Experience
The Legend of Wilhelm Tell 75 Anniversary Festival th
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wiss legend has it that in the early 14th century, Wilhelm Tell, of Burglen, Switzerland, was an expert shot with the crossbow. A ruthless sheriff named Hermann Gessler was appointed town overlord in the canton of Uri, demanding that all citizens bow before his hat that he hung on a pole in the town square. Tell refused to bow down, was arrested, and his cruel punishment was twofold: either his execution or he could redeem himself by shooting an apple off the head of his son, Walter, in a single attempt. Tell saved his own life and that of his son when he split the apple and thus began his years of struggle for Swiss independence from Austrian rule. Wilhelm Tell is a central figure in Swiss patriotism to this day. This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Wilhelm Tell Festival in New Glarus, Wis. Each year, residents have faithfully presented the entire Wilhelm Tell play complete with authentic Swiss costumes, the sound of alphorns and, of course, the famous scene featuring marksman Wilhelm Tell and his son. The lively play will be performed in English at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, and at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 2. A special ethnic Grand Finale will then be presented in German at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Matt Streiff has been intimately involved
8 etc ... JULY • AUGUST 2012
photo provided
with the Wilhelm Tell Festival in New Glarus all of his life. He has played one part or another in the play since he was a child. “My dad, Dean, was in the original performance; my grandpa was as well.” Matt explained. “My dad was the
hunter. He played the role of the hunter for close to 60 years. At one point there was an opening for a young herdsman’s boy so I got that role for a while. Then after I grew too tall, I played one of the adults.