Off Center Staunton will present six performances of a puppet rock opera adaptation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight during Queen City Mischief & Magic.
Davey White of Staunton said the show is an “irreverent adaption” of the Arthurian legend, which was written in the 14th century by an unknown author.
“The story’s about: Arthur is at court. He’s bored and he wants games to entertain himself and Guinevere,” White said.
A stranger known as “the Green Knight” appears with a challenge: whoever beheads him with an ax must allow the Knight to behead them also. “Arthur’s” nephew, “Sir Gawain,” accepts the Knight’s challenge.
The show contains violence (beheading) and kissing, but White said children are welcome and age appropriateness is the decision of parents.
Hot Mamas singer and musician Maria Leckey wrote music to play on her acoustic guitar during the show.
“It’s definitely rocking,” White said.
White said that mischief and magic have been going on much longer than Staunton‘s QCMM, which began in 2017.
“I love Harry Potter, but, you know what I love more? The idea of a mischief and magic festival and, when we were talking about stories that were full of mischief and magic, ‘The Green Knight’ comes right to mind,” White said of the reason for performing the puppet show during QCMM.
Each performance is 30 minutes at Poe’s Place, 16 W. Beverley Street, Staunton, and will be on Saturday, September 28 at noon, 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at noon and 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door (cash or credit cards accepted) and online.
A full schedule of events during QCMM is also available online.
Related stories:
Staunton: Queen City Mischief & Magic creates weekend escape (augustafreepress.com)
Staunton: Queen City Mischief & Magic races raise funding for Blue Ridge CASA (augustafreepress.com)
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Rebecca Barnabi
