Theme Reveal!

At midnight on Friday, March 1, students sat on the SU floor waiting for the much-anticipated 2024 Renn Fayre theme reveal. While the projector had some technical difficulties as it was set up, President Andee Gude took command of the stage and the issue was quickly resolved. Introducing themselves, Renn Fayre czars Betty Demissu, Benny Gunn, and Fatuma Hussein came onto the stage as students cheered (Natasha Cruz, the final czar, was not present for the event). The czars play an important role in Renn Fayre, and their organization enables the event to run smoothly.

The theme reveal video started in the style of a silent film, with inter-title card style dialogue as the czars discussed the Renn Fayre theme over a tea party. But, this was no ordinary tea party. The video became strange, and Lana Del Rey’s voice filled the Student Union as different possible Renn Fayre themes suggested by students showed on screen, such as FBI agent, showed on the screen. As Lana faded out, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida started playing and a montage of vintage videos that hinted at the theme took the screen. It was finally revealed that the 2024 Renn Fayre theme would be Surrealist Soirée. Cheers filled the SU and students started turning to their friends to quickly give their impressions to one another.

Sentiments at the theme reveal seemed positive, and a few students I talked to at the event shared that they had already started thinking about their costumes. One group of sophomores was particularly excited about how the theme lends itself to many artists and films to draw inspiration from. Others were apprehensive about the theme. A junior, who wished to remain anonymous said, “It reminds me of the theme two years ago, Garden of [Pandemonium]. Surrealist Soirée also has a similar Alice and Wonderland vibe. It has the possibility for greatness… but I’m scared people will be lazy and do the same thing they did two years ago. I would like to be surprised.” Another junior in the conversation jokingly quipped that the theme should be Young Sheldon next year. 

Overall, excitement is high around campus for the biggest Reed event of the year. Students are encouraged to start planning Renn Fayre projects and participate in creating the event. Information about how to get started and inspiration from previous projects can be found in the BARF (Build/Bring Art for Renn Fayre) folder in the SB Info email.

Photo Caption: Photo courtesy of Piper McKeever, Pictured from left to right: Betty Demissu ‘25, Andee Gude ‘26 Benny Gunn ‘26, and Fatuma Hussein ‘25.