THE SHIP AS SEEN FROM THE STAGE.
SETTING OF THE SCENERY BEFORE AND AFTER THE APPEARANCE
OF THE SHIP.
The ship is carried by wheels that roll over the floor of the stage, and is guided in its motion by two grooved bronze wheels, and by a rail formed of a simple reversed T-iron which is bolted to the floor. As the ship advances, the set water rows open in the center to allow it to pass. As the vessel itself is covered up to the water line with painted canvas imitating the sea, it has the appearance of cleaving the wave. When the vessel reaches the first of the water rows the others spread out and increase the extent of the sea. The three strips of water in the rear rise slightly. The shifting of the inclined piece at the front is effected by simply pulling up the carpet which covers it, and which enters the groove in the floor in front of the prompter’s box. At this moment the entire stage seems to be in motion, and the effect is very striking.
SHIP OF THE “TEMPEST” IN PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTION.