Exhibit Features “Rover” Costumes

“Embodying Character: ‘The Rover’ Costumes” is the latest exhibit in the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery and is on display through Thursday, Dec. 7.

The theatre production of “The Rover” featured colorful costumes designed by Casper College Costume instructor Darrell Wagner. The eight women’s and seven men’s costumes were built by the theatre’s costume shop.

According to Wagner, the costumes were fashioned after 1686 Restoration Italian paintings, at a time when the monarchy was restored to power in England. Each of the costumes served to reflect the manner of the characters’ new freedom of expression allowed at that time during Carnival in Naples, Italy. Because masks were used to disguise some of the characters, the costumes were color-coded to help the audience keep track of character relationships. The exhibition also features the country bumpkin friend costume, which Wagner based on a 1635 English painting, and costumes for the more conservative characters of the play.

The Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery is located in the Music Building on the Casper College campus and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

According to Wagner, the costumes were fashioned after 1686 Restoration Italian paintings, at a time when the monarchy was restored to power in England. Each of the costumes served to reflect the manner of the characters’ new freedom of expression allowed at that time during Carnival in Naples, Italy. Because masks were used to disguise some of the characters, the costumes were color-coded to help the audience keep track of character relationships. The exhibition also features the country bumpkin friend costume, which Wagner based on a 1635 English painting, and costumes for the more conservative characters of the play.