One Female Figure.
This tableau is represented by one beautiful lady, whose costume
consists of a flesh-colored dress, fitting tightly to the body, so as
to show the form of the person. The hair hangs loosely on the
shoulders and breast, and is ornamented with coral necklaces, while
the neck is adorned with pearls. To represent the sea, it will be
necessary to place, at intervals of two feet, (from wing to wing,)
strips of wood, beginning at the floor of the stage, near the front,
and rising gradually as they recede in the background, the last strip
being two feet from the floor of the stage. After these have been
arranged, lay strips of blue cambric across them; cover them entirely,
and between the bars of wood let the cambric festoon so as to
represent the appearance of waves. It will be necessary to fasten the
cambric with small tacks, to keep it in position, while the ridges of
the miniature waves should be painted white, to imitate foam. A trap
door should be cut in the centre of the stage, and a circle cut in the
centre of the cambric, to admit the body of Venus. The waves should
come up three inches above the hips, fitting closely around the body.
The water about the centre should be made white with foam. A platform
can be arranged below the stage for the performer to stand on, and
this can be made high or low, according to the height of the lady, by
the use of blocks of wood. The right hand of the figure is held above
the head. The left hand rests on the water. The countenance is lighted
up with smiles. Small particles of isinglass scattered on the waves
will make them glisten and sparkle, which will add to the effect,
while a green fire, burned for twenty seconds, and then changed to red
or bluish white, will give a fine shade to the scene. If the colored
fires are not used, the light should come from the front. Music, soft
and brilliant.