from Doug Bechtel

The cast of "Arthur: the Hunt" in rehearsals.

The cast of “Arthur: the Hunt” in rehearsals.

The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces seven performances of the second play in the King Arthur series: “Arthur: The Hunt” by Seattle playwright Jeff Berryman. In 2010, we presented the first play in the series, “Arthur: The Begetting”. At the end of that play, Uther Pendragon and Igraine gave the baby Arthur to the Merlin who sent the young boy into northern Britain for his protection. The current play, “Arthur: The Hunt”, takes place twenty years later. War and time has lost track of Arthur. The Merlin is searching frantically for the lost king who will unite Britain and push back the Anglos, Saxons and Irish that raid the many small kingdoms. While he searches, he attempts to build alliances between small kingdoms for self protection.

Told from the point of view of Arthur’s half sister, Morgan, “Arthur: The Hunt” gives us a view into politics, relationships, squabbles and in-fighting among the small, separate kingdoms struggling in their fights with raiders from other lands and nearby kings seeking to expand their kingdoms.

“Arthur: The Hunt” has a talented cast made up of experienced actors including Cara Russell as Morgan, Creighton Hofeditz as Bledri, Tom Fiscus as Emrys, Freddy Hinkle as King Cadwallan, Kate Hansen as Gwenhwyfar, Zach Schwartz as Cullen and Hunter Bosley as King Uriens.

“Arthur: The Hunt” opens on Friday, August 30th with additional performances on Saturday, August 31st, Saturday, September, 7th, Sunday, September 8th, Friday, September 13th, Saturday, September 14th and closing night, Sunday, September 15th. All performances will be at the Grange, beginning at 7:30 pm except the Sunday, September 8th performance which will be a matinee at 2:30 pm. at the Orcas Grange between August 30th and September 15th. There is no performance on Friday, September 6th.

This play is suitable for all but the youngest children. Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvills Bookstore, on-line at www.orcasactors.com and at the door. For additional information contact the Director, Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.