A History of Contemporary Stage Combat, 1969-Today
This book is the first of its kind to chronicle the art form of stage combat from the founding of the Society of British Fight Directors in 1969 up to today. The art form is discussed through how it is practiced in various countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Northern Europe. Also included are outcroppings of stage combat, including theatrical jousting and intimacy direction, as well as theatrical weaponry. Interviews were conducted with industry professionals, including:
The book is currently available through the publisher, Routledge or through Amazon
- David Boushey, founder of the Society of American Fight Directors
- Richard Ryan, swordmaster, fight arranger, stunt coordinator for such films as Troy, Sherlock Holmes, The Dark Knight, and television shows Vikings and Vikings Valhalla
- Dawn "Sam" Alden, founder of Babes With Blades Theatre Company
- John Waller, founding member of the Society of British Fight Directors
The book is currently available through the publisher, Routledge or through Amazon
CRITICAL FEEDBACK ON A HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY STAGE COMBAT
"Thank you, Brian, for putting so many interesting and historical things into context. Now I finally understand why Paddy Crean is such a legend. I’ve often heard about him, even read up on him, but never fully understood the fuzz. And then of course there were all the others who have been a part of shaping this world we call stage combat. Brian’s book is thorough, well researched, entails great quotes and anecdotes - something for any (stage combat-) history geek. If you want to know your stage combat, this book is a must read."
-Miriam Schön Raagaard, Actor Combatant, Fight Choreographer & Intimacy Coordinator
A great review on how we got to the methodology of stage combat we are at now and how the art form spread and who its early pioneers were.
Also gave a good insight into not only the SAFD and stage combat in America but stage combat in Canada, Britain, Australia, etc.
Highlight of the book was this quote by Yarit Dor: “I personally feel that stage combat has stagnated a bit. Stage Combat teachers are much more focused on how cool can they make a fight or what new and adventurous workshop themes they can offer or how historically accurate they can make something look like. And don’t get me wrong, I’m at times in that wave of thinking myself. But we should be aiming to reflect and explore how we collaborate with actors more to fully support them emotionally as well as physically.”
Overall, quick afternoon read, and I learned quite a bit about how stage combat got to where it is.
Main criticism: I do wish there were interviews with some younger stage combat practitioners and potentially hear where they plan to take this art form.
-Will Snyder, Fight Director & Stage Combat Teacher BattleKat Combat
-Miriam Schön Raagaard, Actor Combatant, Fight Choreographer & Intimacy Coordinator
A great review on how we got to the methodology of stage combat we are at now and how the art form spread and who its early pioneers were.
Also gave a good insight into not only the SAFD and stage combat in America but stage combat in Canada, Britain, Australia, etc.
Highlight of the book was this quote by Yarit Dor: “I personally feel that stage combat has stagnated a bit. Stage Combat teachers are much more focused on how cool can they make a fight or what new and adventurous workshop themes they can offer or how historically accurate they can make something look like. And don’t get me wrong, I’m at times in that wave of thinking myself. But we should be aiming to reflect and explore how we collaborate with actors more to fully support them emotionally as well as physically.”
Overall, quick afternoon read, and I learned quite a bit about how stage combat got to where it is.
Main criticism: I do wish there were interviews with some younger stage combat practitioners and potentially hear where they plan to take this art form.
-Will Snyder, Fight Director & Stage Combat Teacher BattleKat Combat
