Costume in Action
Categories: Costume in Action
Research Symposium 5: Costume, Culture and Calendar celebration: Carnival and the body; Chaired by Lilja Blumenfeld
Thurs 13 Sept 11.30 - 13.00 Studio 1
This symposium looked specifically at calendar celebrations from Brazil and Europe and how these are experienced and embodied by costume in the performance of the event and of the culture.
1. Fausto Viana: Maracatu and Fogaréu: ritual, costume and mise-en-scène
These are two celebrations from the countryside of Brazil that use ancient costumes as a very important part of the performance. Maracatu is an afro-Brazilian party, a celebration that started with the presence of black African slaves in Brazil in the 18th Century. The Fogaréu carries out the white Catholic tradition of Europe, especially Portugal and Spain in the Middle Ages. The performers celebrate rituals from different nations, but both produce energies that are based on the power of people. We showed how important costumes are in those celebrations.
2. Rosane Muniz: Carnival: Typical Brazilian Dramatic culture?
This presentation proposed an analysis of a national identity perceived on the theatre costumes and some questions, as ‘Is it still possible to have a national identity on dramatic costumes?’ and ‘Can the Carnival be the “symbol” of Brazilians’ costumes for drama?’ Passing through the significance of Brazilians’ Carnival costume, a reflection about regional folk and drama costumes was discussed.
3. Emma Thatcher: The Constance Fasnacht costumes and their importance for the cultural identity of the community and of the wearer
Inspired by Axel Hoedt’s photographic tour of Southern Germany in 2008, costume designer Emma Thatcher travels to Constance to analyse and experience the performance of the costumed body and of the cultural event. There she finds in the town squares opposites of celebration and melancholia, release and restriction, self-expression and conformity, co-existing in a timeless street dance.
Chair: Liljia Blumenfeld
Price: £6
Image: Fasnacht costume by photographer Axel Hoedt from his tour of Southern Germany in 2008.
