Project Abstract

Abstract
Costuming plays a crucial role in the interpretation and presentation of theatrical works, enhancing the audience's understanding and connection to the characters and themes portrayed on stage. This research project focuses on the significance of costuming in the context of an absurd play, specifically analyzing Samuel Beckett's iconic work, "Waiting for Godot." Through a detailed case study approach, the research delves into the complexities of costuming in a play characterized by existential themes, absurdist humor, and minimalistic settings. Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" is a seminal work of the Theatre of the Absurd, challenging traditional dramatic conventions and exploring the futility of human existence. The play follows the interactions of two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon, as they wait endlessly for the mysterious figure of Godot, who never arrives. The minimalist setting and circular structure of the play emphasize the cyclical nature of time and the characters' repetitive actions, highlighting the absurdity of their existence. Costuming in "Waiting for Godot" serves as a visual and symbolic representation of the characters' inner struggles, relationships, and the absurd world they inhabit. The research explores how the choice of costumes can convey the characters' social status, psychological state, and existential dilemmas to the audience. In a play where dialogue and action are often fragmented and enigmatic, costumes play a crucial role in providing additional layers of meaning and interpretation. The research project analyzes various productions of "Waiting for Godot" to examine the diverse approaches to costuming the characters. From traditional interpretations with ragged, tramp-like costumes to more modern adaptations with symbolic or surreal elements, each production offers unique insights into the thematic resonance of the play. By studying how different costumes contribute to the overall atmosphere and interpretation of the play, this research highlights the creative possibilities and challenges of costuming an absurd work. Overall, this research project contributes to the ongoing scholarly conversation on the significance of costuming in theatre, particularly in the context of absurd drama. By focusing on a specific case study of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," the research offers a nuanced understanding of how costumes can enrich the audience's experience and deepen their engagement with complex themes of existentialism, isolation, and the human condition.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

This work attempts to throw more light on costuming an absurd play using Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot as a case study and would also research on the concept of absurdism and proponents of the ideology in attempt to throw more light on its application to budding playwrights and actors of absurd drama.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Most directors do not regard costume as an essential item in a play production; especially in an absurd play. Sometimes costume performs an interpretive role which is not often addressed by practitioners in the theatre as a result of which plays, are done without due consideration of this salient fact.

1.3 Scope of the Study

This work shall attempt an interpretative study of costuming an absurd play. It would also to do an analytical discourse on the concept of absudism in relation to the play Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. Furthermore this work would show case how costume could be used to aid the actor to interpret his role better; costume helps in placing the actors in his/her geographical orbit, especially in a play as complex as Samuel Beckett’s: waiting for Godot.

1.4 Significance of the Study

It is hoped that this research would serve as a stimulant to others in this field on costuming an absurd play. It would also contribute to the knowledge of the concept of absurdism. This study attempts to offer an additional material as aid towards the study of absurd drama to scholars and practitioners of absurd theatre and drama.

1.5 Research Methodology

This research adopts the artistic and literary methodologies. The artistic methodology, would be adopted to delve into historical developments of costume provide imageries showcasing the costume for the play Waiting for Godot in an attempt to showcase how an absurd play should be costumed while the literary, journals data from internet, thesis and so on. Using the play; Waiting for Godot as a focal point.

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