After the rains of the weekend, To the Hilt was finally able to perform in the gravel in front of the Rose Stage. Notice how wet the stage is in the background, how dark the colors are on Katya's shirt and Leonardo's doublet. Katya's skirt lacks its normal swirl, thanks to the weight of water from the weather. (The first show of the day was during a downpour.)
For those "in the know" (or REALLY up on their To the Hilt trivia) this weekend marked a reunion of sorts. The pair were honored to have so many family, friends and well-wishers turn out in all kinds of weather to see the To the Hilt show. Throngs of old-time Friends of Faire returned to see Katya on stages she had last Graced in 1997, and to witness sword fighting skill that fits Leonardo to a T.
2003 Texas Renaissance Festival
The Castle Stage
photos by Frank Hui
1 November 2003
(upper left) Leonardo's amazing disarm.
(upper & lower right) Who knew a severed arm could be so funny?
(lower left) Katya tolerates Leonardo's Shakespearean-ish death scene.
All four photos were taken during "The Masked Hero"
Multiple new projects kept our heroes from attending many festivals this year, but To the Hilt did appear at two shows in 2003:
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire and the Texas Renaisance Festival. We have the pictures to prove it.
(above) To the Hilt shared the Castle stage at the 2003 Texas Renaissance Festival with Magical Mystical Michael. Leonardo poses here with both banners, one meter of iron death, and one crazy expression
(right and below) Katya has her own crazy expressions, too!
All four crazy expressions captured by photographer Steve Blyskal
