Postby Harold » Mon Aug 13, 2012 1:34 pm
I've heard about (saw one) some miscues involving bondage on stage. If someone's hands are tied behind their back and their back is never shown to the audience it is ok just to put the ends of the rope under the actor's thumbs and the rope can be shaken off in a few seconds at the end of the scene. (Aside: poorly tied hands are part of the plot in Carmen, Don Jose lets her escape at the end of the first act.) If someone is tied to something (chair, tree, or cross {church production around Easter}), it's best to do it for real. If you are tied to a (prop) tree while the guys who will take you to justice are at the other end of the stage, it would be awkward if the only thing preventing your freedom is some rope loosly laying on your feet.