Although fencing is primarily a sport, with every hit or touch accounted for, and fencers following strict rules of conduct--staged combat is one of the most exciting aspects of swordplay!  Movies such as "The Mask of Zorro", "The Count of Monte Cristo", "Robin Hood", "Cyrano De Bergerac", and even George Lucas' "Star Wars" sagas all promote excitement and passion unmatched throughout film history (and books and plays)!

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  My experiences and study within the theatrical realm have not only allowed me to absorb aspects of staged combat theory, execution, and technique; but to apply my own theories of organizing safe, beautiful, unique, and easy-to-learn staged combat for shows of all kinds, actors of all ages, and audiences of all walks of life!



  Shows I have choreographed include: "Twelfth Night" (some photos above) for Coastal Repertory Theatre in Half Moon Bay, small independent films, some staged scenes adpated from "The Princess Bride" (including acrobatics and more "intense" fancy swordplay); a school play of "Peter Pan" (Morgan Hill), chronicling the classic and humorous bout between Peter and Captain Hook; a school play of "Cinderella" (San Jose / Santa Clara), a young prince's "training" from crumpet-eating goody-goody to sword-wielding knight... and other credits as well.

  Addditonally, there are naturally my own projects that I call "Balance of Power", seen here:

Sometimes flare, timing and creativity is remembered FAR more than the 25 bladework actions you had two fighters exchange...   People will say, "Remember how Tybalt splashed water in Romeo's face?  That was hilarious!!" rather than sing praises about well-timed disengagements, convincing feints, and things of that nature.  Especially when most audiences will not understand the most minute and subtle nuances of what might be coined as "true" combat.  Further--when you are building performances for a theatrical venue--you cannot expect an audience that is far, far away from the actors to catch a view of a small flick of an actor's wrist or the glint in a performer's eye. Granted, all those elements will still remain in the performances at times... but would be found much more prevalently in combat for film or TV.

Above--Creativity: 'The Force' is used to strangle an opponent!

Still, the picture should be clear.  The Cutting Edge choreography you witness will be memorable, fun, passionate... and SAFE!

 


  If you are a school associate, parent, or employee, and you would like to schedule a 100% FREE demo of how fencing works (where students suit up, and try out a "crash" course in fencing), send TCE an e-mail with your school contact information, or click here for more information!  The Cutting Edge is 100% fully insured and certified for liability under the United States Fencing Association.

--Matthew Carauddo (F.F.E. certified fencing instructor)