Theater of the mind

Scottish company brings adventure to the stage—for those with imagination

English poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s words from 1873, “We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams,” could have been talking about Visible Fictions, an innovative Scottish theater company currently touring the U.S.

During the 2013-2014 season, Visible Fictions’ fresh version of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” from Oliver Emanuel began as a commissioned co-production of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. Their show comes to Tulsa for one night only on Friday, Nov. 21, courtesy of the Performing Arts Center Trust. Simon Donaldson, a cast member and a 12-year performer with the company, chatted with the Voice via telephone about some of the updates to this classic tale.

The two narrators—Donaldson and fellow cast mate Darran Lightbody—transform an ambiguous storage room and a mountain of boxes into Sherwood Forest while playing a multitude of familiar characters. The off-beat setup is part of what keeps Donaldson engaged, which is essential because the touring company is just the two cast members and a stage manager.

“The nature of the piece is about those who have a lot, and those who have nothing, those who are starving, and those who are hungry for things they don’t need,” Donaldson said. 

The story is full of messages for kids, who understand well what’s being presented and learn a lot, he said.

“They really get into it. Kids are so smart, and they pick up on the little nuances they’re seeing. We’ve had fantastic reactions to the show, and that’s been great.”

“The Adventures of Robin Hood” is a very physical show that requires sustained high energy. The challenge is perfect for a guy who’s done another Visible Fictions piece entirely on bicycles (“The Spokesmen”) in Scottish parks.

Although Donaldson is a well-versed actor, he loves projects that can be shared between generations. 

“I think in an all-ages show, there’s maybe not as much of a gap in the action,” he said. “You do have to maintain that energy all the way through and be more precise with the pace in order to keep their attention.” 

Kids these days don’t get too many opportunities to simply dream up adventures, but it’s a critical part of childhood.

“I think sometimes we forget how well kids can play,” he said. “Hopefully they’ll go home from this and talk about it with their parents, play and have their own adventures. In this age of video games and gigantic movies that are so well-made, it’s important to engage and truly use that part of the brain.”

Imagination was in full tilt when Lightbody’s Robin and Donaldson’s Sheriff—along with all the other characters they embody—caused a stir at a recent tour stop in Costa Mesa, Calif. 

“Not to give too much away, but there’s a scene where a fire starts, and that was unfolding when the fire alarm went off,” Donaldson said. “The audience just thought it was part of the show, and we had to evacuate.” 

It turned out to be a false alarm, but the audience was so absorbed with the performance that the actors had to go out and tell everyone to evacuate for a few moments.

It’s not only kids who get immersed in the story. This Robin Hood has clever winks that speak to adults, as well.

“We enjoy the family shows where you’ve also got adults laughing, and the kids laugh because they see their parents having fun as well,” he said. 

The show is full of physical antics and an epic legend—all born from the ingenuity of a simple setting.  With swordfights, daring rescues and amazing escapades, Donaldson and Lightbody construct a whole fantasy world through the magic of play.  This version of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” goes back to the basics, where the audiences’ imaginations help create the journey.

The Adventures of Robin Hood
Produced by Visible Fictions of Scotland
Presented by the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust
7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21
John H. Williams Theatre | Tickets: $10 | www.tulsapac.com