Spotlight on Reenacting

Reenactors and others interested in history have an overflowing treasure chest of entertainment available to them. Black Sails, the pirate drama on Starz is back for its second season. ABC TV ran Galavant, a musical comedy sent in the middle ages. Off Broadway gave us The Greatest Pirate Story (N)ever Told. Deirdre, a musical set in ancient Ireland is scheduled to run in February at the Merrick Theatre and Center for The Arts.

Historically inspired entertainment is nothing new of course. From the Golden Age of Westerns (Gunsmoke, Bonanza) to Camelot to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Hollywood has used history to inspire us or to make us laugh.

As a reenactor, what I find exciting about this latest crop is if plays and movies are being produced it’s because there is an interest in historical pieces. Where’s there’s an interest there is an opportunity for us to introduce people to our hobby.

How many of us were led to reenactment because we feel in love with our favorite time period through a movie?
The next time you find yourself engaged in a conversation with someone who mentions how much they enjoyed Galavant or Black Sails let them know it’s possible to relive the chivalry of the Middle Ages or the swashbuckling life of a pirate by joining your group.

Another reason for being excited is if people’s interest is piqued by a hit TV series, movie or play they’ll follow up by borrowing a book or dvd from the library or purchasing them from a bookstore. Libraries and bookstores noticing the interest might be more likely to hire your group to give a lecture. The local street festival might be more open to hire your crew of scallywags. More interest equals more opportunities for us to put more coins in our purses. Let us make the most of this opportunity.