The first show of the year ‘Marian or The True Tale of Robin Hood,’ is an episodic comedy that deals with characters exploring different genders and female empowerment.
April Thomson, a new teacher in the theater department said, “...all the Merry Men are played as women and that becomes a huge plot point, cause they are like secretly all men and some of them are okay with that and some of them use the Merry Man status as a way to just to have more power in their sort of medieval society.”
Thomson also expressed how the show will lift your emotions.
“...it’s a lighthearted comedy, but it also has a lot of expressions of things like gender issues. I want them to be able to look at those types of issues potentially through new lens...and levity because although these are very serious things that impact people on identity, we can also address them through things like humor.”
With this being the first show of the year, they brought back a former director to do the show, Bob Peterson.Peterson retired last year after working 43 years and was Chair of the Theater Department and a frequent show director. Melia Voshell, a freshman, explained her personal thoughts about Peterson.
“I never knew him, but I heard that he was a little bit scary, but honestly everyone loves him, I love him, and it’ll be a little bit sad not having him in the next show. He was very kind; he was really funny...”
Audrey Buser, also a freshman at Butler, talked about how Peterson has influenced her to do better.
“He taught us a fun fact when it comes to talking to the audience... Don’t make eye contact with anybody, because then that can make the audience uncomfortable and... that will break your character.
“It’s important when there’s a scene going on to not bring too much attention to yourself and to try and stay as neutral as possible so you’re not distracting the audience.”
With such a big play at the beginning of the year, it gave everyone a chance to connect and see each other on stage.
Voshell explains how she was able to connect with other cast members, especially since it was her first year.
“I tend to be kind of secluded, but I feel like the people I was working with were all very approachable.
“Everyone was very friendly and open, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a first year or second year. I think that’s
very necessary.”