Theatre Goes to War
By Kylelyn Wildes

	“Roland’s Song” weaves together the medieval tale of Roland with more contemporary war stories. (Photo by Jamie Bullins)

“Roland’s Song: A War Story,” written and directed by Atlanta playwright Margaret Baldwin, will be performed March 22–26 in the KSU Studio Theater. However, the play hit the road several weeks ago, touring to area schools and communities in what has become an annual tradition for the KSU Department of Theatre & Performance Studies. In each of the last several years, the department has created an original production specifically for this purpose.

“Le Chanson de Roland,” or “The Song of Roland,” is the oldest surviving French poem. This poem was written sometime between 1098-1100, which dates it to the First Crusade, a time when Europe was at odds and Christians were encouraged to take up arms against Islam. The story of Roland is based on legend. Roland is the nephew of Charlemagne and his right-hand man, who helps Charlemagne conquer lands and fight gallant battles.

Baldwin was approached by the KSU Department of T&PStudies and asked to write a play based on the epic poem of Roland, however, she wanted to make it relevant to today’s students. She accomplished this by weaving together the epic poem with thoughts and feelings from those involved in modern wars, such as Vietnam, World War II and the war in Iraq.

	“Roland’s Song” (Photo by Jamie Bullins)

The play not only tells a story, but addresses real issues that are always present during war; issues of friendship, love, and loyalty.

“Since we are at war, this piece gives the audience a good opportunity to examine their own perspective on war,” said Baldwin.

The process of how the play was written is also unique. Unlike most plays, where the script is written and then the show is cast, the first phase for “Roland’s Song” was to cast the actors. Not until this had been done, did the writing occur. “Roland’s Song” is an example of what is called an ensemble piece, or a piece that is written by the cast one part at a time. Seven KSU students play dozens of characters, from Kings of Spain, to brides to be and Vietnam Veterans.

To compose the play, Baldwin and the cast interviewed war veterans and people involved with or affected by present-day wars. The interviews were then turned into monologues and dialogues and woven together with the story of Roland.

Baldwin has thoroughly enjoyed working with KSU and the students, “ This has been a great process. It has been a great joy working with the students.”

Tickets for the KSU performances are $5. For information, contact the KSU Box Office at 770-423-6650.