Costumes by Samantha Reckford

The Learned Ladies

Screen-printing and stitching by Samantha Reckford.

Costumes designed by Paul Canada for Moliere’s “The Learned Ladies”, directed by Brian B. Crowe for the Outdoor Stage at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Costumes draped by Judith L. Evans.

For this colorful, energetic adaptation of Moliere’s classic play, designer Paul Canada decided that the three snobbish, intellectually-inclined “Learned Ladies” would be dressed in Watteau-back gowns and jackets that displayed their academic fervor. Over the course of a week I (along with Brooke Bow) created over 15 individual emulsion screens and screen-printed approximately 30 yards of textured white linen for the three gowns. I also completed the stitching on the saque-back jacket and matching stomacher for Armande, the youngest of the three intellectual ladies, portrayed by Susan Maris.

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I worked on this show as a member of the Intern Company and the Summer Professional Training Program at STNJ.

Role: Stitcher, Craft Artist
For: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Date: June 2014

The Learned Ladies
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Greek poetry screen-printed onto 15 yards of white linen for Philaminte’s gown

Astrological symbols and geometry for Belise, 10 yards

Mathematical and alchemical symbols for Armande’s gown, 7 yards

Armande’s bodice, in progress

Armande’s stomacher, which I created based on Paul’s instructions

Bodice and stomacher being assembled

Rear view of Philaminte’s gown, stitched by Leslie Palmer, showing the screen-printed Greek poetry

Trissotin (Clark Carmichael) wows Armande (Susan Maris) with his romantic fervour while wearing a jabot which I calligraphied by hand.

Susan Maris appears as Armande

Alison Weller as Belise, Marion Adler as Philaminte, and Susan Maris as Armande appear in their printed gowns on stage

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The Learned Ladies

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The Learned Ladies
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