More Tar, More Feather!

Apr 11, 2011 11:44

In my previous post on this project, i wrote about the research and development portion of the tar application--what fabric, what medium, release agents, etc. And, if you recall, we left poor Ralph the Mannequin wrapped in clingfilm and half-covered in silicone caulk and feathers, curing overnight.

Our next step was to repeat the process on the other side of the suit, give another night's cure-time, then fit it on the actor to test our tar-application and stretchability. This was a success, so the next logical thing to do would be to repeat the process for the back of the suit.

Two caveats though: We had to come up with a way to hide the zipper in the back, and the question was posed, could the tar give off smoke?

I love a challenge! I figured, if we could burn a parasol onstage, we could make tar smoke. But first, the placket... Draper Kaitlin Fara patterned and stitched a Powernet placket onto the costume which could snap into place to hide the zipper, and crafts assistant Rae Cauthen and i then had to get tarring!



First we wrapped a hanging-man form in clingfilm.
We'll call him Ralph Jr.



Then we dressed Ralph Jr. in the Duke's tar costume.
See the visible zipper/placket?



Clingfilm protects the zipper's teeth from the sticky silicone applied to the placket.



This image shows the hoses that will deliver smoke taped into position.
The hoses are made from clear flexible medical tubing.



Here the hoses are traced in blue so you can see them better.



Rae and i whipstitched them down to secure them while we applied tar casings.
This would both stabilize them on the suit and camouflage them in the "tar".



Here i am, applying long channels of silicone caulk over the hose.
I did the left hose, she did the right. Teamwork!



Augh! Gross and painful looking!
Here Ralph Jr. models his new back-look,
and another overnight curing session occurred.

I think i'll stop again here, and conclude tomorrow with a post on how we delivered the smoke through the hoses and finished up work on this amazing journey of a costume. These are the kinds of projects that remind me why i love this line of work.

rubberizing, playmakers, north carolina

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