Stage violence is a complex art which, when conceived inventively, approached with professional care and respect, and practiced with patience and energy, can be the highlight of a scene or of an entire play. This book is designed for amateurs who have not had the benefit of formal training in stage violence. Chapters discuss falling (the foundation of violence); body and head blows (unarmed); wrestling and unarmed martial arts; knife handling; the use of weapons; the technique and application of swords for the stage; the use of weapons, shields, and armor in stage combat; and the nature and techniques of choreography. Photographs and drawings illustrate the text. (JM)