Pudd'nhead Wilson 2012

Temple University Graduate Thesis Design by Jamie Grace-Duff

Scenic Design by Ian P. Guzzone

Based on a story by Mark Twain, Pudd'nhead Wilson explores race relations in a southern town. My thesis production was set in an abstract museum setting inspired by the artwork of Kara Walker. This required the costumes to be as historically accurate as possible. My research and process was compiled and published in my thesis entitled "A Costume Design for Pudd'nhead Wilson". The chapters outline my research and visual references, many gathered from the Library of Congress. At the request of the director, Doug Wager, a minstrel was added to open the show - in black-face. This addition was much debated internally, and required extensive research and care from the costuming department. My thesis document includes a chapter detailing the racist practice of black-face minstrels, their rise in popular culture, the historical make-up techniques, and finally our conscious intentions for including such a controversial figure in our production.