Actors Theater Tells of the Beginnings of the Arthurian Legend

Valerie Buxbaum, playing Igraine, entreats Gaius, played by Freddy Hinkle in Arthur, The Begetting, playing the first two weekend in September

Arthur, The Begetting opens at the Grange Sept. 3

The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces five performances of Arthur, The Begetting by Seattle playwright and actor, Jeff Berryman. This powerful play is the first in a series of plays retelling the story of King Arthur.

Valerie Buxbaum portrays Igraine, Queen of Dumonia and  furutre mother of King Arthur. The play follows Igraine  from the day of her marriage to Teyrnon, King of Cornwall, played by Zack Knight, to a time twelve 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 that convince her that she will have a son (Arthur) who will be the High King who will unite Britain.  Igraine struggles to understand conflicting and unclear visions of who is to be the father of the coming child; besides her husband Teyrnon,  she considers Emrys Powys, played by Indy Zoeller, and Uther Pendragon, played by Evan Buxbaum, who are also vying 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.

Jerry Kraft, in his review for TheatreSeattle.com said, “[Arthur, the Begetting“is] a play that rewards the close-listening it requires with a wealth of beautifully crafted and elegant language. The emotions are raw and unbridled, often starkly emphatic, but never simple or one-dimensional…a mature, complex, and engaging drama…THIS WAS A GREAT EVENING IN THE THEATRE.”

Doug Bechtel, the director says: “Arthur, The Begetting is one of those plays you don’t want to miss. If you miss it, you will regret it.  It’s a special evening of theater.”

There will be just five performances of Arthur, The Begetting: Friday, September 3rd, Saturday, September 4th and Friday through Sunday, September 10th through September 12th. All performances will be at 7:30 pm 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, on-line at www.orcasactors.com or at the door. For additional information contact Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.