THE NARRATIVE & ROLES

[William Brand]

THE NARRATIVE

Now that a few events have come and gone and we're sitting at the 2 month mark leading up to Fort King George, it's time to talk about the overarching narrative, which is being worked out as we speak.

First, we need to be candid about the differences that exist between attendees.  Some crews and individuals have been doing this for a long time, but a few people have never had the opportunities to attend any event at all.  This creates an uneven 'casting' in our participants, so we need to remind ourselves regularly that we're all enthusiastic.  We all want to be here.  Our specific reasons and experiences might differ, but everyone is looking forward to this event.

Second, this is the inaugural year of what we expect will be an annual event.  The Fort staff will be getting to know us, and us, them.  Our varied personalities and skill sets will be on display to be judged, appreciated and evaluated for future gatherings, so some of what we're planning this year is fairly simple and to the point.  

Now, the Fort is most interested in us portraying the life, food, skillsets, trades and what-have-you of sailors, so to be clear, while many of us have played pirates, privateers, scoutboatmen, etc., all of those roles are sailors first and foremost.  This should be no problem for all of us to demonstrate the most basic aspects of life at sea.  Since the event happens ashore, there's the added element of land and sea meeting to trade, eat, discuss and all the social aspects that come with that, especially in a remote frontier setting.  

Our over-arching narrative is a simple one.  Sailors have come ashore to buy and sell.  To get ship's stores.  To trade what they have for what might most be needed.  Commerce, pure and simple.

The underpinnings become more sophisticated as a choice amoung each of you depending on your level of experience or how much you want to bring with your specific talents and goals.  This is an opportunity to fashion ideas with like minds at one table.  Some of you might be more immersive, with detailed backgrounds and stories of characters that you've been fashioning for years, while others are just starting out in re-enacting.  

It's best to remember that we're the 'Whole Company'.  We're the acting troupe made up of seasoned and fledgling actors.  

This will not be an exact portrayal of Fort King George with specific characters.  Instead, it's a working stage, perfectly presented to show the architecture and the backdrop for our performances in a live 'theater-in-the-round'.  To this end we ask that you turn inward and decide what person you wish to play.  Some of what you decide will not be seen by the visotors to the Fort, but it gives you a proper 'base' from which to play a part.  Some of you will be playing characters that have a history of piracy stemming from whatever needs or collision of circumstances drove you to the sweet trade, but remember, you're not a pirate first.  You're playing a person that turned pirate or became pirate out of greed, necessity or any number of reasons.  Focus on the part.

The rest of the narrative plots are being nailed down, but this year is an establishing scene, and more to the point, a dress rehearsal for so many events to come.  

ROLES:

Now is the time to choose what role/part you'll fill at the inaugural 1721 event, with emphasis on a trade or craft of the period. We can use almost any plausible trade ashore and role aboard ship, from carpenters to shoemakers. We'd like your kit to reflect whatever trade skills you'll be focusing on.

For example, I'll be portraying the Quartermaster of the Mercury, with my kit and clothing reflecting that role and the duties of it. This will include basic clothing and kit, along with the day to day tools of a working sailor. I'll have some books and writing utensils along with small coffers and bags for coin and ship's accounts.

Please carefully consider the role and basic trade skills of your character and we'll add it to the list of impressions. If you already know your role for this event, please share it in this thread, and feel free to ask questions and get suggestions.

 

THE LIST OF ROLES:

Garrisoned Soldiers:
Michael S. Bagley - Garrisoned Soldier
 

Mercury Crew:
William Pace - William Brand, Quartermaster
Peter Chaaps - Cook
Miranda Elizabeth Oberhausen - Steward
Chris Schultz - Able Seaman (Event Photographer)
Paul 'Stynky Tudor' Barton - Spy/Broom Peddler/Old Salt
Kathy Smith - Cook's Mate

Scout Boatmen of the Carolina:
Benjamin Schaffer - Chirurgeon
John Wages - Scout Boatman
Jennifer Mincey - Scout Boatman
Jeremy Adcox - Scout Boatman
Morgan Dunovant - Scout Boatman
Rick Winnen - Scout Boatman
Adam Morrow - Scout Boatman

Townspeople:
Lisa Weingarden-Dousharm - lady's maid/domestic servant

[Mary Diamond]

Mary Diamond, Merchant

Mark Diamond/“Longshanks”, Merchant/ABSish