ABSTRACT

The Art of Unarmed Stage Combat is a guide to the principles and techniques of theatrical violence, combining detailed discussions of the mechanics of stage fighting with the nuances of acting decisions to make fighting styles reflect character and story.

Expert Fight Director Robert Najarian offers never-before-published games and exercises that allows actors to develop the skills and concepts for performing violence for stage and screen. This title utilizes a unique system of training techniques that result in stage violence that is both physically engaging for the performer, while remaining viscerally engaging for the audience.

This book is written for the actor and fight director.

part I|14 pages

A Brief History of Violence in Performance

chapter Chapter 1|6 pages

Overview of Stage Combat History

chapter Chapter 2|6 pages

Overview of Hoplology

part II|32 pages

Cornerstone Concepts

chapter Chapter 3|14 pages

Seeking Safety

chapter Chapter 6|8 pages

Characters in Conflict

part III|68 pages

Physical Training

chapter Chapter 7|28 pages

Elements of Training

chapter Chapter 8|18 pages

Partnered Conditioning

chapter Chapter 8|20 pages

Combat Games

part IV|116 pages

Process and Performance

chapter Chapter 10|11 pages

The Violent Soundscape

chapter Chapter 11|6 pages

The Illusion of Violence

chapter Chapter 12|6 pages

Non-contact Violence

chapter Chapter 13|11 pages

Contact Violence

chapter Chapter 15|2 pages

Final Thoughts