The European Renaissance, defined by the effort to revive and surpass the ideas and achievements of classical antiquity, was one of the richest and most exciting periods in history. Royal courts, full of intrigue and betrayal, governed by powerful Queens; epic poems depicting knights on quests to battle allegorical dragons; the construction of the Globe in London and the birth of Shakespeare’s theater with its grandiose tragedies, its legendary histories, and its gender-bending, transgressive comedies, attended by both artisans and aristocrats; the magnificent canvasses and frescos of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, and Van Dyk; and the birth of a global marketplace in which Eastern and Western empires traded in both commodities and cultural developments. The St. Stephen’s Renaissance Camp will give campers early contact with this fascinating period in history and culture, making them familiar with the artifacts they will further engage with in high school and college—thus giving them a leg up as readers and students of history. They will read and compose poetry, watch and perform Shakespearean plays, cook Renaissance food, visit the Harry Ransom Center at UT to learn about manuscripts and early printed books, engage with the rich collection of Renaissance art at the Blanton Museum, and possibly hear guest talks by UT professors and graduate students. The camp will conclude with a day to share the results of our projects with parents.
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