How to perform a hanging on stage?

Question

Hi,

For a play, I need to have a character hang her self. We have points to attach harnesses, but does anyone have an advice or experience in this field? WHat did you use? Did you use harnesses? Did the person drop? is it dangerous?

Anyone in Sydney that can give local knowledge or advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

adam

Answer 1

If you have to ask, you shouldn't really be doing it.  The way to do it is to use a harness with a dorsal attachement point (between the shoulder blades); you attach the wire to that, then run the wire up through the rope which makes your noose, so that there's no possible way that the noose can take any weight.  You should also make the noose breakaway so that if any weight does happen to fall on it, it will break.  The actress will have to drop, and she'll be pulled up with a jerk when the wire catches her.  If done properly, it's not dangerous, but if you don't know what you're doing then it can be very very dangerous - there was a case in the USA where the actor playing Judas in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar actually hanged in front of the audience and died.  I'd suggest giving the Sydney Theatre Company production manager a call (I'm sure you can find some contact details on the website) and seeing if they have any contacts who can help you.  I'd really suggest not trying it yourself - get the professionals in.  It may cost you a bit, but what price safety?