Mob wife aesthetics in the Nationaltheatret?
Feature – Kadriia Sungatullina
“Why just be mob wife when you can be boss lady” states the Instagram post by Nationaltheatret with a photo of Clara Zachanassian ( Jan Sælid). She is the main character of the tragicomic play Besøk av gammel dame, and she is powerful, rich, and…quite vindictive. In this article I invite you to dive into the trending mob wife aesthetics and Clara Zachanassian being spring's big fashion icon.
“Besøk av gammel dame” forestilling. Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
Who is actually a mob wife?
According to various fashion journals and trends on social media, the clean girl aesthetic has come to its end and the era of mob wife has arrived. You have probably already seen fashionistas on the streets of Oslo wearing dark fur jackets from the 80´s and vintage sunglasses. These are the most recognizable features of the mob wife outfits, and therefore “if you look like you´re going to a funeral, you´re doing it right”.
Mob wife is a short for “mobster´s romantic partners”. Gangster girlfriends are in the spotlight again, and if you want to find some inspiration for replicating mob wife aesthetic, it is strongly recommended to have a movie weekend with Sharon Stone in Casino (1995), Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather Trilogy (1972-1990), or Elvira Hancock in Scarface (1983).
Inside of the Nationaltheatret. Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
However, you might ask why the mob wife aesthetics became viral since it takes roots from the criminal lifestyle? Rebecca Bauman, PhD and the associate professor of Italian at the Fashion Institute of Technology, states that this trend involves the adoption of an exaggerated version of fashion trends, which not only conform to mainstream acceptance but are also revered as the pinnacle of haute couture, which is seen in Italian brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Versace. Moreover, this “lifestyle and way of dressing of gang members represent and reflect power” says Ariadna Fernández-Planells, who has studied the use of social media, youth culture, and gangs. Therefore, this trendy aesthetic is quite popular on social media, and reflects strong and powerful energy through the style.
Besøk av gammel dame (The Visit) premiere at Nationaltheatret
Besøk av gammel dame, or The Visit, is a 1956 tragicomic play written by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt. The play premiered at Nationaltheatret in Oslo the 8th March 2024 on International Women´s Day. For this premiere, the statues of Henrik Ibsen and Bjørn Bjørnsen were shrouded in white sheets where it was written - "Venter på besøk av gammel dame" ("Waiting the visit of an old lady").
Nationaltheatret ready for the premiere. Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
The play tells a story of citizens of the small town Güllen, that is on the verge of financial collapse, who receive an unexpected visit from the immensely wealthy and enigmatic Clara Zachanassian. Having once called the town home herself, Clara returns with an unsettling proposition: she offers the citizens a substantial sum of money in exchange for seeking retribution for a past wrongdoing inflicted upon her.
Inside of the Nationaltheatret. Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
It has been a while since I have been to the theatre. Furthermore, it was my first time visiting the Nationaltheatret in Oslo. I might be honest and say that social media “made me do it”, and I appreciated the fantastic job of social media managers on the official Nationaltheatret´s Instagram. Reels and posts with mysterious Clara Zachanassian (Jan Sælid) in her fur jackets and elegant blouses, embracing mob wife aesthetic, did not leave me indifferent and I decided to celebrate International Women’s Day by going to the premiere.
“Besøk av gammel dame” forestilling. Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
All in all, the play captivated the audience's emotions. The theatre hall was filled with both laughter and heartfelt moments. Performances delivered by the actors were brilliant and outstanding. Besides, the unconventional decorations and set design added an extra layer of intrigue and immersion. “Besøk av gammel dame” definitely succeeded in leaving a lasting impression in me, and sparked many conversations about morality long after the final bow. It is worth-seeing!
The scene. Photo: Kadriia Sungatullina / PRESSET.
Clara Zachanassian as the epitome of a powerful and vindictive character
The Instagram post by Nationaltheatret featuring Clara Zachanassian as the epitome of a powerful and vindictive character in "Besøk av gammel dame" not only highlights her role in the play but also sparks a discussion about the emerging trend of mob wife aesthetics in fashion and social media. This trend symbolises more than just style; it represents power and rebellion against mainstream norms.
The play "Besøk av gammel dame" at Nationaltheatret explores moral dilemmas and the consequences of revenge that resonated deeply with the public. The production left a profound impact on the audience, fuelling reflections long after the curtains closed. "Besøk av gammel dame" is a thought-provoking experience that transcends the stage and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who attends it.