SMOKE AND MIRRORS: WILLY CLARKSON AND THE ROLE OF DISGUISES IN INTER-WAR ENGLAND.

CLARKSON, William Berry; 20TH century drama; THEATER history; COSTUME -- History; HISTORY of clothing & dress -- 20th century; BRITISH theater; IDENTITY (Philosophical concept); DISGUISE

This article presents a profile of Willy Clarkson and the fascination of disguises in English culture. The author believes it reveals much about a societies' notion of identity and its fears over homosexuality, Jewishness and other 'deviances.' Willy Clarkson was a famous designer of wigs and costumes for the London theater with a penchant for self-promotion. He also provided costumes for people outside the theater who, for various reasons, wished not to be recognized. Clarkson himself may have been blackmailed, suggesting he wore a 'costume' of his own, hiding secrets and shame.