The Aesthetics of Popular Symbols in Theatrical Costume Design " A Study of the Play "Ya Tale' Al-Shajara"

The renewed focus on Egyptian folklore through theatrical costume design represents a reclaiming of Egyptian identity and a response to Western colonial thought, aimed at cultivating the Egyptian and Arab individual. This research explores and analyzes the artistic visions of the costumes for characters in the Egyptian play "Ya Tal’ al-Shajarah" by Tawfiq al-Hakim, with the aim of creating a theater that embodies a distinct Egyptian identity rooted in authentic traditions, while capturing a contemporary artistic language relevant to current realities.

The artistic approach for the costumes in "Ya Tal’ al-Shajarah" centers on the triangle as a symbol of Egyptian folklore. The study examines its meanings and expressive implications, employing it in a modern context to create diverse designs for the dramatic characters. This involves adhering to design principles and proportions that are suitable for the characters and their expressive performances. The goal is to facilitate interaction between the characters and the audience by using the folkloric symbol of the triangle in innovative positions and compositions that provide a unique visual significance, transcending traditional interpretations and reflecting the concepts and themes of the characters.

The practical framework of the research addresses several key areas:

1. Structural Formulations: This section focuses on the various structural forms of the triangle symbol and its application in the costume designs for the theatrical characters.

2. Dynamic Compositions: This area emphasizes different configurations, proportions, and positions, exploring relationships such as overlap, repetition, proximity, and contrast to enhance the dynamism and movement within the designs.

3. Color Application: This section involves utilizing distinctive colors from the folklore heritage in a way that aligns with the dramatic content of the characters, achieving contrasts, oppositions, and harmony within a contemporary framework.

Ultimately, this proposed vision for contemporary theatrical costume design, characterized by its folkloric elements, arises from a philosophical perspective that interweaves various ideas related to the folkloric symbol. This creative dialogue employs the triangle as a motif from cultural heritage, blending authenticity with modernity. The aim is to inspire artistic visions that align with contemporary developments, ensuring the preservation of our identity and culture for future generations.