Play Explores Gender Identity, Twist on Childhood Classic
A beloved childhood classic is making its way to Fullerton College but shared with a different perspective. Marian or the True Tale of Robin Hood will debut at the Campus Theatre for a three-show run starting on Oct. 6. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the 90-minute play that will not include an intermission.
Attendees will be transported to a world where Robin Hood is Maid Marian in disguise and leads a motley group of Merry Men (few of whom are men) against the greedy Prince John. The gender-bending, patriarchy-smashing, hilarious new take on the classic tale is sure to delight audiences.
Director Michael Mueller selected this version for the production because it was an overt comedy with a lot of representation. The play brings to light a lot of questions about gender, gender identity, and the LGBTQIA2S++ community.
“What I liked about this version was that it was not a show about the LGBTQIA2S+ community, but a show that prominently features them in roles that are not trauma based,” said Mueller.
Mueller is mindful and aware of the representation needed for a fair number of students with various identities. When selecting plays for the season, he chooses pieces representing communities that need their stories told to increase further a sense of belonging for his students.
The cast for Marian or the True Tale of Robin Hood has been instrumental in creating the vision for this production. Students have taken on leadership roles within the artistic team, such as assistant director, stage manager, and a newly constructed student D.E.I. representative, which was created to ensure student interests and concerns about representation and the humor being presented could be heard and addressed throughout the production process.
“The tricky part with comedy is finding that fine line,” said Mueller. “Is the joke punching up and supportive of the representation or punching down and furthering hurtful stereotypes?”
The student D.E.I. representative observes the production through a D.E.I. lens to ensure that the production is playing to the right communities. This experience has been going so well that the Theatre Arts Department is looking to continue having a D.E.I. representative for all shows to have an outside perspective.
“Having multiple voices in the room to provide feedback has been extremely valuable,” said Mueller. “I wanted to be extra careful in terms of how we presented marginalized communities.”
The show not only expanded student leadership roles but also provided students with resources to expand upon their knowledge and awareness. Ariel Gentalen, LQBTQIA2S+ Professional Expert, stopped by a rehearsal to answer any questions students had about the LGBTQIA2S+ community and share information about the LGBTQIA2S+ Center on campus.
Marian or the True Tale of Robin Hood will have three performances from Oct. 6–8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Campus Theatre.
“It’ll be fun and exciting because there are lots of fights, comedy, and romance,” said Mueller. “But along the way, we also broaden perspectives and showcase representation of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.”
Tickets: Tickets are available, starting at $16 presale and $19 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, over the phone, or online. Online ticket sales will incur an additional fee per ticket.
Location: The Campus Theatre is located next to FC’s Staff Parking Lot C West, off North Lemon St, in Building 1300. The lobby and entrance are located on the south side of Building 1300 through a series of exterior glass doors.
Parking: Public parking is available in the Lemon Street Parking Structure, and day parking passes are available for purchase. For additional information, visit the Theatre Arts Department website or call the Box Office at 714-992-7150.
