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Cjhe Theatre oP To~Dau
J presentations ^ProLoques -n, (Music *■'
Edited by 0. T, Taylor
A Revival of the Vikin g s
A Presentation Little Used of a Romantic Episode of Bygone Days
ELDOM touched upon for presentations, yet containing a wealth of material ; scenic possibilities as well as music and action, are the old Norse Sagas.
Perhaps producers of presentations have felt that this material is too heavy, too somber, to make good entertainment, but is it? Poets and writers of many lands have received inspiration from the exploits of the hardy viking; musicians have immortalized him in songs and music.
The vikings, on their many raids, touched on nearly all countries in Europe ; they visited Africa, Asia and even America.
On many of these trips they brought back slaves taken in raids on barbaric temple or moorish stronghold. Is it not, then, reasonable that among these slaves, these temple attendants and harem girls, should be found accomplished dancers?
Thus we have the songs by basso or baritone soloists furnishing the heavy northern atmosphere ; the dancers of the south-lands for the light, airy touch ; a happy blending of song and dance with plenty of contrast to make it interesting.
THE ROUTINE
The main drapes part to a tabloid of two vikings holding a shield on which reclines the limp figure of a slave girl in chains. On the floor, in a pleading position, a youth with arms stretched toward the group.
The setting is a eye of light blue sateen on a blue stage with green spot on the group. Wind howling, flashes of lightning, a peal of thunder. Suggested music (play softly during tabloid pose and storm as a theme, pick up tempo and forte as dance begins), “Orientale,” Cesar Cui. The storm abates, amber lights up gradually, spot to white as the girl awakens, stirs and shrink from vikings. The vikings tip the shield and drop the girl to the ground. The youth advances ; he appeals to the vikings who releases the girl from her chains.
Youth and girl introduce dance number, oriental. At finish they make obeisance to the vikings, who order them off with a motion of the hand. The vikings now take up position, one on each side of stage, near braziers.
Lights dimming to dark. A trumpet blast is heard, then sound of temple gong. Reds up slowly with green overhead spot on viking chief whom, during dark stage, has taken up position up-stage, center. Chief in song. Suggested, “Land Sighting,” Grieg. Cyc has split to show tab with emblematic decorations. (This may be in form of a plaque instead of decorations applied to tab.)
As viking chief sings last part of solo a number of slave boys and girls, in rags and chains, enter in rhythmic step. The singer steps back slowly as the slaves, in two groups, crouch right and left. Temple gong sounds. Overhead spot out. Red flood as music goes to dance number, “Ballet Barbarian,” Zamecnik. Slaves doff rags and chains and are revealed in exotic costumes for a fast barbaric temple dance.
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