tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807403883562053852.post5875306588963933815..comments2024-03-27T08:40:31.785-06:00Comments on Clayton Cramer.: Why Not Use Rubber Swords?Clayton Cramerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03258083387204776812noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807403883562053852.post-9045961632888191902014-04-29T08:48:23.877-06:002014-04-29T08:48:23.877-06:00Looking at other press reports of this incident, i...Looking at other press reports of this incident, it was in a "fake dagger" that was the instrument of injury. These can be anything from realistic looking lightweight soft plastic toy-store items to spring-loaded props where the blade is supposed to disappear into the handle when "stabbing". I'm suspecting that the play was put on without an experienced "fight director" being engaged to plan the blocking and train the actors, and that the use of toy weapons gave the teachers and administrators a false sense of safety. They didn't think that their props might break leaving sharp edges, or that they might fail to retract.<br />Stage combat is an important acting skill, and not out of place in a high-school production if the means are in place to do it safely. Stage weapon props do have blunted tips and edges, but more importantly are durable enough that they can take the clanking of a "swordfight" repeatedly without breaking. A thrust with a dagger will be delivered off-line of the "victim's" body, looking real enough from the audience's perspective, but being well clear of contact with the body in actuality. DOuglas2https://www.blogger.com/profile/12175556572806781789noreply@blogger.com