© Catherine Esera All rights reserved.

1790's Brocade and Embroidered Net Skirt

This 1780’s brocade and embroidered net skirt ensemble was designed for Constanze Weber by Alex Jaeger for South Coast Repertory’s production “Amadeus” in May 2016.

I patterned and built this ensemble. The skirt has two layers, satin under embroidered net worn over a bumroll and petticoat.  The boned bodice was made from floral brocade has piped edges, 3/4 two-piece sleeves and was worn over a corset. Lace trims the sleeves and scoop neckline. To facilitate the actor’s quick changes, a separating zipper was used in the center back of the bodice. In theater there is often not time for such closures. Actor’s frequently need to change in and out of costumes quickly for the next scene.

South Coast Repertory presents “Amadeus” by Peter Shaffer, directed by Kent Nicholson. Cast: Christian Barillas (Venticelli #1), Marco Barricelli (Antonio Salieri), Mark Capri (Baron Gottfried van Swieten), Bo Foxworth (Count Johann Killan von Strack), Peter Frechette (Joseph II), Asher Grodman (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), John-David Keller (Giuseppe Bonno), Louis Lotorto (Venticelli #2), Cynthia Marty (Teresa Salieri), Louis Pardo (Salieri’s Cook), Geoffrey Wade (Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg), Liesel Allen Yeager (Constanze Weber), A.J. Sclafani (Salieri’s Valet), Camille Thornton-Alson (Katherina Cavalieri).  Segerstrom Stage, May 6 - June 5, 2016

Pictured: Liesel Allen Yeager and Marco Barricelli

Photo by: Debora Robinson for South Coast Repertory. Used with permission.

Amadeus 01
Amadeus 02

At times theater demands anachronistic techniques in period costumes. Seen here is a zipper in the center back of the bodice to accommodate the actor’s quick changes.