It has been said that there are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth. We rarely get a chance to examine multiple perspectives of the same moment in history, especially when that moment happened hundreds of years ago in a land far away. However, we in the Fayetteville community have such an opportunity with Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s upcoming productions.
This June, the local theatre ensemble renowned for its distinctive storytelling, immersive staging, and the harmonious integration of music will embark on a theatrical endeavor unlike any other in its history. Sweet Tea Shakespeare will present two distinct yet intertwined productions in repertory: William Shakespeare's compelling history play, King John, and the beloved folk tale of Robin Hood.
These two narratives, seemingly disparate at first glance, will run concurrently, each playing on alternating nights on the intimate basement stage of the Arts Council building at 301 Hay Street. This ambitious approach to performance, presenting two full productions with significant overlap in cast and creative teams, marks a groundbreaking "in repertory" debut for Sweet Tea Shakespeare, promising a rich and multifaceted theatrical experience for local audiences.
King John, a lesser-known gem in Shakespeare's historical canon, takes us into a turbulent time in England’s history. The play grapples with the precarious legitimacy of King John's reign, a throne constantly threatened by internal betrayal and the looming specter of war. As the kingdom teeters on the brink, John must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal vendettas to secure his crown and safeguard his realm. Sweet Tea Shakespeare's production of King John is led by a dynamic trio of directors: Jeremy Fiebig, Jennifer Pommerenke, and Jessica Osnoe, each bringing their unique vision to this complex historical drama.
Robin Hood is a familiar tale of the outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor. A figure of unwavering moral conviction, Robin Hood stands in stark opposition to the corrupt machinations of the King and his ruthless enforcers, most notably the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham. In a world rife with political corruption, Robin Hood and his Merry Men embody a spirit of rebellion and a commitment to rectifying societal imbalances. Sweet Tea’s production of Robin Hood is directed by Jessie Wise, who is also the company’s executive director and CEO.
The two productions employ mostly the same cast which presents some unique opportunities and challenges. When asked about the experience, Venus Bess, who plays Lady Verysdale in Robin Hood and Blanche in King John, as well as other small roles in both plays, said that she was worried about it in the beginning but as rehearsals have progressed, it was working out to be less stressful than initially expected.
Three directors leading one play is another unique aspect that is not often seen. Cast member Izaiah Zapata explained that the team of Fiebig, Pommerenke, and Osnoe is working together really effectively. They each bring a different perspective and expertise that helps to create a cohesive and robust production.
Performance dates are as follows:
• King John: June 5, 7, 13, 15, 19, and 21
• Robin Hood: June 6, 8, 12, 14, 20, and 22
Tickets are available at sweetteashakespeare.com. Discounts are available for students, military, and seniors.