flying machine
Quick Summary
The term "flying machine" in a theatrical context refers to a stage device, not an aircraft. These systems are a crucial part of stage machinery, particularly in proscenium-stage theaters.1
Flying Systems
Flying systems are used to lift scenery into a space above the stage, known as the fly loft, using mechanical hoists. There are two primary types:1
- Hand-operated systems: These include archaic rope-set (or hemp) systems and safer counterweight systems. Rope-set systems use ropes and sandbags for counterbalance, while counterweight systems use steel cables and metal weights.1
- Machine-driven systems: These are typically powered by electricity and can be further categorized by the type of hoist used, such as electrical counterweight-assisted hoists (traction drive and linkage drive) or pure-power hoists. Hydraulic hoists, also powered by electricity, offer a virtually noiseless operation.1
The concept of a "flying machine" in theater dates back to ancient Greece, where devices like the mechane were used to lower actors from above, a convention that led to the term "deus ex machina".2
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theatreVisual and spatial aspectsā¦the use of the so-called flying machine, the mÄchanÄ (Latin machina), in the 5th century is given in the comedies of Aristophanes; a character in his play Peace ascends to heaven on a dung beetle and appeals to the scene shifter not to let him fall. The mÄchanÄ consisted ofā¦
Read Moreā¦the use of the so-called flying machine, the mÄchanÄ (Latin machina), in the 5th century is given in the comedies of Aristophanes; a character in his play Peace ascends to heaven on a dung beetle and appeals to the scene shifter not to let him fall. The mÄchanÄ consisted ofā¦
Read More- theatreStaging conventions
For flying, a fixed setting was often placed against a building equipped with pulleys and windlasses on its roof. Additional flying machinery was also hidden inside the heaven mansion. Angels, souls released from limbo, devils, and fire-spitting monsters could be shown flying. The machinery became soā¦
Read MoreFor flying, a fixed setting was often placed against a building equipped with pulleys and windlasses on its roof. Additional flying machinery was also hidden inside the heaven mansion. Angels, souls released from limbo, devils, and fire-spitting monsters could be shown flying. The machinery became soā¦
Read More - theatreBritish theatre and stage design
ā¦the Victorian theatre required increased flying around the stage, with a complicated counterweight system, and this in turn fostered one of the most popular features of the staging of this periodāthe flying of actors as well as scenery.
Read Moreā¦the Victorian theatre required increased flying around the stage, with a complicated counterweight system, and this in turn fostered one of the most popular features of the staging of this periodāthe flying of actors as well as scenery.
Read More