I woke up on Tuesday morning to the subtle pitter-patter of rain from outside my window. It started out as a cloudy and cool yet peaceful rainy day. It was the perfect day to spend indoors, so it was extremely fitting that we took a visit to The Victoria and Albert Museum where we were able to roam freely underneath the grand ceilings. “The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it was founded in 1852, and has since grown to cover 12.5 acres and 145 galleries” (Gov.uk).
While exploring the theatre and performance section of the museum, I came across a specific costume that caught my eye. The main antagonist, Scar’s costume from the adored musical, The Lion King. The musical of The Lion King is based on the classic 1994 Disney film.“The costume consists of a full body leotard worn under tightly fitting corset and includes leather boots and a tail. The surface of the orange leotard is digitally printed with interlocking black diamonds and stiff leather covered piping has been attached to the corset, arms and hands. A stiff leather ‘cage’ is worn over the top of the upper section of the costume.”
“Scar is the primary villain of the story and plots to steal the throne from the hero, and rightful heir, Simba.” His vicious persona is reflected within the costume’s rigid structure, especially in the sharpness of the leather piping. “The silhouette of his costume is based on that of a traditional Japanese samurai. This reflects his nobility but also presents him as a ruthless warrior. The outer layer is made of bamboo which depict bones and ridges and show Scar to be a frail and skeletal character.”
Scar’s costume was designed by the musical’s director herself, Julie Taymor. The mask worn with the body suit was also co-designed by both Julie Taymor and Michael Curry.“Julie Taymor is a director and designer and has worked with both stage and screen productions. She received two Tony Awards for her work on The Lion King, one for direction and one for Original Costume design, making her the first woman to win a Tony Award for directing a musical.” Overall, Scar’s original costume from The Lion King musical showcases significant advancements in musical theatre in the industry. It also serves as a prime example of how creative exploration and research behind each element of a theatrical production enhances its impact as a whole.
Theatre in London U of A 