The Evolution of Theatre Blood

Introduction

• Early theatre used red handkerchiefs to signify blood.
• Demand for more realistic effects in film and theatre led to the development of special effects blood.
• Theatre blood formulas varied widely between productions.

Transition in Film and Theatre

• Early blood effects were vibrant red, evolving to darker, more liquid appearances with technological advancements.
• Evolution from unrealistic, waxy looks to more realistic visuals.

Types of Theatre Blood

Grand Guignol

• First type of fake blood in theatre, originating from Théâtre du Grand Guignol in Paris (1897).
• Theatre known for horror plays involving staged gore and torture.
• Formula involved glycerine and carmine red dye.
• Influenced by Gothic horror and authors like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe.

Chocolate Syrup

• Used primarily in black and white films like Hitchcock's Psycho.
• Combination of chocolate syrup with food coloring.
• Formula:
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Red and blue food coloring

Kensington Gore

• Developed for the UK’s Hammer Studios by John Tynegate.
• Known for vibrant color and different viscosities.
• Used in Hammer horror films after the Hays code restrictions in the US.
• Formula:
  • Golden syrup, water
  • Food coloring
  • Cornstarch and peppermint oil

Dick Smith Formula

• Developed for more realistic effects in the 1970s-1990s American films.
• Dick Smith was a renowned makeup artist.
• Formula included corn syrup and Kodak Photo-Flo (later replaced for safety).

CGI Blood Effects

• Modern approach using computerized effects for cost efficiency.
• Added in post-production, requires animation for realism.
• Potential to look either realistic or overly artificial.

Alternative Blood Effects

• Commercially available theatre blood and squibs.
• Homemade options include liquid soap and food coloring, or tomato ketchup.

Issues with Real Blood

• Moral, practical, and sanitary concerns prevent the use of real blood in productions.
• Real blood coagulates and changes color, making it impractical for long shoots.

Conclusion

The evolution of theatre blood reflects broader changes in theatrical and cinematic technology and aesthetics, moving from simple, symbolic representations to complex, realistic effects.