Post by Saviya on Mar 17, 2004 16:39:02 GMT -5
Part II
So, let's say we've decided on a historical period; we've all got characters (a name, a background etc...) and we've got enough dances ready to put on a 2 hour spectacular. What do we need to do next?
1) Costume.
We would need to make costumes which are correct for the period in question (whatever that's going to be). There's not too much evidence around so that would have to be researched first. The materials would have to be authentic with only inner seams machined. Hems would have to be hand-sewn and any embroidery/decoration would be hand-done. This would meet the authenticity criteria of the majority of large societies. I would guess, with the geographical proximity of Abakhan working to our advantage, that it would cost from £20 or £30 upwards to make a basic costume (depending on whether there's a sale on). Organising an outing so that everybody gets suitable, authentic cloth isn't a problem either. If anyone needs help, I don't mind putting the garments together in return for small but very lovely bribes (mine's a large gin and tonic!!) LOL. I think the hand sewing needs to be negotiated amongst us as 10 yds of authentic stitching round the hem of a skirt can be quite time-consuming!
2) Set
Our stage and backdrop would have to be carefully thought out. Size, elevation and background are prime considerations. Health and Safety would have a 'blue fit' if we started building actual stages so maybe our performance area should be kept at ground level. Do we use tents? I'm not sure there's a vardo we can borrow and the logistics of taking a horse to a show are nightmarish (been there - trust me on this one!).
Canvas tents and lean-to structures are very useful even in Britain. They keep the majority of the rain off but, much more importantly, they provide shade from the sun. It's amazing how many people suffer from heatstroke and sunburn after spending a whole day outside even in October!
3) Props
Any set we use will need props. Plastic water containers can be hidden but we'd have to decant it into period pitchers. If we want to cook, we'd need to buy or borrow a cauldron/stand, spit and skillets. Eating implements would need to be made from either native woods or authentic looking ceramics. What else will we be doing? How do we pass the time either side of a performance? Making new kit is always a good way of looking busy (remember all that hand-sewing?). Do we put pots and baskets out for the public to 'tip' us?
All this may sound like a major commitment of time, finances and effort but lists of major events are always released before Easter and that gives us plenty of time to plan which we'll attend and enough time to work on our other halves and kids! It should all be achieved with the least possible financial outlay by members and without the expectation of making money from it.
So, let's say we've decided on a historical period; we've all got characters (a name, a background etc...) and we've got enough dances ready to put on a 2 hour spectacular. What do we need to do next?
1) Costume.
We would need to make costumes which are correct for the period in question (whatever that's going to be). There's not too much evidence around so that would have to be researched first. The materials would have to be authentic with only inner seams machined. Hems would have to be hand-sewn and any embroidery/decoration would be hand-done. This would meet the authenticity criteria of the majority of large societies. I would guess, with the geographical proximity of Abakhan working to our advantage, that it would cost from £20 or £30 upwards to make a basic costume (depending on whether there's a sale on). Organising an outing so that everybody gets suitable, authentic cloth isn't a problem either. If anyone needs help, I don't mind putting the garments together in return for small but very lovely bribes (mine's a large gin and tonic!!) LOL. I think the hand sewing needs to be negotiated amongst us as 10 yds of authentic stitching round the hem of a skirt can be quite time-consuming!
2) Set
Our stage and backdrop would have to be carefully thought out. Size, elevation and background are prime considerations. Health and Safety would have a 'blue fit' if we started building actual stages so maybe our performance area should be kept at ground level. Do we use tents? I'm not sure there's a vardo we can borrow and the logistics of taking a horse to a show are nightmarish (been there - trust me on this one!).
Canvas tents and lean-to structures are very useful even in Britain. They keep the majority of the rain off but, much more importantly, they provide shade from the sun. It's amazing how many people suffer from heatstroke and sunburn after spending a whole day outside even in October!
3) Props
Any set we use will need props. Plastic water containers can be hidden but we'd have to decant it into period pitchers. If we want to cook, we'd need to buy or borrow a cauldron/stand, spit and skillets. Eating implements would need to be made from either native woods or authentic looking ceramics. What else will we be doing? How do we pass the time either side of a performance? Making new kit is always a good way of looking busy (remember all that hand-sewing?). Do we put pots and baskets out for the public to 'tip' us?
All this may sound like a major commitment of time, finances and effort but lists of major events are always released before Easter and that gives us plenty of time to plan which we'll attend and enough time to work on our other halves and kids! It should all be achieved with the least possible financial outlay by members and without the expectation of making money from it.