venice, 1908


PRINCE OF ARAGON



From the stage of:
The Merchant of Venice, 2010. (Copyright 2010 Utah Shakespeare Festival. Photo by Karl Hugh)
Shakespearean Festival, Cedar City, Utah, on July 2nd, 2010
Directed by Sharon Ott, Costumes by David Kay Mickelsen


What have you found for the costumes of play you've read this month? Share with us!






4 comments:

  1. Huaaaa~ Cepet banget mbak.. *masih ngebut baca Gentlemen of Verona* Mana itu play kurang populer lagi, jadi rada susah nyari kostumnya.

    Kostumnya cute deh~

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    Replies
    1. Yang Prince of Aragon itu lho lucu banget kostumnya... :))

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    2. I think the stage costumes are beautiful but the costumes in the paintings are not only beautiful but look more comfortable to wear. :)

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    3. Haha...I agree, Joon Ann. I love especially Jessica's painting.

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What do you think?