The Tempest
This is a theoretical design based on a combination of 1500s and 1800s Spanish fashion. This design focuses on the magical and eerie aspects of The Tempest, creating a world that transcends time. Each design focuses on the natural and magical aspects of the island, while creating an ominous feeling in the audience, especially with Ariel, a native to the island.
The play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, tells the story of Miranda and her father, Prospero, stranded on a mystical island lost to time. They found themselves on the island, shipwrecked at sea, and waiting for their day to return to Italy. Prospero was cast out of his political position, and the story is one of betrayal, reclamation, transformation, and magic. Throughout the play, Prospero enslaves many of the islands inhabitants, including a spirit named Ariel. He uses his mystic power in place of the power he once had, attempting to wreak revenge. Miranda, his unwilling accomplice, meets Ferdinand and falls in love.
In my design, I aimed to amplify the mysticism of the island, haunted by spirits that carry music and spells throughout the air. Coming to the island after a shipwreck to find harpies and monsters, I wanted to exaggerate the fear of the unknown and the themes of betrayal and revenge in the beginning of the play. I want the audience to experience a similar fear and amazement of the island that the characters are experiencing when they first arrive. The play felt mystical, dark, unpredictable, and sharp, while at times beautiful and romantic. It felt like a ship wrecked in the ocean: spindly, corroded and dark, while also creating new habitats for creatures and full of beautiful, exquisite treasure.
The costumes reflect this, rugged and movable due to travel and mobility needed on an island. The colors included dark blues, pale greens, mysterious purples, occasional oranges and warmer tones for heartwarming scenes, and whites and grays to represent innocence and ambiguity (respectively). Pale and dark earthy tones lend themselves well to the magical but eerie feel of the island, while still staying true to the naturalistic setting. The lines are flowy and natural, more vertical rather than horizontal to give an elongated look, emphasizing the eerie quality.
Costume Design Concept
I took inspiration from both the 1500’s and 1800’s, as much of the fashion from the early 1800’s mirrored and recreated some of the pieces found in the 1500’s. I envisioned a world that still contained a rigid social structure, so that Prospero could be thrown out and the people on the island could juxtapose. I also took inspiration from Pirates of the Caribbean, which relied historically on the Golden Age of Piracy in the 1700’s. Knowing this, I created a design that transcended time, to pay homage to the timeless and static position of the island. I wanted a design that was full of whimsy, that still had some elements of the rigid political system that Miranda and Prospero came from.
Miranda
Prospero
Ariel (Harpy Design)
Ferdinand