Period Fashion of the late 1880's

Since our return from the countryside (boo), auditions for the next show have gone under-way. I have been present at all them all, meeting the potential cast members and the director. These situations are really boosting my confidence. I am constantly meeting new people and speaking with large groups of people older than myself which is doing wonders for my maturity.

I have also been conducting research into fashion of the late 1880's. I do not have a clue when it comes to period fashion so this challenge will expand my own knowledge - I have already learnt a little from my research however I would like to learn more. I have to say, I particularly like the detail in Victorian clothing. The use of lace is grand and the high collars are one of my favourite aspects. I will select costume from the theatre personal collection of clothes, and consider what garments I can put together to create authentic Victorian dress. This is good practice for re-creating period fashion from pieces from various decades.

My first attempt creating Victorian Fashion

The slightly boring job of sending out the promotion emails has come around again. The job is not a challenge because it is very simple, however I completely understand that it is vital to filling the theatre. I do however set myself challenges of how many I can draft and send in 30 minutes.. it gets them done fast and keeps me occupied.

Kevin Gildea, an Irish stand-up comedian is coming to the theatre on the 6th December. I have been co managing this performance too which involved negotiating with Kevin, working out the dates for the show and finally booking his flights and managing his trip during his duration in Rome. These small tasks are a great practice for me in organising and making final decisions.

The poster I designed to promote Kevin's show

Bomarzo - A Beautiful 16th Century town in Italy - You Must Visit!

Once 'Under the Overcoat' was finished and we had completed post-production, I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Gaby's country home. I've learnt that almost everybody in Rome has a second home - a vice and escape from the city life - usually in the country or by the seaside.

The old fort at the top of the hill, Bormarzo

Gaby's escape is in a darling 16th century town called Bomarzo. Being from the UK I had never seen a place with such obvious age that was still in tact and with no obvious renovation.

The 16th century homes of a small community

 It was actually quite amazing the good it can do for personal well-being. After spending a few days their I was relaxed, had cleared my mind and would be returning to Rome refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalised.

Not a bad view to eat your breakfast, eh?

Just before I headed home though.. there was one place I had to check out. It's called 'Parco Dei Mostri' which literally translates to The Monster Park. It is also 16th Century, built by a man called Vicino; a patron of the arts and so devoted to his wife that he built the gardens in her memory when she died. 

These statues in the gardens were not your average white stone statues of Gods and Goddess and such that you find in Rome. I have pictured some of my favourite parts of the park. I received a map which was excellent as it gives you information on each piece.

Il Drago

"For Ligurio, the dragon was not a symbol of destruction but rather of time and wisdom. Here, it is fighting a dog, lion and wolf - symbols of spring, summer and winter - the present, future and past. Some say they are 3 lions? The dragon is curiously adorned with butterfly-like wings, indicating its solar spirit."

Casa Pendente

 "The strange, leaning house serves as a passage to the upper garden level. The head-spinning unease of standing inside is meant to spur you on to the rest of the garden. The Orsini coat of arms and motto are in-scribed on the facade of the house."

L'Elefante

"Elephants carrying castles were popular symbols in medieval and Renaissance art, standing for both strength and restraint, often with reference to Hannibal's famous use of elephants to invade the Italian peninsular. This elephant holds a wounded or dead Roman soldier in its trunk who, in turn, holds a now unidentifiable object loosely in his right hand. Scholars argue over whether he is being caught or thrown by the elephant - protecting or discarding. Regardless, the elephant represents both the triumphs and defeats of Rome. It is also an african elephant, therefore, likely to be recalling Scipio, an African who according to legend, never left the side of his war elephants."

If ever you are in the area and have a chance to visit this place - I could not recommend it more. It's fascinating, beautiful and a little out of the ordinary. 

Being props master can be stressful - But fun! 'Under The Overcoat'

Last weekend was the final weekend of the show.

During the show my responsibility was to ensure the cast had their costume ready, were wearing it correctly, and that the props were all correct and present on the props table. This was really important because the table was on view to the audience and once the show begun, all the prop changes were done on the stage.

The props table that would be on display

This job I actually found rather stressful. After each show (and the rehearsals) the actors in their own rush would leave numerous clothes and props scattered everywhere. This meant Eve and I had to then gather them all up and tidy them or re-arrange them. This was using more of time then necessary and the question "Why is my..." really began to grate also. To solve this problem we addressed the actors and asked them to please take responsibility for their costume/prop once they had used it. We had to ask this several times and I can be quite a soft touch but learnt to stand my ground.

I mingled with the audience during the intermission, offering authentic Italian food to compliment the theme of the story and give the cast time to prepare for Act II. One night, I also got to see the rather hilarious sight of half of the audience members gasping for water after eating curry that was just too hot for them to handle. He he

During the show, I was the soundboard operator. This involved playing sound effects and music at just the right moments and fading them in/out effectively. I enjoyed this role, and when I had time peeked over Eve as she ran the light board. It was interesting to see how lighting can create a dramatic look on stage and add to the imagery, I wanted the opportunity to run the light board in the future and create some light design myself. It would be useful skill to be able to design lights, not only for in the theatre - but also during photography shoots and films.

Dramatic lighting effect creating during a 'Train Crash' scene

Eve and I in the tech box.. where the off-stage magic happens

After the show comes post-production which involved returning any props, dry cleaning and returning the beautiful saris and other garments lent by the Indian Embassy ladies. This I took upon myself and actually went into the Indian Embassy in Rome which I have to say is really a beautiful, beautiful building inside and out.

Next week we will begin work on pre-production for the upcoming show - Hedda Gabler. I am keen to start work on this as I will be involved from the very beginning, able to conduct my own research and create suitable costume for the characters. I felt that I did not quite have that with Under the Overcoat because I joined later.

I received positive feedback from both Theo and Gaby. Theo recognised that I am a hard worker however advised me that I need to be more confident when making decisions - If question myself, then other people will too. I found this feedback useful and will be more assertive when working with the next project. I feel like I will be more confident in doing so as I will have been present from the start.

Theodora, the cast, and I before the final show

Great fabric shop in the heart of Rome - Fratelli Basetti Tessuti

During these weeks I was busy finalising costume, attending rehearsals and working on the head pieces. I also had to make a tradition western wedding veil. So with the need for tulle I headed to what I had read was the largest fabric store in Rome - Fratelli Basetti Tessuti (Doesn't it have a ring to it!)

Inside one of the multiple rooms/floor at Fratelli Basetti Tessuti

Rolls and rolls of brightly coloured material

I hadn't yet had a chance visit the trade fairs in Paris with the fashion department back in Coventry so I was still a little naive to the amount of fabric one place can hold. Oh boy. This place was incredible. It had a double height ceiling, every inch filled with the most amazing fabrics. I took the time to rub a fair few of them in between my thumb and finger, getting a good feel of their luxury.

I also started a part-time job at a tourist restaurant which is a great way for my Italian speaking as most of the chefs do not speak English. Having a job alongside my intern-ship whilst still continuing my job in the UK as the promotional/graphic designer for my local bar is teaching me to manage my time effectively and follow through with my own deadlines that I set. My time keeping skills improved massively and I am now certainly seeing the benefits.