Costume and Set Design
Costumes
Costumes for The Grapes of Wrath were designed, made or obtained by Costume Designer, Carolyn Taylor Smith. The costumes are realistic to combine with the stylised set. Carolyn has created the female costumes using vintage clothing in darker, duller colours, well worn, faded out fabrics and plaid, stripes and floral patterns to create the genuine look of poverty during the Depression. For the male characters, she discovered a working class uniform for the men of that period was denim overalls, and thus has predominantly used them.
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Set
Set Designer, Chris Willems approached this production of The Grapes of Wrath with a vision of using raw materials. This particular design choice was inspired by the novel and film versions of The Grapes of Wrath and proved a challenge because of the play's various locations. Chris, believing that "part of the contract of coming to the theatre is that you put your imagination into the story," solves this potential staging problem through using raw materials and lighting effects. Both work harmoniously to create specific atmospheres in the performance space that give the audience a sense of the differing locations.
The neutral set contrasts with the bold and realistic costumes enhance the visual definition of the characters in the foreground. Chris drew inspiration not only from the script itself, but also from websites about Route 66 and even the Beverly Hillbillies which helped to further clarify the design of the truck which is an integral part of the plays function. He ultimately describes the design as
"essentially a blank canvas … but with it comes a palate of artistic possibilities".
Chris, in consultation with Director, Kate Foy, created the design drawing upon both his knowledge and experience in the Arts Theatre space and his personal interpretation of the play. He comments that "a stylised set like this, designs opportunities for the director, actors and lighting designer to bring their own artistic vision to the work". The final set design is a collaboration of the theatrical, aesthetical and practical elements within the production and aims to parallel the ordinary nature of the characters during the depression.
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Activity
Costume pieces make the set makes the costume pieces makes the… Collect a variety of simple costume pieces, such as a cowboy hat, belt, long skirt, or scarf, and also use the pieces of furniture in the room to begin. Students must choose either a costume piece or a set piece (not both) and then develop a strong sense of character through either the costume or the set. By choosing one, they must develop the other through their obvious characterisation. If students chooses a costume piece, they must perform on a clear stage, while a person choosing a set piece must not use their daily clothing to their advantage. Their aim must be to use one to create the other. For example, wearing a cowboy hat can easily create a cowboy character. The student may create their set by pushing some swinging doors, or ordering a drink at the saloon bar.