Plymouth State University will return to simpler days of knights and fair maidens on April 27-28- the Medieval and Renaissance forum is coming to town.
The Forum has been a success in the past, drawing attendees and speakers from all over the United States and overseas. Plymouth State faculty, students, and community members could participate in a live chess game and listen to talks on several topics ranging from Shakespeare to Medieval history. The forum concludes with the medieval feast in Hall Hall.
This year will feature several of the same attractions. The medieval program will host several breakout sessions given by professors and doctors from all over the world. Back by popular demand will be the live chess match on the Alumni Green. The chain mail workshop will also be returning. President Sara Jane Steen will be holding her first President’s reception for Forum participants.
The Keynote Address will be “Identifying Medieval Composers: From the Anonymous and Humble to the Proud,” given by Thomas Forrest Kelly from the Department of Music at Harvard University.
New this year will be “The Shakespeare Guyz,” a two-man act by David Zucker and Richard McElvain. According to the information provided on the Forum’s website, plymouth.edu/medeival, the men “reveal Shakespeare’s brilliance with humor, costumes, swordfights and lots of audience participation.”
The entertainment group, Seven Times Salt, will help wrap up the festivities again this year at the medieval feast.
Forum events, other than meals, are free to all attendees. Additional information can be found at the event’s website or by contacting Associate Director Matt Rolph at m_rolph@plymouth.edu.