Renaissance Days Could Serve as Time Warp

By Julie M. Fidler
BATESVILLE -- Travelers passing through town April 15 or 16 may find themselves thinking they’ve time-warped to the Middle Ages. The sixth annual Renaissance Days at University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville is scheduled for that weekend, and Lords, Ladies, Lads and Lasses have been known to gather from miles around to partake in the revelry.

According to the event’s organizer, Marla Bennett (or Lady Bennett), Renaissance Days grows every year. Area high schools participate, allowing students to have a fun “day off” and learn at the same time, she said. Bennett teaches English at UACCB and holds a master’s degree in 17th century British literature and Renaissance. This year’s theme is “Renaissance Rivalry.”

Friday’s events begin at 9 a.m. on the UACCB campus. The Southside High School Madrigal Choir will kick the event off with a concert.

The day will be filled with a variety of activities including: Medieval/Renaissance story-telling, music, dance and artistry; sword play, archery, vendors, displays, stockades, sonnets, skits, costume contest and a tug-of-war.

The first day of the festival is mainly aimed at local students and educators, Bennett said. “Teachers and students will see samples of period weaponry, music, weaving and heraldry and hear ‘mini’ presentations about Renaissance lifestyles and occupations,” she said.

A Battle of the Scholars will identify which “kingdom” (high school) will receive the Trophy of Knowledge. There will also be displays and vendors so those attending may buy souvenirs. All of the events are open to the public, and all activities are free.

UACCB’s Renaissance Club is in charge of Saturdays events to continue the Renaissance experience with an emphasis on community participation, Bennett said.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the Society for Creative Anachronism will continue to demonstrate Medieval culture. The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and recreating the arts and skills of pre-17th century Europe.

“Of course, there will also be many opportunities for community members to participate in games, view the displays and enjoy the vendors’ tents and booths,” according to Bennett.

UACCB’s drama class will perform Commedia dell'arte, comedy through the art of improvisation. “It’s exactly what grew into Saturday Night Live,” said Bennett. The creative writing club will share original sonnets, and the Renaissance Club will perform authentic dances.

Saturday’s events feature a lot of family friendly entertainment. “This is the third year we’ve asked Kittye Williams and the Salty Kiss back,” Bennett said. “She’s just a riot. It’s an  all-female pirate comedy troupe. They have a Renaissance Fair in Missouri, and they are hysterical. They do little reenactments of fairy tales in new, ingenious and funny ways.”

Other entertainers include: Melinda Lefevers, an Arkansas scholar who talks on castle life, teaches herbology and weaving, makes her own perfumes and soaps, sings, plays instruments and tells stories; and Trudy “Lady Amina” Francis, who gives Middle-Eastern workshops on weaving and dancing, among other things.

The campus is located at 2005 White Drive in north-east Batesville. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call Marla Bennett at 870-612-2038.