1950's Hollywood

1950's Hollywood

The theme for Hedda Gabler is 1950's Hollywood. I am really interested in this theme as I think it perfectly fits in with the unattainable desires for luxury and the American Dream-based around freedom and ownership of ones own things is similar to the Dream's of this play's protagonist.


For 1950's Hollywood, culture, glamour and fame were of high importance. Some of the top actresses who sprouted in the 50's were Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield, all of whom were beautiful style and fashion icons for centuries after. In Hedda Gabler I would really like this theme of luxury and indulgence to come through especially in my character of Hedda who in the theme is an up and coming movie star of the time.

In the fifties, the world was recovering from world war 2 and the Cold war was beinging to develop between The USA and the Soviet Union. This was eesentially a battle between communist and Capitalist ideaologies. The Usa was thriving in the 1950's with an amazing focus of Hollywood films and stars and the idea of fame itself. The era was also one of technological development with the advancement in Nuclear weapons and the Space Race's rockets and tech.

The USA in the 50's esxperienced intense economic growth with an increase in manufacturing and home construction as well as a Post-war economic boom.The thriving atmosphere was pushed along with the idea that capitalism was the ideal way for people to live happy lives. This was reflected in the fashion, culture and films of the 50's.

Following on from the hardship of World War II and rationing, the fifties was a time of relative prosperity. Disposable income combined with an increase in mass media encouraged the consumption of fashion. 

New hair care products, including one-step colours, were designed to allow women to do their own hair easily at home – and women did everything that was possible to change their hair.

Here’s our look at popular women’s hairstyles during the 1950s, what influenced style and some common accessories.