Costume Designer for AAU Junior Production : The Marriage of Bette & Boo
About the production: 'The Marriage of Bette and Boo' is a dark comedy written by Christopher Durang that provides a brutally honest portrayal of marriage and family life. The play revolves around the tumultuous union of Bette and Boo, who are plagued by various personal and familial dysfunctions.
Costume designing for the junior production of 'The Marriage of Bette and Boo' was an enriching experience that offered an opportunity to delve into the distinct fashion eras of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. As a part of a collaborative team of four, we embarked on the creative journey of conceptualizing the costumes, integrating our extensive knowledge of the fashion trends of these decades. The challenge was to accurately reflect the period-specific styles while aligning with the characters' personalities and the overarching themes of the play.
The play weaves a tragicomic tapestry, charting the course of Bette and Boo's lives together through a series of vignettes spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s.
The execution phase was a blend of strategic sourcing and meticulous garment alteration. We pulled clothing from costume houses, carefully selecting pieces that aligned with our vision for the characters and the specific time period. Additionally, we purchased and altered accessories and clothing items to add a layer of authenticity to each character's look.
As we navigate their shared dysfunction, we also get to experience the distinct fashion trends of each decade.
Working on this production was an exhilarating experience, with every aspect from in the costume design process offering its own unique challenges and joys. It encouraged me to strike a balance between maintaining historical accuracy and infusing creativity into the designs.
