Birnam Wood
a super-fun photo shoot
on
Tuesday, July 23rd, from 6pm to 8pm
at Euclid Park in Cheverly, Maryland
(rain date: Thursday, July 25th)
Bring your children of any age for a fun photo shoot in the park! I'm working on a personal creative project, and I'd love to have your beautiful children participate. I'll provide beverages and snacks, and, after the work is done, a print from the session for each child's family. See details below, and sign up if you'd like to come!
About the artist and the project: Teresa Castracane is a portrait and fine art photographer, as well as a classically trained actor with a specialty in Shakespeare. In Baby Shakespeare, she seeks to create a series of images illustrating key scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, in which the characters are portrayed by children. The goal of the project is to express our common humanity and vulnerability, by combining the power of Shakespeare’s stories with the innocence of children. In addition, inviting children to participate in creative role-playing for the photo sessions introduces them to the works of Shakespeare in an engaging and fun way.
About “Birnam Wood”: The idea for this photo session comes from Macbeth. In the play, the proud and ambitious Macbeth receives a prophecy that he shall not be defeated in battle until Birnam Wood comes to him at Dunsinane:
“Macbeth shall never vanquish'd be until
Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill
Shall come against him.”
In the end, the violent King Macbeth is, in fact, defeated in battle, after Malcolm brings a force against him who he has instructed to carry tree branches in front of them, as camouflage.
“Let every soldier hew him down a bough
And bear’t before him.”
The moment to be depicted in the photograph is Malcolm’s army (portrayed by children), emerging from the woods, ready for battle, each carrying a branch for camouflage. (The children will not be asked to do any battling, make-believe or otherwise, though they will unquestionably look VERY FIERCE.)
Specifics of the shoot:
- We'll meet at Euclid Park in Cheverly, at the soccer field closest to the woods.
- I’m seeking an ethnically diverse group of children, ranging in age from babies to teenagers. The number of children participating will be no more than 30. I’ll provide beverages and snacks, and the children’s parents will receive a photo from the session from me in thanks.
- Families will need to provide their children's wardrobe, which will consist of things you probably have at home, like jeans, plain t-shirts, clothing with a camo pattern, etc. Further details to come.
- Families are also asked to provide medieval toy weapons such as swords, battleaxes, etc. No guns, no Nerf. Further details to come.
- Children's faces will be painted in a camo style for the shoot by Lily Thomas of Orange Octopus Designs.
- Each child will need to have a tree branch to hold. I'm looking for ways to provide this, but would appreciate assistance or suggestions on this point.
- I will be using smoke effects to enhance the look of the battle. The smoke products come from a reputable company making non-toxic smoke effects for use in film, television, photography, etc.
- Parents are required to sign a model release giving me permission to photograph their children.
- I’m happy to discuss any of these particulars. I can be reached at [email protected], or 240.753.2199.