Abstract
Palimpsest is a term traditionally associated with parchment manuscripts, referring to a writing surface on which the original text has been overwritten. As demonstrated by the famous Archimedes Palimpsest, despite the reuse of the parchment, it retains traces of its previous texts. This article argues that the term palimpsest can also describe costumes used in performance. This article seeks to investigate questions such as, what happens when a costume is taken out of one narrative and placed into another? If a costume is inscribed with narrative, like a palimpsest, does the original narrative remain, clinging to the fabric like ink on parchment? Drawing on Dillon and Colwell, the costume’s life cycle is a palimpsestic process through which the costume becomes layered as a material object and as a carrier of narrative meaning. These layers can be seen through the survival of the memory attached to the costume. The forms of survival for these memories are demonstrated by using theoretical frameworks proposed by Sampson and Pearce for analysing objects connected with meaning through memory. By exploring how the past survives through memory in the form of material culture, associated narratives, or individual memory, this article reveals how the palimpsest layers of a costume can be seen. As a result, costumes can continue to accumulate meaning even after they cease to be reused. The exploration of costumes as palimpsests reveals the remarkable ability of costumes to transform physically and metaphorically to reflect multiple narratives.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.