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Behind the Costumes of Merry Wives

Costume designer Nia Safarr Banks works on a costume for The Merry Wives of Windsor production at American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse in a design studio in Staunton, Virginia. She is focused on sewing details on a blue and white floral dress, surrounded by dress forms and various fabric materials. Nia wears a colorful headscarf and layered necklaces, showcasing her creative style.

The Merry Wives of Windsor: Costume Design Insights

Step into the vibrant world of costume design at the American Shakespeare Center, where creativity and artistry converge in our 2024 Fall Repertory Season production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. This enchanting comedy comes to life through the meticulous work of Costume Designer Nia Safarr Banks, who has crafted an array of stunning costumes that not only enhance the characters but also facilitate the quick changes required in our dynamic repertory cast.

Meet Nia Safarr Banks

Costume Designer Nia Safarr Banks adjusts a costume on a dress form in the design studio at the American Shakespeare Center. The background features Amy Monsalve working on another costume. The scene showcases the collaborative environment of costume design for The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunotn, Virginia, with various fabrics and materials visible around them.
Costume Designer Nia Safarr Banks adjusts a costume on a dress form in the Costume Shop at the American Shakespeare Center.

 

Nia Safarr Banks is a talented Costume Designer from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at Boston University. Nia brings a wealth of experience to the ASC, having previously designed costumes for Pass Over and Hamlet. In 2019, she was nominated for the Richmond Critic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design for her work on An Octoroon at TheatreLab. Her impressive portfolio also includes productions such as Imaginary Invalid at Firehouse Theatre, Fences at Virginia Repertory Theatre, and 4000 Days at Richmond Triangle Players.

Innovative Costume Design for Quick Changes

 

Costume Designer Nia Safarr Banks showcases her costume design process for The Merry Wives of Windsor in a GIF, featuring her creative layering techniques on a dress form. The GIF highlights sketches and costume details that illustrate the innovative designs used in this Shakespearean comedy at the American Shakespeare Center.

In a production featuring only eight versatile performers, each embodying multiple roles, Nia’s design approach prioritizes adaptability. “For designing this, I had to really think about layers and how face pieces can layer over other items for a quick transformation,” she explains. This thoughtful design strategy ensures that actors can effortlessly transition between characters without losing the comedic momentum of the performance.

The sketches featured provide an exclusive look at Nia’s artistic vision. Each piece is crafted with functionality in mind: for instance, a doublet that can be quickly removed to reveal a vibrant undershirt or a skirt that snaps off for rapid costume changes. This clever layering technique not only enhances the visual storytelling but also allows for the humorous and chaotic elements that Shakespeare’s work is known for.

Costume Shop Manager: Marie Lupia

Costume Shop Manager Marie Lupia carefully prepares a detailed mask for the Blackfriars Playhouse performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center in the costume shop, surrounded by various fabrics and tools.
Costume Shop Manager Marie Lupia carefully prepares a detailed mask for The Merry Wives of Windsor 2024 in the costume shop, surrounded by various fabrics and tools.

 

While Costume Designer Nia Safarr Banks brings her creative vision to life, Costume Shop Manager Marie Lupia plays a crucial role in ensuring each piece is meticulously crafted for the stage. Marie has overseen the costume shop for numerous ASC productions, including The Merry Wives of Windsor, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, and Macbeth. Her background in costume technology and extensive experience as a cutter, draper, and designer—most notably as Costume Designer for A Christmas Carol (2023)—equip her with the skills needed to manage the detailed construction and finishing of each costume. Marie’s expertise ensures that every stitch and fabric choice aligns perfectly with the demands of the production, adding depth and authenticity to the characters.

Wardrobe Supervisor: Amy Monsalve

Wardrobe Manager Amy Monsalve carefully stitches jeweled details onto a pink costume accessory for The Blackfriars Playhouse's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in the American Shakespeare Center costume shop in Staunton, Virginia surrounded by sewing tools and supplies.
Amy Monsalve meticulously stitches jewels onto a costume, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance to The Merry Wives of Windsor 2024.

 

Since joining ASC in February 2023, Wardrobe Supervisor Amy Monsalve has been integral to each production, managing the wardrobe and overseeing the maintenance of costumes throughout each show’s run. Amy’s recent work on productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Macbeth, and Pride and Prejudice has demonstrated her eye for detail and dedication to keeping each costume stage-ready. Together, Marie and Amy’s contributions make The Merry Wives of Windsor a visual delight for audiences, showcasing the artistry and collaboration behind the scenes at ASC.

Character-Driven Aesthetics

Kenn Hopkins, Jr. as Falstaff stands center stage with Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page and Sara Linares as Mistress Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. The trio engages in a lively moment, showcasing vibrant costumes, while the audience is visible in the background, enjoying the performance.
Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page and Sara Linares as Mistress Ford sharing a laugh on stage in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. The two actors wear colorful Renaissance costumes, showcasing ASC's lively Shakespearean theater. Photo by October Grace Media.
Aidan O'Reilly as Sir Hugh Evans in The Merry Wives of Windsor, performed at the American Shakespeare Center. O'Reilly leans over a Renaissance balcony with a letter, dressed in a black and white period costume. Photo by October Grace Media.
Britt Michael Gordon as Dr. Caius and Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Gordon gestures on stage in a Renaissance costume, engaging with the audience in ASC’s unique Shakespeare production. Photo by October Grace Media.
Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page, Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly, and Summer England as Anne Page perform a masked dance scene in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center, capturing the spirit of ASC's Renaissance-style Shakespeare performances. Photo by October Grace Media.
Actors from the ASC 2024 Repertory Cast perform a lively fight-dance scene in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. The performers are dressed in Renaissance attire, with one actor holding a large wooden stick as part of the choreography. Photo by October Grace Media.
Kenn Hopkins, Jr. as Falstaff and Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page in a humorous scene from The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Hopkins sits in a 'Windsor Mead Laundry' cart, a comedic moment in ASC's Renaissance theater production. Photo by October Grace Media.
American Shakespeare Center's Fall 2024 Repertory Cast performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. Actors in colorful Renaissance costumes engage with a live audience, showcasing ASC's immersive Shakespearean theater experience. Photo by October Grace Media.
Kenn Hopkins, Jr. as Falstaff stands center stage with Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page and Sara Linares as Mistress Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. The trio engages in a lively moment, showcasing vibrant costumes, while the audience is visible in the background, enjoying the performance.
Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page and Sara Linares as Mistress Ford sharing a laugh on stage in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. The two actors wear colorful Renaissance costumes, showcasing ASC's lively Shakespearean theater. Photo by October Grace Media.
Aidan O'Reilly as Sir Hugh Evans in The Merry Wives of Windsor, performed at the American Shakespeare Center. O'Reilly leans over a Renaissance balcony with a letter, dressed in a black and white period costume. Photo by October Grace Media.
Britt Michael Gordon as Dr. Caius and Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Gordon gestures on stage in a Renaissance costume, engaging with the audience in ASC’s unique Shakespeare production. Photo by October Grace Media.
Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page, Angela Iannone as Mistress Quickly, and Summer England as Anne Page perform a masked dance scene in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center, capturing the spirit of ASC's Renaissance-style Shakespeare performances. Photo by October Grace Media.
Actors from the ASC 2024 Repertory Cast perform a lively fight-dance scene in The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. The performers are dressed in Renaissance attire, with one actor holding a large wooden stick as part of the choreography. Photo by October Grace Media.
Kenn Hopkins, Jr. as Falstaff and Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page in a humorous scene from The Merry Wives of Windsor at the American Shakespeare Center. Hopkins sits in a 'Windsor Mead Laundry' cart, a comedic moment in ASC's Renaissance theater production. Photo by October Grace Media.
American Shakespeare Center's Fall 2024 Repertory Cast performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. Actors in colorful Renaissance costumes engage with a live audience, showcasing ASC's immersive Shakespearean theater experience. Photo by October Grace Media.

The costumes are more than just clothing; they embody the essence of each character while facilitating quick changes. Angela Iannone‘s Mistress Quickly dons a vibrant yellow dress that symbolizes warmth and joy, while Kenn Hopkins, Jr.‘s Falstaff showcases a striking black outfit that exudes authority and intrigue. Nia’s designs reflect the intricate relationships among the characters, including Summer England as Anne Page and Aidan O’Reilly as Sir Hugh Evans, Leah Gabriel as Mistress Page, K.P. Powell as Master Page, and Britt Michael Gordon as Dr. Caius. Each costume plays a critical part in the narrative, contributing to the story’s comedic and dramatic elements.

Nia elaborates on her design philosophy: “I focused on couples and families and what they represent, narrowing that down by color palette and patterns.” This attention to detail reinforces the themes of loyalty, love, and betrayal woven throughout the play, ensuring that the audience connects deeply with each character’s journey.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Theatre Experience

Wardrobe Manager Amy Monsalve carefully stitches jeweled details onto a pink costume accessory for The Blackfriars Playhouse's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor in the American Shakespeare Center costume shop in Staunton, Virginia surrounded by sewing tools and supplies.
Amy Monsalve adds some sparkle to the costumes of The Merry Wives of Windsor 2024.

 

As we prepare for the performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor, we invite you to witness the incredible craftsmanship that goes into each costume. The attention to detail and the innovative design strategies elevate the theatrical experience, making this production a must-see. Join us at the Blackfriars Playhouse to experience the brilliance of the ASC’s Artistic Team in action. Don’t miss your chance to see how these creative choices enhance the storytelling and bring Shakespeare’s characters to life.

Get Your Tickets Now

Don’t miss your chance to witness The Merry Wives of Windsor, where family, love, and laughter intertwine on stage. This delightful production runs now through November 23, 2024, at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia, conveniently located just a short 45-minute drive from Charlottesville (about 40 miles) and only 70 miles from Richmond, making it an ideal day trip destination. If you’re coming from Washington, D.C., we’re approximately 130 miles away, about a two to two-and-a-half-hour drive. Whether you’re seeking a perfect getaway or checking off a bucket list item, experiencing this Shakespearean comedy in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley is a must. Secure your tickets today and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of costume design, storytelling, and live theatre.

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