The story of Robin Hood is familiar to many, with his ragtag group of Merry Men and their classic mission of stealing from the rich to give to the poor. 

However, the UNC Wilmington’s Department of Theatre will soon be putting on a performance that puts a new spin on the classic tale for their 2019 production season. Premiering Feb. 21, at the Mainstage Theatre in the UNCW Cultural Arts Building, is “Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood.”

Written by Adam Szymkowicz and directed by UNCW Theatre Department associate profressor Robin Post, this comedic romp through the famous Sherwood Forest works to confront traditional notions of gender and sexuality with a gender-bending Maid Marian in disguise as Robin Hood and the beloved Merry Men questioning their sexualities as they try to find the line between romance and ‘bromance.’ 

The topics this play deals with are especially timely given the current climate concerning gender and sexuality. As Tony Choufani, the actor playing Prince John, said, “This play is important because it highlights many of the issues we face in our lives right now. Income inequality, bigotry, and abuse of power are illustrated in Prince John’s character, while Marian (Robin Hood) and her merry men represent the diversity and acceptance of all walks of life, and their pursuit to find happiness and safety.” 

“Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood” will run at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Show dates are Feb. 21-24 and Feb. 28 – March 3. Student tickets are $6. For more information, please visit: 

https://uncw.edu/theatre/Productions/Marian.html