The HAbit of The Sisters of Charity of New York And “Doubt: a parable”
Reseach at the Archive of the Sisters of Charfity of New York, Bronx NY
The Religious habit
There is currently a severe lack of available resources and research for costume designers when creating clothing for characters within religious communities. Many religious communities in the United States haven’t worn traditional habits since the mid-twentieth century. Additionally, few of these orders have thoroughly preserved and/or archived their specific pre-Vatican II fashion. Due to the growing need for information and research on this topic, the goal of Professor Pufall Purdy’s research is to work with religious communities in the United States to document the particulars of a given order's habit history.
Professor Pufall Purdy was invited to the archive of the Sisters of Charity of New York (SCNY) in Bronx, New York. to record the specifics of the traditional community habit. The archive contains two incomplete, extant habits of the SCNY. Additionally, little pattern, sewing and care instructions exist for these habits. Documentation consisted of creating both paper and digital patterns for a complete SCNY habit including its undergarments, tunic, cape, cap, apron, high collar, cuffs, outer bonnets, work apron and outer cloak.
Professor Pufall Purdy replicates the traditional habit of the SCNY
Replication
Professor Pufall Purdy has recreated a complete, faithful replica of the traditional SCNY habit, along with detail drawings and a record of specifics regarding accessories, differences in habit styles for professed sisters, postulants and novices, regulations for types and weights of fabric, as well as maintenance and mending practices commonly used between 1809 and 1968.
Research and documentation have also begun for The Daughters of Charity (Emmitsburg, MD), The Sisters of the Holy Cross (Notre Dame, IN), The Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scranton, PA), The Oblate Sisters of Providence (Baltimore, MD).
This research will eventually be used in part to create a text that offers suitable and accurate resources for costume designers when producing stories that depict religious communities.
Amy Ryan in the 2024, Roundabout Theatre’s Broadway revival of “Doubt: A Parable” Photo: Joan Marcus
2024 Broadway Revival of “Doubt”
Professor Pufall Purdy utilized his research to serve as consultant to the design team for the 2024 Roundabout Theatre Company’s Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley’s play “DOUBT,” starring Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber. This production prominently features the portrayal of the Sisters of Charity of New York and Professor Pufall Purdy’s research serves as the only complete documentation of the traditional habit of this order. Pufall Purdy collaborated with Toiny Award winning costume designer, Linda Cho to create the habits for this production, offering an accurate representation of this iconic garb, something which previous productions have neglected to achieve.
