NB This is really a teaser post for later this week, when I talk a bit about the performative afterlives of Thomas Arden’s murder.
Before photography, when a painted portrait could as well be imagined as recorded, an image purporting to verisimilitude would claim to be ‘taken from life’. The following watercolors are found in Portraits of Eminent Actors, taken from life by W. Loftis 1787-1815, and give us some record of costumes for Thomas Arden and Thomas Mosby around 1790. Wigs. Shoe pom-poms. Feathers. Wow.
 Folger Shakespeare Library ART Vol. c16 (Photo: C K Ash) |
 Folger Shakespeare Library ART Vol. c16 (Photo: C K Ash) |
I should note that this production of Arden of Faversham was actually George Lillo’s 18th century adaptation called Arden of Feversham, An Historical Tragedy (written sometime before his death in 1739, printed in 1762). More on this play later. For now, feast your eyes on the Brave Spirits costumes. Compare the communication of time period, social status, and wealth. Then go check out some other production photos on our Facebook page, give us a like, share us with your friends, and be sure to come see the costumes in action!
 Robert Lembruggen as Arden. (Photo: Justin Schneider) |
 Willem Krumich as Mosby, with Samantha Sheahan as Shakebag (L), and Teresa Spencer (R) as Black Will.
(Photo: Kevin Hollenbeck) |
Arden of Faversham runs April 2-18, 2015 at ATLAS Performing Arts Center.
