What I've Written (the long stuff) The Last South "Tumblin' Down" Roland The Witch of December The Count of Monte Cristo |
G. M. Calhoun
ROLAND
Setting: 12th century Moorish Spain
Format: Stage play, Dramatists Guild modern
Background
My first play script was freely adapted from the medieval French epic poem LA
CHANSON DE ROLAND. The large cast means it will never be professionally
produced. However, schools and colleges often like a lot of students up on stage.
No attempt was made to be a literal translation. The poem is not a play; different
dramatic media have different properties. To turn it into a play I kept the major
events, filled in huge gaps of story, created relationships, fleshed out the characters,
and gave them motivations.
The major theme is pride going to great lengths.
A rhyming dictionary was well-thumbed to help create dialogue. To adhere somewhat
to the style of the ancient poem, the play is written entirely in orignal rhyming iambic
pentameter. Yes, I had a lot of time on my hands then. I still have the patience and
determination.
The historical events of the poem are in the 8th century but the poem reflects when it
was written down in the 12th century. I went with the latter period for the play.
To help with the medieval setting, I chose to create a unique play structure meeting
halfway between Shakespearean and classical Greek.
Writing Sample Setup
Ganelon, a noble in Charlemagne’s service, hates the popularity and prowess of the
ultimate heroic knight Roland, his stepson. Ganelon arranged for the pride of
Charlemagne’s army to fall into a deadly Moorish trap.
Though too late to save Roland and the thousands of soldiers with him, Charlemagne
did arrive to take the field and arrest Ganelon.
Now Charlemagne and his wounded advisor Naimon begin the trial of Ganelon.
Setting: 12th century Moorish Spain
Format: Stage play, Dramatists Guild modern
Background
My first play script was freely adapted from the medieval French epic poem LA
CHANSON DE ROLAND. The large cast means it will never be professionally
produced. However, schools and colleges often like a lot of students up on stage.
No attempt was made to be a literal translation. The poem is not a play; different
dramatic media have different properties. To turn it into a play I kept the major
events, filled in huge gaps of story, created relationships, fleshed out the characters,
and gave them motivations.
The major theme is pride going to great lengths.
A rhyming dictionary was well-thumbed to help create dialogue. To adhere somewhat
to the style of the ancient poem, the play is written entirely in orignal rhyming iambic
pentameter. Yes, I had a lot of time on my hands then. I still have the patience and
determination.
The historical events of the poem are in the 8th century but the poem reflects when it
was written down in the 12th century. I went with the latter period for the play.
To help with the medieval setting, I chose to create a unique play structure meeting
halfway between Shakespearean and classical Greek.
Writing Sample Setup
Ganelon, a noble in Charlemagne’s service, hates the popularity and prowess of the
ultimate heroic knight Roland, his stepson. Ganelon arranged for the pride of
Charlemagne’s army to fall into a deadly Moorish trap.
Though too late to save Roland and the thousands of soldiers with him, Charlemagne
did arrive to take the field and arrest Ganelon.
Now Charlemagne and his wounded advisor Naimon begin the trial of Ganelon.