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CARAVAGGIO
DESIGNED FOR IMMERSIVE THEATRE
As a part of my final project of my third year at UAL, Wimbledon Collage of Arts, I produced a series of costume designs inspired by Derek Jarmans 1986 film, 'Caravaggio', setting it in an immersive theatre style production.
The nonlinear style of filmmaking Derek Jarman opts for would suit this narrative excellently, having the audience physically immersed in the intense world of Caravaggios life is exactly how I want his story felt.
CREATING THE WORLD
Inspired by the dark hedonism of the god Bacchus, combined with the tumultuous life of painter Caravaggio, I designed this production to feel equal parts like attending a holy baptism, and an overdose at a club. Each room would be a different type of spectacle, overstimulating in different ways.
The aesthetic of the production a blend of historic church architecture and that of a contemporary nightclub. Referencing back to the uniquely modern relationship dynamics lived out by Caravaggio.
DESIGNING THE CAST
M A G D A L E N A -
Magdalena, caught in a complicated love triangle between protagonist Caravaggio, and his muse Ranuccio, she is a powerful and jealous woman. Who ultimately meets a tragic demise, drowning in a river.
When designing for this character, I wanted her costume to be a juxtaposition of textiles, the clear purple PVC corset constricting the body, the heavy brocade sleeves dragging down the body, much like the way the water eventually dragged Magdalena to her death.
R A N U C C I O-
The brutish lover of our protagonist Caravaggio, Ranuccio is a street fighter, portraying the hyper-masculine antagonist in the film. Caravaggios muse turned lover, Ranuccio is a complex character, already in a relationship with Magdalena when he becomes the lover of Caravaggio; thus beginning the start of the love triangle that the film follows. In a fit of jealousy, Ranuccio drowns Magdalena in a river, causing Caravaggio to kill him in retaliation. A bloodthirsty and dramatic climax to the film.
When designing for Ranuccio, I drew inspiration from 80s homoerotica, the idea of him being this perfect specimen of masculinity, despite his questionable morals.
P I P O-
A mysterious, androgynously presenting side character, Pipo takes the role of the entertainer and the flirt. They represent the bridge between Caravaggios famous painter life, and his underground life with the bohemians.
When designing for Pipo I was inspired by 1920s circus and cabaret aesthetics, looking at the 'Old Hollywood' way of doing makeup in this era.
P A R T Y G O E R S -
The party goers are characters featured sporadically throughout the film, representing the wealthy class of art dealers. Caravaggio as a character exists half in this world, and half in the underground bohemia.
When designing the party goers, I took inspiration from drag silhouettes, fetish wear, and tudor textiles, as to create a feel of 'otherness'.
