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Fencing: How To Fight Safely In A Stage Production

By Expert Author: Craig Harkins | Article Abstract
Word Count: 398 words | Views: 311 view(s)
Some of the most thrilling performances on stage involve staged combat. For example, imagine Hamlet without the many battles that take place? Or Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance without the great swashbuckling of the pirates? Regardless of what type of performance, from comedy to tragedy, whether it be a play or a musical, there can be combat scenes involved.

It is never a good idea to encourage actual combat in a production, as this would be very hazardous for the actors. This is why productions have to create a convincing appearance of combat. Generally, there is a carefully crafted set of moves designed by professionals. These will borrow moves from other combat arts, but they are modified for the actors' safety. As a whole, these moves are referred to as "stage combat."

One of the most popular kinds of stage combat is called stage fencing. Stage fencing takes a lot of the moves and methods that are used in traditional fencing, but changes them. One example is that a move might be changed so that the sword does not go near an actor's face.

Stage fencing may utilize many different weapons. Among those used are the stage foil, which looks much like a normal foil, the dagger, the broadsword, rapiers are also occasionally used. Stage combat moves will vary with the weapon that is being used; for example, a staged rapier fight will be much more nimble and quick, than one utilizing larger weapons. The weapons used may be real, or they may be props designed to look like real weapons. The props are less dangerous, but take much more work to look realistic than real weapons.

In most productions, the stage fencing routines are developed by the choreographer of the play or musical. For larger scale productions, or for routines involving many intricate techniques, a separate fight choreographer may be used. These choreographers are trained especially in stage combat, and are more skilled in developing flashier routines.

So, as it is done in a theatrical production, it is quite common. The scenes are designed to look dangerous and exciting, but they are the result of lots of practice, at different tempos. The moves can't change while the actors are on stage, as it is too hazardous to do something different than expected with weapons. But, if it is performed well, these scenes look marvelous and action-packed and like a real fight.
Craig Harkins

About the Author/Author Bio

Craig started fencing after seeing the brief clips of Peter Westbrook winning the Olympic Bronze medal in 1984. Since then, he's been a compeitor, coach, organizational officer, and finally a happily married recreational fencer. Craig also runs the leading web site for the sport of fencing and is a credentialed Olympic reporter.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Fencing--How-To-Fight-Safely-In-A-Stage-Production/150455

Article Tags: fencing, stage foil, rapiers, sport

Article Submitted: 2008-06-27 | This Article has been viewed 311 times.

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