Cheryl Nelson Costumes

We had a number of costumes from the theatre production Into the Woods, along with some other historical and theatrical costumes, so that more of us could have the opportunity to try them on.

The aim of the day was not simply to put on the costumes, but to experience how they affected the way we moved. We walked around in them, sat down and stood up, paying attention to how the weight and construction of the garments changed our posture and the way we behaved. We also had the opportunity to practise dressing each other, which was particularly useful as many of the costumes required assistance. Corsets and lacings are not always easy to reach on your own, while hooped skirts and the sheer volume of some historical garments make dressing yourself quite a challenge.

Those of us who had never worn historical or theatrical costumes before were surprised by just how much they changed the way you stood and moved. The weight of the garments alone could make a significant difference, and suddenly things that look quite straightforward when you see them on a costume rail became much more complicated when you actually had to wear them.

It was a really fun afternoon, but it was also a useful lesson in understanding costumes from the wearer’s point of view. And, of course, watching people do a double take as students wandered through the university in full costume was an added bonus.