The Trojan Women
For this production, I maintained the historical accuracy of the play. Originally taken place after the Trojan War in 1180 BC, the characters remain in chitons and togas. However, the colors of their costumes reflect each character’s personality and their current stage in life. Hecuba and Andromache have hints of a deep navy to reflect their grief. Cassandra’s dress contains dyed burgundy ripped lace over specific areas to signify her raping at the altar. Helen’s dress is distressed at the bottom to emphasize how hated she is by the public.
The Trojan Women Part II
I have chosen to set this story at the end of World War II in May of 1945. May 8th,1945 is known as Victory in Europe Day (V.E. Day) after Germany surrendered their troops and the war officially ended in Europe. Germany was seen as the enemy and the sole cause of the war, similar to the Trojans in the Trojan War, even though the civilians were not to blame. Other countries began to hold a grudge for Germany and German citizens. The women of Germany were being ripped of their nationality and pride. The Germans had to hide the fact that they were from Germany. After the war, these German women felt like they had to hide a part of themselves in order to remain alive.
I chose to set this story after V.E. Day yet before V.J. Day (Victory in Japan Day) to keep the feeling of this play happening between two other stories. During this time, women still had to rely on the men to be the breadwinners of the family. But with their men gone away at war, women had to step into roles they never had the opportunity to before. Women had a new responsibility they had to adapt to.
La Ronde
This play follows a series of characters as they each experience a sexual encounter with a partner. The show follows themes of lust and even betrayal. I chose to set this play right at the start of the new century, in 1900. At the time, sex was never a public topic of discussion. By placing these characters in time period accurate clothing, this idea of indecent actions is elevated. Besides the Girl of the Streets, no other character is dressed provocatively. Their sexual desires live in their minds. Each character is partaking in lustful actions that are only discussed in private.
