Chainmaille Show

[ravic]

According to a FB post from Lord Randolph, today was the last chainmaille show.

I never got to see it. My shop was always too busy for me to leave at showtime. I had planned to this season before this whole surgery thing & I was really looking forward to it next year. Guess I'll go console myself with old pictures. :sigh:

[Breandan]

Word I got today was that TRF management basically told him today that this show was the last one, period. I didn't hear a reasoning as to why. If it's because of skimpy attire, I have but to point at the Brazilian restaurant with dancers wearing less than most of the chainmail girls, same if it's an issue of not being "period". If its because of the distraction it causes, or because it is an impromptu show, I would be VERY worried for the Pirate Auction, as it is FAR more of a distraction and draws bigger crowds, and is not an official act either. Frankly, I am scratching my head as to the reason, and would very much like to hear the official line and then the real story so we can all compare notes and see what this might or might not mean for other booths and acts.

[Lady Kett]

Also heard today that George was retiring...and turning it over to Terre. In the same breath as "no more chainmaille show". Interesting times ahead, methinks!

Have to agree tho on wondering why no more chainmaille show. Maybe just because there is no " take" for the owner(s)?

[SirRichardBear]

This is disappointing the chainmaille show was always one of the don't miss show that I always told people about and always made sure I caught at least a couple of times a season.  Can add me to the list of people wondering why.  This was one of the show that made TRF special like Scraby having the Scots court and HCM lecture and the real joust at Sherwood.  Sad to hear its gone.

[ravic]

In all my years at TRF, I have heard so many rumors that I try to limit my exposure. I try to consider the original source before giving a credence. Less heartburn that way.

Although, in response to all the Disney rumors we used to tell people that WE were buying Disney.

[Zardoz]

Word I got today was that TRF management basically told him today that this show was the last one, period. I didn't hear a reasoning as to why. If it's because of skimpy attire, I have but to point at the Brazilian restaurant with dancers wearing less than most of the chainmail girls, same if it's an issue of not being "period". If its because of the distraction it causes, or because it is an impromptu show, I would be VERY worried for the Pirate Auction, as it is FAR more of a distraction and draws bigger crowds, and is not an official act either. Frankly, I am scratching my head as to the reason, and would very much like to hear the official line and then the real story so we can all compare notes and see what this might or might not mean for other booths and acts.

What he said.... I also wonder about the bellydance shows

[Breandan]

Ravic, it came straight from Randolf- management told him this was the last one, no more.

[Sir Martin]

I was fortunate enough to be at the chainmaille show today and heard the announcement from Lord Randolph.  It was a very emotional show, with many of the participants relating stories of how they met Randolph and how he supported them and helped boost their confidence.  One third of the participants in the show were men or children.  As I was taking photos, I noticed a girl (about 6 years old) standing next to me with her parents.  She was dancing along with the drummers and the chainmaille models.  I looked around and saw dozens (perhaps hundreds) of minors and did not hear any gasps from people who were shocked or offended.

Whatever the reason for this decision, it is doubtful it was because the show was too bawdy.  I doubt Christophe will be shut down and he runs people out of the Agora on a regular basis (even though he gives fair warning of the content of his show).  I like Christophe ... just sayin'.  I saw Jeff Baldwin near the Revels Stage Sunday afternoon and told him I thought the changes made to the joust were a bit shocking to some, but it was a nice surprise and the audience was quite pleased.  Then I mentioned that I was disappointed in the decision to end the chainmaille show.  He replied that he was certain that I wasn't the only one who would feel that way.

I believe that a part of TRF died today.  This is, IMHO, a very unfortunate decision.

[DonaCatalina]

My personal opinion is that 'someone' decided that it was taking audience away from the 'Brazilian' women.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

The same Brazilian women that have "costume malfunctions" during parade?  I understand some of the things done... but Lord Randolph's show has been a main stay of TRF for HOW MANY YEARS?  It's almost like they are hell bent to make long time patrons spend their money elsewhere.  I know for a fact that i usually drop a grand a year on the place...

This rates a three grumpy face.

     

[Terre Albert]

The Chainmaile Show is under review and we want to help make the show flows with the festivals growth.  It may return and over the next year and we will discuss this with Lord Randolph.  It's not about the lack of clothing, as you are aware of other shows we added that are similar.  Thanks for your comments and concerns.     

[Breandan]

Terre, according to what Randolph is being told on FB it WAS because of the lack of clothing-

"The reason is because of complaints specifically due to photography and some nudity from the male and female dancers.
Improving a show and tweaking it is hardly anything new here and is done every season, in-season and off-season.

In the offseason we will sit down with the chainmaile shoppe and try to find a solution to make everyone happy.
Here in The Kingdom we try to keep a balance of entertainment for adults and families, which is very hard.

We'll have some updates for you here withing the next month or two and can hopefully make everyone happy.
~The King"

I am not a fan of the chainmail show for a variety of reasons, but I have seen less on those Carnivale dancers at the Brazilian place than on most of the dancers at the chainmail show. I think the timing of the decision should have been AFTER the show, between seasons, and you would've avoided a LOT of the bad blood that this has created.

[Blue66669]

Here is the difference... The Brazilian dancers are not out in the open in the middle of a major thoroughfaire. They're tucked away in an alcove and not all out for the public to stumble upon. You want a chainmaille show? Cool. Awesome. Move it to a stage or a more private venue like they do with ALL THE OTHER more adult shows and spectacles.

I am of the opinion that this show has no business being on the mainlanes of the festival. I've always felt that way. No offense to ANY of the performers there and definitely no judging on the nature of what they choose to do with their bodies. I just believe that it is an adult show and needs to be treated as such.

[eloquentXI]

Here is the difference... The Brazilian dancers are not out in the open in the middle of a major thoroughfaire. They're tucked away in an alcove and not all out for the public to stumble upon. You want a chainmaille show? Cool. Awesome. Move it to a stage or a more private venue like they do with ALL THE OTHER more adult shows and spectacles.

I am of the opinion that this show has no business being on the mainlanes of the festival. I've always felt that way. No offense to ANY of the performers there and definitely no judging on the nature of what they choose to do with their bodies. I just believe that it is an adult show and needs to be treated as such.

There is a warning before every show, people should get the idea.

I'm not happy about this, Lord Randolph is an amazing man and the chainmaille show is definitely a piece of the heart and soul of the faire. I really hope that management reconsiders their decision.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Here is the difference... The Brazilian dancers are not out in the open in the middle of a major thoroughfaire. They're tucked away in an alcove and not all out for the public to stumble upon. You want a chainmaille show? Cool. Awesome. Move it to a stage or a more private venue like they do with ALL THE OTHER more adult shows and spectacles.

I am of the opinion that this show has no business being on the mainlanes of the festival. I've always felt that way. No offense to ANY of the performers there and definitely no judging on the nature of what they choose to do with their bodies. I just believe that it is an adult show and needs to be treated as such.

There is a warning before every show, people should get the idea.

I'm not happy about this, Lord Randolph is an amazing man and the chainmaille show is definitely a piece of the heart and soul of the faire. I really hope that management reconsiders their decision.

All the bawdy shows give warning... and still you have those no listening fools that insist on standing there with their wannabe, all girl, church group...  

I witnessed a fool, his wife, and their three pre-teen prositots, get up and evac a show, Sunday, when, after the actor warned several times and finally addressed the man directly that the show was about to become off color and that the girls were about to have all kinds of questions for Mom & Dad later on...