Emerson Shakespeare Society
Directed by James Blaszko
Costume Design by Kimberly Blaise and Niccolo Walsh
Hair Design by Jez Insalaco

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Elektra/Electra was an interactive play in three parts. Elektra, the first segment, was a production of the classic Sophoclean text. Romantic curls, tendrils and braids complimented the Grecian-inspired costumes.

An appropriation of the original text by the cast followed, creating an impromptu wedding reception. The ensemble exhibited contemporary bridal party hair.

Following was a production of Electra, an adaptation by Ellen McLaughlin, which was presented through a heightened, abstract aesthetic that contrasted pleasure and disgust through design elements. Clytemnestra, Electra’s mother, is picture-perfect with her Gibson Girl-esque bouffant, contrasting starkly against Electra’s matted, dirt smeared locks, and Electra’s sister exists somewhere in between—simple but not extravagant. With each iteration of the text, the performers were cast in the same role. The hair styling changes also ran in real-time using the actor’s natural hair, instead of using wigs.

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Photography by Lizzie Milanovich and Jake Schwartz and Jez Insalaco