Kings, queens, knights and peasants: society in the Middle Ages included them all. Life was often chaotic, and people still find those times fascinating today. On Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, Plymouth State University will host its 28th Annual Medieval Forum. This year’s theme is “The Social Spectacle.”
Medieval Forum is a tradition of PSU, having first been introduced in 1980, chaired by Dr. Richard Chisholm. Since then, scholars and students from around the country and the world have come to PSU to hear and give talks on various subjects relating to the Middle Ages. Today, it is one of the longest running forums of its kind.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Thomas Forrest Kelly of Harvard University. As always, men and women from all over will be attending and give speeches on various topics relating to the “Social Spectacle” and covering the diverse aspects of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Seminars will generally encompass the dynamics of society from princes to paupers, and touch upon art, literature, music and politics. Wrapping up the events of Forum will be PSU’s annual Medieval Feast, held Saturday night from 5:00-10:00 P.M. in Heritage Commons. Medieval-inspired food will be served with special period music performed by Seven Times Salt. Ticket price to attend the Feast is $27 and may be purchased online or at the door until 6:30 P.M.
PSU’s Medieval Society will also be hosting several hands on events around campus all day Friday and Saturday. Such events include live chess on the Alumni Green at 2:30 P.M., where students can role-play any game piece from king to pawn. At 1:15 P.M. in Rounds 118 will be a chainmail workshop, where participants may learn the basic patterns of chainmail such as the European Four in One and Byzantine. Immediately following the workshop will be a glass etching workshop at 3:00 P.M. in Rounds 118. Also in the works this year is an archery demonstration, planned to be held at the P.E Center.
For more information on the official schedule of events or to purchase tickets for the feast, go to www.plymouth.edu/medieval. The opening ceremony will convene on Friday April 27 in front of Rounds with a welcoming address and annual recital of Gaudeamus Igitur, accompanied this year by Ian McCarthy playing the trumpet. Come and join in the fun and excitement as PSU celebrates another year of its annual Medieval Forum.