Doctor Faustus
Written By: Christopher Marlowe
Directed By: Stephanie Holladay Earl
Scenic Design: Amanda Nerby
Lighting Design: Skyler Broughman
Randolph College (October, 2022)
This Elizabethan Tragedy follows the life of the ambitious Dr. Faustus who strikes a deal with Lucifer and the devil, Mephastophilis, for the secrets of the universe and power. The visual concept for this production was 1890s Victorian Gothic combined with a haunted house atmosphere.
The imagery of Faustus was that of a moth drawn to the flame, inspiring the moth elements on her costumes. This gothic theme of natural elements and textures, along with pieces of nature continues throughout the design in multiple places.
The Seven Deadly Sins are inspired by the shrouded statues found in cathedrals, with their crowned headpieces embodying an association with their sin.
In keeping with the haunted house vibes, all characters in the show who touch or work with dark magic also have black fingertips or hands to show the corruption from the evil. At the end of the play when the devils return to drag Faustus to Hell with them this black make up effect manifests itself on more areas of the body; leaking out of their eyes and running down their necks. During this scene, Lucifer also enters with his back sliced open, a reminder of his lost wings removed after his fall from Heaven. All devil horns used in this production were 3D printed in house and the horns were painted to be inspired by embers, black and ashy, with red hot spots at the tips.
Pieces constructed by designer include: Dr. Faustus' Green Vest and Brown Vest, Dr. Faustus' 1890s Bicycle Pants, Dr. Faustus' Nightgown and Robe, both the White and Grey 1890s Bodices for Dr. Faustus (all of Dr. Faustus' shirts and night gowns were made from upcycled sheets, and curtains for the floral detail), Dead Head Hawk Moth Embroidery for Dr Faustus' Brown Vest, All 3D printed Devil horns, Duchess Dress
All show photos credited to Jill Nance Waugh, Randolph College.