Biblical Theater: How to Create Authentic Costumes

Anyone planning a church-sponsored pageant or film based on a story drawn from the New Testament might benefit from this how-to program about avoiding anachronism in costuming. Host Christopher Gornold-Smith of International Media Ministries, who has produced and directed a separate Bible studies series, shares what he's learned about fashioning, purchasing, and renting authentic apparel for the actors. Biblical Theater includes chapters on dress for Jewish men, women, and priests; Greek and Roman civilians and officials; Roman soldiers (both legionaries and auxiliary troops) and Jewish temple guards; and Eastern “wise men,” or Parthians—as well as a separate segment on footwear. Drawing on artwork, clips from his own productions, and examples of actors wearing the costumes, Gornold-Smith explains mistakes that can arise from employing relatively modern Middle Eastern clothing (particularly of Arab provenance) as a model, and offers step-by-step directions for making historically correct outfits, indicating the proper materials and even how to prepare the necessary pigments for the cloth. Also guiding viewers to where ready-made apparel can be rented—including Roman military armor or plastic replicas—the program concludes with a discussion of books that are useful in making items of authentic period dress. DVD extras include a segment on techniques related to aging makeup. A specialized title that should prove useful to its target audience, this is recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)