Tableaux: Brothers of the Wind

[1928?–1955?]

A photograph of the Springfield College men's gymnastics team forming a tableaux of ice skaters. According to Frank Wolcott, a well-known gymnastics coach at Springfield College, this Tableaux is caleld "Brothers of the Wind." The gymants are leaning forward with one leg in the air behind them. Most have their hands together behind their backs, but some have one arm behind their backs and one arm in front. This Tableaux is believed to have been based on a frieze created by R. Tait McKenzie. The Tableaux as used in gymnastics performances was created by Springfield College alumnus Leslie J. Judd (class of 1920), who went on to become a famous gymnastics coach at his alma mater (1921-1956). Tableaux, essentially, means living picture, and it is performed by costumed actors who remain silent and motionless. Tableaux have been used throughout theatrical history, but Judd transformed the idea. Coach Judd and Coach Frank Wolcott, his successor, created Tableaux that expressed ideals and commemorated moments in history. Tableaux are still performed by Springfield College gymnasts. For biographical information on Frank Wolcott, see: https://springfield.as.atlas-sys.com/agents/people/54.