What to Wear?

At the time The Rope was written people were still wearing masks during their performance. At the time they found that it was easier to play many different characters with the use of different masks. It would help the audience know exactly what was going on. These masks would be very expressive and large. For our production we have chosen not to use masks, deciding that we could "modernize" the show in this way.

However, keeping to the way things were back then we would like to keep the costumes to Greek attire. In Rome when a play was of the Greek New Comedy variety, like this one, everyday attire was used as costumes. So, "...for comedies based on Roman life (the fabula togata), for which the Roman tunic covered by a cloak, or toga was worn" (Brockett, Hildy, pp.53). So for our play we would like to have all actors dressed in this classical wear. This way we can keep the play in the feel of ancient times.

This picture shows the simple dress that we would like in this play. Since they are traveling overseas and then get shipwrecked outside of larger town. The only differences are those that are shipwrecked would need to have more worn costumes.

Sources:
"Masks and Costumes" History of the Theatre: Foundation Edition Oscar G. Brockett, Franklin J. Hildy. Pearson Education Inc. 2007. 31 October 2010