Performance Workshop / Cats - Repose to Cats script & Idea of Fashion concept.

Repose to Cats script & Idea of Fashion concept

Original concept:

Costumes are a major part of the Cats concept. Body suits or leotards are the basis of most costumes, painted appropriately for each character.

Story of Cats:

It's the night of the Jellicle Ball. The cat clan has gathered for the annual event at which the revered elder Old Deuteronomy chooses the most deserving cat to ascend with him for a heavenly reward. The cats have gathered, and one by one, we learn about their personalities, exactly as T. S. Eliot portrayed them in his book of poems. Jennyanydots, Cassandra, Bombalurina, and Jellylorum are the first to strut their stuff. They welcome Rum Turn Tugger, a rock-star-idol type of cat, creating just the right mood for the arrival of Grizabella, the Glamour Cat. She is an aging beauty who has roamed some of the lowest alleys.

The younger felines mock and avoid her. Bustopher Jones, mature and well-rounded, catches everyone's eye with his natty clothes and well-groomed look. Mungojerrie and Rumple teazer, two mischievous, fun-loving cats, provide a light moment before Old Deuteronomy arrives and sets a more serious tone for the ball. Barred from the festivities, Grizabella reflects on her memory of happier times and the new life that could be ahead. Also on the sidelines, Gus the Theatre Cat finds fault with the lack of dedication he perceives in today's actors and reminisces about some of his finest roles. In Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, we find great pride and commitment in doing the rela tively small job of keeping a single train on schedule. Macavity, the "fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity," is talked about in hushed voices. "Was there ever a cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees?" Yes, and much to the delight of all he bursts upon the scene. Still it is Grizabella that demonstrates the greatest depth of character and need. She is chosen to accompany Old Deuteronomy on this year's accension "up, up, up, past the Russell Hotel. Up, up, up to the Heaviside layer."

Our concept: 

"Old Deuteronomy is the head of the fashion house “Deuteronomy Designs” with the help of her right hand women Skimbleshanks and Munkustrap. The elite team of models who are chosen to showcase her designs and the designs of her apprentices are called “Jellicle Cats”. Everyone knows who the Jellicle Cats are and everybody wants to be them or be with them. Each January Deuteronomy releases a bumper magazine called the “Heaviside Layer” setting out the styles and fashion that will be in for that year. Each December the Jellicle Cats come together and Deuteronomy chooses a young model to grace the cover, which can elevate their career to new levels they may have never reached before. However occasionally Deuteronomy can surprise the world and choose an ex “Jellicle Cat” and give them a comeback that will put them back into business for years. Each “Jellicle Cat” model showcases their talent. Look out for Bombalurina, Demeter, Rum Tum Tugger, Jellyorum and Tutti who are the public's favourites. Each designer also puts on a fashion show, such as Mr.Mistoffolees and Jennyannydots who will showcase their sometimes called “wacky” designs, all to try and impress Deuteronomy the most. Will Mungojerrie, and Rumpleteaser’s mischievous antics finally put them out of the competition? Will Grizabella ever be accepted into the “Jellicle Cats” again after her controversial downwards spiral? Will Gus ever get his big break after all these years? Who will it be? Who will it be?"

Original Character concept to Old Deuteronomy:

In Eliot's original poem, Old Deuteronomy is described as an ancient, wise cat who has "lived many lives in succession" and is respected by the other cats and humans (and perhaps even dogs) in his environment. His name derives from Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Old Testament of the Bible, which shares the central element of law with the character (who is a magistrate).

Old Deuteronomy has three songs in Cats, including the final number, "The Ad-dressing of cats."

My concept to My Character Old Deuteronomy :

I have based my character Suzy Menkes, She is 71 and an international Fashion journalist and editor.

Suzy is best-known fashion journalist in the world.

Suzy has been the head fashion reporter and editor for the International Herald Tribune since 1988. 

In that time she has written over 1.7 million words in the paper.

Suzy Menkes is high up in the fashion industry, now writes exclusively for Vogue and has her own column and section in Vogue online.

The idea behind my character is that Suzy is like Old Deuteronomy. Well respected and high in status.  

I have choreographed a short dance using physical theatre as the main movement. The staging is set with a catwalk going down the middle, mirrors and dressing room either side and an office at the back. Munkustrap is the next down from Old Deuteronomy and in our concept of Cats he will be my assistant .  

I decided to set it as all the workers and employees, waiting for Old Deuteronomy to arrive and come down and meet her. I am creating a big entrance her as she very high in status, not many people get to see or meet her.

The movement is slow as it needs to fit in with the song and it also has a lot of physical theatre in it too.

If i was develop it further i will add in more dancers and get the set and props it place.




Choreography Process & Evidence