The Visit
By Tony Kushner
Conceptual Costume Design
My Concept
In 1956, the decrepit town of Slurry is visited by a former resident, an enormously wealthy older woman, Claire. She offers the residents enough money to revitalise their once thriving town, under one brutal condition; they must kill one of the most beloved townspeople.
For my design, I took inspiration from advertisements and magazines from the 1950s, and the impact these have on consumers. As the residents are still image conscious despite living in poverty, at the start of the play, they are seen wearing fashionable styles, but in very worn condition and muted colours. Throughout the play, as Claire's money starts creeping into the pockets of the residents, their clothes gradually start becoming more colourful and their wardrobes become newer and more up-to-date.
Process
Research and initial response boards creating the world of my design
Slurry before Claire's arrival
Slurry costume colour pallet before Claire's arrival
Slurry costume colour pallet after receiving Claire's money
Character response boards
Claire
Claire's French maids
Slurry townspeople
Colour and material pallets
The start of the play
Claire
The end of the play
Costume Panorama
Development of ideas for final costume drawings
1950s Pop Art and Andy Warhol
Before Claire's arrival
After Claire's arrival