The Decameron (original)

“Nothing is so indecent that it cannot be said to another person if the proper words are used to convey it.”

-The Decameron

Hark, ye noble patrons and merrymakers of the Wyndonshire Renaissance Faire, gather ’round, for I shall recount unto you a spectacle most fitting for our times, a production drawn from the venerable tomes of Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron.” Here, in our faire, amidst the hustle of the market and the clash of the joust, we shall transport thee to a realm where the art of storytelling reigns supreme, where laughter is as common as the cobblestones beneath our feet, and where the wit of the word is as sharp as the finest blade.

The Ensemble of Storytellers

Imagine, if you will, a band of actors, each chosen for their ability to embody the spirit of the Decameron’s ten storytellers. These thespians, adorned in the garb of the period, shall step forth from the shadows of our stage to bring to life the hundred tales that have danced through the ages. Each actor, a master of the craft, will weave narratives of cunning, of love’s folly, and of the trickster’s guile, all delivered with such fervor that you might find yourself part of the tale, wondering if you too are a character in this grand play of life.

The Stage of Imagination

Our stage, set like a garden of delights, shall reflect the opulence and simplicity of the medieval world from whence these stories spring. From the silken threads of the noble attire to the rustic simplicity of the peasant’s wear, every detail has been meticulously crafted to draw you into the heart of the Decameron’s world. The backdrop, a tapestry of the era, will set the scene for tales of love, adventure, and deceit, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back into Boccaccio’s time.

A Feast of Wit and Humor

The humor of the Decameron, known for its bawdy charm and sharp wit, will find new life in our production. Scenes of clever wives outsmarting their husbands, of young lovers using the cover of night for their clandestine meetings, will unfold with such vivacity that the laughter will surely carry over the faire grounds. Our actors, with their expressive gestures and voices, will ensure that the spirit of these tales is not lost but celebrated, making every chuckle and guffaw a tribute to the enduring nature of these stories.

An Interactive Tale

But what truly sets our production apart is the invitation to our audience to become part of the narrative. After each tale, our actors shall step off the stage, mingling among you, the spectators, to discuss the moral of the story or perhaps to enlist you in a playful reenactment of the next tale. This interaction blurs the line between actor and onlooker, making everyone at the faire not just a witness but a participant in the unfolding drama.

A Homage to Literature

This production is not merely a performance; it is a homage to the power of storytelling, to the enduring legacy of literature that transcends time. Each tale from the Decameron, with its lesson, its laughter, and its lore, serves as a bridge connecting us to a past where stories were the heart of entertainment. By bringing these tales to life, we celebrate not only Boccaccio’s work but also the art of storytelling itself, reminding all who watch that in the weave of words, there lies the fabric of the tale!