Argonautika (2016)

Written by Mary Zimmerman
Directed by Rhonda J. Soikowski
Co-Costume Designed With Natalie Shih
Photos by Chris Bennion

The director asked for a quality of other-worldliness in order to capture a fantastical story. With an all female cast, we took a practical approach to gender neutrality. I was inspired by my recent trip to the Vatican and the colors used in original Ancient Greek clothing, which heavily influenced the design in terms of color palette. Gods and Goddesses had the same elements of saturation and metallic bronzes that would have been authentic to original painted Greek sculpture. The Argonauts were in more rugged earth tones, revealing their roles on Earth under the heavens. It came together with a combination of heavy Greek influence, modern clothing found in thrift stores, and a touch of science fiction.