Dallas, TX -- "Whosoever do pull from the stone this mighty sword doth straightway become Rightful Ruler of all fair England!"
Steeped in British legend and myth is Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts world premier production of Young King Authur playing March 9 - April 1, 2012 at DCT's Rosewood Center for Family Arts.
One of the most popular British tales of all time, Young King Authur is the beloved story of a boy whose destiny is to become King. Long before Harry Potter and Dumbledore there was magical Merlin, the first master of wizardry, and Arthur, another ordinary, curious, thoughtful young boy.
Young King Authur takes place in old England, "in the misty time of long ago." Battles rage and the people yearn for peace while they seek a powerful yet benevolent King, but first, Arthur has much to learn.
Kathy Burks says, "The experiences of Arthur's boyhood instill in him the qualities necessary to become King. Children can learn how Arthur's attitude positively affects others by observing actions that will eventually affect the fate of a nation."
Young King Authur begins with Arthur's birth and chronicles his adventures up to age twelve, and the very moment he pulls the sword from the stone.
The Arthur legend is based on folklore and literary invention, and debated by many scholars. As the Medieval British leader who defended Britain from human and mystical enemies, he is the subject of numerous histories and romantic tales. Like many other writers, B. Wolf used Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of the Kings of Britain" as a starting point for her adaptation, adding a unique tone of humor and charm.
Original characters such as a sorceress owl named Ornithia and a merlin hawk appear, and Merlin has many comical moments when he forgets his incantations, yet the primary theme of the story remains Arthur's journey to the throne.
"Arthur is naturally so very good and kind-hearted," says Ms. Wolf. "He meets Merlin and wants to learn magic, but Merlin has plans for him to do much more than conjure spells. In my story we get to see Merlin gently and cleverly guide Arthur to greatness, without Arthur even knowing it." Replete with castles, dragons, magic and mystery, Young King Authur is filled with the thrills and enchantment the fable is known to convey.
(L-R) Sally Fiorello (puppeteer holding Arthur), Douglass Burks (puppeteer holding Merlin), Kathy Burks Keenan (puppeteer holding Ornithia) photo by John Henson
Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is the oldest resident puppet theater in the southwest. Established in 1973, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is one of the few puppet theaters in the country that uses all styles of puppetry. In this production, the company seamlessly blends their style of Czech Black Theatre with elements of Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppetry where the puppeteer appears in full view.Although the puppeteers are seen, they appear neutral wearing all black directing the viewer's focus to the colorful, animated puppet. Marrying Eastern and Western puppetry art forms, Burks creates an exciting, dramatic rendition of the tale filled with all the grandeur, fantasy and fun of the most celebrated King in British lore.
Kathy Burks Theatre Company members performing in this production are Kathy Burks, Sally Fiorello, Douglass Burks, Becky Burks Keenan, and Ziggy Renner.
Young King Authur is the ultimate, original British adventure! Enjoyed by ages 5 and up.
OPENING NIGHT MEDIEVAL PARTY
Attend opening night, Friday, March 9 for additional fun! Knights and Ladies, Kings and Queens, Dragons too! Dress up as your favorite medieval character for Young King Authur. One free show poster per family. Special demonstration and Q&A with the puppeteers immediately after the show.
Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts artistic staff
Director - Douglass Burks and Sally Fiorello
Story Adaptation - B. Wolf
Scenic Design - Sally Fiorello
Puppet Design and Construction - Kathy Burks, Ted Kincaid, Beck Schlabach and Sally Fiorello
Costume Design and Construction - Patricia Long
Sound Design - Douglass Burks
Projection Design - Randel Wright
Lighting Design - Melissa Cashion
DALLAS CHILDREN'S THEATER, ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS
5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:
Fridays - March 9, 16 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays - March 10, 17, 24, 31 - 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Sundays - March 11, 18, 25 & April 1 - 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Performance dates and times: Fridays, March 9 & 16 at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm; Sundays at 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Ticket Prices:
. Saturday 4:30 pm - $19 Adult & Youth Section A; $12 Adult & Youth Section B
. Friday 7:30 pm/Saturday 1:30 pm/Sunday 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm - $24 Adult/$22 Youth Section A; $18 Adult/$16 Youth Section B
DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051
Tickets also available on-line!
Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.
YOUNG KING ARTHUR is presented by Texas Instruments Incorporated.
Dallas Children's Theater's 2011-2012 Season is sponsored by Texas Instruments, Inc.; WFAA-TV Channel 8; TACA; Target; The Rosewood Foundation; Maintenance of Dallas, Inc.; Texas Instruments Foundation; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; and Texas Commission on the Arts. American Airlines is the official airline of Dallas Children's Theater.