Who makes the minstrel troupes’ uniforms?
The sewing of uniforms, which the members call their “gear,” is a cottage industry in the Coloured community. Most troupes hire tailors to make them. About 12 tailors scattered throughout the Coloured community specialize in making the uniforms. They hire cutters and seamstresses to help with the work. In some troupes, however, the wives of troupe members make the uniforms. While the color of the uniforms usually changes from year to year, the style in which the material is cut remains the same. Troupe members will spend from R200.00 to R300.00 [roughly $25.00 to $35.00] on their gear, which includes the uniform, the hat, and the umbrella.
