Marian, or The True Tale of Robin Hood
About the show
Flux Theatre Ensemble presents this new gender-bending, patriarchy-smashing, comic take on the classic tale. More…
Robin Hood is (and has always been) Maid Marian in disguise, and leads a motley group of Merry Men (few of whom are actually men) against the greedy Prince John. As the poor get poorer and the rich get richer, who will stand for the vulnerable if not Robin? What is the cost of revealing your true self in a time of troubles? Modern concerns and romantic entanglements clash on the battlefield and on the ramparts of Nottingham Castle. A play about selfishness and selflessness, love deferred and the fight. Always the fight.
"Amidst the madcap goings-on, wonderful duels, and grin-producing theatricality, there is always the serious business at hand: ridding the world of a self-centered, foolish, squeamish, idiot of a king...95 minutes of first-class writing, acting, and directing. Particular kudos must go to director Kelly O'Donnell and fight director Rocio Mendez whose combined theatrical creativity provides the joy of a farce without a door in sight to be slammed." Full Review
"This gender-bending, myth-rending gallivant through Sherwood Forest and Prince John’s keep boasts the funniest and most appealing band of Merry Men you’re likely to meet in Manhattan...Director Kelly O’Donnell stages this touching romp with ballet-like precision and grace even as the characters mug and brawl...Every now and then a sequence goes over the top. But overall the balance between low and high comedy holds beautifully." Full Review
"Playing both roles, Marian has her work cut out for her—and so does Byers in a performance full of boundless energy and heart…Gender politics aside, at its core, 'Marian' just wants you to have a good time...'Marian' manages to present something important without taking itself too seriously – and that makes it all the more resonant. It doesn’t need to overstate anything. This is feminism in action (in all its beautiful, heroic glory)." Full Review
"A rollicking, gender-bending romp...Becky Byers is witty, impish, and charming, equal parts Rosalind and Cyrano de Bergerac...Director Kelly O’Donnell infuses every ounce of the production with joyful mischief. Rocìo Mendez’s stage combat is brimming with Looney Tunes-esque whimsy...A swashbuckling story of what it takes to make change, and the networks and chosen families that keep that revolutionary spirit alive." Full Review
"A sweet farce about a radically diverse Sherwood Forest...Kelly O'Donnell's production is charming in the details (thanks to sparkling cast members), but as a whole, 'Marian' drags...Most fables can—just barely—support one love story; this one has three. O'Donnell can't figure out a way to get through that material fast enough, so what should be a swift 80-minute caper turns into an attenuated 100-minute slog. Luckily, we can rely on the actors for the occasional bull's eye." Full Review
"Director Kelly O’Donnell seemed to struggle with the overall execution...The script is silly. To allow the implausibility of the plot, the characters had to be dumbed down and boy were they dumb. But O’Donnell asked her company to find far too much truth and honesty that it didn’t match...Comedy needs to be fast. 'Marian' was anything but...The concept of 'Marian' is quite promising. But when the comedic execution didn’t match the map within the text, the production fell flat." Full Review
See it if you want to watch something fun and entertaining and completely unique.
Don't see it if you want a drama.
See it if very well done, funny, touching, action packed, well written and acted
Don't see it if you have a problem with fluid sexuality or want a play that takes itself very seriously
See it if You enjoy self-aware, comedic theater, anachronisms, and good acting.
Don't see it if You need to see historically accurate legends and have no sense of humor.
See it if You love gender-bending staging, feminist retellings, and charming acting.
Don't see it if You are expecting monumental theater. This show is fun and light, but holds some punches and doesn't quite live up to its potential.
See it if you love a quirky take on a classic tale that resonates with the current social climate.
Don't see it if you don't like new work.
See it if You love witty dialogue, great comedic timing, gender queering classics.
Don't see it if you are homophobic.
See it if You need a laugh. Like a show that comments on itself. Like new works and emerging playwrights. Want to explore a cool theatre space.
Don't see it if You're looking for a drama or deep character work/development.
See it if You are interested in an alternate take on a traditional story that is relevant to current hot topics. Great dialogue and surprisingly fun
Don't see it if You are not comfortable with alternative sexualities. Open minds are a must. Not a traditional love story; only makes it more relevant
See it if weather your a fan or Robin Hood or not, you will definately love this play. This play has great writing, acting, staging and is hilarious.
Don't see it if You are not willing to keep an open mind when it comes to sexuality and are gender bias when it comes to role playing.
Cast & Creatives (20)
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