Period Costuming Conundrum

Abstract

This research analyses costume design using the examples of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Emilie La Marquise du Chatlet Defends Her Life Tonight by Lauren Gunderson, and Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale. These three plays were chosen because they are set around the same era (1650-1750) and span across England, France, and America. This research addresses the fact that costume designers must design costumes specific for the country as well as the era and how they recreate historical looks in their own work. This presentation focuses on the social and historical differences between the three shows in terms of costumes and what makes each period costume unique despite being from the same time.