BELL SHAKESPEARE’S CLOSET
Who doesn’t love an exclusive peek behind-the-scenes? The good people at Bell Shakespeare are inviting the general public to see the masters at work. Three of Australia’s most talented costume designers will be based in a pop-up space in the Rocks with the task of creating 40 new costumes for John Bell’s upcoming production of Henry 4.
“It will be interesting to see what the mechanics are going into production,” explains Peter Evans, Bell Shakespeare’s co-artistic director. “Whether that’s looking at props we used in the past or watching Kate, Mandy and Jude put the costumes together.”
While there will be classic Shakespearean garments and props on display, the costumes in Henry 4 are contemporary so passersby can expect to see a good mix.
“There will be literature there for [visitors] to read about what’s going on,” explains Evans. “It’s a really sweet idea and fantastic for us to be able to allow people wandering around The Rocks to engage with us. I’m really excited about it.”
When asked if the designers’ creative genius will be interrupted, Evans laughs and says, “The [designers] are personable people so they’re probably more worried about people leaning over and giving tips on how they should be interlocking and hemming.”
Jan 9-Feb 23, 123-125 George Street, Sydney, free, 8298 9000, bellshakespeare.com.au
