Actors On Guard: A Practical Guide for the Use of Rapier and Dagger for Stage and Screen

Actors On Guard: A Practical Guide for the Use of Rapier and Dagger for Stage and Screen Actors On Guard: A Practical Guide for the Use of Rapier and Dagger for Stage and Screen. By Dale Anthony Girard. New York: Routledge/Theatre Arts Books, 1997; pp. 511. $35.00 paper.

Conflict on stage is often expressed through violent action such as slaps, shoves, fisticuffs, gunfire, or swordplay; many period plays, including those of Shakespeare, rely heavily on swordplay to effectively relate the dramatic story. With audience demand for dramatic authenticity, actors are under pressure to portray violence convincingly. Until recently, they have had to sift through archaic fencing manuals, rely on coaching from competitive fencing teachers who possess limited knowledge of acting, or simply fend for themselves in their struggle to create believable sword fights on stage. Dale Anthony Girard's Actors on Guard answers a need in the area of rapier and dagger use. As one of only ten fight masters certified by the Society of American Fight Directors, Girard is eminently qualified to write this text. As an educator and working professional, he is familiar with the needs of beginning acting students and seasoned professionals alike.

Written for the serious acting student, stage combat...