Our Country's Good — costume key terms

Question 1

Ripped or Tattered Clothing

Answer 1

Costumes that depict the harsh living conditions and physical hardships experienced by the convicts in the penal colony

Question 2

Class Distinctions

Answer 2

Costumes used to differentiate between characters of different social classes, highlighting the stark contrasts between the convicts and the colonial officials

Question 3

A Shift Dress / Chemise

Answer 3

All of the female convicts will wear this

It is a white underdress which will be made of linen as this is not expensive

Their shifts will all be loose fitting, torn and stained at different rates depending on the character

Question 4

Brown Peasant Clogs

Answer 4

All of the convicts will be wearing these, they are made of wood and were common at the time

Question 5

Breeches

Answer 5

White linen trousers that all of the male characters will wear

The convicts trousers will be loose fitting and an off white (stained, torn etc) and the officers will be a clean and bright white showing their status

Question 6

It’s important to note that the clothing provided to male convicts was…

Answer 6

often basic and of poor quality

Question 7

The convicts’ clothing would have been subject to…

Answer 7

wear and tear

Question 8

Distressing

Answer 8

Distressing is the act of making an item of clothing look more worn and old

Should increase as the play progresses

Question 9

Hitching up clothing

Answer 9

The more rebellious characters like Shitty Meg + Liz Morden + Dabby would hitch up their dresses

This could be to show more skin (Meg) or so they can move more freely (Dabby + Liz)

Question 10

Royal Navy Costume

Answer 10

Arthur Phillip will wear a navy blue military coat with white facings made of wool

The coat had gold or silver embroidered buttonholes and buttons to denote rank - I would have Phillip wear gold

Single-breasted coat featuring large lapels and long tails that reached below the waist

They wore white waistcoats and breeches made of linen or cotton

They donned a tricorn hat with gold braiding and a cockade denoting their allegiance to the British Crown

Question 11

Facings

Answer 11

• Collar
• Cuffs
• Lapels

Question 12

Lapels

Answer 12

The folded flaps on the front of a garment

Question 13

Stockings

Answer 13

Stockings refer to close-fitting garments worn on the feet and legs to cover and enhance the appearance of the legs (silk)

Question 14

Tricorn hat

Answer 14

A type of hat with a wide brim that is folded upward on three sides - creating a triangular shape when viewed from the top

Commonly associated with the fashion of the 18th century in the context of colonial America and European military uniforms

Question 15

Cockade

Answer 15

A decorative emblem or rosette worn on a hat or lapel as a symbol of allegiance + rank + affiliation

Question 16

Royal Marines Costume

Answer 16

Royal Marines officers typically wore a scarlet red coat with dark blue facings denoting their rank and affiliation

The officers’ coats were often single-breasted with large lapels and had long tails reaching below the waist

They wore white waistcoats and breeches made of linen

Officers also wore white stockings and black shoes

Question 17

Peruke

Answer 17

A powdered white wig

Question 18

What accessories would Ketch have?

Answer 18

A rope sewn into his costume

Question 19

What material would the convicts use to fix their clothes on the ship?

Answer 19

A coarse and rough dark-colored material made from goat hair, camel hair, or other coarse fibers

Historical and biblical contexts - sackcloth had symbolic significance and was often associated with repentance, and humility

It was a humble and uncomfortable material - the use of sackcloth was a way to demonstrate remorse or sorrow outwardly (a visible expression)

Question 20

What would the Aboriginal wear?

Answer 20

• Skins and Furs
• Fibrous Materials
• Decorative Elements

Question 21

Skins and Furs

Answer 21

Animal skins and furs were used to make clothing items such as cloaks + possum-skin rugs + and wraps

These provided protection from the elements -particularly during colder seasons

Question 22

Fibrous Materials

Answer 22

Indigenous Australians utilised plant fibers (such as those from bark or reeds) to create various garments

They would weave or twist fibers to make skirts + belts + headbands and other accessories

Question 23

Decorative Elements

Answer 23

Traditional clothing often featured decorative elements, such as:
- Feathers
- Shells
- Kangaroo teeth

These were incorporated into headpieces + necklaces or belts

Question 24

The area surrounding Botany Bay was home to various Aboriginal groups, primarily…

Answer 24

The Dharawal and Gweagal peoples

Question 25

What should you take into consideration as a clothing designer regarding Aboriginal clothing…

Answer 25

Aboriginal culture is diverse, with different groups having their own distinct traditions and clothing styles

There is no singular “Aboriginal clothing” that applies universally to all Indigenous Australian groups

Question 26

A Shift Dress / Chemise

Answer 26

All of the female convicts will wear this

It is a white underdess which will be made of linen as this is not expensive

Their Shifts will all be loose fitting, torn and stained at different rates depending on the character