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* The Tales * *
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The 'Tales'

  
 

We believe that our 'Tales' are unique. These are 'first person' monologues, the intention of which is to add life and context to the detailed knowledge of the period and skills we convey. The tales are tailored to the venue so that known incidents or characters from the venue's history can be addressed or referred to. The tales are delivered along the lines of an Alan Bennett monologue. We have 3 'Tale-tellers', the rest of the group providing an interactive background for a more complete visitor experience.

The exact tales presented at any event will depend upon requirements, and new 'Tales' can be written to specification.

 
     
 

1. The basic premise is that there are a number of individuals whose role is to tell a story intended to add life and context to the detailed knowledge of the period and skills which they have. Most indicate some real or likely incident appropriate to the venue in the late 15th century. In this way, the tales are tailored to the venue so that known incidents or characters from the venue's history can be addressed or referred to. The tales are delivered along the lines of an Alan Bennett monologue.

2. The tales differ in length and approach and each has a unique style. Some are presented as a taleteller who is addressing another individual - absent or present, some talk to themselves and others address the visitors or an imagined individual within that group. Some take their prompt from imagined questions. Some taletellers may present their tales as a dialogue with another.

3. The taletellers will draw the attention of the public to the resources around them. They may also introduce and involve those other interpreters who are present but do not engage verbally thus making use of a whole area or room.

4. The tales are intended to entertain as a means to educate. This is not to trivialise the experience but research shows us that this is a highly effective method of transferring knowledge.

5. At the end of the tales, the taletellers will indicate that they are willing to answer questions or to explain more fully the resources at hand.

6. Suggested tales - the exact tales presented at any event will depend upon the venue. These are some suggested tales, others can be written to requirements:

  • Midwife - medicine, hygiene, childbirth
  • Soldier - experiences in battle
  • Cook - food and meals
  • Mother/Nurse - childhood and education
  • Servant - household roles and deference
  • Alewife - control of trade
  • Yeoman Farmer - standards of living for the common person

7. The number of tales told at any event would depend upon how many separate rooms/areas are available in the event venue. If only one area is suitable for an audience, it is thought that about 2-3 tales would be optimum. In this way the audience would not be standing for very long periods. Each taleteller would come into the room in turn, interacting with the previous teller who may then leave. The rest of the interpreters could occupy the rest of the venue, if appropriate, to give more hands-on demonstrations and answer questions away from the tales. The series of tales would be repeated several times each event day.

8. The Tales can be timetabled into an event which has interactive demonstrations (domestic/military or both) going on throughout the day. These demonstrations can include food and diet, health and hygiene, archery, weaponry, hunting, games and more.