KIDS, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

After Ellie and this performer were finished their stunt, he went on to do other amazing things. This ladder goes a couple of more rungs past the bottom of the frame. There was nothing to brace the bottom while he rocked gently left and right. Note that his left leg is in front and his right leg is in back. Then he did this thing that would put any dragon to shame. He explained briefly how it's done but I was too busy with exposure and framing to remember.

But it made me think: how does someone learn to do this? At what risk of horrible injury? And how do you find a teacher? He said that he tours the festival circuit during the warmer months (he somehow makes a living on this from tips) and spends the winter practicing and learning new tricks. I think law school was easier.         

 

MADELEINE MONDAY

Ellie had a great time at the Renaissance Festival, going to shows and riding every amusement in sight. She is not shy in the slightest and volunteers for every audience participation stunt. She really liked this juggler-fire eater. When he asked for a child to assist him, she stood, waved her arm and magic wand and out-shouted a couple of other kids. Once onstage, the performer asked her a couple of times if she was up to this. Oh yes. Ellie looked nervous for a moment when she thought that she might have to eat the fire but she didn't leave. Now, at the critical moment, see the look of wonder and delight on her face.

This kid is brave. Sometimes I worry that she might be a little too brave but if she keeps holding her hand up and waving her wand, she may get what she wants out of life.              

Passing The Torch

It's the time of year again for the local Renaissance Faire, now subtly re-branded as the Renaissance Festival. (Why?) We took Madeleine out, more about which tomorrow.

The first act we encountered was this fellow who calls himself Crazy Boy Coy. Sure, everyone has seen fire eaters/breathers but I still haven't a clue how it's done. Obviously there is a technique but can you imagine trying it for the first time?            

Firesign Theatre

Is anybody out there old and wacky enough to remember Firesign Theatre, the brilliant, surrealist comedy group from the 60s and 70s? That's what this image from the Ren Faire made me think of. Their deeply-layered, complex audio recordings rearranged my synapses and changed my life. Really. I will never forget the first time I heard them, on a cassette riding around Passaic, New Jersey, with my sister's boyfriend. (That was weird enough.) If you want to know what I'm babbling about listen to this. Two productions, the second of which starts at 28:12.

But I digress. The association carried me away. These are better fire eater pictures than the ones I got at the Shakespeare In The Park green show. Great light, more dramatic. I forgot that I had a polarizing filter on my telephoto lens. Probably wouldn't have put it on if I thought about it but I'm glad it was there.           

Fire Eater

Josh Routh, one of the entertainers in yesterday's post, showing some of his many talents. I suppose (I hope) someone has to teach you to do this. It's hard to imagine what it's like the first time you try it yourself. Not much room for error.

I had a heck of a time getting that guy with the point-n-shoot in the first picture out of the frame. It occurred to me to form a group, the National Association of People Who Walk Into My Photos, or NATWIMP, invite them all on a free cruise, get them on a ship and leave them there until they find a friendly port in Paraguay.