Theater for young audiences can be a rather challenging feat. How do you take a story, or a lesson, and turn it into something that not only adequately teaches it, but also holds the attention of the children and amuses the adults? And, what story do you choose?
If you're pondering the answer to this question, let THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, currently on stage as part of The Kennedy Center's WORLD STAGES: International Theater Festival 2014 be a shining example of everything that you should do. This show, a co-commission between Visible Fictions and The Kennedy Center, was a blissful way to spend an hour on a Friday night. The story is the classic legend of Robin Hood, a young rogue who falls into fame through his good actions, and bands together an army to battle the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin is headstrong, impulsive, and somewhat vain, but he also serves as a wonderful, if slightly accidental, hero. The setup, designed by Suzie Inglis and director Douglas Irvine, is simple, perhaps in order to make sure that the attention of young audience members stays where it should: on the story. The two actors splitting the roles, Billy Mack and Martin McCormick, move a large construction of cardboard boxes and snack packs around the stage, setting it up to serve as a tree, castle, gate, or whatever needed. Instead of bows and arrows, the actors use precise timing and flashlights to illustrate marksmanship. They use the stage well, even venturing out into the audience on occasion, much to the delight of viewers.Photo Credit: Neil Thomas
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