We began conceptualizing this project in 2019 as a small fashion show collection. The initial idea was to use costumes to explore the visual culture of horror films. Taking inspiration from our favourite thrillers, teen screams, and classic films, we quickly developed a curiosity for the strange and sometimes offensive nature of female characters in horror stories. Although our first concepts were rough, and went through many iterations, we found meaning in using design to discuss complex and intersecting ideas about women.

 

With encouragement from our design professor, Karyn McCallum, we looked into bringing more emerging creators to transform our small collection into a theatrical experience for WSD. After reaching out to members of our community, meeting incredibly talented and inspiring artists, we joined forces with eight FSPA students as the Women in Horror Collaborative. We’ve held countless Zoom meetings, thoughtfully researching gender, socio-political, and racial structures in horror films, and searching for ways to create a visually striking commentary on these topics. This is where the Little Sister theme inspired us to explore the contextual reality of the treatment of women in film. In thinking about our own futures in the industry, we’ve pushed ourselves to use visual dramaturgy to make a statement about sexist tropes and patriarchal ideas.  Our collaborative’s goal is to embrace the intersectionality of female horror characters. This performance is our attempt to break the lens through which we view women. 

 

As co-producers, directors, and costume designers, we are extremely proud of this project, and that we’ve been able to make our theatrical ambitions come true through collaboration with such an incredible group of feminist artists. Thank you for joining us in Breaking the Lens!

 

Enjoy the show,

Augustine and Eleanor