DreamMaker Posted April 8, 2019 Share Posted April 8, 2019 I'm looking for anyone who has experience of creating the rocking chair effect for Rockaby by Samuel Beckett. I'm trying to find out what sort of apparatus has been used to ensure the chair moves the exact amount each time? I don't think our budget will stretch to something fully automated. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave m Posted April 8, 2019 Share Posted April 8, 2019 It's a long time since I saw it but doesn't the actor rock it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonytech Posted April 8, 2019 Share Posted April 8, 2019 Not seen it, Not done it.... ButHow about a concealed Cycle brake handle connected to a lever under the chairs rockers.Actor squeezes brake handle to move a lever that moves the chair.?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreamMaker Posted April 8, 2019 Author Share Posted April 8, 2019 I don't think so, the director requires her to sit with her feet on a rest.It's a long time since I saw it but doesn't the actor rock it? Thanks for this, may save that idea for another show, unfortunately this production is in our studio space and the audience may well see the apperatusNot seen it, Not done it.... ButHow about a concealed Cycle brake handle connected to a lever under the chairs rockers.Actor squeezes brake handle to move a lever that moves the chair.?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Gordon Posted April 8, 2019 Share Posted April 8, 2019 Evidently originally it was done by a concealed operator behind a black drape pulling the chair back with a cable on a small winch (the lighting is very dark). See this link for the rehearsal process of the original Billie Whitelaw production, at about 32'00" . HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave m Posted April 9, 2019 Share Posted April 9, 2019 There's a "haunted house" rocking chair on youtube. You could have a high torque/low speed motor driving a wheel with a crank so that the other end goes up/down.fix the centre of the rocker so it stays in one place. Noise might be an issue though, cheap way would be black sash/paracord through the back seat base and a pulley screwed into the stage, pulled from behind.As in the clip, cctv to help the op control the speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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