Ever wondered how it was to live in the medieval times along with knights, peasants and royalty? Well, the Resonance Story Theatre brought the experience to UVU’s ExBox on Oct. 7-9 with King Arthur and the Round Table Troubadours.
As put by one of the cast members, the troubadours would be the modern-day equivalent of Spongebob Squarepants, CSI and American Idol, giving their spectators both entertainment and the news of the country. Being a play within a play, the actors playing troubadours were also reflecting historical characters, which helped audiences feel like they were literally in the time period.
In number, the cast was minimal but packed a huge punch of energy and quickened pace. The troop of poor and starving troubadours (Winifred, Eleanor, Geoffrey and Bartholomew) staged an interactive performance by telling the underdog narrative of King Arthur. Humorous and quick-witted, they outlined the legendary king’s origins of being adopted into peasantry by Merlin, his life as a humble squire and pulling Excalibur from the stone to claim possession of the throne. The familiar story was made fresh with twists of witty modern day references and lingo.
Afterward, they performed another Arthurian tale that was not as familiar. This account told of how King Arthur was faced by an opponent to solve the riddle, “What do women want more than anything in all the world?” to prevent his assassination. As he searched for an entire year with his most trusted knight, Sir Galahad, they discovered the answer from a hag that exchanged the answer for Sir Galahad’s hand. The story and performance got a little complicated and comical after that as the troubadour worked to squirm out of his marriage responsibilities.
The production was very much similar to the Shrek movies, incorporating the best of medieval times into a modern day slapstick-fest. Both young and old were entertained with its clever humor and hastened speed. By incorporating youngsters into the mix of theatrical chaos, the production gave way to heaps of belly laughs. References to contemporary pop-culture staples served as an inside joke to the older members of the audience. Ridiculous merriment sprinkled on the 50-minute scene like individual signs to the audience such as “Boo,” “Gasp” and “Cheer” assisting the spectators to contribute to the energy.
The troubadours executed their purpose to educate and entertain in a wonderful, well-designed way that left all spectators with side-stitches as consequence of the many laughs.
