Gail Joy Silberg

Gail Joy Silberg: Behind the Mask - Jules’ Costume Hire made its first appearance in Pretoria in 1940. More importantly, its history can be contextualised within the sociopolitical, historical changes happening in South Africa at the time. The book, of which one chapter I have written, is based on a series of interviews with Gail and her son over a period of three weeks. The story deals with the shop’s decreasing popularity and Joy’s disillusionment as a result. Jules’ Costume Hire had a client base that included artists, celebrities and even Eugene Terreblanche, who requested Jules to do his make-up before a televised appearence. The book also touches on the relationship between Joy and her husband Jules (an acclaimed Hollywood make-up artist) and their influence within theatre and the performing arts in Pretoria at the time (Jules being hugely influential in co-founding the Pretoria State Theatre).