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Fall 2016 Mainstage Production of ‘Intimate Apparel’

Intimate Apparel, a new production at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, brings to the stage the story of Esther, an African American seamstress living in New York City in the early 20th century. Dartmouth undergraduates star and fill many of the roles behind the curtain as well.

Esther at her sewing machine
Zahra Ruffin ’17 plays the lead role of Esther, a seamstress trying to make a living in New York City. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther and Mrs. Dickson
Jovanay Carter ’19 (right) plays the role of Mrs. Dickson, Esther’s landlady. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther cinches Mrs. Van Buren's corset
Kelly Gaudet ’17 plays the role of Mrs. Van Buren, a member of high society, talking here to Esther. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther speaking to Mrs. Van Buren
In the play, Esther hopes the undergarments she sews will allow her to get ahead in life. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
George, a laborer from Barbados
George (Gabriel Jenkinson ’20), a laborer from Barbados, comes to New York to be with Esther. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Mr. Marks shows Esther his wares.
Mr. Marks (Kyle Civale ’20), a Romanian Jewish immigrant and textile merchant, shows Esther his wares. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Mayme playing the piano
Mayme (Nashe Mutenda ’20) works as a prostitute but dreams of becoming a performer. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther and Mayme talk.
Esther and Mayme talk. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
George speaking alone on stage
George sings the tale of a skilled construction worker from Barbados who immigrates to New York City. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther and Mrs. Dickson holding hands
Esther and Mrs. Dickson holding hands. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther in a wedding dress
Esther dons her wedding dress in preparation for her marriage to George. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther speaking to George who is lying on the bed
Esther speaks to George. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther hems George's trousers.
Esther hems George’s trousers while he sings. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther speaks to George while he packs his suitcase
Esther speaks to George while he packs a suitcase. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Mr Marks trying on a coat made by Esther
Mr. Marks tries on a coat Esther has sewn. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther looking at the yards of fabric at the back of the stage
Esther looks at the tenement laundry lines outside her window. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Esther sewing at her machine in her room.
Esther works alone at her sewing machine at the end of the play. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
The full cast taking a bow.
The cast takes a bow at the end of the show. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Cast and crew of ‘Intimate Apparel’ on stage
Intimate Apparel dress rehearsal, including (at far left) director Tazewell Thompson. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)