Come out and see Austin Peay State University organization Theatre Organization for Youth by Students (T.O.Y.S.) put on their summer production of The Commedia Robin Hood written by Lane Roisley!
In this story, you are taken along for a fast paced ride with the merry troupe Columbine, Arlequin, Punchin, and Rosetta, along with a donkey as they tackle, tumble, trick and trip their way through the tale of Robin Hood with a fantastic abandon. Come ready to enjoy an action-packed hour of clowning featuring puppets, stilts, singing, patter verse, and mock combat in this unforgettable adaptation.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CJyEc4BuMA[/youtube]
This free show marks T.O.Y.S. first touring production and they are excited for the opportunity to bring it to you!
You can catch one or more of two remaining performances:
In Hopkinsville, KY on Saturday July 17th at 2:00pm in the Hopkinsville/Christian County Public Library. For more information please call 270-887-4263; or at Ft. Campbell, KY on Sunday July 18th at 2:00pm in the Dale E. Wayrynen Recreation Center. For more information please call 270-798-7391.
They also performed the show to an enthusiastic crowd of all ages at the Customs House Museum last week.
Admission is FREE but there is limited seating so arrive early!
About Commedia dell?arte
Commedia dell?arte is Italian for “comedy of the professional artists,” was a popular form of improvisational theatre that began in Italy in the 15th century and continued in its appeal for centuries. At that time, all performances were unscripted and held outdoors, with only simple props and no scenery. The influence of commedia dell?arte is evident in much of our contemporary comedy, most notably in the greatest commedia artists of the 20th century, the Marx Brothers.
When presented today, the various talents of the actors – such as Arlequin, Punchin, Rosetta, and Columbine – who are portrayed as pour travelers who have made all their props from objects they found. Their costumes are partly hand-made, and partly inherited from wealthier people who either tired of that fashion; or thought better of it. The various talents of the actors acrobatics, dance, music, quick wit, and insight into human nature – all make the plays as entertaining and relevant today as they were to the people of Renaissance Europe, when commedia dell?arte was at its height of popularity.
A Note from the Directors
Amber
Hi, my name is Amber. I’m a theatre performance graduate from APSU. I focused my studies on Children’s Theatre and costume design and took special interest in the history of Commedia dell?arte. When I was first chosen to co-direct Commedia Robin Hood I had no idea exactly how challenging it would be. I had directed before, although this was a bit more difficult, with fight scenes, stilt walking, etc. But though it all, the cast and crew have been fantastic, learning quickly and usually keeping a level head when things got mixed up. I could not have asked for a better situation to explore my love of the stage and Commedia. I hope you enjoy this light taste of Commedia dell?arte and that it inspires you to learn more about it!
Jordan
Hello my name is Jordan Butts, I am the co-director of the “Commedia Robin Hood” and a theatre design student at Austin Peay State University. I have enjoyed working with the cast and crew; it has been a wonderful learning opportunity and a fantastic few months to work with everyone. I hope you will enjoy the cheap jokes and appreciate the hard work of the cast and everyone who has helped in this production as much as I have. Thank you for your support.
Cast
Arlequin: Cinthya Hernandez
Punchin: Russell Qualls
Columbine: Elizabeth Hadden
Rosetta: Briana Larsen
Donkey: Ricky Young
Production Team
Directors: Amber Bray, Jordan Butts
Stage Manager: Amy Anderson
Asst. Stage Manager: Rena Gonzalez
Costume Design: Amber Bray
Scenic Design: Jordan Butts
Graphics Design: Elizabeth Hadden
Costumes, Set & Properties Construction: Amber Bray, Jordan Butts, Briana Larsen, Russell Qualls, Ricky Young, & Elizabeth Hadden
Venue Coordinators
T.O.Y.S. Touring Manager: Kitty Hinds
Customs House Museum: Sue Lewis
Hopkinsville/Christian County Public Library: Carol Barta & Beverly Whitfield
Special Thanks
Austin Peay State University Area of Theatre and Dance Faculty and Staff, Chris Burawa, Norma Jean Smith, Joel Thomas, Dan Larsen, Riley Braem, Liza Kurtz, Chris Turner, The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, Hopkinsville/Christian County Public Library, The U.S. Army and the Dale E. Wayrynen Recreation Center.
This show was produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. They graciously allowed us to video the performance and include it in this story!
