Shakespearean productions are often elaborate affairs, with a host of actors and dramatic sets. Working diligently behind the scenes of most productions is the costume designer—the man or woman who designs the clothes and accessories that the actors wear throughout the play. Shakespeare wrote that “The soul of this man is in his clothes,” and that perhaps rings true for the costume designer more than anyone else.

Bobby Brewer-Wallin, a costume designer and Willamette University associate professor of theatre, will explore the particular challenges and rewards of designing for Shakespeare during his presentation on “Dressing Shakespeare: From Page to Stage” at the Downtown Bend Public Library on March 23 at 1:00 p.m.  This presentation is free and open to the public.

In his presentation Brewer-Wallin willlook at the creative process of theatre costume design and discuss how the collaborative process works, where the inspiration comes from and the challenges of working with stories that have been told for more than 400 years. He will talk about the productions he has most recently designed for—Richard III, Measure for Measure and King Lear—and will share design renderings, fabric samples and photographs of the working process.

Bobby Brewer-Wallin has designed costumes for theatre, film and dance for over 15 years. He is an associate professor in the Theatre Department at Willamette University with an MFA in costume design from CalArts. Recent credits include Richard III at Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre; Brightly Dawning Day and Orlando at Willamette University; (I Am Still) The Duchess of Malfi at Artist Repertory Theatre; Oedipus the King at Classical Greek Theatre of Oregon; and Something’s Got A Hold of My Heart with Hand2Mouth Theatre. Brewer-Wallin recently spent his sabbatical in London researching clothing and memory and is engaged in a body of work integrating personal narrative and previously worn items of clothing in an exhibit titled Epistolary Garments.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Tina at 541-312-1034.