Ballad of the Merry Folx

What if a pastor from Sherwood wrote and directed a musical about Robin Hood? That’s what’s happening this summer. I’ve created the “Ballad of the Merry Folx”, a rollicking original musical that lovingly recaptures the anarchic spirit of the medieval source material and infuses it with humor and relevance. The music is a mix of Folk, Americana, and Punk, with ripping fiddle solos, and refrains that will make you stomp and clap, reminiscent of Hadestown or Oklahoma, with a pinch of Newsies, and played by a live folk band.

Ballad of the Merry Folx is a story about resilience and the power of community. This energetic reimagining of Robin Hood for our times follows a young professional Marian, recently moved to the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of New Nottingham, only to get embroiled in the conflict between her unhoused neighbors, the landlords, and the Sheriff. Laugh, cheer, and sing along with Robin and the Merry Folx as they hatch an audacious plan to steal a life of dignity for all.

In addition to adapting stories from the Child Ballads, I drew upon my own experience as an organizer and activist in the Portland metro region during a period when incursions by white nationalist groups and extreme use of force by the police were a regular occurrence. The characters of the Robin Hood legends have inspired rebels for centuries, and their brand of merry mischief remains timelessly appealing today.

As with all local performance arts, this production is made possible by the support of our audiences and the generosity of donors. If you’d like to support Ballad of Merry Folx production costs or donate tickets so we can offer complimentary seats to some of our unhoused neighbors, please email me at: aricclark33@gmail.com

Performances of Ballad of Merry Folx run from August 15th-31st at the Samaritan Odd Fellows Lodge 10282 SE Main Street Milwaukie, Oregon. Get your tickets now: https://torchsongentertainment.square.site/