In Wake of VA Tech Tragedy, Yale Bans Weapons on Stage

In the wake of the Virginia Tech school shooting, Yale University has banned weapons on stage, forcing a production of Red Noses (and all future productions) to use wooden or other obviously fake weapons in stage combat scenes. 

As a performer and serious student of western martial arts, I am personally appalled by this on many levels.  While none of us can know for sure what triggered the shooter to take his horrible actions, I think most of us can agree it was probably not the simulated and archaic violence of classical theatre.  Secondly, stage combat is an art and science in which all performers executing such actions are required to have serious training; the goal of stage combat is to make something that is not real, look real.  When working with a sword in a stage combat situation you are taught how not to hit someone with it -- how to be safe and keep your fellow actors safe.  This, not violence, is the one and only goal of stage combat.  Finally, as a classical and historical fencer, I must speak in defense of the spirtual and physical discipline provided by studying combat arts; those who do know that the more one knows about real violence, the less inclined one is to ever, ever participate in such.

With this act Yale does nothing to pay tribute to the memory of those killed at Virginia Tech or improve school safety, hampers performers, and makes itself look foolish. 

More information is available here: http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/20843