Let's talk about the performing arts shall we?
You know what I love to see? I love to see someone performing a piece of music and wearing the appropriate clothes for that piece and also being in the appropriate setting, or at least having an appropriate set of props. Oh man, that makes me so happy! Sometimes that's impossible. I know I've sung 16th century songs while garbed in a 14th century British cotehardie. But when it does happen, boy oh boy, it's pure magic. My goal as a performer is to transport my audience to wherever and whenever it is I'm representing. Truly a massive goal, I know. Does it work? Well, I've never been my own audience member, so I'm not really sure. BUT that won't keep me from trying. I hope to goodness that if I'm failing miserably at this someone will be kindhearted enough to tell me. Kind of like those friends who tell you when you have something in your teeth. Those friends are gold and should be cherished. The thing is, when I look the part, I feel the part. Lucky for us, the criteria for the Arts & Science Faires in the Middle Kingdom includes specific criteria that encourages performers to be garbed appropriately for the piece they are performing. It tries to push you to bring the focus on YOU by containing a section that asks about the overall look of the performance. Is the performer appropriately garbed? Are there any blatant modern items that the performer could have substituted period items for, or maybe hide? We live in a world where we are constantly distracted. Our phones, work, electronic communications, and even our own thoughts. So much to do, so little time. I view the presence of art in our lives as a gift. A way to take a moment away from the rush and stress and manic scampering about to focus. Focus just on one thing. Focus on the sound of the music. Focus on the way it makes you feel. Focus. As a performing artist it is our duty to provide that art to those around us. But we can't give the audience that gift of focusing on the art if instead they're focusing on how off our surroundings are. Now, we can't change the event sites. Unless you have a magic wand and if so STOP HOGGING IT. Much to my regret we can't have all of our events in castles or forests. Yes, we will most likely be in a modern building with walls, air conditioning and oh so much plastic. So what else can be done? Follow the criteria! Treat the criteria like an outline for your performance. Use the guidelines as bullet points to assist with your research. If researching how your piece would have been performed in period and how it would have looked doesn't excite you I recommend finding a different piece to perform. You have control over how you present yourself. Make it your best effort. Every. Single. Time. You owe it to yourself, your art, and your audience. I guarantee that you will not only grow to love the process of researching all aspects of your chosen piece's time and culture, but you will truly feel engaged in a way that cannot be beaten. And what's better than falling in love with your piece? My most recent entry in the Arts & Sciences Faire was a monologue from a Japanese Noh play, 'Semimaru', written by Zeami in the late 14th to early 15th century (exact date unknown). I chose the piece because I wanted to challenge myself to do something truly different from what I've done before. I spent the majority of my research time reading about Noh actors and the culture surrounding Noh theater. My reasoning was that if I understand how Noh came to be and what the goal of the writers and actors was with the plays, perhaps I would be able to come one step closer to giving an authentic performance. Many performers are frustrated with a daunting reality - they do not sew, or make props. The SCA is a huge community of people who sew or make accessories or make props! Make it a collaboration! Perhaps you know an artisan who sews and who would like a project to enter as well. What if their project was making historically accurate garb that happens to be perfect for your 13th century liturgical performance? That is what we call a win/win my friends. But there's another thing that can hold us back from our true performance potential. Money is often a huge factor. It is just an ugly annoying thing. I tell you though, a lack of funding for this hobby of ours certainly sharpens creative thinking and problem solving. I don't have a specific solution for this, other than to propose a trade with fellow artisans. Or perhaps showcase a minimalistic representation of the piece's time and period. I mean really, who doesn't love an adorable diorama? I challenge you, my fellow performers and friends, to stretch yourselves . If you don't think you can make something, find someone who can or who is open to giving it a shot. The worst that could happen is it doesn't work. And let's face it, when it comes to worst case scenarios, that ain't so bad. I want to see your fire, I want to witness your passion for your art! I want to hear your joy and sorrow in your stories! Show me! But not just me, show the world! Your story deserves to be told. Make sure you give it a proper foundation to soar. <3 In service and love, THL Honor
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Greetings and welcome to my blog!
My name is Becca Casey and this site is dedicated to my research and activities in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA for short). In the SCA I am known as The Honorable Lady Honor von Atzinger. I live in the Midrealm with my husband, in the Barony of the Flame. My primary interests include the performing arts, garb construction, research into the 14th century and armored combat. If you would like more data on who and what I am in the SCA, and a bit of what I’ve done, feel free to follow this link to the MiddleWiki for my profile. I’ve been thinking a lot lately on how I can add to my corner of the SCA. This is largely due to some of my SCA heroes. Duke Ullr encourages everyone to increase their kit’s presentation by 10% every year. Then there is my laurel, Countess Serena who’s courage and dedication constantly motivates me. One of her favorite things to ask is “How is your research coming”? Locally I am lucky enough to have Baroness Eleanor not only as the head of my household but also as a dear and cherished friend. If you ever want motivation to be better, just watch her. She is a force to be reckoned with! But if I were to list every individual in the SCA who inspires me to work harder I would never get around to writing any posts. Perhaps one day I can compile a list. Granted, I seem to always meet new individuals who deserve such accolades. Isn’t that awesome? There will be lots more to come on here, heavily focused on the performing arts, and the other aspects of the Society that bring me joy. After all, we’re all in this to have fun right? But for right now, let’s start off small. I want to make the SCA a better place for everyone, and I want you to help me! No big deal right? There are a great many ways I can personally improve and add to the group - serving as a local officer, utilizing my talents with sewing to others, conducting research and sharing the results, assisting with planning and working events, providing entertainment in as period a manner as possible, etc. What about you? I would be delighted to receive your input! Are you in the SCA? Would you consider yourself new to the SCA or have you been around for a while? What are your primary interests? If you could add something to the SCA, to make it a better experience, what would it be? Is there something I can do to help make the SCA better for you? If you don’t feel comfortable leaving this information in the comments, please feel free to e-mail me! My SCA e-mail is: [email protected] Thank you for visiting my site. I hope it will prove useful and/or entertaining to all. In service and love, THL Honor von Atzinger |