By Emeri Fetzer
“People should come see ‘The Heart of Robin Hood’ because there’s something in it for everyone,” declared Macey Shackleford, a student in the U Department of Theatre’s Actor Training Program (ATP) who plays Marion in the production, running now through October 6 in the Meldrum Theatre.
In this story, the notorious Robin Hood and his band of outlaws steal from the rich, creating a fearsome reputation amongst those who dare to travel through the mighty forest of Sherwood. But they do not share their spoils with the poor and are unloved by the people, who must also pay unfair taxes to the evil Prince John as he plots to steal his brother's crown.
In this time of chaos and fear, it is down to Marion to boldly protect the poor and convince Robin that he must listen to his heart if they are to save the country.
So although not the titular character, Marion is quite the role for Shackleford to tackle –– a heroine in her own right, and the reason Robin finds a higher self.
“Marion is such a strong and independent character, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to show people how amazing she is,” Shackleford said. “She has such a power and a will to her, she is selfless and brave while still allowing herself to feel everything she feels. She stands up for what she feels is right and is so tough and I think she’s a brilliant character to look up to.”
It is fitting that as U Theatre debuts in the new Meldrum Theatre in the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse, strong female-identifying representation is abundant. After all, it was Maud May Babcock, first female faculty member at the University of Utah who founded the roots of the department. Now, “The Heart of Robin Hood,” is helmed by women: director, Alexandra Harbold, with assistant direction from student Ella Frank, who also understudies Marion.
In the dramaturg's note, Julia Asay writes: "Those that know the story of Robin Hood well will notice some differences between this play and other depictions you may have seen."
For Cade Freiermuth, a senior in the ATP, finding his own way into the legendary character's boots was crucial. He was loaded with the cultural references most grow up with, but quickly discovered there was more to this Robin Hood. “In our story, he is rough and brooding but slowly starts to take the shape of the Robin we all know and love,” he explained. “As an actor it has been easy to slip into the heaviness of the part –– the Yorkshire accent and swordplay don't help –– but finding the bounce and fun the production calls for has been the real challenge for me."
"People are disguising themselves as other characters and doing various accents, there’s love, there’s puppets, there’s fights with a fish and baguette. It’s a wild ride and there’s something in it for everyone to enjoy.”
-Macey Shackleford, Marion
One thing all cast and creative team members mention about the process is the innumerable fight scenes that required diligence and care, led by fight director Chris DuVal.
"It feels like every other scene, I have a new sword fight," Freiermuth said. "Discovering how I can incorporate how my body moves with how the character moves has been an incredible experience. Through this work, i've found a Robin Hood who moves and fights with strength on the front of his mind."
A recent transfer student, Karter Prestin takes on the role of Little John. “This role has taught me how to be more expressive with my body and have a presence in scenes that I might not have a line in,” he said.
For Prestin, this first performance experience at U Theatre has also been a fast track to building community. “My favorite part of the process is just getting to meet all the people in the program…everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.”
There is one more weekend to enjoy the fruits of U Theatre's labor, and Macey Shackleford makes the perfect pitch to any holding out on getting tickets.
“It’s funny, it’s dramatic, there’s amazing costumes and insanely cool sword fights," she said. "People are disguising themselves as other characters and doing various accents, there’s love, there’s puppets, there’s fights with a fish and baguette. It’s a wild ride and there’s something in it for everyone to enjoy.”
THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD
Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse
September 27-October 6, 2024
Thurs, 10/3 @ 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/4 @ 7:30 pm
Sat, 10/5 @ 2 pm
Sat, 10/5 @ 7:30 pm
Sun, 10/6 @ 2 pm
Sun, 10/6 @ 7:30 pm
ASL interpreted performance and audience talkback October 4