Pippin
Costume Design by Caitlin Quinn
Directed by Dennis F. Johnson
University of MN Duluth
Photographer: Derek Montgomery
Scenic Design: Curtis Phillips
Props: Kian Arnold
Hair & Makeup Design: Audrey Beryl
Lighting Design: Drew Check
Production Details: The director's concept of this production was the "troupe" were actors from a 1940s movie musical. Much of the costume inspiration came from "medieval" movie musicals of the 1940s and 50s such as "The Court Jester" . The players opened the play in 1940s style leotards and jazz pants and put the medieval costumes on top of those items. This production had the support of the UMD costume shop.
Costume Details: To fit with the director's "medieval by the way of 1940s" concept I added small nods to the 1940s throughout the costumes. For example, Fastrada wore a cone bra and garters and the cut of her costume is directly inspired by a Lauren Bacall 1940s dress. The color red was an important signifier of the Lead Player's ill-intent towards Pippin. At the climax of the play the Lead Player and the rest of the cast encourage Pippin to kill himself and they all wear red versions of their previous character costumes.