INDECENT

UNCSA School of Drama, Catawba Theatre Fall 2021

Directed by Acadia Barrengos

Scene Design by Leo Murphy

Lighting Design by Schuyler Bento

Wig and Make-Up Design by Elisa Shroud

This production of Indecent posed various challenges: a fifty-year time span; performers playing multiple roles; and the fast-paced nature of the show. My design required a creative approach to ensure that the costumes would facilitate the ensemble's ability to tell this powerful narrative. In their passionate retelling of a heartwarming tale, the characters comment on Jewish culture, genocide, homophobia, and artistic freedom. This story is told by a group of performers in an attic, weaving in and out of the past and present, and the play within the play.

I chose to put each character in a simple 1920s base silhouette costume that could be morphed into a variety of looks by adding and removing layers. The goal was to be inspired by, but not limited to, a specific style or period. This shifting of silhouettes throughout the play culminates with the arrests for obscenity in New York city

The palette was muted earth-tones filled with patterns and textures. The idea was that these clothes were vintage and antique pieces that were stored away and belonged to this attic and had survived the test of time just like the story. Allowing pops of muted colors to come through the costume pieces during the action of God of Vengeance shows the significance of the narrative and highlights the delicate love story between Rifkele and Manke.

Overall, my design approach retained a historical quality in its silhouettes and the intimacy of the story-telling, allowing the audience to experience the true essence of the story.