One of the most popular British tales of all time, “Young King Arthur” is the beloved story of a boy whose destiny is to become King. Long before Harry Potter and Dumbledore there was magical Merlin, the first master of wizardry, and Arthur, another ordinary, curious, thoughtful young boy. “Young King Arthur” takes place in old England, “in the misty time of long ago.” Battles rage and the people yearn for peace while they seek a powerful yet benevolent King, but first, Arthur has much to learn.
“The experiences of Arthur’s boyhood instill in him the qualities necessary to become King,” Burks said. “Children can learn how Arthur’s attitude positively affects others by observing actions that will eventually affect the fate of a nation.”
“Young King Arthur” begins with Arthur’s birth and chronicles his adventures up to age 12 and the very moment he pulls the sword from the stone.
The Arthur legend is based on folklore and literary invention, and debated by many scholars. As the Medieval British leader who defended Britain from human and mystical enemies, he is the subject of numerous histories and romantic tales. Like many other writers, B. Wolf used Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “History of the Kings of Britain” as a starting point for her adaptation, adding a unique tone of humor and charm.
Original characters, such as a sorceress owl named Ornithia and a Merlin hawk appear, and Merlin has many comical moments when he forgets his incantations, yet the primary theme of the story remains Arthur’s journey to the throne.
“Arthur is naturally so very good and kind-hearted,” Wolf said. “He meets Merlin and wants to learn magic, but Merlin has plans for him to do much more than conjure spells. In my story we get to see Merlin gently and cleverly guide Arthur to greatness, without Arthur even knowing it.”
Replete with castles, dragons, magic and mystery, “Young King Arthur” is filled with the thrills and enchantment the fable is known to convey.
Kathy Burks’ Theatre of Puppetry Arts is the oldest resident puppet theater in the southwest. Established in 1973, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is one of the few puppet theaters in the country that uses all styles of puppetry. In this production, the company seamlessly blends their style of Czech Black Theatre with elements of Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppetry where the puppeteer appears in full view. Although the puppeteers are seen, they appear neutral wearing all black and directing the viewer’s focus to the colorful, animated puppet. Marrying Eastern and Western puppetry art forms, Burks creates an exciting, dramatic rendition of the tale filled with all the grandeur, fantasy and fun of the most celebrated king in British lore.
Kathy Burks Theatre Company members performing in this production are Kathy Burks, Sally Fiorello, Douglass Burks, Becky Burks Keenan and Ziggy Renner.
“Young King Arthur” is the ultimate, original British adventure! Enjoyed by ages five and up.
Call the DCT Box Office at 214-740-0051. Tickets are also available on-line at dct.org. Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays.
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