Noughts and Crosses: Costume design (including hair and make-up)

Costume Design for Characters

The costume design for “Noughts and Crosses” should effectively reflect the characters’ status, personality, and the socio-political context of the play.
Sephy’s clothing should reflect her privileged position as a Cross. Her outfits could include dresses, high-quality fabrics, and modern clean lines to denote wealth and upper-class status.
On the contrary, Callum’s attire should demonstrate the struggling state of the Noughts. This can be shown with common fabrics, worn-out pieces of clothing like jeans and plain t-shirts.
For characters in authority positions, like Kamal Hadley and Ryan McGregor, the costume may include uniforms or suits to represent their authoritative roles and the power they possess.
Callum’s sister, Lynette, can be depicted with a mix of both Cross and Nought clothing to show her identity struggle, being biracial.
Subtle detailing like patches, badges, or accessory use can give an extra depth to a character’s identity or their political standing.

The costume changes can provide direct links to the plot progression, for example, Callum’s transition from everyday clothes to military uniform when he joins the Liberation Militia symbolizes his radical transformation.

The hair and makeup design should also align with the character and the environment they are in. For instance, Cross characters may have well-groomed hair and subtle makeup application, while Nought characters may exhibit a more natural or unkempt look.
The use of makeup can also be employed to show character developments, emotions, or health conditions. For example, a distressed or sick character may have paler skin or dark circles under their eyes.

Consideration of comfort, ease of movement, and quick change requirements is essential as the costume, hair, and makeup should not hinder the actor’s performance.
Ideally, the costumes should be practical enough for the physical theatre elements present in the play.

The overall costume, hair, and makeup design should be consistent with the envisaged futuristic setting of the play.
Importantly, the costume, hair and makeup design should be executed keeping in mind the mood and themes of the drama - racial segregation, injustice, struggle, love and sacrifice.