|
Post by schlager7 on Sept 15, 2005 13:13:52 GMT -6
It's almost that time, so I figured I would start a thread on this year's TRF. Most of the fencers I've ever spoken to, when the topic comes up, have been (or go religiously). Folks with something to say, report or ask can do it here.
I'll begin by quoting Ann Harlan (fightgal on this forum) from another thread:
Since you seem to be very familiar with our groups at TRF, I'll just give you an update; Bold & Stupid Men won't be back this year due to huge budget cuts. The Duellists, which performed on the Castle stage (with the stained glass zodiac wheel above it) was my group, actually our real name was the W.D.F., or World Duelling Federation; we retired in 2000. There is another group whose official name is The Duelists (spelled correctly) out of California and are still touring, but have never made it to this faire. As for the Art of Defense show in the Armory, that's my baby, I created it in 2000, write and direct it every year since. Last year we had a cast of four, including myself that performed all the shows, this year we're back to using a different set of actors in every show. So, I hope you'll all stop by and see the fun!
|
|
|
Post by fox on Sept 16, 2005 8:40:39 GMT -6
I love going to renfest every year (in costume, at that)!
I have to say, however, that over these last few years I really do miss the living chess match.
The joust company of late has also left much to be desired. As an audience member I know this is all for show, but when it takes the knight who has just been "hit" 30 seconds (a long time, actually) to work his leg over his horse's neck so he can "fall," well...
|
|
nemo
Blademaster
mobilis in mobili
Posts: 729
|
Post by nemo on Sept 21, 2005 17:44:15 GMT -6
Comedy
Pointy Swords
Mead
Scotch Eggs
Life just doesn't get much better.
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Sept 27, 2005 15:45:50 GMT -6
Nicole (Maupin on this forum) and I will be off to Sabre Cave this Saturday, so we will miss the opening day.
We usually drive back Saturday evening as far as Huntsville or Conroe, however, and catch the first Sunday.
This year, each weekend has a theme:
October 1-2: Oktoberfest October 8-9: 1001 Dreams October 15-16: Jour de l'Amour October 22-23: Roman Bacchanal October 29-30: All Hallow's Eve November 5-6: Highland Fling November 12-13: Glorias de Espana November 19-20: Celtic Christmas
Anyone else heading there this weekend?
|
|
|
Post by fox on Oct 3, 2005 8:21:31 GMT -6
I went on opening day (last Saturday), but was only able to stay part of the day.
Throw Up: Always a pleasure watching them.
To the Hilt: WAY to much talking and not near enough physical stuff. I know it takes longer in rehearsal, but still...
Dead Bob: I only stayed for a bit. He just doesn't make me laugh like he used to. It may be me.
Arte of Defense:Pretty good, but a bit slow in places. I'm sure it's opening day issues, first performances with an audience are always so very different from rehearsals.
The music acts were fun, as always. I always look forward to the Gypsy Guerilla Band and to WyndinWyre (sure that I mis-spelled their name). I did not see Donal Henley who plays the glass harmonica, but when you are there for but four hours you can't possibly see everything.
It did, at least give me a chance to go in costume.
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Oct 6, 2005 15:01:17 GMT -6
My wife and I went last Sunday, briefly. We will, of course, be back later this season, at least once.
We caught the 2:30 showing of Arte of Defense. Didn't see fightgal actually throwing down, but an interesting mix of acts with three pair of fighters. Bear in mind, WHO fights WHO changes from show to show. You may see entirely different performers when you go.
Robin Hood & Little John - not bad. I don't get to see quarterstaff gags enough, but with the audience as close as we are there were an awful lot of times when we could see daylight between the performer and whatever was supposed to have hit him... yet I saw Robin's forehead bleeding near the end?!?!?!!
Devereaux vs Giorgio Armani - I enjoy comedy as much as the next guy, but a "Groucho" routine at a Renaissance Faire leaves me cold, so I'll admit to some prejudice in advance. Even allowing for that, this was my least favorite routine. There was too little fencing and what was there was not the best.
Catherine & Phillip - Okay. This was the fun stuff! Both performers made reasonably convincing attacks and parries and grapples. Both were energetic and in fine physical shape. I thought I could see a really fine-tuned sense of distance and timing between them. They virtually hurled energy at their audience. I've seen fencers en piste make less convincing attacks. My congratulations to the choreographer. This was definitely the act to close with and I found myself looking forward to catching another show further into the season.
|
|
|
Post by fightgal on Oct 7, 2005 7:30:46 GMT -6
Hi all, I appreciate the comments. We (TRF) missed dress rehearsal weekend due to Hurricane Rita, so we were all feeling a bit rough on opening day; I was just glad nobody got killed! :-P ~Ann
|
|
|
Post by Tim Guerinot on Oct 7, 2005 10:18:34 GMT -6
I went opening weekend and I've included my take below.
Let me preface by saying I really enjoy going to renfaires my favorite being the Bristol Faire in Kenosha Wisconsin.
TRF really needs to change their name to the Fantasy SLUT Faire. TRF has some really nice permamanant structures, good food and drink. As far as the acting several things are wanting.
The actors should really know what year they're perfoming in. When asked this weekend the Queen was off by thirty years. (I'm sorry to say Henry would've been planted in the ground if that was the case). I know it's not a reenactment but pirates, guys in kilts and the fantasy cast really have no place if it's a ren faire.
Secondly, if it was a renfiare you wouldn't be berated with rude sexual comments at every turn. During the period excluding Venice women dressed no matter the social class pretty conservative. The boobs hanging out was not a possibility. Matter a fact they would've in the very least been arrested if not burned.
I saw the arte of defence show- Learn to fence before you exhibit weak skills before a crowd of onlookers. The spin off from the Bradd Pitt movie was WEAK!
Try reenacting the fight scene from Romeo and Juliet. I can assure people would actually stay and watch. I watched the show hoping for a little merit but instead watched the crowd gather their children once the lady jumped into the guys lap and started dry humping him against the fence. One thing everyone forgets at the renfest is it's a FAMILY PLACE. Kids are everywhere.
I wonder what would really happen if the cast truly showed a piece of history from a very crucial part of history instead of making parody of it.
To follow up with the history aspect. If you research the individuals these guys are portraying you would find figures who lived in a world full of social conflict. Use that as a character motivation and I'm sure you'd see a difference in demeanor portrayed as well as an energy sorely lacking at TRF. Let's not forget a hug religious revolution was going in ALL of Europe during the period.
If you find the time visit the Bristol Ren Faire. You'll see a cast well educated on the subject matter, participants that thrive on the pageantry and a cast that actually interacts with the crowd. In addition you will not have to deal with workers who shout out lewd comments to you or your significant other.
Anyway, it's just my review. I really hate to see a place with an opportunity to educate at the same tme provide great fun sell out andbecome the Mc Donalds of Renfaire's.
Signed,
Tim
|
|
|
Post by fox on Oct 7, 2005 10:26:19 GMT -6
One thing everyone forgets at the renfest is it's a FAMILY PLACE. Since when? I've gone for quite a few years and it has always had childrens areas (like Sherwood Forest) AND a bawdy side (Dead Bob, Sea Devil Tavern, etc). I'll second your call for more historical accuracy, but the mores and morays of the people of the High Renaissance were as diverse as our own (Henry VII's armor with plate specially molded to proudly display part of his anatomy springs to mind).
|
|
|
Post by Tim Guerinot on Oct 7, 2005 12:59:03 GMT -6
Refer to sumptiary laws throughout the 16th. century. The clothing issue regarding the cod piece shall be addressed within those documents. You'll see some examples not entirely sexual within those pages.
Actually, issues pertaining to social class and social interaction are also outlined within those pages. very contrary to what's displayed at TRF Texas Rip off Fantasy Faire.
You'll notice Northern Europe was not a very liberal place as far as sexuality. The most liberal city state during the 16th. century was Venice.
I'd really like to see a real effort from the participants instead of some half baked make believe game that's gone on for several years.
Like I said visit the Bristol Faire when you get a chance you'll see some quality shows, great cast and nice structures.
Cheers, Tim
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Oct 8, 2005 9:19:24 GMT -6
To return to the stage fencing aspect of this thread...
Let me again state how much I enjoyed the Catherine vs Phillip routine. Really nice use of bucklers, very acrobatic, good use of humor (broad humor is great when done well: constable in Much Ado About Nothing, Gravedigger in Hamlet, etc).
From a historical fencing standpoint, I enjoyed their routine a great deal. May I ask the choreographer of this piece? I can only image how busy the choreopgrapher must be with DIFFERENT actors each time out.
|
|
|
Post by Gary van der Wege on Oct 10, 2005 13:08:50 GMT -6
Always enjoyed seeing Ms. Donna J'uanna (spelling?) at each year's fest. Who performs this Catherine vs. Phillip routine? Are they part of the Houston SAFD bunch? As a dual member of the SAFD and USFA, I would love to see more cross-over between the two. Maybe some kind of a double bill is in order. Unfortunately I had to miss the big Houston Combat Seminar last month, but look forward to seeing the performances in Magnolia this season.
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Oct 10, 2005 13:59:02 GMT -6
Always enjoyed seeing Ms. Donna J'uanna (spelling?) at each year's fest. IIRC, that would be this board's moderator, fightgal.
|
|
The Other German Princess
Guest
|
Post by The Other German Princess on Oct 11, 2005 23:57:14 GMT -6
As a fighter and performer at TRF I can only say that, much like in all theatre settings, we are doing what we are directed to do so. I admit that some "characters" do get more creative freedome than others, but remember, we are still doing what we love... Fighting and having fun. Like you said, we(TRF) are not a reinactment faire, so try to have fun when you go out there. If I was paying all most $30 to get in the gate, I would at least kick back and enjoy the show. As for Bristol Faire, I have never been there, but I hear it is beautiful.
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Oct 12, 2005 12:01:45 GMT -6
OGP, thanks for your viewpoint. It pleases me to have the performers as well as the audience making their views known.
Please return often and let us know what's going on.
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Oct 30, 2005 12:33:33 GMT -6
My wife, Nicole, scored a pair of free tickets to TRF so we went back yesterday (We weren't going to the Longhorn, so what else was there to do?)
We planned a leisurely arrival at about 2PM and wound arriving right after a VERY SERIOUS auto collision in the road near the convenience store just north of the fairgrounds entrance. We were all of three cars back and it must have just occurred.
90 minutes, 2-life flights and 3 ambulances later we got in.
At any rate, in the fencing vein, we did see the last Arte of Defense show. Again, there were three pair of combatants:
Hernan Cortez & Pedro: Pretty cool. Each got a dagger and their off wrists were joined by lengthy piece of rope. Very exuberant action. Very acrobatic. We (literally) thought the wall was going to come down. Two thumbs up from our corner.
The ersatz Groucho/Chico Marx pair. Same comment as before. I try not to be a History Nazi, but I just can't get behind the routine. It does not help that their fencing is the least convincing.
"John Doe" & "Bob Smith" (I hope I got that right) - this routine (and probably the others) seem tied to a larger storyline running through the fair. Be that as it may. Not bad rapier & dagger play. A bit distant in their actions, but better than Groucho & Chico. The chest bump and subsequent catfight were funny.
Oskar Hasselhoff (of "Grab Them by the Crotch & Throw Them Out the Window" fame) was not there and MC was none other than Donna Juanna. Overall, very entertaining. We plan a final TRF visit for the last day (Xmas shopping, you know.)
Oh, and still no sightings of the stolen fencing pieces from UH.
|
|
|
Post by wedge on Oct 31, 2005 11:37:57 GMT -6
Took our baby to his first fest the other weekend; in his first princely wardrobe as well. We went to the Art of Defense show, but were rather disapointed this time. The Robin Hood/ Little John quarter-staff fight was extremely broad and slow. The fight with the giant paper mache puppett queen was out of place and better suited for something as a 'walk-around' on the faire grounds. The latin couple with bucklers were the most entertaining, but many parry positions were in place long before any offensive action ever started. I really missed the more seasoned fighters. My guess is that the smaller venue gives more new combatants a place to hone their skills, but I miss the old days and even the Little Hedgie Hog song. Agreed, the human chess match is also missed. Was it to expensive for the new owners to train that big of a cast?
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Oct 31, 2005 15:12:37 GMT -6
Gary, I'll trade you Groucho for the puppet queen. They parried on behalf of the invisible man three feet to one side of them. It is also way too talky.
That said, the woman who was in the John Doe/Bob Smith routine Saturday was, I think, also in the Phillip/Catherine routine from the first Sunday. She was very good and paired with the actor from the Phillip routine executed some believeable attacks and parries, with fine speed.
She's a keeper. (Phillip, too)
|
|
|
Post by captain jon on Oct 31, 2005 23:02:07 GMT -6
TRF really needs to change their name to the Fantasy SLUT Faire. TRF has some really nice permamanant structures, good food and drink. pirates, guys in kilts and the fantasy cast berated with rude sexual comments at every turn. boobs hanging out Sigh...I try to go at least once evey year.... On a totally different note: Is it just me, or does the moniker "fightgal" conjure up an image of a hottie that I would enjoy walking on my bare back with her boots? I shouldn't be up this late....
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Nov 1, 2005 7:20:57 GMT -6
Well, I've met her. She does favor boots, at TRF anyway. You may not be far off the mark. (I'd have to know about your tastes in such matters, but think that I won't go there.
|
|
|
Post by wedge on Nov 1, 2005 7:53:16 GMT -6
BTW. We wandered into the Angel Swords booth. Those folks are very proud of their wares. Nice stuff, but to many zeros behind the digits. They insulted my personal weapon (won for a first place finish in a tournament d'escrime) and I was about ready to carve my initials across the offender's forehead. Don't mess with...
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Nov 1, 2005 22:09:55 GMT -6
I'd like to think Gary just ran into a stray jerk at Angel Sword. They have always been most courteous to Nicole and I, to the point of letting us go upstairs and handle the antiques (gloves on, of course).
Nothing puts it all in perspective (whether sport of theatrical) like actually feeling the heft and balance of device that was actually INTENDED for use in a duel.
|
|
|
Post by captain jon on Nov 1, 2005 22:28:13 GMT -6
OK a bit of personal history here. (gosh I hope this doesn't give away my secret identity) I make high dollar metal things for a living, and I met the head of AngelSword in a professional matter. This was around 1993 I think, and at the time, he was considered the no. 2 Swordmaker IN THE WORLD. (no. 1 was in Toledo, Spain--no 3 in Japan somewhere) Make no comparison to most of the other weapons booths-Dan (we called him sword-man-Dan at the shop) Dan makes the REAL THING. Most of the blades he sells would be fully useful in a melee, not just as a costume prop. Many of his blades were at the time priced above $20,000 and I asked him how they could sell things priced like this. He told me "when you sell the best of something, some people will pay whatever you ask, just so they know they've purchased the absolute best." I try to learn something from eveyone I meet, and this is what I learned from Dan.
|
|
|
Post by schlager7 on Nov 1, 2005 22:55:57 GMT -6
OK a bit of personal history here. (gosh I hope this doesn't give away my secret identity) Too late. You might as well take a bow in the Sanctuary. OTOH, I understand his business philosophy, though.
|
|
|
Post by captain jon on Nov 5, 2005 0:23:57 GMT -6
It seems fightgal has removed her posts. I'm very sorry if I offended...it was meant as a compliment. I have seen your show several times at TRF, and enjoyed them all...again, my apologies.
|
|