Hays Daily News
November 1, 2007
By Micah Mertes

MADRIGAL FEASTE SET TO RETURN WITH NEW TWISTS

After a year hiatus, Fort Hays State University's Madrigal Feaste is back for its 43rd go-around.
An FHSU tradition since 1964, the Madrigal Feaste is a modern version of the medieval feasts at castles and manors throughout England during the 16th century. Due to construction in the Memorial Union, Madrigal Feaste did not take place in 2006.

"The Madrigal Feaste provides an abundance of music, singing, dancing and feasting reminiscent of a Christmas feast in a royal castle during the Middle Ages," said Bill Smriga, director of the union.
The Madrigal Dinner began at FHSU in the fall of 1964 when the Union Activities Board created a monthly series of gourmet dinners. Themes from various parts of the world were used to provide evenings of food, music and decor.

The first dinners represented Holland, Germany and Hawaii. The desire for an English dinner prompted the involvement of Donald Stout of the music department and John Thorns, former chair of the department of art. Though maintaining most of its traditional aspects, this year's Madrigal will boast a change or two. Namely seating and staging.

This year, attendees will be seated in dozens of round tables as opposed to the usual long banquet tables. Also, there will be an additional center performing stage and beggars, minstrels, strolling strings and town criers weaving through the Fort Hays Ballroom. "The round tables will be a lot more intimate," said Terry Crull, instructor of music and director of choral activities. "The theatrical part of the show is going to be very interesting, and the music should be delightful."

Crull is writing the script for the Madrigal, and the Fort Hays Singers are practicing 14 songs to perform during the presentation.

The lord and lady of the manor preside over the festival. Brenda Meder is the returning lady of the manor. "I think it's going to be a very, very cool year for it," she said. "It'll feature the essence of the Madrigal, but other things are going to be shaken up a bit."