The Belle of Amherst
Costume Designer • Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette • Spring 2022
• Production Photos • Renderings • Research •
The one woman show, The Belle of Amherst, tells the story of famous poet Emily Dickinson. Designing the costumes for this historic luminary was deceptively difficult due to her reclusive nature and the lack of photographs or confirmed garments from her life. Instead, the costume was designed based on the descriptions given in her letters and in the play. This simple dress was also accessorized to age the actress from her girlhood through her middle age.
Costume Design: Mae Berg
Director: Kristine Holtvedt
Lighting Design: Rora Xing
Sound Design: Joe Bertsch
Stage Manager: Reilly Bresnahan
Emily: Kristie Schuh
Photos: Mae Berg
Renderings
Pen
Research
The garments in my go-to costume history books felt too fashionable for a reclusive woman, and didn't fit the time traveling this garment needed. Instead, the paintings of Impressionist Artists like Degas and Cassatt showed simple yet ethereal everyday garments fitting the world of the play. These, combined with what little visual primary research is possible about Emily Dickinson formed the research for this play.
