Caligula: Costume design (including hair and make-up)

In “Caligula”, the costumes play a crucial role in highlighting the disparity in power. Caligula’s costume should reflect his prominence and authority, often exaggerated due to his delusions of grandeur.
Costumes should also allow for characterisation, reflecting on the characters’ personalities, status, and their progression throughout the play. For instance, Helicon’s costume could be plain, serving as a foil to Caligula’s extravagant attire.
A carefully deciding colour palette for costumes can save subtle dimensions about the character’s emotional state, with darker colours may representing grim occurrences or foreboding foreshadowing and brighter shades symbolising moments of levity.

Since “Caligula” is set in ancient Rome, the overall costume design should reflect the fashion and style of that period, providing an authentic representation of the era.
The use of historical accuracy in the costumes could highlight the socio-cultural context of the play and enhance audience’s understanding of the setting. However, contemporary adaptations might modernise the costumes to create parallels to current society.

Accessories should be used purposefully, denoting specific characteristics or traits. For instance, Caligula’s crown could symbolise his status and omnipotence whilst even emphasising his delusions.
Props used by characters, although minimal, should mesh seamlessly with the costumes. An elaborate sceptre or sword in Caligula’s hand, for example, could amplify his tyrannical rule.

Costume changes could indicate critical shifts in the narrative or character transformation. Caligula’s costume change from grandeur to mere rags could signify his emotional and mental decline towards the end.
Sudden visible alterations in costumes’ appearance during the play, like tearing or staining, may intensify the dramatic effect and indicate turmoil or conflict.

Hair and make-up should complement the costumes adding further detail to the character’s appearance. Caligula’s make-up might be extravagant, shifting to ghastly as his actions become more brutal and chaotic.
Use of make-up can help accentuate characters’ expressions, making their emotions more visible and compelling to the audience. Similarly, hairstyles should align with the character’s personality and status: styled elaborately or plain and modest.