The purpose of this paper is to present the process of costume design and production for Uncommon Clay, a new work, devised and directed by Jeanine Thompson. The play was produced by The Ohio State University Department of Theatre in the Thurber Theater at the Drake Performance and Event Center, November 7-18, 2001.
Uncommon Clay is a movement theatre piece based on the life and art of the French sculptress Camille Claudel (1864-1943). It was created through collaboration with the production team and an ensemble of actors. The devising process started with the spring quarter, 2001, in a workshop format. The results of the workshop were presented as a work in progress in the Thurber Theater, June 1-2, 2001.
This production is an example of how design elements become a vital part of a devised work, fundamental to its structure and essential to the clarity of its narrative. The process empowered the designers to take an active part in the creation of a play. At the same time, this non-traditional and unprecedented approach to theatre at The Ohio State University provided many challenges. It served as a pioneer example of play production, important for the further development of The Ohio State Theatre Department's dedication to mount new works.