LOWER LAKE — On Memorial Day weekend the Lake Renaissance Festival (LRF) will bring merriment and reveling to the Tuscan Village in Lower Lake. Times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $7, and get a $2 discount for students, seniors, guests in costume, with a donation to the food bank, or with a coupon ? one discount per person.
A multitude of experienced Renaissance Faire alumni present a weekend full of food and beverage, where fortune telling, belly dancers, games, sea shanties, stage acts, sword fights and a special area for children are a few of the things in store for visitors.
A well done Renaissance festival, like they still do in Europe, is actually an historical reenactment. At such an event, actors choose a character and learn to dress, walk and talk the role chosen. They have been trained on the history of the era and in the field of their portrayal, such as Shakespeare”s theater, weaponry, religion or games. They may perform on the stage, or more often they may be found wandering the streets interacting with willing guests. This is known as environmental or interactive theater.
The festival is set in a village on the Cinque Terre Coast in Tuscany, Italy, where the Renaissance actually began about the end of the 13th century, in the cities of Florence and Sienna, having an impact on Venice and later influencing Rome, especially in art and architecture. We call our fantasy village Porto del Mare, which means port of the sea.
To be a part of living history:
In a continuing effort to bring cultural education to Clear Lake we are opening up our workshops to the public, at no charge. All who attend will be given the opportunity to participate in the festival. Serious students of all ages are encouraged to do both. Playshops begin at noon every Saturday. This will be an opportunity to learn about the period. Sign-ups are at 11 a.m. A schedule is available on request. Locally, there is a wealth of talent, some of it untapped as yet. There are also many ways to volunteer that do not entail any acting, but may be a way to earn Community Service hours toward high school graduation requirements.
If you would like to arrange for us to come to your school or appear before your group to have us do a 20- to 30-minute presentation, we would be honored to be invited.
To otherwise be a contributor to LRF:
Although we are still in the process of applying for nonprofit status, we have been able to establish LRF as a nonprofit event. We are seeking certain items to be loaned or even donated.
? Decorative flags, pavilions (or big canvas tents), new and used building materials, poles, old wood (or disguisable) carts/wagons, etc.
? Renaissance era or nautical scenery and props (like doubloons, eatery items, mugs, furniture, weapons other than guns), musical instruments, Persian/decorative rugs.
? Backstage items ? ice chests, coffee urns.
? Port-a-Potty, drinking fountain, dumpster rentals.
? Straw bales
These items will have to be donated (with the understanding that they will be altered):
? Awnings, frames, covers, or both, ropes, nets, muslin, canvas, burlap and gauze yardage or bolts
? Costuming ? any weight or grade of leather, denim, white or beige fabrics, light canvas, gauze, cotton, muslin, old white sheets, old white dress shirts, vests, wide brim hats, belts, scarves and pull-on boots, and ren. faire or pirate costume pieces.
? Other ? props, jewelry, food and water (we will cook), any spare money you have around that you wish to contribute.
All donated items will become the property of LRF. I reiterate that we are not nonprofit at this time but if you would like a tax write-off, please contact us and we”ll talk to our genius accountant. Your donations may also be made available to other organizations and schools for theater and event use through LRF. The point is to promote the arts. LRF”s mission statement is available upon request.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/lakerenfestival.
For ticket information or educational participation, contact Ann White, 995-5079 or 278-0312, anndrewart@att.ne. For stage Acts, contact Kinene Barzin, 350-3273, kbarzin@mchsi.com.
For vendors, contact Donna Harris, 279-0609, ladyflicker33@yahoo.com.
Editor”s Note: Ann White is the co-producer of LRF.
