Renaissance Faire Invites Participation
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From the back of his dark horse, Grant Olson points his sword with a menacing gesture. Olson will play the lead role of Macbeth in the Ren Faire production.
From Friday through Sunday, August 26-28, Montana Actors' Theatre will be hosting their annual Renaissance Faire (Ren Faire) at the Lions Campground in Beaver Creek Park. Admission to the event is free, and those who attend will have access to games, vendors, food, drinks, and a dramatic presentation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Frank and Bettie Barber of Lloyd, Montana, will preside as King and Queen of the Faire.
The Faire is a history-inspired festival much like those held during the Renaissance, a period in European history from A.D. 1400 to A.D. 1600. Because the event revolves around Macbeth, which is a Scottish play, the Ren Faire's theme is "Highland Renaissance." Although this is a three-day event, the primary activities will take place on Saturday, August 27 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.
According to Jay Pyette, MAT's Executive Director, Friday is the event's "soft opening." There will be some refreshments and displays, which start at 4:30, but the "main event" is the show at 6:00 that evening. The story of Macbeth is a classic, tragic tale featuring three witches who tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth kills the king, becomes the new ruler, and kills more people out of paranoia. Civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth, resulting in more death.
Several MAT actors and actresses will comprise the cast. These members include Bill Dolph, Grant Olson, Charles Finn, and Megan Boyle. While the cast consists primarily of MAT's core troupe, Montana's only registered Fight Master, Jayme Green acted as the show's fight choreographer. Green not only provided guidance for various fight scenes but assisted a group of local riders on horseback who will be featured in the show. Potential audience members are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets to serve as seating during the performance.
Saturday is a full day with food, drinks, activities, games, and vendors. Some of the "traditional" events include a Maypole, log toss, sword fighting, and other "feats of strength" that invite audience participation. Pyette reported that there will also be some improv-related activities throughout the day.
Additionally, several contemporary events-such as corn hole, tarot cards, and face painting for the children-will also be available. The capstone event will be another performance of Macbeth slated that evening for 6:00.
Regarding comestibles, vendors will offer food, beer, wine, and mead for purchase. Under the guidance of Angela Pratt, MAT will be taking on the majority of the food offerings. Although as of press time the menu had not yet been finalized, Pyette reports that some menu items are "period specific," such as meat skewers, chicken legs, fruit sticks, bread, and other items designed to be eaten with the hands.
"I will say this, Angela is awesome at what she does, so the food will be FANTASTIC!"
Finally, Sunday has been deemed Family Day. "Yes, we are fully aware that 'family' and 'Macbeth' are oxymorons," Pyette stated. MAT invites people to bring their own picnic lunches, take part in activities for youth, and stay for the performance. Sunday's events begin at noon with the show at 2:00 p.m.
"Like we've mentioned, Saturday is the really big day for the event, but we want to encourage people to attend both Friday and Sunday, as well! All in all, it should be a fun and engaging experience. We'd also like to point out that people certainly don't need to 'know' Shakespeare in order to follow this show; we've cut it in such a way to really tell the story, and Macbeth is fairly simple to follow," Pyette explained.
Anyone interested in serving as a food, art, or craft vendor or wishing to demonstrate a traditional craft is encouraged to contact Events Manager, Julea Pratt, by calling 406-390-2744 to reserve a spot. No fees will be assessed for these vending opportunities. Vendors can sign up until August 22.
Because of the generosity of various MAT supporters, admission to the entire event is free and open to the public. The show and the festival are being sponsored by local individuals and presented by Frank and Bettie Barber. While attending MAT's Death by Chocolate fundraiser last year, the Barbers were the high bidders when Macbeth was auctioned. Given that purchase, they have been coronated King and Queen of the Faire!
That designation basically means the Barbers will be guests of honor at the Ren Faire. As key sponsors of the show, they are provided seating while others have to bring their own blankets and chairs. Pyette reports that the King and Queen will also receive other perks. "We get then dinner and drinks and basically treat them like, well . . . royalty! They will, of course, have a fanfare! It's really all in good fun."
