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