Theater fencing
The theater fencing or Scenic Fencing is a martial directions shown by several on stage. It requires special training. These can be obtained either from special fencing masters at drama schools, from private associations or, in the meantime, from some German (sports) fencing clubs.
classification
Classified in the various fencing styles, one can say that theater fencing exists alongside sport fencing , historical fencing and academic fencing (see: Fencing , Historical Martial Arts , Mensur (student union) ). In Germany it is only just gaining its place there, in France it is already established. In September 2006 (September 15–17) the First International German Championship in scenic fencing took place in Berlin . Before that, in August 2004 (August 14th and 15th) "Stage Warriors" 1st International Championship for Theater Fencing and Show Fighting took place and was the first championship of this kind in Germany. The event was organized and initiated by the Badische Löwenfechter eV and continued successfully in 2006.
Theatrical fencing is slower than official sport fencing and is clearly choreographed. There can be two or more fighters and the fencing area is not reduced to a narrow path (planche). Fencing styles and weapons from different centuries are used. In this respect, there are parallels to historical fencing.
presentation
When showing fencing scenes from the 17th / 18th centuries Century (coat and sword style) is fought with blunt historical or sporting weapons. It is preferred to use sports sabers or sports swords with a French handle. For acoustic processing, you can cut holes or slits in the bell of the weapon so that there are also noises during the action. On the other hand, when fighting with the heavier rapier, it is not uncommon for a small shield, a left-hand dagger ( main gauche ) or simply a coat to be carried in the left hand . When fighting with sabers often significantly heavier be saber used as today's sports saber. These occur mainly in scenes with pirates or cavalrymen. For earlier representations, a medieval sword with or without a shield, a Roman gladius (or a longer spathe), Chinese swords such as Jin or Dao or a Japanese Daito or Katana are used accordingly . Other metal weapons or sticks can also be used.
choreography
In stage fencing, slash fencing is preferred over stitch fencing. On the one hand it is a bit safer, on the other hand it has a greater visual impact. For safety reasons, you avoid stabbing the face. Most of the time, stitches are made under the armpits or outside into space. Scenes in which a hero fights three opponents are particularly theatrical. It is almost impossible to parry properly with two opponents, but with three it is completely unrealistic, unless you fight them one after the other. In theater fencing, it is even possible for a hero with a fifth ( parry against head blows) to parry and hold three blades at the same time, i.e. bind them.
Theater fencing also enables certain parades to be used that are not possible in sport fencing . In addition to the quint, there is also the sixt against head blows, in which the blade is mirrored to the quint - for right-handed people from left (handle) to right (tip). There is even a parade change between Quint and Sixt, which is called the mill parade. Theatrical fencing is varied because you can fight in a wide variety of scenarios and not be tied to a narrow planche. The fencers fight z. B. in pubs or in the field and hallway, sometimes also on different levels (e.g. on a staircase). Known from theater, film and television are the wild horizontal blows against the legs of a higher opponent who then has to jump up.
Today you can not only observe different fencing styles on video portals like Youtube, but also see how practical stage fencing works. Safety weapons are often used for practice. Since fencers rarely wear masks on stage, there is a risk of injury to teeth and eyes. In the choreography, the beats are often only numbered consecutively according to the Anglo-Saxon model.