Things I Know to be True: Costume design (including hair and make-up)

Costume Design in “Things I Know to be True”

Costume design is an integral part of conveying the reality of each character’s personality, status and emotional state throughout the play.
Each character’s costume should reflect their age, economic status, occupation and even psychological state at different points in the play.
Remember, the play is set in Australia, therefore the seasonal changes and climate play into the costume design.
The use of props related to costume can also aid in portraying a character’s personality or mental state.

The parents, Bob and Fran, could be dressed in practical, comfortable clothing to reflect their physical labour jobs and no-nonsense attitudes.
Pip, being a successful businesswoman, could be dressed in high-end corporate wear to reflect her professional status and aspiration to rise above her family’s working-class background.
Mark, as a gender-questioning individual, could have a more non-binary wardrobe.
Rosie, the youngest and least worldly, could be clothed in more youthful, naive or simplistic styles.
Ben: His well-made suit reflects his financial success, but could slowly become more dishevelled as his stress and guilt increase.

Pay attention to hair and make-up. For example, Pip might have a polished look, while Fran may have a more natural look.
The passage of time may also be represented in the characters’ appearance, represented through changes in costume, hair and makeup.
Specific moments also require specific costumes, like Bob’s gardening outfit or the formal wear at Pip’s departure dinner.
In scenes of raw emotional revelation, the costumes, hair, and makeup could be disheveled or minimal to reflect the characters’ inner turmoil or bare truths.

Overall, the objective of the costume designer should be to enhance the narrative through visual means and facilitate the audience’s understanding and connection with the characters.