For almost 50 summers, the second-year students at the Theater Academy have played children’s shows in the circus tent at the Monolitten in Oslo. The summer theater is a big project for the students. They are trained in entrepreneurship and run everything at the show themselves: from choosing the play to finance, scenography, tent rigging, ticket sales, kiosk and PR. But most importantly: They gain experience in playing theater for children. This year’s litter delivers well. KNOWN HISTORY: It is the fourth time in nearly 50 years that the students choose to stage the story of Robin Hood. From left: Alfred Ekker Strande as Brother Tuck, Filip Kremner as Robin Hood, Erik Pelin and Jenny Mueni Ndunda as two guards. Photo: Ousu Leigh This year, Robin Hood and his lawless gang are ready to welcome the children in the tent. The choice of story can hardly be accidental at a time when many Norwegians are struggling financially. The tale of the English archer hero, who since the Middle Ages has been known to take from the rich and give to the poor, is played out full of liberating slapstick and with a high trickery and disguise factor. Convoluted start The story is well put together and is clear and recognizable to those who know it. Director Tony Totino, a pioneer in improvisational theater in Norway, has found free and redemptive humor together with the theater students. The story is nevertheless convoluted at the start. The energy in the ensemble is high, but the text is aimed at adults (for example, in jokes about meat-free kindergartens). The opening scene, which will introduce the children to the Robin Hood universe, establishes the action quickly and vaguely. With a little less haste here, the seriousness of the Sheriff’s greedy tax collection would also have become heavier. STRENGTHENED BOW: Robin Hood (Filip Kremner) demonstrates archery skills to the guards (Erik Pelin and Jenny Mueni Ndunda). Photo: Ousu Leigh Sheriff is boss It is only when the Sheriff of Nottingham (Mina Try) enters the scene that the children are truly included in the story. She looks at the children with a semi-evil sheriff look, takes her time and establishes the dynamic between stage and hall, a dynamic the play depends on and builds up to. From then on, the show is in place and the children are hooked. Try as the Sheriff and Mie Korsbakken Christensen as Little John both have a clear and good connection with the children’s audience, a sharp and smart look. From a slightly packed and directionless start with a large dose of adult humour, the children are now an important part of the narrative. GRISK: No doubt who is the greedy boss in Nottingham. Mina Try (centre) as the sheriff leaves no doubt that money matters the most – at the same time she makes the sheriff a complex character. Even during the applause, she is in character. Here she is worn by Erik Pelin and Alfred Ekker Strande. Photo: Ousu Leigh Leveling All the old tricks in the book work: Little John hides and pulls pranks on the stupid sheriff guards time after time – to the cheers and delight of the audience. The scene works well due to Christensen’s good timing and the performance’s belief in repeating what is fun. In another scene, the children are tasked with telling Robin Hood (Filip Kremner) if any scary people pass by while he is taking a nap – Robin naturally misunderstands all the warnings, and the children become all the more engaged. JOKE OR FACT? Many attempts have been made to prove Robin Hood’s existence. He has probably never been found, but the story has been handed down as oral legends about a forest spirit. Here is the cover of a Norwegian book publication from 1927. Photo: Gyldendal The sheriff is stupid and rich and mean with a clarity that is complex at the same time. Here, the ensemble has developed a character that is impossible to dismiss because it is multifaceted and interesting. That the punishment for greed is picking up rubbish (and not being thrown to the crocodiles in the moat) is entirely in the spirit of the Sommerteaterets. This year’s cohort has worked with sustainability and social equalization as pillars of the project. Among other things, they have created a support scheme where a number of tickets are distributed free of charge to families with children via Fattighuset in Oslo. TESTED: Robin Hood must be tested before being taken in by Little John and the Merry Squad. Here he takes the cane test. During the performance, the whole ensemble gets to show off their stick fighting skills. In front: Mie Korsbakken Christensen as Little John, on her shoulders: Robin Hood (Filip Kremner). Back: Erik Pelin and Jenny Mueni Ndunda. Photo: Ousu Leigh Fortellerglede At the same time, the acting students know that among the audience will be theater managers and other important people scouting for talent. All the more important, then, to do like the Sheriff and Little John: Turn your attention to the children, their most important audience. Take your time, let them finish laughing before the story moves on, trust in the joy of the unpredictability that lies in the close, magical meeting between children and actors that this very warm tent stage can offer. This year’s edition of the Sommerteatret in Frognerparken shines with the joy of a good story and all the fun it can contain. The old theater tricks stand like a stake – over and over again. An hour in the warmth of the tent is absolutely worth it. news reviews Photo: Ousu Leigh Title: “Robin Hood” Where: In Frognerparken, Oslo Who: Sommerteatret (students in the second year at the Theater Academy) Actors: Alfred Ekker Strande, Erik Pelin, Jenny Mueni Ndunda, Julie Bunimowicz, Mina Try, Filip Kremner, Miriam KM Majcherek and Mie Korsbakken Christensen Director: Tony Totino Scenographer: Thomas Underhaug Fosseli Costume design: Molly Raak Graphic designer: Maija Uleberg Date: 16 June-23. July 2023 Hear Sven Nordin as Robin Hood in this audio game for children from 1988: BRØDRENE DAL I news TV: See Gaus, Roms and Brumund be surprised by Robin Hood and his men in “Brødrene Dal og spectralsteinene” from 1981.
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“Robin Hood” in Frognerparken – Reviews and recommendations
