The Commedia of Robin Hood

The Commedia of Robin Hood

Arts in the Open
Chautauqua State Park
Boulder, CO
June 2 - July 1, 2018

Robin Hood seems like a natural fit for a theatre hike from Arts in the Open. The natural setting at Chautauqua State Park can easily stand in for Sherwood Forest.

The Commedia of Robin Hood was presented as a play within a play. The first scene introduced the audience to the actors - a pretentious Shakespearean, a young narcissist, an exasperated director. Once the parts were assigned, the action of the story began. Occasionally we would see the actor behind the character. It was impressive to see each actor playing two characters at once.

All the familiar characters were part of the show: Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, the Sheriff of Nottingham. The introduction of each one brought on tales that some audiences may not have been familiar with, but each was memorable.

The story contained plenty of action. The actors (aside from Robin Hood) switched from character to character to tell the story. At times the portrayal was quite silly, but it was all in good fun.

The limited props and simple costumes were brought alive by the talented cast and clever directing. The weather changed during the performance I attended and the actors persevered through it. Even a rainstorm couldn't stop the famous Robin Hood!