Adam de la Halle’s Le Jeu de Robin et Marion (The Play of Robin and Marion, 1283)

Organized by the UCLA Early Music Ensemble and UCLA Department of Musicology

The UCLA Early Music Ensemble, joined by internationally renowned vielle player/fiddler, Shira Kammen, presents a new adaptation of Adam de la Halle’s Le Jeu de Robin et Marion (The Play of Robin and Marion, 1283). Our new, English adaptation by Dr. Lawrence Rosenwald (Professor Emeritus, Wellesley College) tells the original tale of Maid Marion, Robin Hood, and their merry friends as they outsmart a cruel knight. Modern audiences of all ages will feel enchanted as actors and singers transport us to the thirteenth century with music performed on instruments from the Middle Ages. Pack a picnic basket and join us in our feast to celebrate the knight’s defeat!

This production is site-specific and takes place entirely outdoors on the grounds of the Clark Library. A limited number of audience chairs will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or low foldable chairs for additional seating.

The Clark Library property will open at 12:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to picnic on the grounds prior to the performance. No alcohol is permitted.

A casual prelude performance will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by a pre-performance lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Upton (Associate Professor, UCLA Department of Musicology) at 1:30 p.m. The mainstage production will begin at 2:00 p.m. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m.

Performance by the UCLA Early Music Ensemble, featuring: Laur Trustee (Marion), Olivia Pison (Knight), Charlotte Kelly (Robin), Lois McTrang (Peronelle), Miranda Claxton (Baudons), Abbey Thompson (Gautiers), and David Lerner (Huart).

Directed by Dr. Marylin Winkle (faculty, Department of Musicology); with Assistant Director Jillian Risigari-Gai (Teaching Assistant).

Featuring Guest Artist: Shira Kammen (vielle).

Translation by Dr. Lawrence Rosenwald (Professor Emeritus, Wellesley College).

This event will be held in-person and outdoors at the Clark Library. The event is free to attend. Registration has reached capacity; please fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.

Image: Opening page of Adam de la Halle, Le Jeu de Robin et Marion. 14^th century, France. Aix-en-Provence, Bibliothèque Méjanes, MS 166 (Res. ms. 14), fol. 1r. (Digitized image courtesy of Bibliothèque Méjanes, Aix-en-Provence.)