This black-and-white photograph shows a Tableaux titled “Bondage and Freedom,” as performed by a group of Springfield College gymnasts. On the left side, one gymnast is holding an large American flag upright. To his right are two gymnasts kneeling and reaching for the flag in supplication. On the far right side of the image are a group of men bound together with rope. They are staring at the flag. 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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