This December, the Black Unicorn Theater Group debuted in it’s dramatic play “The NightOwls Castle” by Franz Count of Pocci. The play is an 1871 work from medieval times with a touch of magic in its adaptation by Caledon’s own actor-director Shetty Aretheus (S. Aretheus).
The show starts with Casper (James Skandra) having fled to the deepest part of the woods, escaping past debt and other problems. There he meets the mysterious knight, Nightowl (Shetty Aretheus), who was once a brutal and feared knight from medieval times. Nightowl has been transformed into a birdlike creature, the result of a spell from an evil witch. Nightowl’s affliciton can only be cured by Casper’s medicinal feathers. Nightowl makes Casper an offer to have whatever Casper desires in the hopes of shedding this terrible curse. Casper transcends the price of his own faults, and finds out that the higher we rise the deeper we fall. Both Artheus and Skandra bring the story to life with their exceptional acting
At this point the rest of the cast of players are slowly presented.
Trilby Minotaur plays Annie a tavern maid, Adversarius Mancini plays Fowler, a peasant, and Mr. Miller an advisor. Star plays Olbert, a peasant, and Mr. Richard Pennington, an advisor. Adi plays a farmer. All actors turn in excellent performances.
The audience is drawn to Minotaur’s character Annie, a simple tavern maid, with the same passion she has for Casper, in an excellent performance. Minotaur’s character Annie is a perfect portrayal of a love lost tavern maid who does not give up on the man she has fallen in love with.
The costume design carefully chosen by Shetty Artheus is historically accurate and aids in the storytelling. The set design is courtesy of Artheus in conjunction with Samantha E. Gardner (Technician and Editor) who seamlessly controlled the props and lights.
Many thanks to Holly Deni (photographer) and Alex Singleton_(security) who provided their talents to make the performance spectacular.
The play, delivered via text, allowed each actor, from the smallest role to the largest, to utilize unscripted avatar movement and transcend the audience into memorable moments. The choreography is just enough for each actor to perform it well, yet diverse enough to hold the audience’s attention.
I’ve seen virtual plays done many times, usually in voice, and this was definitely my favorite production in SL. It is a great day for the Arts in Caledon. I found myself smiling throughout.
I suggest you attend the encore set for January. See the program for character biographies and background on the play.. — Soup Jonson
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