The Comedy of Errors
by William Shakespeare
Tacoma Actors Guild
"They say this town is full of cozenage,
As nimble jugglers that deceive the eye,
Dark-working sorcerers that change the mind,
Soul-killing witches that deform the body,
Disguised cheaters, prating mountebanks,
And many such-like liberties of sin..."
(as spoken by Antipholus of Syracuse)
Production photos: Tacoma Actors Guild
To illustrate the "strangers-in-a-strange-land" theme, this production sets its story in the pre-Meiji era, when Japan was forced to open its shores to foreign trade after a long period of cultural isolation. Indeed, Western travelers unfamiliar with the customs of nineteenth century Japan would likely find this land strange or even threatening.
Designs for this production focus on marking the differences between two very different cultures. The silhouette for the Western clothes can at times be rigid, exaggerated, or even "cartoony" (as in blocks of color used). The Japanese costumes, on the other hand, are abundant in texture and detail that help exemplify their cultural uniqueness. Much research was conducted to ensure that the costumes were faithful to the period. However, artistic license was applied to bring in a broad range of colors to accentuate the comedic elements of the play.
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