Battle of Castillon - Spectacle

Jul 20

Castillon-la-Bataille has invested in creating an historical spectacle to commemorate the last battle of the Hundred Years War between England and France that ended on July 17, 1453. (Yes, this war lasted more than a century, but the name of One Hundred Years War sounds better than A War Lasting for 116 Years with Periods of Peace ).

The spectacle is performed in the nearby village of Belves-de-Castillon next to the winery Chateau de Castegens that serves as a backdrop for the event that features over 600 volunteers, 40 horses, three goats and a few geese. The event features sound, music, lights, narration, acting and yes - a grand spectacle.

The show started at 10:30 pm because the sun sets here so late in the evening. (Around 9:45 pm). Next week the spectacle will start at 10 pm, and that is the starting time for the entire run. This is held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for five weeks in July and August.

An historian works with the artistic director to assure that the history of the show is correct. As a thespian, I am in awe of the grand scope of this show and how many people are involved with the various aspects to make this live show happen. I would like to know how many rehearsals were needed before the first year’s performances and how many are needed for each subsequent year.

The story begins with the ghost of Eleanor de Aquitaine who married the King of France Louis VI, but later had their marriage annulled. According to French law her property which was the duchy of Aquitaine was returned to her. Later she married the future King of England Henry II (Plantagenet) and bore him Richard “the Lion Heart” and John who later became kings of England.

But rather than explain the narrative with words, I will show with my photographs of the spectacle.