In this task, our goal is to connect with and portray the character that we will be playing in the musical ‘Encanto’, creating a costume that we will be wearing throughout the performance.
Background Character Information –
Firstly, I need to understand the character that I will be performing as. I am playing the character of Alma Madrigal, also known as Abuela, the grandma of the family and the character that creates most of the conflict. This is due to the extremely high standards that she puts on the family, wanting everything and everyone to be perfected. This directly stems from the loss of her husband when she had just recently given birth to triplets. He sacrificed himself to help protect his family and the community that was being destroyed by soldiers. This is what gave Abuela the gift, that helped create a refuge for the community to take shelter in. She doesn’t want to lose this, in fear of losing a loved one again, and thus projects this on the rest of her family. However, Mirabel threatens to ruin this. The fact that she doesn’t get a gift scares Abuela, as she fears that it means that the miracle is dying. She projects this worry onto her, blaming her for every problem. Her attitude is rather controlling, overbearing and stubborn, often refusing to understand others’ opinions until the very end of the show. She is also very formal and traditional.
Other influencing Factors –
The time period is a factor that should be considered when designing a costume. The time period in which the show is set in is undefined, however, it is most likely in the 20th century. This limits any newer styles of clothes that may not have been present at that time. Also, the majority of the show is probably set in spring, due to the abundance of flower growth (however this may just be a result of Isabella’s powers) and warmer tones. This means that clothes should be suited towards warmer weather (ranging from around 18 to 30 degrees Celsius).
The place that this is being set in is regional Columbia, as inferred by the original media. Partially replicating this style may help to further immerse the audience into this world that we are creating.
Finally, how the audience feels as well as the overall mood of the show can help develop costume ideas and designs. The audience should always know that Abuela is in control, and head of the family. That she is the one supposedly holding the family together. This may be portrayed through more formal clothes, preferably a dress, that cover both the arms and legs. She should also be portrayed as wanting nothing but perfection and being overbearing at times to achieve this within her family. However, this also has to tie in with the mood, which is happy, magical and bright (for the most part). This can mean brighter colours and looser clothing.
Despite all of this, we are still limited to the source material, the Disney animated movie ‘Encanto’. The audience, mostly composed of year 4’s and 5’s, will probably already be familiar with the characters and what is associated with them, giving us less room to improvise based on what think may work.
Costume Design –
After considering these factors, I have formulated a costume that is suited towards the character of Abuela.
Her costume should be perfectly cared for, to show how much she values perfection in the family, as well as slightly older fashioned (as she is the oldest member of the madrigal family). The colour palette is similar to that of the movie, with dark pink as the main colour for the dress. An even darker pink should be used for the collar (alongside white), as well as the patterns that adorn the fabric. Gold should also be used in these.
However, patterns may be unrealistic considering what is available, and will probably not end up being a part of the final costume. The costume, as suggested, will continue to be a dress. The top portion of the dress should reach just above the hip, with a long skirt (that is about ankle length) beneath it. It should have long sleeves, which is a representation of how she can conserve her true emotions for what she thinks will be best for the family. The material should be any fabric that is not too stiff or silky, such as cotton. If patterns were possible, in order to enhance the character and overall look of the costume, embroidered butterflies (to symbolise growth, change and the miracle of the family) would be added to the dress especially around the collar (near the heart) and at the bottom of the garment.
This can be shown in the following mood board, reflecting both the original costume as well as how I have slightly interpreted it.
