July 19th, 2011: An Interview with the Costumer
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 9:00AM This season, Willamette Shakespeare hired young talent Clare Parker to design and build costumes for All's Well That Ends Well. Over the last couple of years, Clare has designed shows in Portland for Hand2Mouth Theater, Sojourn Theater and Portland Community College. She will be transferring to Southern Oregon University in the fall to resume her studies in costume design.
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Clare Parker's rendering of the nurse in All's Well That Ends Well
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WS: Can you tell us something about how you have been approaching the project? How is it similar to different from the approach you have taken on other projects?
Clare: This is the first Shakespeare play that I have ever designed costumes for, so how I have approached this project has been radically different from anything else I've done. I usually research what other designers have done for the play I am designing for, but since "All's Well That Ends Well" is not regularly set in the 30's and 40's there are not many images to refer to. Instead, I have relied heavily on the research and knowledge from other shows I have done set in the 30's and 40's.
WS: What makes design for Shakespeare easier or harder than for other playwrights?
Clare: When reading the script I found many indications of costume written into the dialogue. For example, referring to Parolles, "The soul of this man is in his clothes." From this we could tell that although Parolles may love his clothing, he may not have very good taste.
WS: How does the WWII setting of this production impact your design decisions? Did it provide any inspiration? Create any design challenges?
Clare:The 30's and 40's are two of my favorite eras for fashion. It was challenging, though, to translate some of the characters' looks from the original Shakespeare era to WWII. For example, what does a modern court jester wear? This dilemma inspired research on comics of the 30's and 40's which led me to the Marx Brothers, specifically Harpo Marx. This setting also inspired research on Madeleine Vionnet, an amazing dress maker of the era. Her designs inspired many of my dress designs for this show.
WS: Tell me how you found your way into costume design?
Clare: I have always loved making things. I taught myself how to sew when I was 10 and discovered an interest for fashion history, especially the Renaissance. From there I got into costume design by accident. My High School theatre department needed a student costume designer, and I have been in love with costume design ever since!
See more images of Clare's costume here.
Shakespeare, Shakespeare everywhere! Our friends at Bag&Baggage have a Restoration comedy adaptation of The Tempest opening July 28, running weekends until August 13, and to sweeten the deal they are offering Willamette Shakespeare's mailing list subscribers a $5 off coupon for tickets! Just use the code WILLSHAKE5 when buying tickets online at www.bagnbaggage.org or when calling their box office at 503 345 9590! Check them out on Facebook to see some amazing photos of the crazy costumes!
Since we do not charge admission, we rely heavily on you to make each season a success. Among the most helpful ways you can contribute is by serving as a Willamette Shakespeare volunteer. At this point, we are looking for people who can help us serve as ushers and house managers, help us direct traffic and generally make the show experience an enjoyable one for our audience. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Karen Halliday, our volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@willametteshakespeare.org or 503-537-1926.
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Clare Parker's rendering of the King in All's Well that Ends Well
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And, of course, we welcome donations. We are committed to keeping the shows free, and we can't do that without help from people who can afford to make a contribution. Willamette Shakespeare is a 501(c)(3) public charity, and any contribution made to the organization is tax deductible and can be matched with the Oregon Cultural Trust for a tax credit. More information on contributing via check or online is available at our website.
Performances of All's Well That Ends Well will be Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 PM. Although food will be available for purchase, you are welcome to bring your own picnic. Local wines will be available for sale at all locations. Oregon Liquor Control Commission regulations do not permit audience members to bring their own alcohol.
- August 5th - 7th: Reed College Cerf Ampthitheatre, Portland, OR [map]
- August 12th - 14th: Stoller Vineyards, Dayton, OR [map]
- August 19th - 21st: Montinore Estate, Forest Grove, OR [map]
A number of other companies have shows coming up this summer. We encourage you to support Shakespeare in the Willamette Valley by attending as many of these shows as you can.
- 7/22 7 PM - Director Park
- 7/24 6 PM - Carolwood Park, Beaverton 7/30 2pm Gabriel Park
- 7/31 2 PM - Lents
- 8/14 1 PM - Gresham Plaza
- 7/30 - 7/31 3:00 PM - Laurelhurst Park
- 8/6 7:00 PM - Maryhill in the Gorge
- 8/7 3:00 PM - Lynchwood Park, Gresham
- 8/13 - 8/14 3:00 PM Washington Park
- 8/20 - 8/21 3:00 PM Gabriel Park
- 8/27 3:00 PM - Marylhurst University
- 8/28 3:00 PM - Concordia University
- 9/3 - 9/5 3:00 PM - Reed College
Free
Varous parks around Portland
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