Costume Creativity

The recently concluded successful Youth production of the Phantom of the Opera captured the essence of the time period of the early 19^th century.  The Phantom of the Opera is based on a French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux.  This novel has been depicted in the adapted versions for film and stage performances such as the Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.  

The story’s plot revolves around three characters, Erik the Phantom, who haunts the Paris Opera house, his protégé Christine a ballerina who the phantom has taught to sing and Raoul who is Christine’s childhood friend who loves her. The history of the Paris Opera house is entwined in the plot of the story. 

The Caribbean Theatre Production company showcased a richly talented musical cast of young people who captured the mood of the romance and haunting eeriness of the phantom’s lair. 

Costuming of the characters helps the singers become more in character and true to their portrayal. In this production the time period of the early 19^th century, the gowns of Carlotta and Christine, the phantom’s cape, the auctioneer, the choir members, the soldiers and the ballerinas all help in adding to the authenticity of the play.

Costuming is a creative part of our annual carnival celebrations more so in the carnival celebrations of many years ago. I grew up looking forward to a Minshall presentation every year, where the road was the stage for the tableau presentation of his band. Minshall used light and texture to capture the mood needed for the presentation of his costumes. He used interesting and innovative media for his costumes not the beads, feathers and bikini costumes of today's carnival costume designs