Male ensemble for Because We Must thumbnail 1
Male ensemble for Because We Must thumbnail 2
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Not on display

Male ensemble for Because We Must

Dance Costume
1987 (made)
Artist/Maker

This costume was worn in Michael Clark's ballet Because We Must, first staged at Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1987. Because We Must was an ironic, irreverent work which challenged the conventions of dance by introducing humour and unexpected interventions - such as a nude female dancer with a chain saw interrupting a trio of woman dancing to Chopin preludes. This crewelwork costume was worn by Leslie Bryant in a section performed to Venus in Furs by the Velvet Underground. A similar, female, version of the costume (S.102:1 to 3-2010) was worn by Lisa Philips.

These costumes were based on an earlier clubbing outfit design, made and worn by designer and performer Leigh Bowery (1961-1994). He reworked the existing theme - a structured body with balaclava - using the skills of Paris-based corsetier Mr Pearl (Mark Erskine-Pullin), who made the complex garments. Lines of appliqué were used to create a corseted look which still allowed the dancers freedom of movement.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Theatre Costume
  • Theatre Costume
  • Dance Costume
  • Theatre Costume
  • Dance Costume
TitleMale ensemble for <i>Because We Must</i>
Brief description
Costume for a male performer designed by Leigh Bowery and made by Mr Pearl for 1987 dance performance, Because We Must.
Physical description
Costume for a male performer designed by Leigh Bowery and made by Mr Pearl for 1987 dance performance, Because We Must.
Gallery label
(November 2012)
COSTUME FOR BECAUSE WE MUST
1987

In Michael Clark’s irreverent Postmodern dance production, with music ranging from Chopin to Bruce Gilbert, performers appeared in amazing and outrageous costumes. This pair of costumes was designed by Leigh Bowery, who also performed in the production. Based on a clubbing outfit that Bowery wore, the costumes were made by the skilled Paris-based corsetiere, Mr. Pearl.

Choreography by Michael Clark
Michael Clark Company at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, 1987
Crewel work bodice decorated with appliqué; lycra tights decorated
with sequins
Designed by Leigh Bowery
Made by Mr. Pearl (Mark Erskin Pullen)
Museum nos. S.101:1 to 3-2010; S.102:1-3, 2010
Summary
This costume was worn in Michael Clark's ballet Because We Must, first staged at Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1987. Because We Must was an ironic, irreverent work which challenged the conventions of dance by introducing humour and unexpected interventions - such as a nude female dancer with a chain saw interrupting a trio of woman dancing to Chopin preludes. This crewelwork costume was worn by Leslie Bryant in a section performed to Venus in Furs by the Velvet Underground. A similar, female, version of the costume (S.102:1 to 3-2010) was worn by Lisa Philips.

These costumes were based on an earlier clubbing outfit design, made and worn by designer and performer Leigh Bowery (1961-1994). He reworked the existing theme - a structured body with balaclava - using the skills of Paris-based corsetier Mr Pearl (Mark Erskine-Pullin), who made the complex garments. Lines of appliqué were used to create a corseted look which still allowed the dancers freedom of movement.
Bibliographic reference
This object features in 'Out on Display: A selection of LGBTQ-related objects on display in the V&A', a booklet created by the V&A's LGBTQ Working Group. First developed and distributed to coincide with the 2014 Pride in London Parade, the guide was then expanded for the Queer and Now Friday Late that took place in February 2015.
Collection
Accession number
S.101:1 to 3-2010

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Record createdJune 29, 2010
Record URL
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