Human Statues at The Fringe

 Human statues, a fascinating phenomena, amazing examples of calmness and composure. Regular features in medieval and Renaissance pageantry and festivities - although I believe they date back far into the annals of history - human statues were very much founded in European street theatre tradition. And they are very much in evidence on the streets of Edinburgh during the Fringe.
If you pass one by, drop a coin in their pot. See them come to life, just momentarily, slowly, elegantly, effortlessly. It may be a kiss, a smile, a bow, the raising of an umbrella, a fleeting trick with a crystal ball ....... and then they become motionless once more. How do they create an illusion of such complete stillness? How do they hold a single pose for so long? They appear not to breathe, you cannot detect the rise and fall of their chest, the blink of an eye. It is as though the gold and silver paint not only encompasses their body but holds it in some exotic form of suspended animation. Their costumes, so sophisticated yet so simple, heavy yet light as a feather, at one with flawless skin and striking wigs ...... I love these people. I could watch them doing very little for hours. But could I do it? Not a cat in hell's chance. I would have to sneeze, cough, scatch, even fall over. So they have my greatest admiration. And as for me going hours at a time without talking ...... unheard of!
Not all the human statues are adorned in gold and silver. As you join the throngs of people in the High Street or the Mound, keep an eye out for someone who is not moving, a sculpture that has mysteriously appeared where before there was none. And watch .... carefully. Can you detect a movement, however slight? Maybe ... maybe not. But they are watching you, of that you can be sure.