Abstract
The work I analyzed is set in Victorian London, a historical context where the contrast between rigid social conventions and the widespread use of opium perfectly reflects the contradictions of the 19th century. In this period, the hypocrisy of the bourgeois society and the degradation of the working class clash, creating a deep divide in the social fabric.
The character I have developed the costume for is Puck, who, in contrast to Shakespeare's original depiction as a magical and mischievous creature, is reimagined here as a worldly figure from the lower echelons of Victorian society. This character moves in the shadows of social hierarchies, manipulating and exploiting the weaker members of society, carrying out thefts and pranks on the tavern’s patrons. I envisioned him moving through the rooms like a monkey, constantly in motion, elusive, yet also embodying a lost innocence in a world that ruthlessly exploits those without power.
The setting for Puck is a tavern owned by Oberon, a cruel and slimy man, assisted by his wife, Titania, who runs the brothel in the basement. While Oberon and Titania are tied to dynamics of power and control, Puck appears as a "free spirit," yet still trapped within the mechanisms of misery and social violence. Though he obeys the commands of his superiors, Puck has a lively and eccentric personality, both captivating and ambiguous. He represents the darkest part of society, operating in the background—semi-free, but always subordinated to the powerful.
The use of opium, a symbolic and physical element prevalent across all social classes, adds another layer of moral ambiguity to the narrative. In this context, Puck will use opium to confuse and drug the quartet of lovers who, after an unexpected downpour, take refuge in the tavern during their flight.
The work I analyzed is set in Victorian London, a historical context where the contrast between rigid social conventions and the widespread use of opium perfectly reflects the contradictions of the 19th century. In this period, the hypocrisy of the bourgeois society and the degradation of the working class clash, creating a deep divide in the social fabric.
The character I have developed the costume for is Puck, who, in contrast to Shakespeare's original depiction as a magical and mischievous creature, is reimagined here as a worldly figure from the lower echelons of Victorian society. This character moves in the shadows of social hierarchies, manipulating and exploiting the weaker members of society, carrying out thefts and pranks on the tavern’s patrons. I envisioned him moving through the rooms like a monkey, constantly in motion, elusive, yet also embodying a lost innocence in a world that ruthlessly exploits those without power.
The setting for Puck is a tavern owned by Oberon, a cruel and slimy man, assisted by his wife, Titania, who runs the brothel in the basement. While Oberon and Titania are tied to dynamics of power and control, Puck appears as a "free spirit," yet still trapped within the mechanisms of misery and social violence. Though he obeys the commands of his superiors, Puck has a lively and eccentric personality, both captivating and ambiguous. He represents the darkest part of society, operating in the background—semi-free, but always subordinated to the powerful.
The use of opium, a symbolic and physical element prevalent across all social classes, adds another layer of moral ambiguity to the narrative. In this context, Puck will use opium to confuse and drug the quartet of lovers who, after an unexpected downpour, take refuge in the tavern during their flight.
Work in progress: Clothes
Work in progress: Shoes
Work in progress: Hat