SHE KILLS MONSTERS

Tech Theatre

Cultural Fantasy: Arts integration Incorporated into Tech Theater for the School Production of She Kills Monsters

Students in tech theater classes are responsible for the set, lighting and costume desgins for each theater production. She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen was selected for the fall 2019 production. To bring original concepts to the characters of the play, tech theater teacher Mr. Wipplinger worked with Aaron Jones, Director of Art Integration to fuse costume design with Anthropology to create fantastical creatures with connections to cultural and tribal communities.

After reading the script She Kills Monsters students were asked to think about the types mythological creatures in the play (Bugbears and Goblins) and imagine the culture of the creatures. As enemies to the more "mortal-like" characters in the play these creatures would need to provide a visual as well as cultural contrast to the heroines.

Students were asked to investigate different cultures from history known for their strong military tactics and defense for their tribal community. Huns, Vikings, Zulu and Maori were a few of the cultures students researched. A biographical report on the selected culture was asigned requiring the following information:

History and location of the culture/tribe
Religious and ceremonial customs
Warfare and weaponry used by the people
Inclusion of imagery of the community

In addition to the biographical report students were required to create a concept drawing that fused the historical culture with that of the fantasy creatures. Students were asked to include a written descripton of how the weaponry, costumes, tribal inconography, symbols or motiffs from the culture were incorporated into the design of the character.

Students then fabricated their concepts as masks. As a final grade for the project all concepts were submitted to the director of the play to review; concepts were then chosen to represent each creature culture. Sets and costumes were then created by the tech theater classes.

Weaponary and facial tattooing from the Moari were influences for the Goblins

image source https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/maori-culture-new-zealand/

Medieval armour served as inspiration for the wardrobe for the main characters

Greek mythology (Hydra) served as the source for the creation of the Tiamat

image source: Herakles and the Lernaean Hydra, Attic Vase, around 540/30 BC; Musée du Louvre, Paris

Celtic symbolism and ritual served as resources for the costumes for the demons and fairies as well as setting

image source: https://irishimbasbooks.com/irish-mythology-when-irish-druids-go-bad/

FABRICATION

Materials: Cardboard, scissors, hot glue and acrylic paint

Students used carboard boxes to create the framework for the dragon masks

Scrap pieces of cardboard were cut and applied to give the illusion of scales

Each dragon mask was embellished and painted differently to represent the five heads of the Tiamat, but also to distinguish the separate cultures from which each were influenced

Results

The results were the creation of a successful set and costumed cast of cultural creatures. Additionally, the climactic scene which featured a 5 headed dragon (Tiamat) also drew inspiration from contemporary and historical cultures. The fabrication of each dragon head revealed specific features and color schemes from cultures with ceremonial or symbolic connections to dragons including: Chinese, Indian, Mexica, Viking, and Celtic cultures.

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