In the second scene of The Indian and the Oki, yellow-orange gelatine was used to indicate the late summer afternoon. Under the cardboard kettle a red bulb, partly concealed by sticks and twigs, suggested fire.
The depths of the sea can be suggested by covering the light with green gelatine and using cut-out shells, seaweeds, and water plants as scenery. Water sprites and fanciful sea creatures would be at home in such a setting.
Music is a beautiful accompaniment for shadow plays, especially for Christmas and Easter celebrations. Imagine a shadow play in six scenes built about the Nativity according to the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke.
Scene I—The Annunciation
“The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.’” (St. Luke, I: 26, 27, 28.)
Scene II—The Angel and the Shepherds
“And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men.’ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.’” (St. Luke, II: 3–16.)
Scene III—The Adoration of the Shepherds
“The Shepherds came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (St. Luke, II: 17.)