Myrna Colley-Lee is an acclaimed costume designer and scenic designer whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of theater. Often recognized for her role as the former wife of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, Myrna has carved out her own identity as a talented artist with a unique and influential vision in both set and costume design. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of the American theater, working on a range of productions that celebrate Black identity and history.
In this article, we’ll explore who Myrna Colley-Lee is, her background, and her groundbreaking contributions to the arts, specifically in the realms of costume and set design.
Early Life and Education
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1946 in the United States, a period marked by significant cultural and social change. Raised in a household that valued the arts, she developed an early interest in the visual world. Colley-Lee attended institutions that nurtured her passion, studying fine arts and costume design. Her education was a blend of practical training and a deep understanding of the cultural aspects of design, which would later shape her career.
She earned her degree from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she honed her skills in the arts. Her commitment to her craft led to a series of early career opportunities, including collaborations with theater companies and in the burgeoning African American theater movement.
Becoming a Visionary in Costume and Set Design
Myrna Colley-Lee’s career as a designer is characterized by an innate sense of storytelling through visual elements. She approached costume and set design not just as an art form, but as a critical tool for creating and enhancing narratives. Her work is known for its vibrancy, historical accuracy, and ability to embody the essence of the characters and the worlds they inhabit.
Her deep connection to Black culture and history, as well as her strong understanding of the socio-political landscape, made her an essential figure in many productions. She often worked on plays that explored the Black experience in America, giving her designs a unique depth and authenticity. Her collaboration with her ex-husband, August Wilson, was central to her career, and she contributed to many of his most significant plays.
Key Contributions to August Wilson’s Plays
Myrna Colley-Lee’s most notable collaborations were with August Wilson, the iconic playwright known for his profound exploration of African American life. She worked on the costume and set design for several of Wilson’s plays, including Fences, The Piano Lesson, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. These productions not only marked important milestones in American theater but also showcased Myrna’s talents in capturing the emotional tone and historical context of the stories being told.
One of the most significant elements of Colley-Lee’s work was her ability to visually capture the essence of the characters Wilson created. In Fences, for instance, her costume designs reflected the challenges and hopes of African American families in the post-World War II era. Her set designs also helped establish the emotional setting, with symbolic and minimalist backdrops that allowed the performances to take center stage.
In The Piano Lesson, her set and costume designs beautifully reflected the tensions between past and present in African American culture, as well as the personal struggles of the characters. Colley-Lee’s designs provided a visual representation of the story’s themes of memory, identity, and heritage.
Signature Style: Merging History with Aesthetic Innovation
Myrna Colley-Lee’s work is rooted in historical accuracy and cultural significance, but she also brings a strong sense of innovation to her designs. She understands that every design element—whether it be a costume, prop, or set—must serve a larger purpose in the storytelling process.
Her costumes often blend traditional African American styles with contemporary influences, creating looks that are both timeless and relevant. This fusion of history and modernity allows Colley-Lee’s designs to resonate with diverse audiences, while also remaining true to the cultural narratives they represent.
Similarly, her set designs are minimal yet impactful, often using symbolic elements to communicate complex emotions and social messages. By incorporating subtle details and utilizing space effectively, she creates environments that allow the actors and their performances to come to life in the most compelling way possible.
Recognition and Legacy in the Theater Community
Myrna Colley-Lee has earned widespread acclaim for her work in the theater. While much of her fame came from her connection to August Wilson, she has built her own lasting legacy. Colley-Lee is recognized as a pioneering Black woman designer whose vision has greatly influenced the landscape of American theater.
Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including awards for costume design and stagecraft. Her collaborations have been praised for their cultural relevance, artistic innovation, and their commitment to representing African American narratives with integrity and authenticity.
Colley-Lee’s impact on theater goes beyond her designs; she has helped create opportunities for other Black artists in the industry, becoming an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the arts. Her work has inspired many designers who continue to follow in her footsteps, bringing fresh perspectives to stage design and costuming.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Influence Beyond the Stage
While Myrna Colley-Lee is best known for her work in theater, her influence extends beyond the stage. She has been an advocate for arts education, mentoring young artists, and promoting the value of the arts in communities of color. Through her work and advocacy, Colley-Lee has demonstrated how vital design is to creating a meaningful narrative and shaping cultural conversations.
She has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting organizations that work to preserve Black culture and provide arts opportunities to underserved communities. Her legacy continues to inspire both the next generation of designers and broader conversations about representation in the arts.
(FAQs) About Myrna Colley-Lee
1. Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is a renowned costume and set designer, known for her significant contributions to American theater. She is especially recognized for her collaborations with playwright August Wilson, designing sets and costumes for his iconic plays. Colley-Lee is celebrated for her deep understanding of Black culture and history, which she masterfully incorporates into her designs.
2. What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s role in August Wilson’s plays?
Myrna Colley-Lee played a vital role in the design of many of August Wilson’s plays. Her work in costume and set design helped bring Wilson’s characters and themes to life, providing the visual foundation for his powerful narratives. Notable collaborations include Fences, The Piano Lesson, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.
3. What is unique about Myrna Colley-Lee’s design style?
Myrna Colley-Lee’s design style is rooted in historical accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and aesthetic innovation. She merges traditional African American aesthetics with modern influences, creating designs that feel both timeless and relevant. Her set designs are minimalist yet emotionally impactful, focusing on subtle symbolism to enhance storytelling.
4. Has Myrna Colley-Lee won any awards for her work?
Yes, Myrna Colley-Lee has received numerous accolades throughout her career for her costume and set design work. Her contributions to American theater have earned her recognition from various theater organizations and critics.
5. How has Myrna Colley-Lee influenced the theater industry?
Myrna Colley-Lee’s influence on the theater industry is profound. She is not only known for her technical skills in design but also for her advocacy of diversity and inclusion within the arts. Her work has inspired other designers and has helped elevate the representation of Black culture in theater.
