The art of epigram: University Theatre presents Oscar Wilde's epic comedy
Anna Nguyen
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Life & Style
They must also acquire the breath control to handle big speeches, as well as the physical decorum of a more formal period, Dwyer said. The costumes designed for the 1890s era were constructed by costume and makeup designer Pat Martin.
"There are a lot of details in creating [the costumes]," said Martin, who began constructing the costumes Jan. 28. To recreate the silhouette of the Victorian society, the costumes include mutton sleeves, corsets, coats, gloves and hats.
"[During this period], women take up a significant amount of space," said Martin, also noting that the space restrictions also represent the relationship between men and women. The corsets represent movement, limiting what the women can and cannot do. Despite the constraints, the women knew how to move, she said.
The costumes are sent to the dress rehearsals for the actors to learn how to move gracefully in them, Martin said.
"The clothes are amazingly fun," said Molly Fonseca, a second-year MFA student who plays Gwendolyn, a girl obsessed with marrying a man whose name is Ernest. "[The play] is beautiful, visually stunning."
The wardrobe also reflects the settings of the play, juxtaposing the brighter colored wardrobe of the country to the muted, darker city clothes, Martin said.
The play is a nice change of pace from previous dramatic plays, Kolluri said.
"It's a great example of theater entertainment and artifact," he said.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" debuts at 8 p.m. Friday at the University Theatre. It will also be shown at 8 p.m. March 1 and 5 to 8 and at 2 p.m. March 2 and 9.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $5 for faculty, staff and seniors. UA students can attend free on Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday, or pay $3 on Friday and Saturday.
"There are a lot of details in creating [the costumes]," said Martin, who began constructing the costumes Jan. 28. To recreate the silhouette of the Victorian society, the costumes include mutton sleeves, corsets, coats, gloves and hats.
"[During this period], women take up a significant amount of space," said Martin, also noting that the space restrictions also represent the relationship between men and women. The corsets represent movement, limiting what the women can and cannot do. Despite the constraints, the women knew how to move, she said.
The costumes are sent to the dress rehearsals for the actors to learn how to move gracefully in them, Martin said.
"The clothes are amazingly fun," said Molly Fonseca, a second-year MFA student who plays Gwendolyn, a girl obsessed with marrying a man whose name is Ernest. "[The play] is beautiful, visually stunning."
The wardrobe also reflects the settings of the play, juxtaposing the brighter colored wardrobe of the country to the muted, darker city clothes, Martin said.
The play is a nice change of pace from previous dramatic plays, Kolluri said.
"It's a great example of theater entertainment and artifact," he said.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" debuts at 8 p.m. Friday at the University Theatre. It will also be shown at 8 p.m. March 1 and 5 to 8 and at 2 p.m. March 2 and 9.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $5 for faculty, staff and seniors. UA students can attend free on Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday, or pay $3 on Friday and Saturday.
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