Robin Hood: Sherwood Rises
"It only takes one man to unite thousands."
Robin Hood: Sherwood Rises
Adapted from various texts
Ages 14 and up
Book by Sarah Shulman
Music by Thom Huenger and Joe Jalette
Lyrics by Thom Huenger and Joe Jalette
Synopsis
The people of Nottingham are desperate. With King Richard focused on a war abroad, they are left under the rule of Prince John and the tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham. To fund the war, Prince John continues to raise taxes leaving the people of Nottingham struggling to survive. To avoid the Sheriff's cruelties, many of Nottingham’s citizens have taken refuge in Sherwood Forest. They are angry and ready to fight back, but it is not until Robin of Loxley returns from war that true revolution begins.
Under his leadership, the people of Nottingham stand up to the Sheriff and demand their rights. But will Robin be able to keep the movement under control? Will he be able to keep personal vendettas out of the fight for equality, and not let his lofty ideals get the better of him? While it might take place in a world of the past, its message is timeless: everyone deserves a chance at quality of life and everyone deserves a voice. This play teaches audiences that when we stop listening to each other then nobody wins.
Production
Robin Hood: Sherwood Rises was produced by the Maryland Ensemble Theater in 2012, under the name "Robin Hood: Occupy Sherwood." It was inspired by the Occupy Movement, pitting the 99% against the 1%. In 2018, the show went through a series of revisions and one year later it was performed again with it's new facelift. It become clear that the themes and messages throughout the show resonate even years after the Occupy Movement dissipated, and it was re-titled "Robin Hood: Sherwood Rises."
"Sherwood Rises" incorporates several interactive elements to help give it a true protest feel. During the pre-show the entire ensemble will be in character standing in front of the building, camped out in the lobby, and walking up and down the isles of the theater. Complete with chants, signs, and leaflets, the performance calls for actors to interact with the audience as they arrive as protestors and soldiers policing the protesters. Any pre-show music will be live performed by the protesters and live band.
Casting
"Robin Hood: Sherwood Rises" can be performed with any size cast. There simply needs to be enough ensemble to have a "camp feel" and L.J.'s crew is meant to be comprised of at least three actors. The original cast had over 30 actors, but the second production had 15. It is possible to do the show with less if preferred. It is ideal for the ensemble to be made up of actors ranging in age.
Considering the age variety and cast size options, this show is perfect for professional productions, as well as high school and college stages. The cast is meant to be as diverse as possible. The original script has predominately male main characters similar to the original story of Robin Hood. However, gender bending and/or pronoun switching is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. For example, in various productions the Sheriff of Nottingham and Alan'Adale have been a female.
Cast (as written in script)
Robin of Loxley- He/him
Scarlet- She/Her
Little John "LJ-" He/him
Marian- She/her
Alan A'dale- He/him
Much the Miller's son- He/him
Guy of Gisborne- He/him
Sheriff of Nottingham- He/him
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Roger the Cruel- He/him
Friar Tuck- He/him
Jane- She/her
Arthur- He/him
David- He/him
Ensemble- Soldiers, Camp folk, LJ's crew
Music
"Sherwood Rises" is a play with music. The songs are all protest songs sung by the ensemble. The only true solo moments are from Alan A'dale who also serves a member of the band playing the guitar. If a live band is used (this is preferred but not required), they should be an active part of the show. They should be a part of the camp, in costume and interacting with the rest of the ensemble. They also provide scene change music. The play comes with a vocal recording, instrumental recording, and sheet music for a band (bass, guitar, keyboard, drums.)