By Emeri Fetzer
This week the University of Utah Department of Theatre will open The Heart of Robin Hood by David Farr, running September 27 through October 6, 2024.
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. Directed by Assistant Professor Alexandra Harbold with fight direction by Department Chair Chris DuVal, it is sure to kick off U Theatre’s season with gusto.
Photo: Todd Collins
While all production openings set campus arts lovers abuzz, one point provides extra cause for celebration: The Heart of Robin Hood will be the department’s debut in the new Meldrum Theatre in the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse.
“The opening of the new Meldrum Theatre marks a pivotal moment for the Department of Theatre, offering a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technical resources,” DuVal said. “This advancement positions our department at the forefront of undergraduate theatre education. The theatre provides an exceptional training environment that will greatly enhance the educational experience of students across all areas of study. The quality and capabilities of this space rival those of leading regional theatres across the nation, ensuring our students are well-prepared for professional success.”
Perhaps most affected by the venue’s vast possibilities are faculty designers, for whom the production process is an invaluable lab in which to mentor students. The space, they say, will not only change the worlds they are able to create, but how they teach.
Professor Gage Williams is scenic designer for the production. “The set design takes full advantage of the practical use of the Meldrum Theatre's elements,” he said. “The upstage area is utilized extensively with levels, a painted portal, a ground row, and a scrim and cyc upstage of all those scenic elements. With a slight angle, a full-stage bridge provides elevated entrances. The bridge provides above-deck entrances and is complemented by a downstage entrance that originates out of the floor from the trap room. The voms [pathways for actors to enter and exit the stage] will be used extensively, ensuring many entrances and exits to help this episodic play progress the story through movement.”
Lighting designer and Assistant Professor Michael Horejsi describes the lighting system in the Meldrum Theatre as “state-of-the-art,” with LED color-changing instruments that are both moving and static.
“Students have been hugely involved in the installation and setup of all the instruments, power, and data networks,” Horejsi said. “Student Elliott Moore is programming the show. It will be a great opportunity for them to learn the capabilities of the space and lighting system before they design Xanadu for us next semester.”
“The opening of the new Meldrum Theatre marks a pivotal moment for the Department of Theatre, offering a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technical resources." Chair DuVal
In another important research component, Associate Professor Jennifer Jackson is composing original music for the production. This includes everything played by live musicians that are also actors within the cast as well as the underscoring, scene transitions, and fight music throughout the play. Jackson and director Alexandra Harbold have collaborated on many productions together spanning a decade. For The Heart of Robin Hood, Jackson is also collaborating with sound design student Porter Charlesworth, who is crafting various soundscapes.
“In general, this space offers students the opportunity to train with brand-new, industry standard equipment purchased specifically for the space, that will well prepare them for professional work post-graduation in the sound field,” Jackson said. Specifically, she noted the DiGiCo SD12T sound console; new sound system from L-Acoustics with L-ISA, an exciting spatial audio tool; and the QSC's Qsys core system which manages audio, video, communications, and architectural lighting throughout the building.
For Properties/Puppet Designer & Mentor Arika Schockmel, the Meldrum Theatre “has offered us a huge opportunity to dream bigger.” The prop studio has been hard at work building puppets which are larger and more elaborate than ever. Assistant puppet designer Mae Hinton Godfrey has learned how to make models into patterns, how to create natural movement, and so many other new patterning skills. The larger space also affords the team the opportunity to use more weapons from the Stage Combat Armory.
As designers, cast, and crew get acquainted with the new theatre, all are looking forward to the gradual process of discovery. Of course, theatre-making, like other artforms, is a practice.
“When actors, sets, costumes, or lights are added, it will take on a life of its own and be recognized as one of SLC's most exciting performance spaces,” Gage Williams said. “It will take time for us to discover how to produce in the space. Repetition, examination, and guest artists will help us see new things with fresh eyes. It's an excellent addition to the U and our community that loves theatre.”
Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse
September 27-October 6, 2024
Fri, 9/27 @ 7:30 pm
Sun, 9/29 @ 2 pm
Sun, 9/29 @ 7:30 pm
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