Η θεατρική ενδυματολογία ως πεδίο και εργαλείο έρευνας

This paper focuses on costume as a research field to highlight the multiple dimensions of theatrical costume as a research tool through the latest developments in research in this field internationally. Starting with "traditional" methods for costume research (archival research, study from the perspective of material culture, analysis of visual evidence, oral history analysis and a combination of these), the presentation centres on contemporary methods of costume research through the costume itself as a "methodological tool". The possibilities of the theatrical costume as a means of artistic research will be developed, and specifically as a means of carrying out practice-based or practice-led research. What differs between these and other ways of doing research in costume is that, in these orientations, practice is not the object, nor the outcome of the study, but the process that facilitates, implements and completes the research. The paper will highlight new approaches to costume practice as a platform for research, the relationship of costume with "new" materials, the relationship between costume and body, as well as the dynamics of theatrical costume as a starting point for creating new performances.