The various pieces were constructed/collected over a broad timeframe - the stays took about two years to make, and the jewelry is stuff I'd collected over about four years, and the shirt and breeches were made in the few days before my very first festival, when I went "AHHH! I don't have a pirate costume!" and ran to the fabric store. The breeches were totally experimental - they need some adjustments, but I'm astonished they worked as well as they did. Also, it was my first time performing a principal role, and I'd had only two days to prepare, but that's another story.Costume: Brigit O'Malley/Pirate Queen
Costume Pieces
Constructed: Linen shirt, stays (18th century corset - period correct!), black linen breeches.
Purchased: Sashes, jewelry, shoes, stockings, belt and sword frog (from theinnerbailey.com - awesome people), rapier
Borrowed: Black frock coat (for the purpose of the play only) from David/Nathaniel. The coat was rather too dignified for his character - good thing we're both tall and lanky.
Combat Utility:
The costume is a bit problematic. The stays mean I have no spinal flexebility at all, and the breeches mean my ability to bend at the knees is rather limited. I can do sword fights just fine, but any stunts are right out. Oh, and my breathing's really restricted.
Comfort:
None. It kinda sucks to wear. Though I finally get to wear pants. That was exciting. Trips to the bathroom are a challenge, and pretty much require completely undressing. (Might seem TMI, but it's a serious concern when you're performing for a 12hr day.)
I like it. I like it a lot.
More pictures!
Stupid guards can't keep a castle secure. Except maybe by accident.
Some actual sword fighting (street theatre!), vs. the true owner of the black coat. See? I told you we were both tall and lanky. And here you can actually see what the bottom part of my costume looks like. The gauntlet is there because of a loose wire on the hilt of my sword, and yeah, my hair really is that long. (Now that I'm performing, I always get asked if it's a wig...)
Left to right: Nathaniel (David), Lucien (Luke), Brigit (Me)
It was a good gig. Grueling, but good.
