Within the halls of the Victoria and Albert Museum, there was a wonderful exhibit about theatre. And within this exhibit that I found absolutely interesting, there was a corner of certain fabrics hung on hooks. I crept forward with curiosity. What could all this colorful fabrics be? As I moved closer, I noticed something. They were garments. Not only garments, but garments meant to be adorned. By guests I must add. I thought to myself, I am a guest am I not? So I picked up the most beautiful costume and put it on.
It was a jester costume!!!!! For those who knew me in my high school days, I have played a jester and I am very fond of jesters. Just had to add that in.
Anywho! Now to what this post is really about! Connecting this jester costume to the modern adaptation of a Doll’s house that we watched.
Connection number 1.
The role of a jester:
Jesters were meant for entertainment, yes. But they would also perform in front of the enemy to taunt them. They would also perform household chores such as running errands.
What the character Nora was seen doing:
Performing for her husband. And performing for her husband’s best friend. She also basically was taunting the husband’s friend, leading him on. She also ran errands for the family.
Coincidence? I think not!
Another connection for me. Nora put on a costume and acted like someone she was not to gain the attention of her husband. A costume just like how the jester garments were a costume meant to be worn for a performance. Performing as someone you are not. In the play, Nora even mentions that she is playing a part. She isn’t who she really is. She is playing who she thinks her husband wants.
This tells us that in the world of this play, Nora is a performer. She believes her goal is to perform for her husband.
Below is a picture of the Jester costume in the V & A Museum:
Theatre in London U of A 