In a splendid tribute to history, the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo played host to a striking re-enactment over the weekend, seeing Long Island's Mark Schneider don the iconic persona of Napoleon Bonaparte. Riding a magnificent white horse and adorned in traditional military attire, Schneider issued orders to 2,200 reenactors while an audience of 17,000 spectators erupted in chants of “Vive l’Empereur!”
Despite his convincing look - mirroring the famed emperor’s 5-foot-6 stature, angular nose, and light gray-blue eyes - Schneider added an unexpected twist with his “quite horrific” French accent, as described by one of the event's organizers, Arnaud Springuel. “For me, it’s not a problem,” Springuel remarked. “But the public doesn’t expect that from Napoleon.”
However, it was Schneider’s ability to command respect amidst a massive crowd and on the battlefield that captivated the organizers, earning him the role over candidates from France, Belgium, and Italy. This marked the largest reenactment in a decade, and while opinions may vary regarding Schneider's accent, his performance is a testament to the spirit of historical appreciation and theatrical commitment.
Despite his convincing look - mirroring the famed emperor’s 5-foot-6 stature, angular nose, and light gray-blue eyes - Schneider added an unexpected twist with his “quite horrific” French accent, as described by one of the event's organizers, Arnaud Springuel. “For me, it’s not a problem,” Springuel remarked. “But the public doesn’t expect that from Napoleon.”
However, it was Schneider’s ability to command respect amidst a massive crowd and on the battlefield that captivated the organizers, earning him the role over candidates from France, Belgium, and Italy. This marked the largest reenactment in a decade, and while opinions may vary regarding Schneider's accent, his performance is a testament to the spirit of historical appreciation and theatrical commitment.
