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The Cherry Orchard was published on January 17, 1904 by Anton Chekhov. The play takes place early twentieth century in Yalta, Russia.

The play stars with a large cast of characters. The main character, Madame Ranevsky, is the head of her family's estate. As society shifts in Yalta, she and her family are on the brink of losing their property and all their wealth. Ravensky, alongside her daughters, brother, and butler, struggle to fight for their livelihood. Faced with uncertainty, Ravensky is forced to face the reality of the changing new world order, all while dealing with loss, grief and the past.

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Role - Costume Designer

As the chosen costume designer of The Cherry Orchard, it is my job to help create and form the character's looks and persona through the clothes they wear. I have numerous responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities include, but are not limited to: costume chart, number of costumes, color schemes, costume plate and fabric. The costume chart is essential as it explains which characters will appear in each scene, which characters work stage together, how many costumes we will need for each scene, and the costume total. Elements for designing a costume are the silhouette, color, fabric and accessories. It is my job to do my research of the time period to correctly match what type of fabrics/accessories were used at the time. The fabric and color of the costumes also represent the relationship between characters and also their socio-economic positions.

Type of production: Community Theatre
The set location is in Los Angeles, California. In LA there are many theatres available to rent out. It was decided on The Orpheum Theatre. While on the costly end, the director is well known and was able to secure the spot.

Budget: $8,000
After speaking with the director, he wants to put a lot of emphasis on the costumes. With that being said, he gave my department the higher end of the bargain. The costumes being designed will need a lot of intricate designs and fabrics. This also gives a lot of artistic freedom.

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A lot of time and effort is put into designing the costumes.

I mainly work alongside the director, wanting to encapsulate the character on stage as if they are in the specific setting/time the play takes place. In this case, The Cherry Orchard takes place early twentieth century Yalta, a city in Russia.

I have not run into many problems throughout the duration of the production. I have many references from the time period to base the costume designs off of. The only real challenge I had faced was the intricacy of putting together the dresses and dress shirts. There are a lot of small details, such as flowers or embroidery, that were implemented into the clothing to give it the vintage look. I made sure that the costume designing crew, including myself, had ample amount of time to sketch an outline and put together a masterpiece.

A big part as to why I wanted to help in the production in this play is because I am passionate about the morals and story it is relaying to the audience. Without spoiling too much, I think it is important to reflect and educate ourselves on how the turn of the century in different countries play into how the country runs itself now. Thus, I feel it is important this play is produced in the best way possible. My vision is being served in this production as I was given creative freedom. I think making fashion statements are important, as they're truly memorable. With that, I am able to design the costumes for the characters as I see best fit.

I am honored to have been chosen and given the chance to be a part of an amazing and life changing production.

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Costume 1 : Madame Lyubof Andreyevna Ranevsky

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Costume 1 : Madame Lyubof Andreyevna Ranevsky

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The main protagonist.

Madame Ranevsky is a wealthy woman who happens to overspend on herself and on others. This would be an outfit she would wear around the family estate and going out. The hat and accessories are essential. These show of Ravensky's wealth.

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Costume 2 : Yermolai Alexeyitch Lopakhin

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Costume 2 : Yermolai Alexeyitch Lopakhin

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Middle-class neighbor of Madame Ranevsky. Ranevsky had saved him when he was younger. He helps out around the estate and suggests the cherry orchard must be cut down.

This is what he would wear around the estate and cherry orchards. Because he came from dirt to riches, he keeps a modest look with what he wears.

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Elderly butler that serves an allegiance to Madame Ranevsky and Gayef.

This is the attire he would wear as a butler working at the estate. He is proper and composed and would stray from wearing anything besides a suit.

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Tutor to Ranevsky's son Grisha before he passed away. Has secret feelings for Anya.

This is what he would wear while tutoring and hanging out at the estate. He would dress as any middle class man n Yalta making a living.

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Madame Ranevsky's youngest daughter.

Anya is easy going and ambitious. This would be what she wears going around town and around the estate. She is idealistic and a dreamer. Her dresses represent that by having more flowy and airy layers.

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Madame Ranevsky's eldest daughter.

Barbara is responsible, mature and stoic. She is currently waiting for a proposal from her lover, so she is dressed more modestly. This is her casual wear around the esate.

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Madame Ravensky's brother.

Anxious about his family's financial future. This is his daily wear around the estate and around town. He shows off his wealth by his expensive suits.

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Presentation on Russian Fashion in the 19th Century.

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Life goes on.

The themes represented in The Cherry Orchard are still relevant, a century later. Themes ranging from loss and grief, evolving social status, and nature. A lot lessons can be learned from watching the play. Humans, as much as we try to not be, are flawed. It is important to remember that humans will continue to evolve and adapt to situations. With the tragedy that is The Cherry Orchard, it is a reminder for all of us to lean on each other, stick by each other, and help each other. As a costume designer, if the audience and those watching were able to connect and immerse themselves within the play, then I have done my job right. There are many memorable characters who are remembered for what they wore. In this case, it is my firm hope that I was able to leave an impression with the blood, sweat and tears put into the costumes.

This project has taught me a lot. it taught me about the many responsibilities and hard work it takes to be a part of a play production. It also taught me how fun and thrilling it is to be a part of something so big. As a costume designer, it allowed me to expand beyond my comfort zones and appreciate the art which is theatre.

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https://www.owleyes.org/text/cherry-orchard

https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-cherry-orchard

https://www.sparknotes.com/drama/cherryorchard/facts/

https://www.gradesaver.com/the-cherry-orchard/study-guide/summary