II. THE PROPERTIES
Under this head it is proposed to describe chiefly those properties that needed actual construction. For all the articles used throughout, such as the table and stools in the kitchen-scene, it is enough to say that they should be as simple and rough as possible. They should be even rather dirty.
In thefirst scenethere is no property used beyond those connectedwith costumes (to be described later) except the tree-stump on which the shepherd sits. This is simply a three-legged stool with a dust-sheet draped over it.
In thesecond scene, there is the fire over which the inn-keeper is cooking. A strong black bandbox was taken, and from it were cut out sections, supported by uprights, making it to resemble a road-mender’s brazier. On the floor of this stood a cylindrical candle-lantern with a burning candle within; and round this lantern was wrapped red flannel. Between the flannel and the bars of the “brazier” were inserted sticks at irregular intervals. The whole thing was placed on a three-legged stool, and a brown cooking-dish rested on the top.
In thethird scenethis fire figured again, standing on the ground. Most of the stage R. was occupied by the shepherds’ shelter, with room, however, left to pass both behind and before it. The shelter was constructed of a three-sided clothes-horse, about six feet high; and this was hung all over and roofed by pieces of old sacking and deer-skins. The opening was towards the audience. A hurdle, standing on end, projected above the roof.
The “lamb” was life-size, ingeniously made out of cotton-wool, with a cotton skin on which were painted eyes and mouth. It is wrapped throughout in a piece of sacking, so that no more of it need be finished than the head and front legs.
In thefourth scenethe chief property is the crib. A box was taken about four feet long, by three by two, and set on one of its long sides upon a table. The whole of the box and table was then covered with crumpled and painted brown paper, resembling that fastened to thewings; straw was laid inside, and a silver lamp hung from the edge to the upper side. The starry sky at the back was variegated by a large hurdle projecting from behind the crib. The bambino was supplied by a well-known firm in London.[11]
In thefifth scene, from which the crib is absent, the principal property is the throne and dais. This needs little comment. The dais came from a schoolroom; and the chair was a very tall armless one of yellowish wood. Two tall mahogany candlesticks stood on either side upon the dais. The book used by the boy was a large leather volume bound by strings.