The Legend of Robin Hood
Life in medieval times is hard, especially with greedy King John sitting on England’s throne. Nottingham’s townspeople are constantly terrorized and taxed by the Sheriff and his cronies. Families who can’t afford to pay are separated from their loved ones, forced to work off debts, and even driven from their homes. Robert of Locksley finds himself in this very predicament. After losing his home, a bounty is placed on his head, forcing him to flee and leave his beloved Maid Marion behind. Robert joins a band of merry men (and women!) taking refuge in Sherwood Forest. With his perfect marksmanship and shrewd intelligence, he quickly becomes known as Robin Hood, the leader of their underground rebellion. Their plan is simple: steal from the rich and give to the poor. But the Sheriff and his men are closing in. Using a May Day contest in which the best marksman will win Maid Marion’s hand in marriage, the Sheriff is sure to capture Robin Hood and his friends. In the adventure of a lifetime, our heroes prove that bravery, resourcefulness, and stunning swordplay will win in the end. This classic and family-friendly retelling of the well-known legend brings to life another era, but the themes are timeless, and audiences will connect with the drama and humor onstage.
Optinal songs can be included. Music files are avaiable. There are 8 tracks.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT J.L. REIMAN TALKS ABOUT HER SHOW
THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD
Q: What inspired you to write this play?
A: I was commissioned to write any play I wanted but it had to have a literary link. I choose Robin Hood because of its wealth of lore and the fact it wasn't one singular piece of literature, I was able to create the story I wanted to tell.
Q: What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
A: In Act 1, Sc 4 Robin tells Marion, "No one helps one, who hasn't been helped by others" meaning we learn to be giving and put others first when we've been shown that ourselves. We need each other and we need to be reminded of that sometimes.
Q: Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
A: All my writing has elements of people I've known and dealt with over the years but these are based on the characters in the stories and poems of Robin Hood. However, Robin is nobler than he is in the original tales and Marion is stronger and more assertive than she is in some of the more contemporary retellings.
Q: What did you try to achieve with this play?
A: I wanted to draw on the timelessness that is threaded within the Robin Hood tales - frustration, hopelessness, bravery, courage. No matter what period in history you occupy, those elements are present and needed.
Q: Do you have anything else you'd like to add?
A: I cried when I wrote parts of this, I think that's a good sign.