The Iliad, the Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less
The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less was my first show in affiliation with the Clark University Players Society (CUPS). Additionally, this was my first time as a costume designer, in charge of my department, and I was more than excited for my new responsibilities and opportunity to create.
The goal for this show was to capture the vibes of late 90s and early 2000s college life, particularly a mix between classical frat boys and a "teenage dirtbag" aesthetic. The show is centered around Greek mythology, and the basis of the show was for it to feel like a bunch of frat boys were explaining mythology to you at a toga party.
My own goal for the costumes was to have a base of more typical college boys' clothes of the era, but with hair, makeup, and accessories drawing from classical inspiration. This resulted in a curious mix of graphic tees, jorts, personalised socks, and an excess of gold highlighter.
To make each actor individual, inspiration was drawn from the primary character they played, and their "fratsona," their vessel for channeling frat bro energy. Outfits were created with this in consideration, and with the highly important sock choices. Bedsheet togas were included in their kits as well, with some personalisation found in the Achilles actor receiving a toga made from a child's sports themed sheet.
Paris (Max DeRosa) had pins that said "I'm a lover, not a fighter" and "Paris."
Achilles (Grayson Costigan) had a cut up t-shirt that said "ripped," fitting for his athleticism.
Zeus (Cole Smith) had an American Eagle shirt, since one of Zeus' symbols is the eagle.
Patroklos (Rudy Freso-Umanzor) had a matching toga with Achilles, and pride socks.
Aphrodite (Weslee Tyler) got plenty of gold and pearl jewellery, and a sea foam coloured top.
Agamemnon (Daria Prewitt) had plenty of American flags, thusly fitting his personality.
Hermes (Alex Katz) played the winged messenger of the gods, with a winged t-shirt.
Odysseus (Noa Kleinberg) had an "edgier" style, representing Odysseus' complicated life.
The Narrator (Justin Schwartz) is a character of many hats, needing a neutralistic base of Nirvana.
Hera (Dana Wax) has the peacock as one of her symbols, calling for a peacock blue shirt.
One of my favourite parts of being the costume designer was being in charge of the dresing rooms as well. I love organising things, and this was more than enough opportunity to put that to use. Before and after every rehearsal or show, the dressing room was cleaned and tidied.
After shows, my assistant and I would spray down the costumes, fold up the sheets/togas, roll up the belts, and organise the makeup and jewellery for each station. Actors received personalised name tags for their stations, and sticky notes on their mirrors for reminders and encouragement.
Since everyone had to share items such as makeup, precautions were made to ensure no one got pink eye or anything of the sort. I made papers to make sure the actors knew which makeup was theirs, how to sanitise it, and how to apply it. In addition, they received individual packs of makeup wipes and individual lessons on how to apply their makeup before shows.