ringing an historic figure to life , on stage By Jennielynn Streed question of historical accuracy is crucial when designing and constructing the visual elements of a theatrical production based on an authentic person or event. As many theatre productions now face more limitations in time, labor, and money, it becomes more challenging for the production team to recreate an historical period accurately. This is especially true when a play is based on an historical figure. The Temple University Theatre Department rose to that challenge when creating a costume for the Figure 1. Portrait of Deborah Franklin, attributed to Benjamin Wilson. Courtesy the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. 48 theatre design & technology spring 2012