Once a year, the Student Programs Board transforms the Oakland Center into a themed casino for their beloved Casino Night event. This year the event is themed after the medieval era and what better way to prepare than by consuming media befitting the theme. Get ready for a crash course in the medieval era, some historical and some comical; one show, one movie, one novel and one artist.
“Shogun” (2024)
Based on the 1975 novel by James Clavell, “Shogun” stands as one of the most ambitious and immersive historical dramas of recent years. Drawing loosely from real historical events and figures, the show brings to life the complex political, cultural and social structures of medieval Japan during the rise of the Edo period.
At the center of the story is John Blackthorne, an English pilot on a Dutch trading ship seeking to challenge Portuguese dominance in Asian trade. When the ship is blown off course and wrecked near the Japanese fishing village of Ajiro, Blackthorne and the surviving crew are captured by the local samurai. Stripped of his power and status, Blackthorne is thrust into a world governed by customs and values entirely alien to him. Blackthorne’s fate becomes entwined with Lord Toranaga, a powerful feudal lord locked in a deadly political battle with rival lords. Recognizing Blackthorne’s value as a military asset and source of foreign knowledge, Toranaga draws the captive Englishman into his web of intrigue.
One of the strengths of “Shogun” is its authenticity. The series switches between English and Japanese, enhancing immersion and reinforcing the sense of disorientation felt by Blackthorne. The show is also praised for its production design, costuming and nuanced portrayal of Japanese society.
The show is also elevated from captivating performances from Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko. With a second and third season already confirmed and set to start filming in 2026, the show promises to continue to deliver its trademark grit and drama.
“All’s Faire in Love” (2009)
Filmed at Michigan’s very own renaissance festival, located down Dixie Road in Holly, this star-studded comedy movie follows a small cast of friends through a series of subplots and shenanigans. The plot line is silly, strange and even cringey at times, but it’s worth the watch to see Christina Ricci and Mathew Lillard romping around the familiar village of Hollygrove.
The main plotline follows a college football star (Will, played by Owen Benjamin) who is tasked with working at the renaissance festival in order to pass a class (taught by a professor played by Cedric the Entertainer) and an ex-investment banker (Kate, played by Christina Ricci) who really just wants to be an actress. Will wants nothing to do with fest while Kate is more than happy to be there. They work toward a successful season and talent competition at the end for the cast and crew.
The main subplot follows festival cast members Crockett (Mathew Lillard) and Jo (Louise Griffiths) who navigate a curse and what could be the ultimatum of a long-term relationship. Their story is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the film.
Also worth noting is the queen, played by Ann-Margret who is best known for her leading roles in “Viva Las Vegas,” alongside Elvis Presley, and “Bye Bye Birdie.”
“No Good Deed” by Kara Connolly
Kara Connolly’s “No Good Deed” is a fast-paced and inventive time travel novel that breathes fresh life into the timeless tale of Robin Hood by blending historical adventure, modern humor, and a strong-willed protagonist.
The novel follows Ellie Hudson, a highly skilled archer on track to qualify for the U.S. Olympic archery team. However, her life takes a turn when she travels to Nottingham for a qualifying event. While exploring the historic town, Ellie accidentally takes a wrong turn and stumbles back in time to the medieval ages. Ellie appears on land controlled by the Sheriff of Nottingham, where her modern clothing, speech, and behavior immediately mark her as suspicious. When she is mistaken for a boy, Ellie takes on her brother’s identity as Robert Hudson to protect herself. What begins as a desperate attempt to survive quickly evolves into something far more dangerous as Ellie becomes a wanted fugitive in a world governed by brutal laws and rigid social hierarchies.
As Ellie navigates medieval Nottingham, she witnesses firsthand the suffering of its people under the sheriff’s corrupt rule. Despite her determination not to interfere with history, her conscience makes inaction impossible. Alongside a supporting cast of familiar characters such as Will Scarlett, Little John, Maid Marian and the Merry Men, Ellie takes a stand against the sheriff’s tyranny. Armed with a bow and her snarky wit, Ellie becomes an unlikely symbol of the resistance, unknowingly stepping into the role of the legendary Robin Hood.
Hildegard von Blingin’
Hildegard von Blingin, not to be confused with the Gregorian chant composer Hildegard von Bingin, is a Canadian artist known for her medieval parodies of modern pop music. Her discography boasts titles such as Chappel Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black.”
She takes famous songs that pique her interest and transforms them to fit the medieval style of music. Her music is best described as bardcore, which is a genre comprised entirely of modern music made to fit the medieval and renaissance eras. Think instrumentation including the Celtic harp and the Irish tin whistle, both instruments used by Hildegard von Blingin’.
She also takes the lyrics of these well known songs and shifts them to sound more Shakespearean-esque.
“I’m up and jaws are on the floor, lovers in the bathroom and a line outside the door. Blacklights and a mirrored disco ball, every night’s another reason why I left it all,” Roan’s lyric shifts from the Pink Pony Club to the Pink Pony Inn. “Barefoot, I spin upon the floor. Ale and mead aplenty and a sign above the door. Firelight, and a boar’s head on the wall, every night a new reminder why I left it all.”
