This kaftan was designed and made by Robert Kemp.

The premiere of 'Away' was on 7 January 1985.

Worn by the character Coral, played by Vanessa Downing. From the premiere production of Michael Gow's play, 'Away' at the Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney, in 1985.
'Away' is the story of the typical Australian Christmas holiday told against a background of tragedy, storms and tempests, and ultimate resolution. It was one of Gow's earliest plays and went on to national and international acclaim, being performed by the Sydney Theatre Company, the Adelaide Theatre Company, the Perth Theatre Company and theatres in the United States and England. It has been on the NSW Higher School Certificate for a number of years and is currently being considered for a film. Robert Kemp (1950 -) designed the first production at the Griffin Theatre on a modest budget. As a result the costumes largely came from St Vincent de Paul or the second hand shop, Albert and Gladys, in Glebe.
Most of the costumes from 'Away' went on to be used or reworked for subsequent productions. This small collection is all that remains from the original production and was kept by the designer, Robert Kemp, until he donated it to the museum.

Theatre costume, womens kaftan with belt, 'Away' written by Michael Gow, cotton, production designed by Robert Kemp for the Griffin Theatre Company, made by Robert Kemp, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1985.

Kaftan: very loose fitting, long sleeve, full length kaftan made of purple tie-dyed cotton with highlights in yellow and white. Material is gathered into v-neck. Front of kaftan is drawn in by belt in the same fabric through holes at left and right front. Machine sewn and unlined, hem unfinished and slightly frayed.

Belt: long narrow tie belt made of pink cotton fabric.

Made: Kemp, Robert; Sydney; 1985


Used: Downing, Vanessa; Sydney

Used: Gow, Michael; Sydney

Used: Kemp, Robert; Sydney

Used: Griffin Theatre Company; Sydney

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1985