I was Associate Costume Designer for Book-It Repertory Theatre's production of Isabel Allende's novel The House of the Spirits, running in Seattle June 7-24.
As Associate Costume Designer I worked closely with Costume Designer Pete Rush. I collected research, made design choices, and created and altered costume pieces. Most importantly I guided the costume design through tech week after Pete left for the east coast due to prior commitments.
Maintaining the connection between the generations of women in the family was the most important design element. The play spans over 70 years and nearly five generations in three acts. Costumes were not only the main tool used to illustrate the passage of time, but also the key visual sign of the women's interconnections. Beginning with Nivea, and continuing to Alba's future daughter, the women were dressed in whites and creams. As each woman passed their knowledge and traditions down to their daughter they added a light blue scarf, shawl, or sweater over their white costume.
Reviews:
The Seattle Times: 'This old "House" opened a lot of doors for Isabel Allende'
The Seattle PI: 'Book-It's version of 'House of the Spirits' offers insight into Chile's own 9/11'
