Cassie Kay Hoppas is the costume designer for Tartuffe by Molière, the second show in our 2015-2016 season. As a third year MFA student in Costume Design and Production, this is the third theatre production she has worked on.
Cassie’s costume designs have a traditional silhouette of the 1660-1670 time period that Tartuffe takes place in, but with heightened color tones. Molière’s Tartuffe was first performed in 1664, which makes it over 350 years old – only a few years younger than its Shakespearean counterparts. Considered the father of modern French comedy, Molière’s work garnered criticism and acclaim for controversial themes that challenged established conventions and memorable characters.
For Cassie’s vision, each of these characters represent a “jewel” in the household where the action takes place and are prized possessions of Argon, the father and head of house. Argon’s wife, Elmire, is costumed in emerald green as she is Argon’s crowned jewel.
All the costumes are in the beginning stages of being built with initial fittings complete; all the costume shop staff are hard at work on bringing Cassie’s designs to life. We were able to get pictures of the renderings Cassie created, as well as the beginnings of a lot of those pieces!
Tartuffe opens on September 29th and runs through October 4th in The Marian Gallaway Theatre. Tickets are $14 for students, $17 for seniors and UA faculty and staff, and $20 for adults. They are available in Rowand-Johnson Hall at the ticket office in the front lobby, by phone at (205) 348-3400 or online at UA.tix.com.