Alexandra Ligh

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company | 2025

The costumes of Hope and Gravity played a unique role in the show’s storytelling. The script dictated that the scenes in the play be presented out of chronological order, so the costumes had to clearly identify each character, even as time passed in the story. Combined with the fact that four of the five cast members each played two characters, Hope and Gravity presented unique challenges to me as a costume designer.

With a touch of inspiration from classic ‘90s sitcoms, the contemporary clothing clearly established each character’s essential qualities. Small tweaks to a character’s look - a change of shirt or skirt, for example - allowed us to signal that the scene took place on a new day while also facilitating easier quick changes for the actors. With a versatile set, strategic lighting, and sound design that set the tone for each new scene, the costumes provided a visual through line to help guide the audience on a story told out of order.