Art of Broadsword Fighting for Stage and Screen

<p><i>The Art of Broadsword Fighting for Stage and Screen</i> provides historical and contemporary techniques and styles for the safe training and use of the European broadsword in a theatrical setting.</p><p>This book starts with a brief breakdown of the history of broadswords the time periods associated with their use and the influences of historical masters and their manuscripts. After the brief history section this book presents the basic techniques of broadsword fighting starting with grip and body postures. Readers will then move fluidly into the basic actions of cuts parries blocks and disarms. During this process actors explore the connection between body and weapon and start learning the elements of storytelling through choreography. Special attention is given throughout the text on techniques which need to be approached in a physically and/or mentally safe way by directors choreographers performers teachers and students. The final chapter focuses on choreographing a fight and utilizing all the material previously covered in this book with special notes for actors directors and teachers about what makes a good fight how to keep it safe and how to create the wow factor in choreography.</p><p><i>The Art of Broadsword Fighting for Stage and Screen</i> is intended for directors choreographers actors students of acting martial artists and enthusiasts of stage combat and historical martial arts.</p>