Cymbeline

Cymbeline was a theoretical class project for THEA 545: Costume Design. Cymbeline, known as one of Shakespeare’s most bizarre plays, represents a moral play that bifurcates good intentions with the punishment of cruelty. A streamlined medieval silhouette to represent this play feels appropriate to segway commentary on how many of the play’s various themes (e.g., love, deceit, class, morality, and suffering) are still widely prevalent in the contemporary human experience. It’s also important to highlight the play’s context as being one set in the medieval era, taking inspirations from the Celtic-born British King Cymbeline, who is a historical character featured within the play. Finding inspiration from the medieval Britain in which Cymbeline ruled, and utilizing multiple metal elements, the play yields a gilded aesthetic that renders itself a necessity as part of the production.