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!
Huaaaa~ Cepet banget mbak.. *masih ngebut baca Gentlemen of Verona* Mana itu play kurang populer lagi, jadi rada susah nyari kostumnya.
ReplyDeleteKostumnya cute deh~
Yang Prince of Aragon itu lho lucu banget kostumnya... :))
DeleteI think the stage costumes are beautiful but the costumes in the paintings are not only beautiful but look more comfortable to wear. :)
DeleteHaha...I agree, Joon Ann. I love especially Jessica's painting.
Delete