'Julius Caesar' Shakespeare

Spring Term, 2024

Julius Caesar by Shakespeare is a historical tragedy. It tells the story of the conspiracy led by Cassius to assassinate Caesar, with Brutus reluctantly joining the plot. Caesar is murdered, and his friend Mark Antony's speech incites civil war. Brutus and Cassius are eventually defeated and commit suicide. The play ends with Antony praising Brutus as the noblest Roman

Directed by: Jonathan Munby

Costume Design: Ysabelle Clason-Morgan

Costume Assistant & Maker: Olivia Lewis,

Costume Assistants: Natalia Hamlin, Maisie Frater, Isabel Minnion Craggs

Set Design: Ruby Aston

Photographer: Simon Gough

Assistant & Maker Process

I worked as a Costume Assistant on this Production and made the 'Calpurnia' Pink suit dress (Photographed in 'Production Photographs' images 3-12)

Calpurnia 'Pink suit' Dress

Create pattern from basic block pattern.
Alter it to have a 'Built up Neckline', for a clean and modern silhouette.
Cut out leaving plenty of seam allowance.
The fabric was not strong enough to hold the shape on its own, therefore it needed to be backed onto a sturdier fabric.
Sew seams and sleeve seams together.
Put on mannequin to 'hang' the sleeves correctly in place.
Have first fitting with actress.
Make alterations to pattern.
Add facing to the lining
When sewing lining seams: allow space for movement with excess 'gaps' within seams as shown in images of lining.
Attach lining to suit jacket, and turn right way around.
Hook and eye fastenings at center front .
Kick pleat into the skirt (allow actress to travel up steep stairs on stage).
Petersham support in waistband.
Geometric shoulder-piece (draped on the stand and stiffened), three big pleats tacked in place. Hand sewn onto jacket.

Assisting & Dressing

Maker of 'Calpurnia Suit Dress'
Sourcing and in attendance during fittings
Dresser: In the wings and backstage (quick changes, and laundry call every night with *Fake blood* from "Julius Caesar- Assassination scene"