MAE

By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Kip Williams

Top layer: nylon mesh, embroidered beaded floral applique
Bow: silk organza
Underlayer: duchess satin, silk organza

Costume design by Mel Page

The otherwise elegant and subdued colour tones of David Fleischer’s set and Mel Page’s costume design for this production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are outrageously disrupted by the arrival of Mae and her four children – all sporting fiery red hair.

The vibrant hues of this floral pregnancy gown echo the family trait.

Nikki Shiels (Mae): "I adored wearing this creation by Mel Page as Mae Pollit in Kip Williams’ production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Referred to by Maggie as ‘that monster of fertility, Mae’, this frock oozes clues about her character.

"I love how Mel incorporated a touch of the grotesque, high fashion and the colours of spring complete with an eight month pregnancy undergarment to bring to life Mae’s excess."

David Fleischer (Set Designer): "Mel’s evocative costume for Nikki Shiels’ Mae was a sophisticated and beautifully comic piece that captured the character and the milieu so clearly.

Mae was a perfect juxtaposition in the monochromatic and brutal stage design, but also, ironically, provided warmth in line with the harsh, but often beautiful glow of the mass of lights behind."

Costume made by Mary Anne Lawler; worn by Nikki Shiels; c

Scott Fisher (STC Costume Manager): "This floral embroidered, beaded applique is from a Spanish company called José María Ruiz.

"They get a lot of designer ends. If you wanted to make yourself a Chanel bouclé suit, go and have a chat to them because they are the people who have it!"

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Photos by Joanna Shuen & Daniel Boud