The Spiriting Of Burd Ellen
Ron Nicol
Genre: Drama
Cast size: 10 + large ensemble
Duration: 45 mins approx
Ron Nicol | Fantasy | Young Cast | One Act | 4m, 3f, 3m/f+ large ensemble
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Based on a traditional folk tale and set in the Middle Ages, 'The Spiriting of Burd Ellen' tells of the mysterious disappearance of Burd Ellen, Childe Rowland’s sister. Rowland, reputedly a child of the legendary King Arthur, consults the wizard Merlin, who suspects that Ellen has been spirited away by the Elves. Ignoring the misgivings of his mother Queen Guinevere and the warnings of Merlin, Rowland courageously sets out alone on a perilous journey to the Dark Tower in the Land of Faery to rescue his sister.
On his way through the realm of the Elves Rowland encounters a Herdsman, a Cowherd and a Henwife who are in charge of the horses, hens and cows which belong to the awesome and all-powerful King of Elfland, and is given directions to the Dark Tower.
Rowland eventually finds the round green hill he’d been searching for. Uttering the magic spell he’d been given he enters the Dark Tower, to find that Burd Ellen and her Shadow have indeed been captured by the Elves. With a little assistance from Merlin, Rowland avoids a trap which would see him made captive should he eat any food in Elfland, and following a brief but successful fight with the King - who proves to be rather less than awesome and all-powerful than suggested - manages to obtain the release of his sister.
Rowland and Burd Ellen return to Camelot – but unfortunately not to the triumphant hero’s welcome from Guinevere and her court that Rowland had been expecting.
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