A journey back in time

There I was, only two weeks away from starting my life as a freshman at Pitt, unsure of… There I was, only two weeks away from starting my life as a freshman at Pitt, unsure of where college would lead me and what I would do with my life afterward. From a platform above a swimming pool-sized puddle of mud, three dirt-encrusted men – dressed only in coarse, burlap pants held up with rope – shouted out a sentence that to this day gives me reassurance.

“Welcome to the Mud Show! Behold the dangers of a liberal arts education!” they said. And with that they began a portrayal of Beowulf in mud. I knew my career future was secure.

This was my first taste of the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, which returned this year to bring people a glimpse of life in the 16th century.

When you cross the gates, you enter a village in the kingdom of Morlandshire. This day happens to be the day when King Edward and Queen Rosalind, the monarchs of the land, will pay this village a visit, and so a festival is being held in their honor. For this celebration the Morlandshirelings have assembled a collection of jugglers, comedians, magicians, musicians, dancers and a wide array of other performers to entertain and awe the royal pair, along with anyone else who wanders about the festivities.

Strolling the paths and coves of the festival, you are likely to encounter sights ranging from small skits and plays, such as The Mud Show, to feats of magic and performers who put their very lives on the line to entertain, such as Dai Andrews, who counts among his talents magic, escapism and sword swallowing – he’s one of only five sword-swallowers to attempt downing a curved blade. Some shows even encourage visitor participation, such as the ongoing Human Chess Match, where you can take the place of the king or just stand as a lowly pawn.

The festival also includes the Craft Market, a variety of booths and tents where craftspeople show their skills and sell some of their wares, from bits of jewelry, pottery or paintings, to weapons and blacksmithing.

The highlights of each day’s festivities are the competitions and jousting matches held before the king and queen. The competitors take the field three times a day, at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., each time highlighting a different skill, such as riding during the Equestrian Games, or displaying their battle savvy during the last competition of the day, the Joust to the Death. Spectators gather around the large field to watch as four knights on horseback charge, hack and sometimes even underhandly cheat to win the day and the eye of the queen.

For those interested in a more specific area of medieval and Renaissance life, each weekend is given a theme that brings its own special events and activities, such as Wooing Contests during the opening, romance-themed weekend, or a variety of tests and trials during the weekend of the Peasant Games. English and theater majors might be more interested in the weekend of September 13th, when the theme will be Shakespeare, with an appearance by the noted bard himself.

The Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is located about 45 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh, in New Stanton, and can reached by driving, or riding your faithful steed, down the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 75. For more detailed directions and further information about the festival visit www.pgh-renfest.com.