This black-and-white photograph shows a Tableaux titled “Basketball.” It shows three groups of students. In the left-most group, two students are bent over, grappling for control of a basketball. In the center group, two students are reaching upward, each with a hand on the basketball. Behind them is a third student crouching. In the right-most group, one student is holding the ball as if about to pass, while another student has his arms up in defense. The game of basketball was invented at Springfield College by James Naismith, an alumnus and professor, in 1891. 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.
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