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The Folger Spotlight

Costumes in 'As You Like It'

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Were it not better,
Because that I am more than common tall,
That I did suit me all points like a man?
Much of the love-lorn humor in As You Like It comes from Rosalind’s male disguise, but she’s not the only one whose clothes make the “man.” To get a peek into what went into outfitting Arden, costumer Charlotte Palmer-Lane shared with us some of her inspirations, sketches, and thoughts on how As You Like It‘s different worlds were realized.

“The main idea for this productions inspiration was looking at New Orleans as a jumping off point for the world of Duke Frederick, with surrounding areas giving us the forest. As per director Gaye Taylor Upchurch’s idea, this was more of a feel musically and culturally rather than anything specific.”

Orlando and Rosalind

Jaques

“The switch between Court and Forest literally happens on stage with a coat/hat drop from the foresters to reveal the courtiers. This is borne out of the fact we have the same actors playing the dukes/courtiers/foresters. Also there is definitely a switch in palette.”

Forest to Court Transition

The Dukes

“The court is more somber for the men—dark blues, greys—with jewel tones for the women’s gowns.”

The Court

Company of As You Like It, 2017. Photo: Teresa Wood.

“The world of the forest is much more loose and bohemian.”

The Forest

“I really enjoyed creating the world for this As You Like It—the characters of Touchstone and Audrey in particular were some favorites.”

Audrey and Touchstone

profile_faceThanks so much to Charlotte for sharing her designs with us! This weekend is your last chance to see the costumes of As You Like It at Folger Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit us online or call the Folger Box Office at 202.544.7077.

 

Folger Theatre

Folger Theatre is the vibrant center piece of the Folger’s public programs. With a focus on Shakespeare, Folger Theatre produces plays reflecting the breadth of the library’s peerless collection. In this unique setting, with collaborations between artists and experts, Folger Theatre produces innovative stagings that have been commended as “breathtakingly original...strikingly contemporary” (The Washington Post). Led since 1991 by Artistic Producer Janet Alexander Griffin, Folger Theatre has received 135 nominations and 23 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in acting, direction, design, and production. During the recent seasons Folger Theatre has received the Outstanding Resident Play Award for its productions of Measure for Measure in 2007, Hamlet in 2011 and The Taming of the Shrew in 2013. Other highlights from Folger Theatre’s producing history include these Helen Hayes Award recipients or nominees for outstanding production: Romeo and Juliet (2013), Orestes: A Tragic Romp (2010), Henry VIII (2010), Arcadia (2009), Macbeth (2008), The Two Gentlemen of Verona (2006), Melissa Arctic (2006), She Stoops to Conquer (2002), Shakespeare’s R & J (2001), Much Ado About Nothing (1998), and Romeo and Juliet (1997). — View all posts by Folger Theatre