In Shakespeare’s theatre, the actors in fi ght scenes were trained swordsmen. They hid sheep’s hearts in their costumes which burst real blood when they were ‘stabbed’.
Big theatre companies today have fi ght directors who choreograph scenes – they plan every step and movement of the swordfi ght.
The lighting director, costume designer, sound eff ects and special eff ects people all contribute to the dramatic success of these scenes on stage.
BACKDROP, COSTUME AND SPECIAL EFFECTS
One production had a jet-black silk curtain at the back of the stage (the backdrop). The fighters were dressed completely in black silk and leather. White smoke rose from the stage, illuminated by stage lights, silhouetting the actors. The steel blades of the swords flashed in the smoke.
P. 103 Other staging ideas have included:
Go to your Writing Skills Book to write your own directions for the various elements in staging this fi ght scene from Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 1.
K
LIGHTING
SOUND EFFECTS
bursts of
flame around the fighters
406 FIRE & ICE 2
flashing colours spotlighting the most skilful sword moves
clashing steel
percussion music in the background that reached a dramatic crescendo at the moments of the fatal stabbings
