This show was premiered at Fairmont State University WV in 2011. It was first seen in Ohio at the Dublin Arts Centre. It’s audience has varied from young elementary kids to college students. 20 students are prepared for 45 mins beforehand in the participatory roles they will play – the Knights of the Round Table and the wailing Queens who spirit Arthur off to Avalon. All learn basic fencing skills for the climactic Battle of Callahan, fought with imaginary swords and shields. Young people of all ages love to play at killing and dying! There’s plenty of fake blood.
All participants try to pull the Sword from the Stone but fail – except the small one who succeeds and is crowned the Once and Future King of Britain, King Arthur.
Roger has 2 roles – Merlin, the Welsh-speaking, disreputable magician, and the older Arthur, the great warrior. Poetry is used throughout, especially Tennyson’s wonderful epic language. Excalibur, a fearsome giant and a knighting ceremony are included. The dying Arthur is carried by the Queens out of the auditorium, watched by the faithful Bedivere and accompanied by swelling music.
ROGER JEROME
