“Demonstrations and Performers Needed”
-A Few Examples of What You Can Do-
Brahm Lyndonset
Pirates of the Lost Cause
This has been a topic of discussion time and time again within Markland; How do we promote activities for the non-combatant and the public outside the realm of fratricidal combat? Many have taken up this cause and ran with it, but what it comes down to is the individual. It’s up to you, the member of this non-profit educational organization to make it, well, educational. So I wrote up this article about a year ago, hoping it would spur some a few members into thinking back to the days of A&S. Then it hit me- it may be a positive thing to have a guide for newer members seeking something other than the glory of the frat field in public. As a result, I’ve compiled a revised short list of activities for the public that don’t involve rattan (unless you are performing them from the comfort of a papasan!). The next time you read “Demonstrations and Performers needed” in an event announcement, some of these ideas may be helpful to you. Enjoy!
1. Dance- At many events, including feasts and public demonstrations, you will find dancing. This form of dancing is derived from texts of English court and country dancing that were published during the late Renaissance. Courtly dancing only requires the dancer to memorize a few basic steps, which are usually rehearsed by an instructor. Dancing is a good opportunity to meet new people and provide an interactive experience for the public at your next event.
2. Live Steel, or “Recreational Combat”- If your preferences lean towards acting or rehearsing moves with real weapons, you may want to contact the Recreational Fighter’s Guild. Our “rec” combat is a choreographed fight scene that can either be one-one-one (such as a street fight or duel) or a larger scale, such as our annual re-enactment of Hastings. Rec requires a lot of training and a small initial investment into gear, but is a rewarding and exciting way to entertain at both public events and private ones.
3. Arming of the Knight- Did you know that your period frat armor not only functions as a way to protect you during combat, but can also be an instructional aid? Putting together a demonstration on what the names of each piece and why we wear them is a great demo. As a bonus, you can let the public try it on and learn how heavy and hot this stuff can get. Make a 6th grader run a lap with chain mail on, and he/she will never forget it. Aside from the arming of the knight is the ever-popular “whack a knight”, where spectators are permitted to strike a fighter with his/her own weapons. While it has little educational value, it can serve as a source of entertainment and possibly even a fundraising endeavor at a demo.
4. In-persona Storytelling- You've spent all this time creating a historically accurate persona, down to the name of your mother and father, life experiences, and trials. If you’ve done the homework and know quite a bit about the country and times your persona hails from, you could sit down with the public for a little Q&A session or a story. I first saw this phenomenon at Scanfest, and was impressed with the story of this Viking who told a very touching story of his life.
5. Foolery- Essentially a form of comedic performing arts, foolery can cover many topics, such as magic tricks, juggling, fire breathing, improvisational comedy, acrobatics, miming, etc. Fools can be a very valuable commodity to events, and a great source of entertainment.
6. Kid's Crafts- Not as much of a period art or science, Kid’s Crafts have something different to offer: hands-on interactive learning. Many different types of simple table crafts can be derived from teacher’s books, such as decorating paper crowns and hats, coloring and designing a coat of arms, making a cardboard castle, etc. If you like to work with children and teach, this may be a good alternative for you.
7. Period Encampment- Creating or buying a period tent is a highlight to many re-enactors. Many Marklanders have created their own tents and furniture, but there are vendors available for those less inclined to sewing. Throw in a few chests, a trestle table, a banner or two, a chair, tripod grill, and what-not, and not only do you have a fine encampment, but something to share with the public and add "flavor" to an event. If you’ve never slept on a rope bed at an event, you’re missing out.
8. Period Gaming- Sit down with the public to a game of Nine Men's Morris? How about Alquerque? Did you know that chess today is very different from chess of the Middle Ages? Make your own game board, photocopy the instructions, and spend an afternoon in the shade face-to-face with the deserving public. This isn't limited in any way to just board games. There are several sources that document children's games similar to "tag", "red rover", and "blind man's bluff"..and it's all interactive. Games are so simple to make and easy to learn that they could technically qualify for the above paragraph on Kid’s Crafts.
9. Heraldry- A rewarding experience in Medieval re-enactment is the day you develop your personal device and establish your identity. Displaying your colors and teaching the public that this was the medieval equivalent to advertising and business cards is very fascinating to them. Not only can you teach them the significance of your personal design, but you can teach the public how to understand their family crests.
10. Trifold Boards- If you have researched a subject, trifold boards are a great way to post visual information that would be difficult to describe in a normal conversation. These boards can be purchased for as little as $3 each, and by laminating a few pictures, lists of facts, and maybe a couple of props to back it up, you have a great demonstration that doesn’t require the finesse of public speaking to share.
11. A&S Display- That linen tunic that you just embroidered isn't just a piece of garb..it's a period work of art! If you can document your findings and explain the historical significance of something that you worked on, it suddenly becomes an instructional tool in addition to an everyday item of your hobby. If that isn't motivation enough, groups occasionally hold A&S competitions, and you might just earn a reward for your efforts. (not to mention a little well-deserved respect!)
12. Craft Demonstration- Ok, you're at a public demo. You're standing there behind a table of gear with no clue what to do…well, here's a chance to actually have something to for the public. If you're working on your art form of choice and the public is watching, you've just created and ice-breaker for your spectators. What is that you're making? How did they create this back in the Middle Ages? What have you made before? How is that done? What was it used for? Wow. If you're a camera-hog, reporters love to take pictures of re-enactors actually re-enacting. It might just be an incentive to ramp-up your newly-developed skill, as well.
13. Path of Knowledge- This is an old one that was invented by Duke Kyrin back in Von Draken’s early days. Did you know that many of the catchy phrases that we hear today have a historical story behind them? A little etymologic trivia can go a long way and leave a lasting impression. What does that mean? For example:
The scuttlebutt was a cask kept on the deck of naval vessels. Twice a day, the rum ration was dispensed from this cask, so it quickly became a meeting place for sailors to gossip, similar to today’s office cooler. This term eventually made it into sailor’s slang as a form of gossip. Thus the term: “What’s all the scuttlebutt?”
Do a quick netsearch on some line that you hear every day and add the word “etymology” to the search. Once you find the meaning, print it out on a piece of parchment, laminate it, and nail it to a stake. It’s incredibly simple and a trivia buff’s dream.
14. Performing Arts- Some would argue that nothing serves to the atmosphere of an event better than a musician, poet, or storyteller. There are several options one has, from acting out scenes from a play, performing a filk or ballad, rehearsing poetry, or telling stories of a period nature. If you are talented in a musical instrument, you could help with the coordination of dance demonstrations, as well. Not all performing arts need to be period or written by your own hand; simply reading a poem or singing a well-know song can be well accepted. Some could even involve a level of audience participation to make the event memorable to the public. The level of performance is up to you; you are only limited by your level of self-confidence.
The arts and sciences are there to build your self-confidence, skill, and knowledge. Learn well, teach, and broaden your horizons!