Clara Zachanassian costume by Rae Smith for 'The Visit', about 1991

This costume was designed by Rae Smith and made by theatrical costumier Wendy Harrison. It was worn by Kathryn Hunter in her role as billionairess Clara Zachanassian, a character in the 1956 play 'The Visit', written by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt.

Following its foundation in 1983, Theatre de Complicite quickly established itself as one of the most innovative theatre companies in Britain. A theatre collective, for the most part devising its own shows, its work developed through a process of collaborative improvisation and invention, owing much to international theatre influences, particularly French, in its concentration on physical, rather than purely intellectual, theatre.

'The Visit' was first seen at the Almeida Theatre in 1989 and was subsequently re-staged at the National Theatre in 1991. Kathryn Hunter's interpretation of the monstrous Clara Zachanassian was highly praised.

Museum no. S.1095:1 to 14-1997