According to new guidelines published by the Health and Safety Executive, Macbeth would do well to consult a qualified armourer and slip into some protective clothing before conjuring up a potentially dangerous sharpened object in the corridors of Dunsinane. The guidance sets out to enlighten thespians on the “management” of props in theatre, film and television. In a section entitled “Noise”, the executive stumbles upon the truth that “firearms can produce very high levels” of it. On page five, the document states that “it is worth noting that wood, plastic or rubber weapons may be hazardous if used in a stabbing or lunging mode”. It also adds that standing in front of a loaded crossbow may carry serious health implications. Members of the entertainment industry are bewildered. Malcolm Ranson, a fight choreographer who specialises in period sword play, said that the recommendations - including the revelation that performers’ shoes “should fit correctly”- were obvious. “Most people would look at this and say it’s all common sense,” he said. “You sometimes wonder who it’s actually aimed at.” The Management of Firearms and Other Weapons In Productions is one of 20 information pamphlets released in connection with the entertainment industry. The Times 27/10/03.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Safety curtain call
IS THIS a dagger I see before me? Or is it “an object which is designed for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm” and therefore unfit for the British stage? 
According to new guidelines published by the Health and Safety Executive, Macbeth would do well to consult a qualified armourer and slip into some protective clothing before conjuring up a potentially dangerous sharpened object in the corridors of Dunsinane. The guidance sets out to enlighten thespians on the “management” of props in theatre, film and television. In a section entitled “Noise”, the executive stumbles upon the truth that “firearms can produce very high levels” of it. On page five, the document states that “it is worth noting that wood, plastic or rubber weapons may be hazardous if used in a stabbing or lunging mode”. It also adds that standing in front of a loaded crossbow may carry serious health implications. Members of the entertainment industry are bewildered. Malcolm Ranson, a fight choreographer who specialises in period sword play, said that the recommendations - including the revelation that performers’ shoes “should fit correctly”- were obvious. “Most people would look at this and say it’s all common sense,” he said. “You sometimes wonder who it’s actually aimed at.” The Management of Firearms and Other Weapons In Productions is one of 20 information pamphlets released in connection with the entertainment industry. The Times 27/10/03.
According to new guidelines published by the Health and Safety Executive, Macbeth would do well to consult a qualified armourer and slip into some protective clothing before conjuring up a potentially dangerous sharpened object in the corridors of Dunsinane. The guidance sets out to enlighten thespians on the “management” of props in theatre, film and television. In a section entitled “Noise”, the executive stumbles upon the truth that “firearms can produce very high levels” of it. On page five, the document states that “it is worth noting that wood, plastic or rubber weapons may be hazardous if used in a stabbing or lunging mode”. It also adds that standing in front of a loaded crossbow may carry serious health implications. Members of the entertainment industry are bewildered. Malcolm Ranson, a fight choreographer who specialises in period sword play, said that the recommendations - including the revelation that performers’ shoes “should fit correctly”- were obvious. “Most people would look at this and say it’s all common sense,” he said. “You sometimes wonder who it’s actually aimed at.” The Management of Firearms and Other Weapons In Productions is one of 20 information pamphlets released in connection with the entertainment industry. The Times 27/10/03.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment