The noble art of fencing is one of the most historic of Olympic sports, making an appearance at every Games since 1896. At the same time, few Olympic disciplines have embraced modern technology as enthusiastically as this age-old pastime.

Such have been the innovations on show at the fencing events in Rio 2016 that the spectacle has been more George Lucas than William Shakespeare: fencers resembling storm troopers duel amid bright laser lights, sensors flash out when athletes make a hit and electronic sounds alert the scoring judges.

Throughout the competition, pairs of fencers face off simultaneously on X-shaped pistes, lit up by coloured floor lights while lasers play over head and music blares out.

Brave new world: Rio 2016 Games to showcase technological innovations

Women's epee team quarter-finals on the x-shaped piste (Photo: Getty Images/Laurence Griffiths)

Even the traditional fencing wardrobe has had a complete makeover. Out are the codpieces and tights, in is high-technology protective equipment made from materials such as kevlar and other fabrics of the space age.

To judge by the reaction of sports fans, the innovations have been a big success with the public and have reignited the audience's love affair with fencing.

Fans have compared watching fencing to seeing films like Star Wars (Photo: Getty Images/Laurence Griffiths)

At Carioca Arena 3, hardened fencing fans have been rubbing shoulders with curious cariocas, as the residents of Rio de Janeiro called. Whether fencing novices or former practitioners themselves, spectators on Saturday (13 August) were unanimous in their approval of the changes.

"It's a lot of fun," said Fernanda Galvão of her first experience of an Olympic fencing event. "It really is like being at the movies."

Alexandre, Celia, Fernanda and little Maria Luisa all enjoyed the show (Photo: Rio 2016/Rafael Cavalieri)

Fernanda's young daughter Malu also enjoyed the day out. "She hasn't stopped smiling," her contented mother said. "She's very happy."

Malu's grandmother Celia used to be a fencer herself and was stunned by how much the sport had changed since her day. "Fencing today has become interesting to watch," she said. "I hope we see new fencers emerge."

Olesya and Andrei got into the action at Carioca Arena 3 (Photo: Rio 2016/Rafael Cavalieri)

Outside Carioca Arena 3, spectators could even try out their own fencing skills for a few minutes, using plastic swords.

Russian spectators Andrei Bykov and Olesya Bezhina were among the ticketholders to rise to the challenge. Bezhina said she had no idea that fencing could be so much fun.

"It's very cool. It's like being in a Star Wars film. If the athletes' clothing was black and the sword had a red light, it would be like a duel between Darth Vader and a Jedi knight," she said.

Ana Maria Popescu of Romania competes against Jialu Hao of China during the women's epee team final (Photo: Getty Images/Laurence Griffiths)

Irene Vecchi, a fencer on the traditionally strong Italian team, said that recent innovations have helped enhance fencing's appeal to spectators.

"The sport has become a lot more attractive and dynamic for the non-specialist public," she said. "It's made a difference. We always want to have spectators."

Saturday saw the women's sabre team finals taking place, with the USA defeating Italy for bronze before Russia and Ukraine went into battle for gold.

Fencing schedule and results