Choose the plot in ‘The Improvised Tale of Robin Hood’

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Choose the plot in ‘The Improvised Tale of Robin Hood’ He steals from the rich, and gives to the poor. But now it’s up to the audience to decide the outcome of the story of Robin Hood. Courtyard Playhouse is hosting ‘The Improvised Tale of Robin Hood’. The children’s stage show will take the audience on an adventure – where they get to decide where it all ends up for the famous English outlaw. The show is tailored for children aged four to 11, but has some wit and humour intertwined for the parents too. The idea is that children can help dictate the outcome of the play – keeping them alert and involved throughout the one-hour show. Courtyard Playhouse owner, Tiffany Schultz, says the show is designed to enhance the theatre experience for young children: “The way we did it is to start with the moral of the story which would guide the action. The director and actors then improvised a first scene, which became the starting point for each show. After the opening scene, the action freezes whenever there is a moral dilemma and the director asks the audience what Robin should do next. We take whatever the kids suggest and play it out. If it leads to a dead end, we go back and try something else until the story is moved forward. “It is immensely beneficial for kids to be exposed to this kind of theatre in an age where movies and games on iPads and phones isolate children and limit their communication and interaction. For instance, at the end of the play last Friday, we had the dads on the Sheriff of Nottingham’s team versus the kids on Robin and the Merry Men’s team battling with balloon swords for Sherwood Forest. “They get to see the consequences of their suggestions and go back and try another option. They feel empowered because their ideas are being listened to, and acted on and so self-confidence and creative thinking gets a great boost.” Director Kemsley Dickinson says there are challenges to hosting such a format – such as keeping the play relevant to the age-group, as well as ‘interacting skillfully in the moment, and being brave enough to move away from the story to see what happens’. The actors also play a role in keeping the action moving, and entertaining. All are trained on improvisational acting, and Robin Hood actor, Marie Vercruyssen, says the variety of the show is a welcome change. “I find it more entertaining as no show is ever the same. In normal plays you learn your lines and perform the same thing over and over again, with improvising you never know what will happen next. It’s more risky and it keeps me on my toes.” caitlyn@7days.ae Read the original story at: Choose the plot in ‘The Improvised Tale of Robin Hood’