Intimate Apparel

Lynn Nottage’s
Intimate Apparel

Cape Feare Regional Theatre
Fayetteville, NC

March 2017

Directed by Khanisha Foster
Fight & Intimacy Direction by Sasha Smith
Scenic Design by Josafath Reynoso
Costume Design by Jimmy Bennett
Lighting Design by David Castaneda
Sound Design by Christopher Barnes 
Stage Manager: Kathryn Sam Houkom

Produced by Cape Feare Regional Theatre

Photo Credit: Josafath Reynoso

“Intimate Apparel” is a play written by Lynn Nottage that premiered in 2003. The story is set in early 20th-century New York City and centers around Esther Mills, an African American seamstress who creates intimate apparel for a diverse clientele, including wealthy socialites and prostitutes. Despite her skill with fabrics and her success in business, Esther longs for a deeper connection in her personal life.

As Esther receives letters from a Caribbean laborer named George Armstrong, she becomes romantically involved with him through their correspondence. However, their relationship faces challenges, including the complexities of racial and social dynamics. Meanwhile, Esther forms close bonds with other characters in her life, including Mrs. Van Buren, a lonely socialite, and Mayme, a pianist with her own dreams and struggles.

The play delves into themes of love, loneliness, and societal expectations, exploring the limitations imposed on individuals by their race, class, and gender during this historical period. Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” is celebrated for its nuanced characters, intricate storytelling, and its examination of the intersections of race, identity, and the pursuit of intimacy.