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By Alicia Kawamura --- Contributing Writer 2002-02-19 The College of St. Bunstable, a division of the UW Society for Creative Anachronism, held its first masquerade ball at the UW last Friday. "It's something [people] did back [in the Middle Ages] and it gives us an excuse to dress up, have fun, eat food and recreate something of the past and do something my ancestors did," said Jeff Frasca, deputy seneschal (deputy president) for the college. The College of St. Bunstable, which has been around since 1979, was developed to recreate the Middle Ages in modern time and promote history in a fun and hands-on way. "If you like history, actually playing with swords or dressing up, it's a great place to meet people and have fun doing it all, it's a great place to hang out," said Frasca. Participants at the masquerade ball dressed in elaborate garb from Western Europe in 600-1600. Clothes are either made by members or found in costume stores. Attendees also "play" characters from the Middle Ages by choosing a name and a coat of arms. Everyone at the ball called each other by their medieval names and bowed or curtsied whenever meeting new people. The ball included dance lessons, dancing, singing, games, food and an impromptu mask competition. People traveled from as far as Vancouver, B.C., Spokane and Vancouver, Wash., to attend the ball. By the end of the night, approximately 62 had arrived at the event. "The masquerade was an amazing success," said Brian Smith, seneschal (president). In addition to the ball, the College of St. Bunstable participates in activities including different forms of fighting, such as rapier sword fighting; Cap and Cup, an event taking place in a tavern setting with food, drinking and an occasional bar fight; and Twelfth Night, a coronation of a king and queen. "Wars" are another major activity the organization participates in. Wars consist of heavy and light fighting. There are two large teams with anywhere from five to 800 people on each team who enact a war. Besides activities, members of the club study history thoroughly. They explore how things were made in the medieval period, translate old recipes and actually cook them, or look up old plays to perform. "This is a thing to take up all your spare time," said adviser Gordon Ellis. Due to the success of the ball, club members are considering having one every year. "I think this one is going to turn into a college tradition," said Frasca. "I'm sure we'll do it again, because I'm going to make sure it happens again, as I will be the seneschal next year." For people who are interested in joining the College of St. Bunstable, e-mail bunstable@u.washington.edu. More information about this UW organization can be found at www.bunstable.org. |
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