The Moghul dancer

THE PROCESS

I wanted to showcase some of my own ideas for wig design through this piece. I was inspired by 'The Indian Portrait' exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
I collaborated with Luis de Jorge Ladrero and together we started to bring my visions of the ' Indian courtesan' to life.
We drew colours, textures and compositions from the Moghul portraits of India in the 1600's, I researched into hairstyles of the courtesan dancers from that period and together with a great team of creatives we were able to make the story visually interesting.
This is a dancer who lives within the palace quarters; during the day she meditates, she focuses and mentally prepares herself to perform her dance in front of the Kings that evening. She appears relaxed and complacent.
Later, she is transformed...her attention is fixed, her movements are stronger and expressive. She has prepared her second wig which is adorned with jewellery to compliment her dazzling costume.
I wanted to show the difference in her character during day and night. We showed this through her styles, the lighting and her movements and gaze.

We were able to create the ambience of a hot Rajasthani palace within a chapel in Peckham. The lighting was perfect...to create the warmth during the day and the coolness of the night.
 I also aimed to show the importance and significance of wigs in performance and how it can transform ones appearance so quickly and effectively. 

Credit goes to...

Location: Jo Dennis @ The Chapel, Peckham (http://asylum-arts.co.uk/)

Director: Luis de Jorge Ladrero

Model: Saranja (ModelMayhem)

Stylist: Perrie Reynolds (http://missperriereynolds.blogspot.com/)

Make up: Anita Brulee (www.anitabruleemakeup.com)

Body paint: Gemma Youlia Dillon (http://www.gemmadillon.com/)

Lighting: Pete Emery (http://www.peter-emery.com/)

Lighting equipment by: http://www.pixipixel.com/

Choreography: Deepa Aurora (night shoot) Seema Chopra (day shoot)