Somewhere near you there is a band of brothers fighting for

justice. Seeking to rid the land of evil and return hope to the

poorly treated. Armed with whatever comes their way, nothing

is as it seems in this Sherwood Forrest, but one thing is for sure,

no rogue is safe!

Performed by two actors, the play is a clever and quirky take on the well-known

legend, set in less of a Sherwood Forest and more of a supermarket store room,

an everyday place where a tale can be told and objects can be reinvented. Playful,

imaginative and fast paced, all the characters are there, in one way or another,

along with a host of cardboard boxes, shopping carts and food . . . Join

internationally acclaimed Visible Fictions for an irreverent and unexpected take

on Robin Hood and be prepared to unleash your imagination!

We hope you enjoy this Resource Guide. If you have any questions or

suggestions, please give us a call at 604.669.3410 or email

us at schools@carouseltheatre.ca.

PS. If any of your students would like to tell us what they

thought of the show, please mail us letters and pictures,

we love to receive mail! For our contact information

please visit the last page of this guide

School Matinees: Public Performances:

April 7 – 10 & April 14 -17 April 11, 12 & April 18, 19

Welcome to the

Resource Guide for Educators!

Themes

Justice

Friendship

Adventure

Creativity

Quick-Thinking

Charity

Leadership

Selflessness

Table of Contents

(Page)

2. History

3. A New Look

4. Characters

5. Classroom Activities

6. VPL Reading List

7. About Visible Fictions / Theatre

Etiquette

8. Theatre Terms

9. About Carousel Theatre for

Young People

Resource Guide

About Robin Hood

Robin Hood seems like a real historical person—but historians can’t prove he actually existed. That

makes Robin’s story a legend. The other complicated thing is that there are many versions of the tale,

so there is no single “correct” account. Robin Hood’s story first came to life through ballads, or rhyming

songs, that were passed down by singing them. These songs also were performed in “play games,” or

short theatrical performances at spring festivals every year. Pulling ideas from these various songs,

writers have created different versions of the stories ever since and put them into books, plays, and

much more recently, into movies and television shows. But over the years, many retellings cover a basic

story that goes something like this:

In this brand new performance, the creative team follows the footsteps of earlier writers in adapting, or

changing, the story. During the performance, compare the version above with what you see and hear

on stage.

2.

About a thousand years ago, a young man

named Robin Hood broke the law and fled to

Sherwood Forest near Nottingham,

England. There, he joined with a band of other

outlaws known as “merry men.” The men

robbed rich travelers and gave money to the

poor. They excelled at archery (shooting with

bows and arrows) and also fighting with

swords and staffs (long poles). Robin became

known for being brave, funny, generous, loyal,

and a master of tricks and disguise. The

outlaws enjoyed their freedom but were always

on the run from the Sheriff, who tried to

capture them in an archery tournament among

many other ways. In some versions, Robin

and Maid Marion fall in love and even marry.

Many people considered Robin a hero for his

courage and good deeds.

Did you know…since

Robin Hood’s first

appearance on

screen in a 1908

silent movie, there

have been more than

50 movies based on

the legend?

Illustration by Howard Pyle, The Adventures of Robin

Hood

A New Look at an Old Story

So, about that Robin Hood Story…

Just when you thought you knew this famous tale, two actors from Scotland will tell you the story of

Robin Hood in a way you’ve never heard or seen it before. What happens when you look at

something ordinary in a whole new way? That’s one question the people at Visible Fictions of

Scotland sometimes ask as they create a new performance. For this show, Robin Hood’s legend

appealed to them as an old story that could be retold in the creative, nontraditional style for which

they’re known. Your first clue that something is different is that they don’t appear to be in Sherwood

Forest, but an odd place with boxes and shopping carts. But don’t worry. In describing and acting out

the legend, the actors will take you on an amazing journey where you’ll find yourself among a band

of merry thieves trying to outsmart the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Plus, you’ll learn a new thing or

two about Robin’s story.

Different Ways of Storytelling

The magic of theater is that anything can happen on stage, even the story of Robin Hood with all its

drama, fights, and adventure. But to bring the story to life takes some skill and a lot of imagination.

The performers will tell the tale in two different ways: by narrating it (telling it directly) and by acting

out parts of it. Watch for how they change the way they move and talk as they perform different

characters and parts of the story.

The Theatre of Objects

The actors specialize in using simple everyday objects in creative ways. Their tools for this

performance? Items like shopping carts, flashlights, brooms, mops, boxes, and packages of food.

Imagine what they could do with these objects to tell the story. Remember, with your imagination,

something can be anything.

Now You See It All

Besides some unusual objects and the two hardworking actors, you’ll see everything happen on

stage. And here’s a fun new way to describe this—Open Theatricality. That means you’ll see the actors

the whole time (they don’t leave the stage to change costumes to become different characters) and

you’ll see how they work with the objects around them to help you imagine the forest, fight scenes,

and even a man falling into a river.

How the Arrows Fly

Before the performance, think about this challenge: How would you show an arrow flying on stage

without using an actual arrow? (Some hints: Use other objects, a background, lighting, paper, and so

forth). See what the performers use to show different types of action in the story, and afterward,

discuss what surprised you the most.

A Box Full of Tricks

Boxes are one of the items the actors will use in telling this story. Before or after the performance,

think of five things a cardboard box could be (besides a box). If you can, use a box to show your ideas

to a friend.

3.

Hear Ye of a Story Oft Retold

Here are some of the most common characters from the legend. Watch to see which ones appear in this

performance. Pay close attention because you might see parts of two characters combined into one.

Remember, there are only two actors, so also watch how they quickly change roles—it might get a little

wacky at times!

Cast of Characters:

The Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin’s wicked rival who wants to capture and punish Robin

Sir Guy of Gisbourne, an evil outlaw who helps the Sheriff hunt Robin

King Richard the Lionhearted, England’s king who is away fighting wars when Robin is outlawed but to

whom Robin remains loyal

Prince John, King Richard’s brother who rules in his absence and wants Robin captured

Maid Marion (or Lady Marion), a smart woman and skilled fighter who joins the outlaws

The Merry Men

Little John, Robin’s second-in-command and, despite his name, a huge man who befriends Robin after

fighting him on a bridge

Friar Tuck, a jolly and very honest clergyman

Will Scarlet (or William Scarlock), an early member of the band known for his wisdom, hot temper, and

scarlet red clothes—and for falling in love with noblemen’s daughters

Alan-a-Dale, a traveling entertainer (minstrel) who writes and sing songs, especially about Robin’s deeds

Much the Miller’s Son (or Midge the Miller’s Son), a young man in trouble for poaching (killing or stealing)

the king’s animals

Will Stutely, one of the first outlaws to pledge loyalty to Robin

The Times of the Merry Men

The name “merry men” might seem like one of Robin’s tricks—that’s because the times the men lived in

were usually not very merry at all. During this medieval period (also known as the Middle Ages), people in

England were ruled by kings and nobles who owned all the land. But everyone else, well, they were poor,

owned very little, had no rights, and had to work for the nobles. Sometimes these nobles abused their

power by taking from the poor or wrongly punishing people. Can you imagine why Robin’s story of

freedom, fairness, and resisting bad leaders became very popular with common people?

4.

Whilst Ye Watch

Watch for…

how the two actors perform multiple characters at the same time

the ways Robin outwits the Sheriff

what Robin values most in the people he invites to join the band

how Robin and his band became generous to people who are poor

Think about…

what words you would use to describe Robin

which characteristic of Robin’s you admire most, and why

why Robin Hood has been a popular hero for more than a thousand years

whether there can be such a thing as an honorable (moral) outlaw

what the storytelling suggests about the idea of sharing wealth

And remember…

To be a good audience, there are just a few things you need to do:

turn off and put away your phones and electronics

turn on your imagination

stay quiet once the performance begins

clap at the end!

\ And remember…

To be a good audience, there are just a few things you need to do:

turn off and put away your phones and electronics

turn on your imagination

stay quiet once the performance begins

clap at the end!

5.

.5

Classroom Activities:

After the performance, find a partner and use some everyday objects from your home or classroom

(like utensils, towels, notepads, etc.) to retell your favorite part of the story. Like the performers on

stage, try to add your own special twist, like a new place or a way to show a person from the

legend. Perform your story for your friends or family.

How has the legend of Robin Hood evolved over time? Do you believe a real Robin Hood ever

existed? Explore the mystery at http://www.history.com/topics/british-history/robin-hood.

Are you a storyteller? Create and share your own illustrated stories at Myths and Legends

(http://myths.e2bn.org/index.php).

Read some of the early poems and stories about Robin Hood, like the one found HERE:

http://www.bartleby.com/243/1151.html. How has the story changed over time?

6.

Class Reading list - Kindly supplied by the VPL

Magic by the Book – Nina Bernstein When Anne, Emily and Will check out a book from the Public Library, they have no idea what they’re in for. This book has the power to transport them into the stories they’re reading. One of those stories happens to be Robin Hood and so the children find themselves in Sherwood Forest. This book would appeal to book lovers and confident readers. Robin Hood – David Calcutt This retelling of the legend of Robin Hood pairs excerpts of original ballads told in modern English, with chapters focusing on pivotal moments in the story of Robin Hood. Accompanying dramatic illustrations give the story a freshness that will appeal to modern readers. The book also includes notes on life in the 13th Century for readers who are interested in historical content. Will in Scarlet – Matthew Cody This book imagines the story of how Will Shackley found his place in Sherwood Forest and became the hero we know as Will Scarlet. When he leaves his home in exile and flees to the woods, Will is originally captured by a band of bandits residing there. Over time Will gains their trust as he seeks revenge for his exile. Hawksmaid: The Untold Story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian – Kathryn Lasky In Hawksmaid, Kathryn Lasky introduces us to a girl named Matty and her friend Fynn who will grow up to be Maid Marian and Robin Hood. Matty learns the trade of Falconry from her father and has the ability to communicate with the birds in her care. Song of Robin Hood – Anne Malcolmson / Grace Castagnetta For readers who want to get to the heart of Robin Hood, this book collects fifteen of the original Ballads. The ballads are also presented as sheet music and accompanied by exquisitely detailed and timeless illustrations. This book received the Caldecott Honor Medal in 1948. Robin of Sherwood – Michael Morpurgo This story begins with a twelve year old boy who comes across a magical skull that has the power to send him back to the time of Robin Hood. From childhood to meeting Maid Marion to his many adventures Robin of Sherwood brings readers right into the action of the story. The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: The Robin Hood of Korea – Anne Sibley O’Brien The Legend of Hong Kil Dong is the retelling of a Korean folktale in comic book format. Like Robin Hood, Hong Kil Dong Steals from the rich to give to the poor and bravely fights for justice. Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow: Based on the Traditional English Ballad – Robert D. San Souci This retelling of an English ballad features beautiful illustrations and is written in accessible language. In this story Robin plays a trick on the Sheriff and wins an archery contest. Sherwood: Original Stories from the World of Robin Hood – Jane Yolen Sherwood is a collection of stories that take place in Sherwood Forest and feature the characters from Robin Hood. Each written by a different author, these stories are a further imagining of the lives of Robin Hood and his friends.

About Visible Fictions

Visible Fictions has been creating theatrical productions for young people and adults for 22 years. They

are a touring company based in Scotland, but take their stories all over the world. They believe that the

“arts are a powerful educator, offering fresh and dynamic ways to learn, solve problems and form

opinions”. This belief has led the company to twist and turn familiar stories to inspire children to

experience how old tales can speak to contemporary times. Visible Fictions have been touring

internationally since 1991 with their productions Jason and the Argonauts, Shopping for Shoes, Bills New

Frock, The Red Balloon and most recently The Mark of Zorro. Known for their imagination and humour, this

time the company is re-imagining Robin Hood, bringing the well-known tale to the stage with a surprising

use props, two actors, a multitude of characters, and some mischievous piggy banks. Be sure to check out

http://visiblefictions.co.uk/ to learn more about the Scottish theater company and its other productions.

7.

Theatre Etiquette

Food, drinks, candy and gum are not permitted in the theatre. If your class has packed lunches, please ensure

that they stay inside backpacks until your group has left the theatre.

Please remind your students that the rest of the audience, and the actors, can hear them if they talk during the

performance, even if they whisper. Excessive movement is also distracting.

Remind your students not to approach or touch the stage, sets or props before, after or during the show.

If anyone in your group needs to leave the theatre during the performance, we ask that you do so through the

exit door on house right, mid-way up the stairs. Students are not permitted to leave the theatre unless

accompanied by an adult, and will be re-seated at an appropriate moment during the performance.

Throwing of objects or use of laser pointers during the performance is not permitted. Carousel Theatre for

Young People reserves the right to stop a performance if such behaviour occurs, and ask the offending party to

leave.

Please note that photography and recording of any kind of this production is prohibited.

Absolutely no cell phones, iPods, video gaming systems, etc., will be tolerated in the theatre (they must be off,

and out of sight) – students, parents, and teachers included.

If you are planning a day trip to Granville Island to see the performance, we please ask that your class visit the

Kids Market after the show.

We encourage our audiences to respond to our performances; laughter is welcomed when appropriate and

applause at the end of a performance is the best feedback of all. If you really like the performance, a way you

can show the actors is by standing up and clapping (called a ‘standing ovation’). Standing ovations are used

when you think the performance was extra special and deserving.

Enjoy the performance!

Theatre Terms:

Actor A performer who tells a story to the audience by playing a character.

Composer A composer is a person who writes music. They will collaborate with a lyricist to

create a new song.

Director The person responsible for guiding the actors, designers, and crew according to

his or her artistic vision. The director works with the actors and the design team to

create the world of the play.

Lyricist A lyricist is a writer who specializes in song lyrics (words to a song). They will

collaborate with a composer to create a new song.

Stage Manager The person responsible for making sure all of the technical aspects of a show run

smoothly. In a theatre, the Stage Manager sits in the lighting booth, behind the

audience, and “calls the show”. This means that they give cues throughout the

performance to the lighting operator, the sound technician, and to the Assistant

Stage Manager.

Blocking This is the director’s planning of the actor’s movements on stage.

Technical Rehearsal Also called “Tech”, this rehearsal is specifically to establish and run through lighting

and sound cues. The technical rehearsal gives the technicians a chance to program

the sound and lights with actors; also gives the actors a feel for the show with

sound and lights.

Dress Rehearsal The full running of the production before the show opens to the public.

8.

1411 Cartwright Street

Vancouver, BC V6H 3R7

TEL 604.669.3410

BOX OFFICE 604.685.6217

FAX 604.669.3817

WEB www.carouseltheatre.ca

About Carousel Theatre for Young People

Carousel Theatre for Young People (CTYP) was incorporated in 1976. In its early years the company performed

at several different venues in Vancouver including the Arts Club Seymour Street and the Vancouver East Cultural

Centre. CTYP has been based on Granville Island since 1981.

CTYP’s dedication to artistic excellence has resulted in critical acclaim and thirteen Jessie Awards and 70

nominations in the Theatre for Young Audiences category in the past seven seasons. Most recently, CTYP’s

Busytown received six Jessie Award nominations and won for Outstanding Production, TYA in 2014. Other recent

productions of note include Bird Brain, A Year with Frog and Toad, Seussical and The Odyssey, all of which

received multiple Jessie Awards, including Outstanding Production, TYA. CTYP recently became the first TYA

company in Canada to offer an audio-described performance for the visually impaired, through a partnership

with the Vocal Eye.

Each season approximately 40 000 young people and their families benefit from CTYP’s programming. At

Carousel Theatre for Young People we believe that the arts, and specifically theatre, plays a vital role in a young

person’s development. It takes a village to raise a child. CTYP is an intrinsic part of that village.

Carousel Theatre for Young People would like to thank the following organizations for their support:

Contact Us!

Artistic Director, Carole Higgins

General Manager, Aliyah Amarshi

Education Manager, Peter Church

Our Sponsors

For more information on this production, or other inquiries, please contact schools@carouseltheatre.ca.

9.