Martin Middle School: Moana Jr. Costuming 2023
A Note on Costumes/AttireInspired by the collective history, folklore, and mythology of the cultures and peoples of the Pacific Islands, Moana JR. is set 2,000 years ago, before the discovery of Hawai’i and New Zealand. To be respectful of Oceanic culture, avoid any design that utilizes elements that are closely associated with 1950s Hawaiian “tiki” aesthetics, such as tiki carvings and luaus, and use restraint when incorporating floral motifs.
Moana JR. is set in ancient Oceania before the discovery of Hawai’i. Though Motunui is a fictional island, it is inspired by the cultures and peoples of the Pacific Islands. As such, elements like synthetic grass skirts, coconut bras, leis, and Hawaiian prints should be avoided in favor of handmade, organic, and found
materials and natural-looking fabrics. Research traditional clothing of these islands for creative ideas. For example, tapa cloth, made from the bark of a mulberry tree and easily dyed, is traditionally used to make clothing, mats, and sails.
It is important to remember that the imaginary island of Motunui is an amalgamation of many real Oceanic cultures. While some elements of the story are rooted in one particular culture, others are uniquely created for this stage adaptation and draw on multiple inspirations. Therefore, certain specific cultural references,
such as ceremonial dress (including Moana’s red tuiga headdress from the animated film’s final scene) and body paint should not be used.
Moana JR. is set in ancient Oceania before the discovery of Hawai’i. Though Motunui is a fictional island, it is inspired by the cultures and peoples of the Pacific Islands. As such, elements like synthetic grass skirts, coconut bras, leis, and Hawaiian prints should be avoided in favor of handmade, organic, and found
materials and natural-looking fabrics. Research traditional clothing of these islands for creative ideas. For example, tapa cloth, made from the bark of a mulberry tree and easily dyed, is traditionally used to make clothing, mats, and sails.
It is important to remember that the imaginary island of Motunui is an amalgamation of many real Oceanic cultures. While some elements of the story are rooted in one particular culture, others are uniquely created for this stage adaptation and draw on multiple inspirations. Therefore, certain specific cultural references,
such as ceremonial dress (including Moana’s red tuiga headdress from the animated film’s final scene) and body paint should not be used.
