FILM WORK
I was the head of costume design and made them for the film Hedda.
Watch a selection of stills from the film below.
Watch a selection of stills from the film below.
HATS MADE FOR THE FILM HEDDA
ABOUT THE FILM:
Remakes of period classics invariably disappoint, but when a new interpretation boasts the latest technical production values, with high definition, more extras, and offers a veritable feast of specially-designed costumes than in any previous film, then this version has to be worth waiting for. This production is set in the luxurious and exotic splendour of the Victorian interiors and historic location of Sir Benjamin Slade’s Maunsel House in Somerset.
The story of Hedda Gabler, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's play, first published in 1890 and first performed in Germany in 1891, is produced in this new version by the young British film-maker, Matthew John, and it was the first cut of the film that opened the Henrik Ibsen Festival in Oslo, October 2016. The film’s costumes, designed and created from original patterns by Olya Wallington have been honoured in a permanent display at Oslo Museum.
"Ibsen's take on the world lives on in this new production, thanks to its amazing actors, mesmerizing beautiful costumes and a brave and honourable portrayal of the original text.”
Bergljot Oyrehagen Geist, Academica consultant, Ibsenmuseet
With Hedda as his directorial debut, Matthew John has caused controversy in introducing the character of Madesmoiselle Diana (played by Sephora Venites) a prostitute who has remained unseen in the stage play, but he remains unabashed. “In my view,” he says, “this is a logical step when moving from the restrictions of the Victorian Era into the 21st Century, where our culture is now less restrictive”. The story of Hedda Gabler is still seen as a classic of realism, of 19th Century theatre and of world drama; so much so, that some critics consider the character of Hedda to be one of the great dramatic roles in theatre, regarded by some as portraying a female Hamlet. Rita Ramnani, the young actress portraying the eponymous heroine in Matthew’s production, expresses her belief that the character of Hedda will resonate strongly with today's audiences.
Quote’s From Rita Ramnani
"Hedda is constantly battling against society and the sexism of the Victorian era. I think Henrik Ibsen created a perfect character that showcased not just what society was doing during that time, but also how it was making women feel. Hedda is very forthright about her fears. I also believed her frustrations and cruelty towards others stemmed from her loneliness and annoyance that no-one was listening to her."
DIRECTOR: Matthew John
WRITER(S): Henrik Ibsen (Stage), Matthew John (Screenplay)
PRODUCER(S): Matthew John, Nigel Edwards, Tracey Stack, Sir Benjamin Slade
MAIN CAST AND CHARACTER(S) Rita Ramnani ... Hedda Gabler
Jon-Paul Gates ... Judge Brack
Samantha E. Hunt ... Mrs. Thea Elvsted
David R. Butler ... Jørgen Tesman
Francisco Ortiz ... Ejlert Løvborg
Christine Winter...Miss Juliana Tesman
Sephora Venites ... Mademoiselle Diana
Sir Benjamin Slade ... Lord Carrington
COSTUME DESIGN Olya Wallington
GENRE: Period Drama
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2016
COUNTRY: UK
Remakes of period classics invariably disappoint, but when a new interpretation boasts the latest technical production values, with high definition, more extras, and offers a veritable feast of specially-designed costumes than in any previous film, then this version has to be worth waiting for. This production is set in the luxurious and exotic splendour of the Victorian interiors and historic location of Sir Benjamin Slade’s Maunsel House in Somerset.
The story of Hedda Gabler, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's play, first published in 1890 and first performed in Germany in 1891, is produced in this new version by the young British film-maker, Matthew John, and it was the first cut of the film that opened the Henrik Ibsen Festival in Oslo, October 2016. The film’s costumes, designed and created from original patterns by Olya Wallington have been honoured in a permanent display at Oslo Museum.
"Ibsen's take on the world lives on in this new production, thanks to its amazing actors, mesmerizing beautiful costumes and a brave and honourable portrayal of the original text.”
Bergljot Oyrehagen Geist, Academica consultant, Ibsenmuseet
With Hedda as his directorial debut, Matthew John has caused controversy in introducing the character of Madesmoiselle Diana (played by Sephora Venites) a prostitute who has remained unseen in the stage play, but he remains unabashed. “In my view,” he says, “this is a logical step when moving from the restrictions of the Victorian Era into the 21st Century, where our culture is now less restrictive”. The story of Hedda Gabler is still seen as a classic of realism, of 19th Century theatre and of world drama; so much so, that some critics consider the character of Hedda to be one of the great dramatic roles in theatre, regarded by some as portraying a female Hamlet. Rita Ramnani, the young actress portraying the eponymous heroine in Matthew’s production, expresses her belief that the character of Hedda will resonate strongly with today's audiences.
Quote’s From Rita Ramnani
"Hedda is constantly battling against society and the sexism of the Victorian era. I think Henrik Ibsen created a perfect character that showcased not just what society was doing during that time, but also how it was making women feel. Hedda is very forthright about her fears. I also believed her frustrations and cruelty towards others stemmed from her loneliness and annoyance that no-one was listening to her."
DIRECTOR: Matthew John
WRITER(S): Henrik Ibsen (Stage), Matthew John (Screenplay)
PRODUCER(S): Matthew John, Nigel Edwards, Tracey Stack, Sir Benjamin Slade
MAIN CAST AND CHARACTER(S) Rita Ramnani ... Hedda Gabler
Jon-Paul Gates ... Judge Brack
Samantha E. Hunt ... Mrs. Thea Elvsted
David R. Butler ... Jørgen Tesman
Francisco Ortiz ... Ejlert Løvborg
Christine Winter...Miss Juliana Tesman
Sephora Venites ... Mademoiselle Diana
Sir Benjamin Slade ... Lord Carrington
COSTUME DESIGN Olya Wallington
GENRE: Period Drama
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2016
COUNTRY: UK
