During the weekend two battles will take place in the vicinity of the bivouac in the domain of castle de Renesse in Oostmalle. These two battles are a part of larger spectacle which is named ‘Mallifique’.
This year the organization tells the story of the first maire of Oostmalle, Philippus Jacobus Geerts and the Cosaques. Based on a true story this spectacle offers a good perspective which circumstances local people had to endure in those times of war.
Before the battle the audience will enjoy an introduction by local actors and bit-players. A gigantic stadium (tribune) with 2000 seats and an authentic village are built on the site.
The re-enactors will offer no or less contribution at the introduction so that they’re not obliged to participate in a theatre. Those among you are welcome to do so, but we respect the re-enactors more as ‘authentic soldiers and ‘sutlers’ who can show a bivouac and battle the best! The battle will however be the main part of the two hour spectacle.
A well organised battle, based on accurate military rules, is set up by director and ‘veteran’ re-enactor Jan Schuurkes of the 7th of Line Belgo-Hollande: cavalery works as weapon and orderly, reconnaissance units, canon fire makes a lot casualties, ... Director of the battle, Jan, will be in the thick of the dynamic fight, special effects and wounded men, ...
Some of the main officers are provided an communication ‘ear’. By this means we can actually control a bit the actions of reconnaissance and artillery bombardment in the forest without the public to a full scale engagement before the public in the open battlefield.
Particularly on saturday evening the battle will have an extra effect as we start from nightfall to ‘artificial’ moonlight. Both battles will last about one hour. After each battle a small parade before the audience is held to introduce the different units and to receive applause. This happens also on other ‘napoleonic’ events.
The organization underlines again the fact that re-enactors are no theatre actors and will be seen as a separate body in the spectacle. No actors and bit-players will be running around in the battle. We believe that the start of the battle in the open forest without any public will be attractive for the re-enactor as well ....
Battles:
saturday 7.30 p.m
sunday 1.30 p.m
The audience will pay an entrance fee for the spectacle and a small fee for the bivouac (children for free).
Any profits are donated to the ‘Children’s Cancer Foundation’: Because they deserve a history too... !!