ROBIN HOOD · 2018. 12. 19. · ROBIN HOOD A literary adaptation inspired from the novel in...

ROBIN HOOD

A literary adaptation inspired from the novel in original language“Ivanhoe” by Sir Walter Scott

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È VIETATA LA RIPRODUZIONE, ANCHE PARZIALE,CON QUALSIASI MEZZO EFFETTUATA, COMPRESA LA FOTOCOPIA,

ANCHE AD USO INTERNO O DIDATTICO, NON AUTORIZZATO.

Dalla leggenda al romanzoRobin Hood, re dei fuorilegge e arciere imbattibile è una figura che emerge dalle nebbie di una tradizione orale, di un folklore che mescola leggende locali, divinità celtiche e avvenimenti storici. Varie fonti del XIV secolo riportano la diffusione di ballate e poemi sulle vicende del celebre fuorilegge, mentre il primo racconto completo appare intorno al 1500 (A geste of Robyn Hode). Nel XVI e XVII secolo Robin Hood vive sulle scene teatrali tanto da essere oggetto di una pièce incompiuta di Ben Jonson ed essere menzionato in diverse opere di Shakespeare. Nel 1765 Thomas Percy include nella sua raccolta Reliques of Ancient English Poetry l’antica ballata Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne. Nel 1795 Joseph Ritson pubblica la raccolta Robin Hood: A collection of all the Ancient Poems Songs and Ballads che ebbe enorme influenza. In particolare fu Sir Walter Scott per i capitoli del romanzo Ivanhoe dedicati all’arciere di Sherwood, a contribuire in modo decisivo a fissare i tratti del suo personaggio nella modernità.

L’autore del romanzoSir Walter Scott, considerato il padre del romanzo storico, nasce a Edimburgo nel 1771 e negli anni dell’adolescenza acquisisce una vasta cultura umanistica. Nel 1792 si laurea in giurisprudenza. Nel 1796 la lettura di Reliques of Ancient English Poetry di Thomas Percy, raccolta di antiche ballate che rivalutano il Medioevo, lascia in lui una forte impressione. Sono anche gli anni della diffusione in Gran Bretagna del romanticismo tedesco e il giovane giudice Scott trascura la professione forense per la letteratura e per i viaggi, durante uno dei quali conosce Charlotte Genevieve Charpentier, che sposa e da cui avrà 5 figli. Nel 1801 inizia a scrivere e pubblicare ballate e poemetti tra cui la raccolta The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border (1802-3) e nel 1805 il romanzo in versi The Lay of the Last Ministrel. Dal 1814 si cimenta nella composizione di romanzi storici, esordendo con Waverlay e proseguendo con successi come Rob Roy (1818) e The Bride of Lammermoor (1819). Nel 1820 scrive Ivanhoe, opera per cui è tuttora universalmente noto e che ispirò anche Manzoni. In seguito a un tracollo finanziario subìto nel 1814 si dedica alla scrittura con tale impeto e produttività da rovinarsi la salute. Dopo due arresti cardiaci muore di tifo nel 1832.

La trama del musicalNella foresta di Sherwood il leggendario arciere Robin Hood è a capo di un gruppo di ribelli, i Merry Men (l’allegra brigata), che armati di arco, bastoni e ironia sfidano i potenti e difendono gli umili. Sono tempi amari: re Riccardo Cuor di Leone è partito per la Terza Crociata e il trono è stato usurpato

dal suo perfido fratello, Giovanni Senzaterra, che vessa il popolo con tasse spropositate e avvalla le ingiustizie e gli arbitrii commessi dalla nobiltà. Tra i sostenitori di Giovanni spicca per crudeltà lo Sceriffo di Nottingham, nemico giurato di Robin Hood. I due si scontrano e si tendono trappole continuamente, ma quando Robin riesce a restituire al cavaliere Alan-a-Dale le sue terre e rovina i piani dello Sceriffo di Nottingham, che intende sposare con l’inganno la fidanzata di Alan, la guerra diventa senza quartiere. Lo Sceriffo rapisce Marian, la donna che Robin ama da sempre, e la condanna al rogo come strega per attirarlo in trappola. Serviranno tutta l’astuzia e tutti gli amici che Robin ha per chiudere la partita con il crudele Sceriffo.

Note di regiaUn preciso contesto storico facilita la comprensione delle imprese di Robin Hood narrate in questo musical diretto dal regista Edward Johnson (The Wizard of Oz, Hamlet, Alice in Wonderland): siamo in Inghilterra nell’anno 1192, quando il re Riccardo Cuor di Leone si trovava in Europa per la Terza Crociata e il fratello, il principe Giovanni Senzaterra, ne aveva usurpato il trono. I costumi prendono dunque spunto dalle fogge medievali, con qualche concessione allo stile cartoon soprattutto per quanto riguarda i colori vivaci, che rendono i personaggi ben riconoscibili e corrispondenti all’immaginario collettivo. Con agilità e destrezza, i giovani attori rappresentano la lotta di Robin e compagni contro le ingiustizie, facendo abile uso di una scenografia multifunzionale: attraverso interessanti e coreografati cambi scena a vista si passa rapidamente dalla foresta di Sherwood al villaggio di Nottingham, e viceversa. Su questo sfondo, la trama si sviluppa in modo dinamico grazie a una bilanciata alternanza di dialoghi e canzoni, prevalentemente appartenenti al genere della musica celtica e folk, i cui versi sono stati appositamente riscritti per meglio adattarsi al contenuto della storia. Anche le coreografie contribuiscono allo svolgimento dell’azione, sottolineando visivamente il significato dei brani musicali interpretati dal vivo dai performer madrelingua… tutto ciò rende lo spettacolo facilmente fruibile dalle classi della scuola media inferiore. Effetti di luci e suoni realizzati con perizia connotano ogni singola scena in modo preciso, per un totale coinvolgimento emotivo.

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CHARACTERS(in order of appearance)

LITTLE JOHNWILL SCARLETT

MUCHROBIN HOOD also known as LOCKSLEY

FRIAR TUCK PRINCE JOHN (“LACKLAND” OF ENGLAND)

SHERIFF (OF NOTTINGHAM)ARCHERSMARIAN

ALAN-A-DALESOLDIERS

LADY ANNEGUARDS

LOCATION

The forest of Sherwood, Nottinghamshire.

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SYNOPSIS OF SCENES

Scene 1 page 6Scene 2 page 8Scene 3 page 12Scene 4 page 15Scene 5 page 17Scene 6 page 23Scene 7 page 26Scene 8 page 27Scene 9 page 30Scene 10 page 33Scene 11 page 34Scene 12 page 35Scene 13 page 38Scene 14 page 39Scene 15 page 41Scene 16 page 43

6 7

I HAVE CLIMBED THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINSI HAVE RUN THROUGH THE FIELDS

ALWAYS TO RESCUE YOUALWAYS TO RESCUE YOU

BUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR.

A ring of trumpets and yells of excited people can be heard nearby.Robin Hood and his men listen.

Voice (declaiming). Listen! Listen! Brave people: knights, forest rangers and game wardens. Everyone who has an arch and can use it, please listen! (Laughs of people.) Our beloved Prince John invites you to prove your ability in an archery competition. To the best archer there will be given a prize: a silver hunting horn and an arrow made of silver, and he will be nominated the BEST ARCHER OF THE LANDS OF THE NORTH! Come forward, heroes! …Do not be shy!

Laughs of people.

Little John (to Robin Hood). I know what you are thinking, Robin…

Robin Hood. Exactly, Little John… (to everyone) prepare yourselves for an unforgettable competition!

Friar Tuck. And what about the soup? I have just made it.

Robin Hood. Then stay here and eat… we are going!

Friar Tuck. You really cannot stay still.

Little John (leaving with Robin Hood). Pray for Robin… and eat slowly… or it will stick in your throat.

Friar Tuck. What did you say? …Are you joking? I am coming too... A prayer works better… closer.

Everyone laughs and exits.

SCENE 1

The forest of Sherwood.Jumping down from the trees, one by one: Little John,

Will Scarlett, Much and Robin Hood. Friar Tuck comes from backstage with a big pot and hooks it on a low branch of one of the trees.

Robin Hood and his band of men sing: “I still haven’t found whatI’m looking for”.

I WILL CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAINS

I WILL RUN THROUGH THE FIELDSALWAYS TO RESCUE YOUALWAYS TO RESCUE YOU

I HAVE RUN I HAVE FOUGHT

I HAVE SCALED THESE CASTLE WALLSBIG CASTLE WALLS

ALWAYS TO RESCUE YOUBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR

WE HAVE TAKEN FROM THE RICH

HELPED THE POOR OUT FROM THE DITCHWE HOPE TO INSPIRE

WHILE TIMES ARE STILL DIRE

WE HAVE FOUGHT WITH BOWS AND ARROWSI HAVE HELD SWORDS STRAIGHT AND NARROW

IT WAS WARM IN THE NIGHTI WAS COLD AS A STONE

BUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR

BUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FORBUT I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR

8 9

Sheriff (to Robin Hood). So… Locksley, if you are as good as you say you are, you shall compete with the winner of this round. If you then win, I will personally add twenty golden coins to the prize, but if you lose, that dress of green fabric will be taken off you and you will be driven away from the fields with strokes from my soldiers.

Robin Hood. And what if I refuse to compete on these conditions, my Lord? Supported by so many soldiers, you can easily undress and strike me, but you cannot oblige me to pull my bow and shoot.

Prince John. If you refuse this loyal proposal I will personally cut the rope of your bow, I will break your arrows and I will drive you away from this county as a scared coward.

Robin Hood. Sheriff, my Lord, since you are considered the best archer of all time… it is worth to try. I accept your condition, but only if you accept mine.

Sheriff. And what would that be?

Robin Hood. If I win the first round I shall have the right to choose our last target.

Prince John. That sounds fair enough. Sheriff… What do you say?

Sheriff. I do not know of any archer who can beat me.

Robin Hood (to the Sheriff only). There was one… have you completely forgotten my arrow pierced your leg?

Sheriff. Is it you, Robin Hood?

The Sheriff turns red in anger,but he can do no more than accept the condition.

The archer in royal livery and the Sheriff each shoot one arrow. The Sheriff, whose arrow lands very close to the centre of the target, wins. The archer exits.

Yells and applause of approval from the people.

Prince John. So, Locksley, do you want to compete with the Sheriff of Nottingham or do you prefer to give me your bow?

SCENE 2

Nottingham.The archery competition field.

Prince John sat on a chair. Close to him, the Sheriff of Nottingham.The target is made of a wooden panel with a red circle in the middle.

An archer in royal livery and Robin Hood are ready to shoot.Robin Hood hesitates.

Prince John. Hey, you! …Why did you hesitate? Are you a liar who is not able to use a bow?

Robin Hood. No, your Majesty, on the contrary, I am very enthusiastic about archery!

Prince John. Why do you not dare to test your ability with those fine young men over there?

Robin Hood. With your permission, there is another reason why I refrain myself from shooting, other than the fear of loss and disgrace. Prince John (curious). And what is this other reason?

Robin Hood. Because I do not know if these archers and I are used to shooting at the same targets. I shoot at moving targets… usually.

Laughs among the people.

Sheriff. What is your name, archer?

Robin Hood. …Locksley, my Lord.

Sheriff (to the Prince). Leave this to me. I shall be the rival of this brave archer.

He points to the archer in royal livery.

Prince John. Oh, gentlemen, you have a new competitor. Shoot well with your bow because the Sheriff of Nottingham, the best archer of all times, has now entered the competition!

10 11

Prince John. Locksley, shoot, and if you hit a target like this I will say that you are the first man who has ever done it.

Robin Hood. I shall do my best, your Majesty.

Robin Hood stretches his bow again, he takes aim carefully.The arrow breaks in two pieces the willow branch. An explosion of applause follows.

Sheriff. Damn, here are your twenty golden coins.

Prince John (approaches to Robin Hood). And they will become fifty if you wear the livery and join our service as an archer of my body guard and stay on our side.

Robin Hood. Forgive me, my Lord, but I swore that if I rejoin the service it shall be again to your royal brother, King Richard the Lionheart.

Prince John (panting). What a pity. Here is the silver horn and the arrow that you won.

Robin Hood (takes the arrow and puts it with the others, then he takes the horn). I thank you, your Majesty. It is a beautiful horn...

The Sheriff puts his hand on his sword to extract it. Robin Hood sees him.

Robin Hood. But mine is better, my Lord.

He takes his horn and blows it.Onstage come Much and Little John with their bows pointing at the Sheriff.

Robin Hood (he takes a knife from his pocket and suddenly waves it across the Sheriff’s neck). No one comes closer. Let me go or this will be the day when your people have to choose a new Sheriff.

The Prince raises his hands with accuracy.

Prince John. Do you honestly prefer being an outlaw rather than an archer in livery? How foolish.

Robin Hood. I shall try my luck, your Majesty.

He is about to shoot, but he is stopped by the Sheriff.

Sheriff. No, first shot to the winner!

The Sheriff shoots first and the arrow falls exactly in the middle of the target. Applause from the people and yells “Bullseye! Bullseye! Hooray for the Sheriff”.

Prince John. Locksley, you have lost without even shooting.

Robin Hood. Not yet, your Majesty.

Robin Hood shoots and the arrow lands exactly in the middle of the target, breaking into two parts the arrow of the Sheriff.

Applause and surprised voices of people.

Sheriff. Damn! He must be a devil and not a man flesh-and-blood.

Robin Hood (to everyone). And now… I wish to ask permission from his Majesty to put up a target as we are used to! If you excuse me, I shall go and cut a branch from the nearest willow tree.

Sheriff (to the Prince). Call the guards because Locksley is nothing but Robin Hood!

Prince John. Are you sure? You have been hunting him for ages... Is he really so stupid to show himself here?

Sheriff. This would not be for the first time, he wants to humiliate me in front of my people.

Robin Hood enters with a twig of willowabout one meter long and thin as a finger.

Sheriff. Well, so?

Robin Hood. Here is the new target! Our arrows have to hit the branch.

Sheriff. What trick is this? My ancestors never shot at this kind of target… and I shall not either. I do not shoot if I am sure that I shall lose.

12 13

Friar Tuck. What a nice smell of bread just taken out of the oven.

He turns his head.

Robin Hood. Dear friend, dinner is still far. Rest a bit or pray… it’s up to you…

Friar Tuck. What a smell… you brought me here on purpose… you know I have a weakness for bread. And you too have a weakness Robin… not for bread, but for the young woman who makes the bread.

Robin Hood sits down and starts singing: “You raise me up”.

WHEN I AM DOWN AND OH MY SOUL SO WEARYWHEN BAD THOUGHTS COME AND MY HEART BURDENED BE

BUT I STAY STRONG AND WAIT HERE IN THE FORESTUNTIL YOU COME AND SIT AWHILE WITH ME

YOU RAISE ME UP SO I CAN FIGHT FOR JUSTICEYOU RAISE ME UP TO HELP THOSE MORE IN NEED

I AM STRONG WHEN YOU ARE THERE TO GUIDE MEYOU RAISE ME UP TO MORE THAN I CAN BE

THERE IS NO LIFE OR LOVE WITHOUT ANOTHEREACH RESTLESS HEART BEATS SO IMPERFECTLY

BUT WHEN YOU COME AND I AM FILLED WITH WONDERSOMETIMES I THINK I GLIMPSE ETERNITY


I AM STRONG WHEN YOU ARE THERE TO GUIDE MEYOU RAISE ME UP TO MORE THAN I CAN BE


I AM STRONG WHEN YOU ARE THERE TO GUIDE MEYOU RAISE ME UP TO MORE THAN I CAN BE.

Friar Tuck. Hey… if you continue to sing so loud the Sheriff will hear you...

Robin Hood. What did you say?

Robin Hood. Your Majesty, I prefer the freedom to choose my destiny. This is what I want for me and my mates. Nobody moves!!! I promise I will release the Sheriff when we reach the forest. Thank you for the arrow, your Majesty!

Prince John. I beg you not to plunge it into my chest.

Robin Hood, Much and Little John exit moving backwardstaking with them the Sheriff.

SCENE 3

The forest.The same day.

Robin Hood and Friar Tuck practise fighting with some sticks.They keep fighting while they speak.

Friar Tuck. Robin, spare me. You know I can only pray.

Robin Hood. And eat! Come on Tuck! Life in the forest is hard. You must learn to defend yourself.

Friar Tuck. I am sweating.

They fight.

Robin Hood. Take out the chicken you have in your pocket and it will be easier to move.

They fight.

Friar Tuck. You are too fast and too strong.

Robin Hood. Come on… raise that cane. You know what people say… A healthy mind, a healthy body.

Friar Tuck (tired). Stop, stop… I cannot take it anymore. Water… some water.

Robin Hood stops. Friar Tuck sits on the ground and drinks.

14 15

Friar Tuck. I promise you this, because you are a wonderful person, Robin. You really are a divine grace…

Robin Hood. Here, I have been spared… even without being arrested.

Friar Tuck (laughs). Oh... Robin… can you smell that… something has burned?

Robin Hood sniffs the air. Smoke comes from afar.

Robin Hood. Yes… burnt bread! Oh no, Marian!!! Follow me, Tuck. Come on... Let us run!!!

He exits.

Friar Tuck. Here we go again.

He follows Robin Hood.

SCENE 4

The forest.Close to the mill.

Smoke everywhere. The Sheriff holds onto Marian, who is trying to enter the mill which is in flames. Robin Hood and Friar Tuck are hidden among the

trees.

Marian (crying). Let me go, I beg you.

Sheriff. You know how the law works: if you do not pay the tax on flour, we come to take it.

Marian. But you are burning my mill.

Sheriff. This is a warning. Next time we shall take away more if you do not do what the law says.

Marian. Only our honour and our lives are left.

Sheriff. You decide.

Robin Hood exits.

Friar Tuck. Well, never mind, your mind is far from here, I suppose you are thinking of someone who has very long eye lashes…

Robin Hood. Sorry Tuck, I was thinking of Marian… there is something stronger than me… love. And I love her, my friend!

Friar Tuck. I am tired of hearing you say this… at least ten times each day… and twenty times each night.

Robin Hood. Also at night?

Friar Tuck. Yes, you call out her name while you sleep… and you do not let me get a wink of sleep.

Robin Hood. Ah, Marian… what would you do if you were in love, Tuck?

Friar Tuck. I would marry her…

Robin Hood. Marry her? You cannot give a young woman a bunch of flowers and tell her… Hey… will you marry me? …No, no!

Friar Tuck. And so, what would you do then…? Do you want to keep spying on her from afar? No, dear friend… I cannot resist the smell of bread and, for this reason, I shall go and take it.

He stands up and looks at Robin.

Robin Hood. I do not know what is the right thing to do…

Friar Tuck. I shall tell you, whether you know or not… you should approach her and ask her for some bread for a poor friar!

Robin Hood. It is useless, Tuck, I have thought about it very well, it would not work… And then, what could I offer her? I only have a hut in the forest… I am an outlaw, this is what I am. My life is not convenient for a young lady… always escaping… running away… fighting… hiding… what kind of future could I offer her…?

Friar Tuck. For God’s sake, you are not an outlaw, probably one day you shall be called a great hero, and people shall write novels about you, comedies, and fairytales about you for children...

Robin Hood. Yes… fairytales…

16 17

Marian. I thank you Robin, but what shall become of the mill?

Robin Hood. I promise you that we will build it again.

Friar Tuck. Yes, because life without bread is no life.

Robin Hood. But now, we have to protect you.

Marian. Ok… I thank you.

Robin Hood. Come with us, it is not far from here...

They exit.

SCENE 5

Another part of the Forest. Will Scarlett, Friar Tuck, Marian and Robin Hood are sat on the ground.

They have just finished eating.

Little John. Robin, tell us again one of your stories about our King, Richard the Lionheart.

Friar Tuck. Yes… but one of those… that also the ears of a young lady may hear.

Everyone laughs.

Robin Hood. Ok… if you insist. It was said that when Richard was a young prince, each summer he and his brothers held strength competitions between themselves. One of his brothers said: “Make a horse run in circles…” and while the horse was running around, the prince was able to saddle the moving horse.

Friar Tuck. Well, any young boy can get on a horse like that.

Will Scarlett. Especially you, Tuck; you who cannot even stay in the saddle on a horse that is standing still.

Everyone laughs.

Robin Hood (resuming). Another brother said: “Take a rabbit and let it run… then, I’ll shave it while it runs...” and he did just like he said…

Robin Hood. Let her go, sir!

Sheriff (to Marian). Who is this? A friend of yours?

Robin Hood. Not of yours indeed. I said let her go.

Sheriff. A friend who is not afraid of death?

Robin Hood. Let her go or you will taste my arrow.

Sheriff (annoyed). Robin Hood!

Marian stamps on the foot of the Sheriff.

Sheriff. Ouch…

The Sheriff releases his hands for a while, just enough for Marianto free herself and run towards the burning mill. Friar Tuck stops her. Robin

Hood hits the Sheriff on the head with a stick, who falls on the ground.

Friar Tuck. Do not enter, my dear. The flames will choke you.

Marian. What am I to do now? The mill was the only thing I had left…

She cries.

Robin Hood. Marian.

Marian. How do you know my name?

Friar Tuck. Everybody knows it.

Robin Hood (he glances at Tuck to make him stop talking). Marian, I am Robin and this is Friar Tuck. In the forest there are people who can protect you.

Friar Tuck. I can confirm that, dear girl. You are in good hands.

Robin Hood. Come with us and you shall not have to pay unfair taxes anymore. You shall be free of the cruel laws of the state and the church.

18 19

(HO!) YOU ARE MY FAMILY(HEY!) ALL THE BLOOD THAT I WOULD BLEED

(HO!) I KNOW WHERE I BELONG(HEY!) CAUSE WE ALL GET ALONG(HO!) AND WE CAN WRITE A SONG

(HEY!) 2 3…

I BELONG WITH YOU YOU BELONG WITH ME RIGHT BY MY SIDEI BELONG WITH YOU YOU BELONG WITH ME RIGHT BY MY SIDE

HO!HEY!HO!

HEY!

(HO!) LIVING HERE WHERE IT’S SAFE AND GREEN(HEY!) THINK OF WHAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN IF WE

(HO!) DIDN’T LEAVE THAT DREADFUL TOWN(HEY!) WE’D HAVE ALL BEEN TAKEN DOWN

(HO!) OR HUNG FOR ALL TO SEE(HEY!)

(HO!) WITHOUT A FRIEND TO SET US FREE(HEY!)

I BELONG WITH YOU YOU BELONG WITH ME RIGHT BY MY SIDEI BELONG WITH YOU YOU BELONG WITH ME RIGHT BY MY SIDE

LOVE WE NEED IT NOWLET'S HOPE FOR SOME

'CAUSE OH WE'RE BLEEDING OUTI BELONG WITH YOU YOU BELONG WITH ME RIGHT BY MY SIDEI BELONG WITH YOU YOU BELONG WITH ME RIGHT BY MY SIDE

HO!HEY!HO!

HEY!

Everybody. No!!! Poor rabbit!!!

Everyone laughs.

Will Scarlett. That brother must have been our avid, despicable and cruel Prince John, who occupied the throne when our King Richard left for the crusade. Our people now suffer the consequences because he has raised taxes to enrich the coffers of the State.

Marian. He has taken everything from us.

Friar Tuck (looks at Marian). Yes, also the last piece of bread.

Robin Hood. At the end the turn of our beloved King Richard came… Right in that moment it started raining. Our King said: “I can repel each drop of water with my sword”. It was raining in floods and the King Lionheart, moving the sword quickly up his head, could repel every single drop without ever getting wet.

Marian. Unfortunately, Kings like him are exceptions.

Robin Hood. I hope to see him again one day and to fight at his side against injustice.

They sing: “Ho Hey”.

HO!HEY!HO!

HEY!

(HO!) I'VE BEEN TRYING TO DO IT RIGHT(HEY!) I'VE BEEN LIVING A HOPEFUL LIFE(HO!) I'VE BEEN LOOKING RIGHT AHEAD

(HEY!) I'VE BEEN CAREFUL WHERE WE TREAD(HO!) CAREFUL WHERE WE TREAD

HEY! HO!

20 21

Will Scarlett. Ah! …And how did you find our good England?

Alan-a-Dale. While I was fighting at the side of our King, here in England the taxes were raised so dramatically that it ruined my father who died shortly after. I did not have the money to pay for the debts he left, so I had to pawn the castle I inherited. Tomorrow is the day of payment for the debts. I had to sell my horse to not lose the castle and get in return the money you see.

Robin Hood. How much is the debt?

Alan-a-Dale. 400 golden coins.

Robin Hood. Do you have any friends who can guarantee for you?

Alan-a-Dale. When I was rich, I had many friends… but now that I do not have any money, they have all run away. Now, I have only prayers.

Will Scarlett. And they have worked… because you have found Robin Hood (he points at Robin), who helps anyone who is in difficulty.

Alan-a-Dale (to Robin Hood). Robin Hood? The legend, in flesh-and-blood? Is it true what they say about you?

Robin Hood. Multiply by ten and maybe you will be closer to the truth!

Will Scarlett gives back to the knight the purse with the money.

Will Scarlett. Here, take back your money, and also take… these!

He takes from a bag some silver jewels.

Robin Hood (from among his arrows he takes the silver one). Here, take it, this should be worth something. (To Will Scarlett.) Scarlett go to the other men and collect what you can, and do not forget Friar Tuck who will have hidden gold somewhere for sure.

Will Scarlett. I will be fast, like the wind!

Alan-a-Dale. Thank you, Robin. I shall not forget.

He sits sighing.

Alan-a-Dale enters dressed in the armour of a knight of the crusades. Robin Hood. Who is there?

Friar Tuck. Let us take a walk, my dear.

Friar Tuck and Marian exit.

Will Scarlett. A knight? …Strange, a knight without a horse…

Robin Hood. Did you steal some armour by any chance, sir?

Alan-a-Dale moves back but does not reply.Then Will Scarlett pinches quickly from the knight’s belt

a purse with money, and opens it.

Will Scarlett (looking inside). There is not much money! Speak! Are you a knight or not?

Robin Hood (to Will Scarlett). Look Will Scarlett, the armour fits perfectly on him. I think he is a knight.

Alan-a-Dale (with a sad voice). Yes, I am a knight. Spare my life, because that is all I have left.

Robin Hood puts down the knife that he is holding in his hand.

Robin Hood. We shall not hurt you, I promise.

Alan-a-Dale (takes off his helmet). My name is Alan-a-Dale.

Robin Hood. I saw the cross on your cloak… are you a part of the army of the crusades?

Alan-a-Dale. Yes. I came home one month ago.

22 23

I DID NOT COME AT THE DAWNING I DID NOT COME AT THE NOONAND OUT OF THE TAWNY SUNSETBEFORE THE RISE O’ THE MOON

WHEN THE ROAD WAS A GYPSY’S RIBBONLOOPING THE PURPLE MOOR

AND THE SHERIFF’S MEN CAME MARCHINGMARCHING MARCHING

SHERIFF’S MEN CAME MARCHINGUP TO THE OLD INN DOOR.

Robin Hood. Do you know what I think? Stay with us here tonight and tell me all. Then, tomorrow, we shall go together to exchange for golden coins what we have collected. Something tells me you will need help.

They exit.

SCENE 6

Nottingham.The next day.

A room. Table with two wine glasses.

The Sheriff, Prince John and then Alan-a-Dale and Robin Hood. The Sheriff puts his hand on the wound on his head.

Prince John. What happened? Have you got headache?

Sheriff. Robin Hood is my headache. But let us focus on other things.

Prince John. Alan-a-Dale should have been here already with the money… he is late.

Sheriff. Another castle for you?

Prince John. I do not know what to do with it… Actually, it is for you... the castle with everybody living in it, it is yours.

Sheriff. This is a wonderful present. Alan-a-Dale without property or wife at the same time.

Robin Hood. That is not all, am I right? What else is there?

Alan-a-Dale. I would prefer to remain poor, but being with my beloved Lady Anne.

Robin Hood. What happened?

Alan-a-Dale. I cannot find her. Someone told me that the Sheriff of Nottingham visited her, after which she got into his carriage and never came back.

He sings: “The highway man”.

THE WIND WAS A TORRENT OF DARKNESS AMONG THE GUSTY TREES

THE MOON WAS A GHOSTLY GALLEON TOSSED UPON THE CLOUDY SEAS

THE ROAD WAS A RIBBON OF MOONLIGHT OVER THE PURPLE MOOR

AND I CAME RIDINGRIDING RIDING

I CAME RIDING UP TO HER CASTLE

ONE KISS MY BONNY SWEETHEART I’M AFTER A PRIZE TONIGHT

BUT I SHALL BE BACK WITH THE YELLOW GOLD BEFORE THE MORNING LIGHTYET IF THEY PRESS ME SHARPLY

AND HARRY ME THROUGH THE DAYTHEN LOOK FOR ME BY THE MOONLIGHT

WATCH FOR ME BY THE MOONLIGHTI’LL COME TO THEE BY THE MOONLIGHT

THOUGH HELL SHOULD BAR THE WAY

I ROSE UPRIGHT IN THE STIRRUPSI SCARCE COULD REACH HER HAND

BUT SHE LOOSENED HER HAIR I’ THE CASEMENT! HIS FACE BURNT LIKE A BRAND

AS THE BLACK CASCADE OF PERFUME CAME TUMBLING OVER HIS BREASTAND HE KISSED ITS WAVES IN THE MOONLIGHT(OH SWEET BLACK WAVES IN THE MOONLIGHT!)

THEN I TUGGED AT MY REIN IN THE MOONLIGHTAND GALLOPED AWAY TO THE WEST

24 25

Alan-a-Dale. Please, have mercy. Do not take away the lands of my father and my ancestors. If you wish, you may use the land until I have paid the debt, but do not take it away!

Prince John. I cannot disobey a law that I created.

Alan-a-Dale. I shall serve you until I have paid in full.

Prince John. You, a servant? (He laughs with the Sheriff.) No, thank you, I am surrounded by servants who are better than you. Anyway, I shall have the servants you shall leave within the castle.

Alan-a-Dale. Sir, do you want me to bow in front of you? (Silence.) Bear in mind, I shall be able to defend my lands if necessary, I shall use my sword, and I can use it very well.

Sheriff. Now you are not behaving like a knight, sir! Your lands are now rightfully ours.

Prince John. Ok. I shall make a small exception to the law... Let us say that instead of seizing your land and all that is on it, I buy it… and since it is worth more than 400 golden coins I am willing to give you 500 golden coins.

Alan-a-Dale (furious, but tries to pretend he is interested). Could you add 100 more? The land around the castle is very fertile.

Sheriff (looks at the Prince who turns his head). No, we cannot give you 600. I could, however, add 50 more.

Alan-a-Dale (to Robin Hood). I have seen a lot of mongrels in my life, but never one so avid. No, (with sarcasm) dear sirs, you shall not have my castle. Here, take this!!!

Robin Hood takes a purse and pours on the table 400 golden coins.The two exit.

Prince John. He is smarter than I thought. What a pity, I was just getting used to the idea of possessing his land.

Prince John. Without wife?

Sheriff. Lady Anne, a rare beauty. When I saw her recently I decided that she should be mine and only mine.

Prince John. So? …You kidnapped her?

Sheriff. No, I only told her that her husband-to-be, Alan-a-Dale, was still in the Holy lands. He had died tragically at the hands of the enemy. Lady Anne cried on my shoulder for a couple of days. I offered her my protection and convinced her to marry me… The wedding shall take place tomorrow.

Prince John. Tomorrow? And you said nothing about that to me?

Sheriff. I apologise, I kept it secret until... the last moment. (Secretly.) I did not want that Alan-a-Dale to know about it when he came back… And Lady Anne will know that he is still alive only after we have got married.

Alan-a-Dale and Robin Hood, with helmets on their heads, enter.

Prince John. Ah, speak of the devil… (To Alan.) You have finally arrived, sir Alan-a-Dale?

Sheriff. We thought you were lost.

Alan-a-Dale. Your Majesty, my Lord. I have arrived as I promised.

Sheriff. Did you bring the money, Alan-a-Dale?

Alan-a-Dale. No, my Lord, I did not bring you the money.

Prince John. Then why did you come, if you do not have the 400 golden coins to pay for the debt?

Alan-a-Dale (looks at Robin Hood). I arrived to ask you for extra time. I beg you, in the name of honour and of the nation.

Sheriff. No, sir. It is impossible. The law is the law!

26 27

Friar Tuck. And then he may marry his Lady Anne.

Alan-a-Dale. Lady Anne?

Friar Tuck. Yes, Lady Anne from Ashwell.

Robin Hood. And how do you know that?

Friar Tuck. The nuns of the church where the marriage will be held, told me that tomorrow the bishop is arriving to marry Lady Anne from Ashwell and the Sheriff.

Alan-a-Dale. I cannot believe it! My Anne! She is marrying!!! Why? How is that possible?

Robin Hood. Now I understand why the Sheriff wanted to make you weak by taking away your land.

Friar Tuck. I do not think that poor creature really knows who she is about to marry.

Alan-a-Dale (furious, he walks back and forth). The Sheriff shall pay for it!

Robin Hood. Leave the Sheriff to me! You think about the wedding. You shall marry Lady Anne tomorrow. Tuck come closer… a change of plan: this is what we are going to do...

Everyone stands in circle talking.

SCENE 8

The forest.Marian sings, alone: “I see fire”.

Then arrives Robin Hood.

OH MISTY EYE OF THE MOUNTAIN BELOWKEEP CAREFUL WATCH OF MY BROTHERS’ SOULS

AND SHOULD THE SKY BE FILLED WITH FIRE AND SMOKE

Sheriff (he stands up furious). When you become King of England you shall have all the land you want.

Prince John. Pray for this to happen as soon as possible, because waiting makes me very nervous…

Sheriff. I understand and shall always be your loyal… counsellor.

Prince John. Stop talking, the wedding with Lady Anne is waiting for you, the wife-to-be of Alan-a-Dale… oh, (he laughs) I confused… your wife-to-be.

Both of them laugh and drink a toast.

SCENE 7

The forest. Robin Hood, Alan-a-Dale, Marian, Friar Tuck.

Alan-a-Dale. I am in your debt for life, Robin Hood. Robin Hood. Oh no, you owe me nothing. You are an honest and brave man.

Alan-a-Dale. And the 400 golden coins? I shall not be myself until I can return them to you.

Friar Tuck. You do not know Robin. This money will return in our pockets, soon enough.

Robin Hood. …It is very early. Little John informed me that the Sheriff will marry tomorrow… and to go to the church from his castle, he has to pass through the forest for some distance.

Friar Tuck. And since this forest is the kingdom of Robin, he will have to pay… (sarcastic) pay a certain tax… of…?

Alan-a-Dale. Of… 400 golden coins!

Everyone laughs.

28 29

AND IF THE NIGHT IS BURNINGI WILL COVER MY EYES

FOR IF THE DARK RETURNS THENMY BROTHERS WILL DIE

AND AS THE SKY IS FALLING DOWNIT CRASHED APART AND ALL AROUND

AND WITH THAT SHADOW UPON THE GROUNDI HEAR MY PEOPLE SCREAMING OUT

NOW I SEE FIREINSIDE THE MOUNTAIN

I SEE FIREBURNING THE TREES

AND I SEE FIREHOLLOWING SOULS

AND I SEE FIREBLOOD IN THE BREEZE

I SEE FIRE (OH YOU KNOW I SAW A CITY BURNING) (FIRE)AND I SEE FIRE (FEEL THE HEAT UPON MY SKIN YEAH) (FIRE)

AND I SEE FIRE (FIRE)AND I SEE FIRE BURN AUBURN ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE.

Robin Hood. Your voice is sweet but sad, Marian.

Marian. I remain alone… without a home or money…

Robin Hood (embarassed). There… there is me!

Marian. How can you live like this? You rob rich people to feed the poor… but you are stealing what does not belong to you.

Robin Hood. Robbing? Did you say rob? No, no, no… what a nasty word… we do not rob, we give away something from people who do not need it.

Marian. Give away… (She laughs a little.) So it is our right to take what is unnecessary for rich people?

KEEP WATCHING OVER THE SHERWOOD FOLK

IF THIS IS TO END IN FIRETHEN WE SHOULD ALL BURN TOGETHER

WATCH THE FLAMES CLIMB HIGH INTO THE NIGHTCALLING OUT FOR FRIENDS OH STAND BY AND WE WILL

WATCH THE FLAMES BURN AUBURN ONTHE MOUNTAIN SIDE

AND IF WE SHOULD DIE TONIGHTTHEN WE SHOULD ALL DIE TOGETHER

RAISE A GLASS OF WINE FOR THE LAST TIMECALLING OUT FOR FRIENDS OH

PREPARE AS WE WILLWATCH THE FLAMES BURN AUBURN OVER

THE MOUNTAIN SIDE DESOLATION COMES UPON THE SKY




I SEE FIREBLOOD IN THE BREEZE

AND I HOPE THAT YOU KEEP WATCH OVER ME

OH SHOULD MY PEOPLE FALL INSURELY I’LL DO THE SAME

CONFINED IN MOUNTAIN HALLSWE GOT TOO CLOSE TO THE FLAME

CALLING OUT FOR FRIENDSHOLD FAST AND WE WILL

WATCH THE FLAMES BURN AUBURN ONTHE MOUNTAIN SIDE

DESOLATION COMES UPON THE SKY




AND I SEE FIREBLOOD IN THE BREEZE

AND I HOPE THAT YOU KEEP WATCH OVER ME

30 31

Robin Hood/Friar. As you know, our humble church needs renovation. The altar is falling into pieces and we… humbly hide it all by putting a cloth over it. As I am sure you understand, the church cannot live only on prayers. I ask you all present, on this joyful day, to open your hearts (that is your purses) and give us what you can… Friar Tuck, I would like to start with our beloved Sheriff.

Friar Tuck approaches the Sheriff and hands over a plate taken from the altar. The Sheriff feels obliged to give something.

When the Sheriff takes from his purse a golden cointo put on the plate, Robin Hood rushes towards him

and takes the purse from his hands.

Robin Hood/Friar. What a charitable offer, Sheriff. There seems to be 400 golden coins, just what it is needed to rebuild the altar. Very generous, Sheriff.

Sheriff (he approaches Robin Hood). What does all this circus mean?

Robin Hood/Friar. Do not worry, we are done with the first part and now we move on to the ceremony. Surely the Bishop is dressed and ready now.

Robin Hood gets in the way of the couple.

Robin Hood/Friar. With the power that the Holy Church gave to me… I begin! Beautiful Lady Anne from Ashwell and so much respected Sheriff… I look at you and if I have to be honest in front of God… I have to be honest… I do not like this coupling at all.

The Sheriff does not understand anything and is stressed.Robin Hood continues.

Robin Hood/Friar. No, I do not like it at all. But there shall be a wedding today and I tell you all that Lady Anne shall marry today in this church… however, not with the sheriff of Nottingham, but…

He takes the horn from the pocket and blows it.Alan-a-Dale enters the church.

Robin Hood/Friar (takes off his hood). But with her true husband-to-be: Alan-a-Dale.

Robin Hood. It is not quite as you say… If everyone in the world had what they were entitled to, no one would rob their neighbour. These days, unfortunately, it is the ones who do not work can fill their cellar with deceit.

Robin Hood sings: “This is where I belong”.

I HEAR THE WIND ACROSS THE PLAINA SOUND SO STRONG - THAT CALLS MY NAME

IT’S WILD LIKE THE RIVER - IT’S WARM LIKE THE SUNYA IT’S HERE - THIS IS WHERE I BELONG

UNDER THE STARRY SKIES - WHERE EAGLES HAVE FLOWNTHIS PLACE IS PARADISE - IT’S THE PLACE I CALL HOME

THE MOON ON THE MOUNTAINSTHE WHISPER THROUGH THE TREES

THE WAVES ON THE WATERLET NOTHING COME BETWEEN THIS AND ME

CUZ EVERYTHING I WANT - IS EVERYTHING THAT’S HEREAND WHEN WE’RE ALL TOGETHER - THERE’S NOTHING TO FEARAND WHEREVER I WONDER - THE ONE THING I’VE LEARNED

IT’S TO HERE - I WILL ALWAYS... ALWAYS RETURN. Robin Hood. Stay with us, Marian!

Marian. Of course, thank you Robin, I shall stay.

SCENE 9

The church.The following morning.

The Sheriff is standing next to Lady Anne at the altar.Robin Hood, dressed like a friar, enters.

Robin Hood/Friar. Your Excellency, the Bishop of Nottingham, is late and he asked me, your humble servant, to make a little introduction with the help of Friar Tuck.

Sheriff (snorting). Hurry.

32 33

Alan-a-Dale. Be careful friend.

Everyone exits.

SCENE 10

The forest.Sheriff, soldier, Marian, Robin Hood.

The Sheriff hides behind some trees with the Soldier. Robin Hood arrives, he looks around and blows the horn.

Little John and Marian arrive.

Marian (runs towards Robin and hugs him). Robin, you are alive!

Robin Hood. Little John, what is Marian doing here?

Little John. I am sorry, Robin, there was no way to keep her back.

Marian. I was told that one of the arrows was intended for you.

Robin Hood. It is normal, it would be worse if it was intended for someone who cannot defend themselves. Where is sir Alan-a-Dale and Lady Anne?

Little John. They are far from here and they are safe. Alan asked me to tell you that he shall be your friend for life.

Robin Hood. Thank you Little John, now we must take Marion away from here. There are the… wolves of the Sheriff nearby. I can sense their smell. I shall lead the way, to make sure the path is clear.

Robin Hood approaches where the Sheriff and his soldier are hiding. At that moment, the soldier prepares to attack, but the Sheriff stops him.

Sheriff (whispering). Stay down... and do not breathe!

Robin walks past them.

Soldier. Shall we follow him, Sheriff?

Sheriff. No. I have a better idea. Let us take the girl!

Lady Anne turns, she sees Alan and runs to hug him.

Lady Anne. My love!? You are alive! Can this be true?

Sheriff. Robin Hood. You again? What is this? …A joke?

Robin Hood. I can assure you not one of us is joking.

Sheriff. Bastard!

Robin Hood. Sheriff, there are certain words you cannot say in church.

Sheriff. Anyway, no one here would dare marry this couple.

Friar Tuck. I will do it gladly. I have always wanted to do it. I also have the right clothing. (He takes from the altar a golden hat.) The Bishop will be proud of me… when he arrives and realises that his work has already been done.

Sheriff. This is madness. Where is the Bishop? What did you do with him, delinquents!

Robin Hood. Do not worry, Sheriff, Friar Tuck told the Bishop that the marriage had been postponed to this afternoon because you would be busy catching me in the morning.

He laughs.

Sheriff. You shall pay for this, Robin Hood.

He exits the church.

Robin Hood. Where were we?

Friar Tuck. Come closer, my children! I shall be brief. (He takes the cross from the altar). I bless you and I pronounce you man and wife, in the name of God and of all the Saints. Amen!

Alan-a-Dale and Lady Anne kiss.At that moment, an arrow arrives and strikes Alan-a-Dale.Another arrives, but Robin Hood catches it with his hand.

Robin Hood. Tuck, take them away. The Sheriff does not understand good manners, unfortunately. Everyone retreats to the forest, I shall catch up with you.

34 35

Prince John. You still do not understand who Robin Hood is! He would save her even if he did not love her.

Sheriff. Even better… So I shall capture him and kill him in Nottingham.

Prince John. That is what it takes, so that the people shall understand that this is what happens to whoever does not respect the law!

Sheriff. Tomorrow, in Nottingham there shall be all of my best men. I swear I shall kill Robin Hood. I have to do it… I have to do it for myself. (He looks at Marian.) Leave her here tonight.

Prince John. Release her hands so she can drink. I do not want her to die before tomorrow.

Sheriff. I shall send for somebody to do that. After you, your Majesty.

They exit.

SCENE 12

The forest.Little John and Robin Hood.

Little John. Forgive me, Robin. It was all my fault. The blow came suddenly. I do not know who it was.

Robin Hood. I know. It was the Sheriff! He wants to set a trap to me. He is using Marian as bait.

He punches the trunk of a tree. Little John. Tomorrow, we shall enter the Sheriff’s castle with force and…

Robin Hood. No… they would expect this. I shall go alone instead, and get myself arrested… so they will free Marian.

Little John. What are you saying? They will kill you first and then her. And then there shall be no one to protect all the poor people in our country.

Robin Hood. I have to discover where they are keeping her and then we shall act accordingly.

He sits down.

Soldier. And Robin Hood? Sheriff. Shut up, stupid. Just do what I say.

The Sheriff moves behind Little John and throws a stone at his head.Little John falls. The soldier puts his hand over Marian’s mouth and holds onto her.

Sheriff. Take her to the castle of the Prince, come on. Let’s go!

The soldier carries the girl on his back and both exit.

SCENE 11

Prince John’s castle.A dark and cold room.

The Sheriff, Prince John and Marian, who is tied to a pole. Marian has little strength.

Sheriff. Speak, Marian… the pain shall be greater if you do not speak and tell us where the meeting place of Robin Hood is?

Marian does not speak.

Sheriff. You have delicate skin. When the hot iron touches your skin, it will hurt… very much.

Marian turns her head the other way.

Prince John (approaching). Anything?

Sheriff. She has not said a word... Damn! Maybe I am just wasting my time. Maybe it is better to burn down the forest… in order to force Robin Hood and his men to exit it like rats…

Prince John. Be patient. What you did was not a mistake. Think... We shall tell everyone that Marian is a witch and that tomorrow she will be burnt at the stake in front of everyone in the square of Nottingham.

Sheriff. So Robin Hood shall come and try to save her. If he loves her, that is, as I believe I heard…

36 37

ON THE WATER WE HAVE WALKEDLIKE THE FEARLESS CHILD

WHAT WAS FASTENED WE’VE UNLOCKEDREVEALING WONDROUS WILD

AND IN SEARCH OF CONFIRMATIONWE HAVE JUMPED INTO THE FIRE

AND SCRAMBLED WITH OUR BURNING FEETTHROUGH UNCONTROLLED DESIRE

IN DARKNESS WE DO WHAT WE CANIN DAYLIGHT WE’RE OBLIVION

OUR HEARTS SO RAW AND CLEARARE TURNING AWAY TURNING AWAY FROM HERE

THERE’S A WELL UPON THE HILLFROM OUR ANCIENT PAST

WHERE AN AGE IS STANDINGSTILL HOLDING STRONG AND FAST

AND THERE’S THOSE THAT TRY TO TAME ITAND TO CARVE IT INTO STONE

AH BUT WORDS CANNOT EXTINGUISH ITHOWEVER HARD THEY’RE THROWN



IN SHERWOOD FOREST WE HAVE WORKEDWITH OUR PEACEFUL DREAMS

IN THE CASTLE THEY HAVE PUNISHEDWITH THEIR HARSH REGIMES

AND IN SEARCHING FOR ACCEPTANCEWE HAD GIVEN IT AWAY

ONLY THE CHILDREN OF OUR CHILDREN KNOWTHE PRICE WE HAD TO PAY


OUR HEARTS SO RAW AND CLEARARE TURNING AWAY TURNING AWAY FROM HERE.

Friar Tuck arrives running, and stops to take breath.

Robin Hood. Tuck, do not torment me. Tell me what you have discovered.

Friar Tuck. I bring you bad news, unfortunately.

Little John. How can things be worse?

Friar Tuck. Robin, I am sorry to tell you this, but the Sheriff announced that tomorrow, at twelve o’clock, Marian, will be condemned as a witch and shall be burnt at the stake in the square of Nottingham. Also Prince John shall be present at her death.

Robin Hood stands up and throws his hands up in the air.

Robin Hood. Marian! It is all my fault…

Little John (approaching). We need a plan.

Will Scarlett enters running.

Robin Hood. Will, any news?

Will Scarlett. Yes, Robin. The Sheriff has returned to his castle and he is gathering his best men. He has strengthened the guards at the gates.

Robin Hood. For that he shall be damned!

Little John. Do not despair like this, Robin, we shall help you. There are lots of us… You have helped many people… now, many people shall help you…

Friar Tuck. Blow the horn, Robin! And keep blowing it until in this forest there are more people than trees.

Little John. Blow the horn, Robin!

Robin Hood sings: “Turning away”. Much also joins the song.At the end of the song Robin goes down the stalls.



38 39

Friar Tuck. Robin… Robin! How stubborn!!!

He exits running.

SCENE 14

The Sheriff’s castle.In the sheriff’s bedroom.

The room is illuminated only by a candle. The Sheriff stands in front of the window, wearing a nightgown.

Robin Hood enters and stands at the door.

Sheriff (without turning). Everything quiet down there? I heard noises.

Robin Hood. Oh yes, sir. Everyone is sleeping.

Sheriff (turns). What? Why are they asleep?

The Sheriff cannot see that it is Robin Hood.

Robin Hood. Oh, yes… they just fell asleep suddenly.

Sheriff. Who are you? Come into the light.

Robin Hood. For many years you have been hunting for me… you should recognise me even in this darkness.

Sheriff (almost suffocated by fear). Robin Hood?!

Robin Hood. Sending an invitation to your castle would have been enough. What do you need the guards for… why do you need to wait until tomorrow to catch me in Nottingham’s square, sacrificing the life of an innocent young woman? You wanted to see me… here I am!

He takes a step towards the light.

Sheriff (approaches slowly to the weapons hanging on the wall). Do you think you are invincible?

Robin Hood (a quiet voice). Do you think you can defeat me?

Robin Hood. Everybody come to Nottingham’s square tomorrow. Tomorrow, at mid-day, you shall see how much injustice and pain surrounds us. At that moment, I shall be close to you and when I blow this horn stand up, take your bows and point them at those who abuse their power. Tomorrow, England shall tremble because we shall give a fright to our enemies, as our King Richard the Lionheart is doing. Our King is fighting our external enemies, we shall fight our internal enemies.

SCENE 13

In front of the Sheriff’s castle.Two guards stand at the gate.

Friar Tuck, who pretends to be drunk, enters.

Friar Tuck. La-la-la, la-la-laaaaa. (He sings). La-la-la, la-la-laaaaa. (He sings.) My sirs, I have got a bit… this much… lost. (He falls on the guards and they try to hold him up.) Sorry! Sorry… I am also a bit… this much… tired.

While Tuck distracts the guards, Robin Hood approaches.

Guard 1. Well, well, (they laugh) a dead-drunk friar.

Guard 2. The church is far from here, friar.

Friar Tuck (suddenly, without pretending). Oh, yes, for a long time God has abandoned this place.

The guards look at each other. Friar Tuck and Robin Hood hit their heads.The guards fall down.

Robin Hood. Thank you Tuck. Stay here, and if they wake up, repeat the action.

Friar Tuck. But Robin… what about our plan?

Robin Hood. It is too risky for you. I shall go alone. When you see Little John, tell him we shall see each other in Nottingham, tomorrow.

He opens the gate, enters, and disappears.

40 41

Robin Hood (approaches). You know very well that today you shall not kill me. What will the legend say? Robin Hood… was killed in the room of the Sheriff in the middle of the night… No… it is not intriguing enough… There is no glory, no honor!

Sheriff. I do not care. I want you dead!!!

Robin Hood (blocks the Sheriff with the hands). Yes, you want to kill me in Nottingham’s square… where everyone can see me in order for you to show off… like a peacock.

Robin Hood stands up and goes to the window.

Sheriff (furious). Your end has arrived!!!

The Sheriff stands up, takes the sword and launches himself towards Robin. Robin dodges him and the Sheriff thrusts out the window, falls down and dies.

Robin Hood (looking down from the window). You were much better as an archer than a man.

Robin takes a long sigh, takes some clothes of the Sheriff,his armour and sword, and exits.

SCENE 15

The lodge in the square of Nottingham.A stake has been set up in the centre of the scene.

Prince John, Robin Hood/Sheriff, Marian, Little John and then Alan-a-Dale.Robin Hood disguised in the clothes and armour of the Sheriff and with a

helmet on his head.

Prince John. Dear Sheriff, why are you all covered? Are you afraid of Robin Hood shooting an arrow at your face?

He laughs.

Robin Hood/Sheriff. Oh, I am not afraid of anything. I have created a perfect plan. And… this helmet is… a sign for my men: when I take it off, they shall draw their weapons.

Prince John. I only see my men. And where are yours? I cannot see helmets nor armour.

The Sheriff takes an axe from the wall and prepares to hit Robin.Seeing that Robin is not moving, he throws an axe at him, too.

Robin remains impassive. Then, the Sheriff takes two swords from the wall and throws one to Robin.

Also in this case, Robin does not accept to fight.

Robin Hood. How many times have you and me fought?

Sheriff. A lot!

Robin Hood. How many times could you have killed me?

Sheriff. A lot.

Robin Hood. And do you think you ever went through with it?

Sheriff. Stop talking, fight.

The Sheriff launches himself towards Robin,but he dodges him without taking the sword.

Robin Hood. I tell you why…

The Sheriff tries to injure Robin, but he dodges him again.

Robin Hood. You need me… who would you be without me?

The Sheriff tries desperately to injure Robin, but he dodges him again.

Robin Hood. …An ordinary sheriff…

This time the Sheriff strikes Robin, injuring his arm.

Robin Hood (remains quiet and continues). …But now you shall be remembered as the biggest enemy of Robin Hood. It doesn’t sound good, does it?

Sheriff. I shall kill you!

He launches himself towards Robin who dodges him.The Sheriff stumbles and falls down.

42 43

Little John. At the cost of my life, Robin!

Little John takes Marian and exits. Robin is surrounded by the guards and the Prince.

The two of them fight against Robin.Alan-a-Dale arrives.

Alan-a-Dale. I heard your horn, Robin.

Robin Hood. Thank you, my friend.

Alan-a-Dale and Robin fight side by side. Robin injures the guards who run away.

Alan-a-Dale stares at Prince John.

Alan-a-Dale. A run would be good for you also, your Majesty.

The Prince figures out that the forces are unequal. He puts his sword down on the ground.

Prince John. Instead of fighting with me, you fight against me? One day you will pay dearly for that. (He yells.) Retreat! Stop with this farce! I have more important matters to deal with than playing war with you. I shall go. But remember all of you here…! Today you have had your victory, but when I become King, I shall remember this day… and then I shall return to deal with you!

He exits.Screams of victory and applauses of all the people.

Robin Hood and Alan-a-Dale hug.

SCENE 16

The forest.Alan-a-Dale, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlett e Marian celebrate.

Alan-a-Dale. Our battle is not over yet.

Robin Hood. It will never be over, sir Alan. There shall always be the fight against evil. But now it is time to celebrate victory! A little one, yes, but a very exciting one: at least one injustice has been avoided.

Robin Hood/Sheriff. I told them to dress like farmers to hide their swords…

Prince John (looks surprised). I would have never thought of that, you are turning into a great strategist.

Robin Hood/Sheriff. I have great enemies!

Prince John (laughs). You have a strange voice today…

Robin Hood/Sheriff. Well… I had a bad night…

Prince John (laughs). Oh really? I hope you shall not fall asleep in the best moment. Look, it is almost mid-day and Robin Hood has not appeared yet. I suggest that we start without him. (He yells.) Bring the young woman here!

Robin Hood/Sheriff. Let my men bring her here, your Majesty, they are the best.

Prince John. Ok, this is your fight.

Robin Hood winks at Little John.A moment later, Little John enters with Marian.

She is wearing a sack-cloth dress, messy hair and has a red sign on her chest.When Robin sees her, he clenches his fists and stands up.

Prince John. Relax, Sheriff.

Robin Hood/Sheriff. I must approach her.

Robin Hood goes down the lodge and approaches Marian.He takes off the hemlet and blows the horn.

When Prince John sees that it is Robin, he stands up.

Marian. Robin Hood!

His guard attack Robin Hood.

Robin Hood. Little John, take Marian... and this time take her to a safe place.

44 45

FROM THE EASTFROM THE WEST

EACH OF US TRYING OUR BESTCHASING A DREAM

BURNING TO FOLLOW THE FLAMEBANG THE DRUM A LITTLE LOUDERSO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR

THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEARSING THE SONG A LITTLE LONGERSO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR

THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR

FROM NEARFROM FAR

IT’S CLEAR WHEREVER YOU ARETHIS IS YOUR MOMENT

YOUR TIME TO RUN LIKE THE WINDDREAM BIGAIM HIGH

EVEN BELIEVE YOU CAN FLYGIVE IT YOUR ALL

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

BANG THE DRUM A LITTLE LOUDERSO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR

THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEARJUMP UP A LITTLE HIGHER

SO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN SEE YATHE WHOLE WORLD CAN SEE YA

SING THE SONG A LITTLE LONGERSO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEAR

THE WHOLE WORLD CAN HEARBANG THE DRUM A LITTLE LOUDERFOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO HEAR

THE WHOLE WORLD TO HEAR

BANG THE DRUM A LITTLE LOUDERSING THE SONG A LITTLE LONGER

BANG THE DRUM!

THE END

Alan-a-Dale. Robin Hood, it breaks my heart to leave you, but I must return to my wife and land. We shall meet again in the future, I promise.

He exits.

Friar Tuck. Oh yes, I love these moments. After a little physical exercise with the sword I have a good appetite.

He eats and drinks.

Robin Hood. My friends, as long as I live I shall fight on the side of good, of justice and of love.

He looks at Marian.

Friar Tuck. What did I say? Robin Hood is a hero! Robin Hood is the King of the poor!

Robin Hood approaches Marian and kisses her.

Robin Hood. Marian, please accept to be my wife!

Marian (happy and then pretends to be serious). I accept, but only with a condition!

Robin Hood. And what is that?

Marian (smiling). That Friar Tuck marries us!!!

Friar Tuck (emulating Marian). I accept, but only with a condition!

Robin Hood and Marian. And what is that?

Friar Tuck (smiling). That each day you bake me some hot bread!!!

Everyone laughs and hugs.

All. Long live Robin Hood and Marian, hip hip hooray!

They sing: “Bang the drum”.

YOU AND ITOGETHER WE REACH FOR THE SKY

IT’S NOT ABOUT WINNINGIT’S ALL ABOUT PLAYING THE GAME

ENJOY YOURSELF WITH OUR GAMES!Practical exercises edited by Gianfranca Olivieri

Theatrical Season 2017/2018

Robin Hood

SignatureDate

Il Palchetto Stage s.a.s. ai sensi e in conformità con l’art. 13, D. Lgs 30 giugno 2003 n. 196,informa che i dati raccolti saranno utilizzati per informarLa in merito a nuove iniziative.

Send all the original pages by 31/05/2018 to:

IL PALCHETTO STAGE s.a.s., Via Montebello 14/16 - 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA)You’ll receive a nice gift and you’ll have the chance to win a final prize!

FILL IN THE FORM IN BLOCK LETTERS USING A PEN

Surname: Name: F o M o

N.: Address:

Postcode: Town: Province:

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Date of birth:

School:

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English teacher:

1. Alan-a-Dale had to sell his horse not to lose his ..................... . 2. Robin Hood is the ...................... of the poor. 3. Robin Hood cuts a branch from a ...................... tree to put up a target. 4. Friar tuck has a ...................... for bread. 5. The Sheriff says: “I do not know of any ...................... who can beat me”. 6. Robin Hood says that the ...................... wants to kill him. 7. Prince John was able to ...................... a moving horse. 8. King Richard left the ...................... for the Crusade. 9. Marian says that the mill was the only thing she had ...................... .

Solution: .................................................................................................................................

1. PUZZLE

What is King Richard’s nickname?

Find the missing words in the sentences below, taken from the text and write them in the puzzle.

Now read the column under the arrow and you’ll find the solution.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Solution: ........................................................................................

2. RIDDLE

How can Robin Hood be defined? In box (A) there are 3 letters. Choose 2 of them and fill in the spaces in box (C), in order to obtain a meaningful word.

BOX (A) BOX (B) BOX (C)

Q L R L S _ U A _ E

E R W A _ R O _ S

A H G _ R C _ E R

O E M A R _ _ U R

N M H _ E L _ E T

N W D _ I N _ E R

Y A U C O _ N T _

E L R S I _ V _ R

Y H A B R _ N C _

F E H _ O R _ S T

W R E C O _ A _ D

P R L _ E O P _ E

O P C _ R I N _ E

Example Q R

Solution: ........................................ AND .........................................

1

J

2 3 4 5 96 10 11 12 13 147 8

BOX (C)

Now match letters and numbers in box (C) and you’ll find the solution.

Now read, vertically, the solution in box (B).

BOX (B)

PART 2 (ENDING)

D and the arrow that you won. E the fight against evil. F a law that I created. J I am sure that I shall lose. E shall be called a great hero. S enthusiastic about archery! U get a wink of sleep. T the guards at the gates. O then, I’ll shave it while it runs. I of water with my sword. M a healthy body. C to feed the poor. R to chose my destiny. E you must learn to defend yourself.

BOX (A)

PART 1 (BEGINNING)

1 I do not shoot if 2 You do not let me 3 Your majesty, I am very 4 The Sheriff has strengthened 5 I can repel each drop 6 You rob rich people 7 Life in the forest is hard 8 I cannot disobey 9 I prefer the freedom 10 Probably one day you 11 There shall always be 12 Here is the silver horn 13 Take a rabbit and let it run... 14 A healthy mind

3. LETTERS AND NUMBERS

What was very important for Robin Hood? 14 sentences, taken from the text, have been divided in two parts. Match each "beginning" in box (A), to its corresponding "ending", in box (B) in order to read the complete sentence.

4. GRID

How could we gauge Robin Hood’s success nowadays?

In the list below there are 16 verbs, taken from the text. Find them in the grid (vertically, horizontally, diagonally and backwards). The remaning letters will give you the solution.

1. BELIEVE2. CHOOSE3. COLLECT4. CONVINCE

5. CREATE6. EXCHANGE7. FOLLOW8. KNOW

9. LISTEN10. REJOIN11. RELEASE12. SEIZE

13. STEAL14. SURROUND15. THINK16. UNDERSTAND

U E C E C R E J O I N O

N S U N C O S E I Z E R

D O T I N N L A E T S E

E O G H I S I L F O L L

R H B E L I E V E L O E

S C W E R S O K N C N A

T E X C H A N G E O T S

A S U R R O U N D S C E

N O C I W C R E A T E A

D L M E W O L L O F D I

T H I N K L I S T E N A

Solution: .......................................................................................

5. A SPOT OF RELAXATION

What did the candle say to the other candle?

“Are you going out tonight?”

GO OUT = USCIRE - SPEGNERSI

I LOVE YOUMARIAN!

A WONDERFUL COUPLE!

A FUNNY COUPLE!

TEXT ANALYSIS

• The plot

1) Where does the story take place and who are the main characters?

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2) Robin is invited by Prince John to serve as an archer among his guards. Why does Robin refuse and who, on the contrary, would he like to serve?

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3) Why does Marian join Robin and his companions?...........................................................................................................................................................................

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4) Marian is kidnapped by the Sheriff: why? How does Robin manage to free her?

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5) On what condition does Marian accept to marry Robin?...........................................................................................................................................................................

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• The characters

6) List the names of three faithful companions of Robin and their characteristics.

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7) Who is Alan-a-Dale? What happened to him before he met Robin? ...........................................................................................................................................................................

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8) In scene 9, Lady Anne is at the altar next to the Sheriff… who is her true bridegroom and why is she marrying the Sheriff rather than him?

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• Literary and historical references

9) Where, and in which historical period does the legend of Robin Hood take place? Who was the legitimate English king at that time and why was he not in England?

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10) List the names of any other literary characters, who may be described as “honest villains” or “gentlemen thieves”, that you know?

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ROBIN HOOD · 2018. 12. 19. · ROBIN HOOD A literary adaptation inspired from the novel in...

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