ABRHS Proscenium Circus Trailer for Robin Hood (VIDEO)

This article was written-in to Acton Patch by Pam Laufer (a parent volunteer) with the Proscenium Circus:

Proscenium Circus, the student theater at , opens its 44^th season this weekend with playwright Larry Blamire’s hilarious adaption of Robin Hood. The play is directed by Brett Marks, an actor, director and producer from Boston.

“The show’s dramatic and exciting stage combat makes this an especially powerful and fast-paced telling of Robin Hood’s classic tale of good versus evil,” said Marks. “The non-stop verbal sparring and pranks displayed by Robin Hood and his band of outlaws also will keep the audiences laughing.”

Proscenium Circus Breaks New Ground with Fight Choreography:

With Robin Hood, Proscenium Circus is crossing a new threshold because of the production’s extensive use of complex sword fighting. To train the actors, the Proscenium Circus engaged Angie Jepson, a professional combat choreographer and experienced actor, as the production’s fight director. Jepson has led numerous stage combat workshops at Worcester State University, Boston University and adult and children theatre groups. Marks is also trained in stage combat including broadsword, rapier, knife, hand-to-hand and has a black belt in karate. Two students also serve as the play’s fight captains.

Linda Potter, the high school’s drama teacher and Proscenium Circus Director, said, “Robin Hood is by far the most fighting we’ve ever performed in a production at the high school. Angie Jepson is well-known for her expertise in fight choreography. I am delighted to have this dynamic duo working with our students.”

Explaining her interest in the highly specialized field of stage combat, Jepson said, “I’ve always enjoyed the physical nature of dance, acting and cheerleading. Fight choreography combines all three of those disciplines in a powerful, dynamic way.”

Marks added, “Stage combat is very exact and there is an enormous amount of technique, precision and practice behind every fight scene. It also elevates the storytelling so we can more easily create illusion. With fight choreography, for example, a petite actress can be transformed and come across as a powerful, physically large character on stage.”

“Coming of Age” Story Transforms Brash Kid to Hero

Full of excitement and laughs, Robin Hood is a fun, irreverent, and adventurous twist on the classic tale.On the run after a deadly clash with the Sherriff’s guards, young Robin and his friends Will, Little John, and Friar Tuck form a woodland fellowship, fighting the injustices of the Sherriff and the high taxes of King John. With the help of Robin’s cousin the Prioress and the sword-wielding Maid Marian, the outlaws steal from the rich and give to the poor. The plot thickens when the Sherriff and the local Bishop hatch a plan to be rid of Robin and his merry friends once and for all.

Marks reflected, “I grew up reading Treasure Island, Three Musketeers and other adventure, swashbuckling stories so I was naturally drawn to directing Robin Hood. This adaption is especially compelling because not only is it incredibly funny and exciting but it’s a coming-of-age story for Robin Hood. Unlike in more traditional versions, this Robin Hood starts out as an arrogant, brash and almost foolhardy character but ultimately transforms into a strong, moral hero.”

Recommended for upper elementary students and above, Robin Hood’s evening performances are Oct. 28, 29 and Nov. 4, 5 at 7:30 pm (tickets $13). The matinee is Sun., Oct 30 at 3:00 pm (Tickets $11). Tickets are on sale at MKTix.com, Acton Roche Bros. and Red, White & Brew (West Acton). The show runs over two hours, including intermission. Seats are not reserved. Doors open 30 minutes before each show. A talk-back after the show with the actors and director is also available to groups that attend the Sun., Oct. 30 matinee. For more information about the show, group rates or booking seats at the talk-back, email ABDrama@comcast.net.