The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces five performances of “Arthur, The Begetting” by Seattle playwright and actor Jeff Berryman. The play is the first in a series that retells the story of King Arthur.
The play follows Igraine, Queen of Dumonia, played by Valerie Buxbaum, from the day of her marriage to Teyrnon, King of Cornwall, played by Zack Knight, to a time 12 years later when Ambrosius, the warlord who has briefly united Britain after the retreat of the Romans, has been murdered. The assailant is unknown and suspicions are flying among the competitors for his vacant throne.
Igraine has visions which convince her that she will have a son (Arthur) who will be the High King who will unite Britain. As Igraine struggles to understand conflicting and unclear visions of who is to be the father of the coming child, Teyrnon, Emrys Powys, played by Indy Zoeller, and Uther Pendragon, played by Evan Buxbaum, vie for the vacant throne. Layered on top of this story is the politics of building Britain from a number of small kingdoms to a united country capable of defending itself from the Saxons, Picts, Irish and others who constantly attack the small kingdoms. The conflict between the fading pagan beliefs and Christianity further complicates the story.
The cast also includes Freddy Hinkle as Gaius, the Roman-trained doctor who may know more about Ambrosius’ death than he is saying, and Ariel Vergen as Anna, the daughter of Igraine and Teyrnon.
“‘Arthur, The Begetting’ is one of those plays you don’t want to miss,” said director Doug Bechtel. “If you miss it, you will regret it. It’s a special evening of theater.”
There will be just five performances: Friday, Sept. 3, Saturday, Sept. 4, and Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10 through Aug. 12. All performances will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Grange. Due to some minor violence and mild sexual references, this play may not be suitable for very young children.
Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvill’s Book Store, online at www.orcasactors.com or at the door. For additional information contact Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.
