h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Last Weekend of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Southern California

Posted Jun 23, 2000

Friday 23 June, 2000
3:22pm PST

I really had ought to be out of here by now. Instead, I sit here at my dask, determined to write my first h2g2 journal entry before I leave.

This is the last weekend of the eight weekend long run of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in San Bernardino, California. I used to do the Faire, first in the costume department and then on stage and in the street as an actor. I stopped several years ago because of the political climate associated with the then management. The only reason I allowed myself to get dragged into it this year is because my theatrical singing group (the Soiled Doves http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Wing/7498/) was asked to do a Renaissance show. Hence, the Courtesans were born.

I knew from the first rehearsals that this was going to be a really "magical" Faire for me, and for many others as well. The first several weeks I was content to do my stage shows and occasionally wander out to play a little with some of the other actors in the streets. I argues religion with a Puritain here, I taught Italian ladies the fine art of eating asparagus there... As I grew more confident in my improvisational skills, my giging grew larger and louder. As if the entire Faire was in synch with me, acting in the streets grew more dramatic and colorful. Truth be known, there have been some amazing gigs out in the streets this year... From the fun and farcical Puritain's spoof on closing parade to the historically based discovery by Queen Elizabeth that Robert Duddley (her one true love) had secretly married Lettice Knollys (her greatest rival). There has been some darned fine acting in the streets at Faire this year. So much so, that I have been inspired to cook up a character to play in the streets at the Ren Faire in Northern California.

I have heard many people this year bemoan that "the Faire has lost it's magic." They are looking to other faires to try to recapture it. I would suggest to them that the "magic" lies within each one of us, ready to be tapped if we so wish. On a personal level, I am really looking forward to this final Faire weekend; I have a great deal of mischief planned, and I know that many others do as well...

If any of you happen to find yourself out at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Devore (next to San Bernardino), California this weekend, be sure to say hello to the French courtesan. And no matter *where* your adventures take you, always remember to play well!

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