Renaissance Faire for the
SUMMER SOLSTICE
SUNDAY, June 23,
2002
A wicked storm with wild winds blew strong.
All were on edge awaiting the signal that
the event would go on.
One player shook her fists at the Gods and cried:
"ENOUGH OF THIS TORMENT!
WE WISH TO CELEBRATE!
GIVE US THIS DAY, AND LET US CREATE!"
And so it was done.
The storm abated for 24 hours and a magic portal opened in the sky, directly above Artesia!
The Sun God smiled as the gypsy merchants, one by one, began to appear,
displaying their wares and nestling into the generous crescent bowl in the earth.
So many colorful treats appeared like a lei around the stage.
Torch ginger brought from Honaunau by flying carpet,
and from the Sultan of Oman's private collection
came frankincense carried by the golden-robed one.
His traveling companion, the great Shahina, peered from her perch atop the hill.
Royalty arrived and needed to be fed, of course,
as did the lords and ladies of the lake,
coming from as far away as Scotland and Wales.
They came to seek inspiration from the artists and to gain
council from the psychics.
Others visited the wizard for a bit of sage advice.
If you were lucky you may have run into Shirley U. Jest!
Children gathered to play with Peter the Potter,
who painted their faces in a messy way!
The stage itself was festively dressed with flags, totem poles and Balinese
umbrellas in red and gold, bursting ripe as springtime apples.
The gentle sounds of singing and flute could be heard wafting through the
faire, while some rendered themselves further with artistic flair.
Mrs. Bixby and Mr. Buttons
arrived by motor carriage, the first of its kind!
Others brought their hounds
expecting the possibility of a hunt,
while a small adoring child appeared for but a moment in the garden.
After a few renaissance tunes from an English bard,
the host announced that a caravan from the middle east
had just arrived!
From it, the Sekhmet Sisters emerged, bearing brass pots of
fire carrying the eternal flame of their sun god, Ra.
They shook the middle eastern sections of their bellies
and danced with their veils of many colors.
Next, the mystical sounds of electric violinist Tony Selvage
filled the airways, as the sun began to set.
The crowd was drawn out into the pasture greens like moths to a flame.
They paid homage to the great sun god and his companion, the full lady moon
rising just behind them.
As the evening grew dark, the puppets and trolls appeared, to tell the tale
of Kohala, "The farthest place from anywhere,
and the closest place to home."
A troll told us the story of the new comer and finding the golden orb.
A strange clown added his twisted sense of humor.
Then the hula dancers took to the stage to give their Aloha to all.
Finally, a wild team of drummers and dancers kicked energy into the evening.
The drumming and dancing continued until the moon took over
and the villagers could dance no more!
WHY THE RENAISSANCE THEME IS SO COMPELLING
(This short paragraph about the Renaissance is worth reading.
Adapted from Magical Blend Magazine.)
The early Renaissance in Europe was a cauldron of beliefs. While Christianity had consolidated its power during the medieval period, large pockets of pagan beliefs still thrived, and a new spirit of scientific investigation was taking hold that, when technically applied turned city states into nations and nations into empires. It was a time when the dragon, the cross, and the human mind vied for the future and stirred the imagination of a continent rethinking a thousand-year-old-paradigm. (Perhaps we are overdue for another?)
Thank you to all who helped make this event such a success!
Evelyn McCarthy
Charles L'heareaux
Michael McCullough
Jack Boyle
Forrest Arnold
Photographers: Ken Boche and Tami Dawson
Padma and Dances of the Sacred Body
Michal Carrillo, Dancers and Drummers
Kurt and SalaVon der Heyden
Sara Nealy
Geo and Alexa Russell
Loretta Viecelli
Tony Selvage
Von Kobzev
Manuel Roberto
Misha/Ryan
Dell Kabir
MAHALO!
Jim and Zosia
JOIN US FOR THE FINAL EVENT OF THE SEASON AT ARTESIA:
Saturday, September 28
(note new date)
5 - 8 pm
Theatrical Performances
(bring a picnic basket)
889-0089 or click here for more details