Collectio Musicorum and The American Theatre of Actors Present THE DREAM OF THE ROOD

One stormy night in the 8th century, a solitary monk had a terrifying dream - He saw the crucifixion of Jesus firsthand and then the cross itself began to talk to him. Based on his vision, he composed a lengthy poem, now called The Dream of the Rood, one of the earliest pieces of poetry in English to survive, and one of the most amazing.

New York-based early music ensemble Collectio Musicorum, in conjunction with The American Theatre of Actors, presents a dramatic version of the poem, intersped with music from the Middle Ages. It will be performed on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM from March 21-24 and March 28-31, and on Sundays March 25 and April 1 at 2 PM at The American Theatre of Actors, 314 West 54th Street. Tickets are $15.00 and may be reserved by calling 212-581-3044.

The production is directed by Jeff S. Dailey, Collectio Musicorum's artistic director. Noted as a musicologist and theatre historian, Dr. Dailey is also a specialist in Anglo-Saxon poetry - with many publications on teaching Old English literature - and he has newly translated the ancient poem. He has also chosen a wide variety of early music to intersperse into the production, ranging from ancient Sarum chant to devotional songs from medieval England. Sarum chant - now virtually extinct - was the stylistically unique type of plainsong used in English churches until the Reformation.

The performers are Kaden Caldwell, Ryan Desaulniers, Benjamin Marcus, Galen Molk, Remy Muloway, Dan Wuerdeman, and David Yurch. They portray a group of monks singing and reciting the poem while acting out its deepest meanings. Dealing wuth the eternal issue of good versus evil, this medieval masterpiece is brought to life in time for Easter.
For further details, go to the productions website: htps://rood2018.wordpress.com . Tickets are also available from the Theater Developement Fund at tdf.org.

This production is in the running for an Innovative Theatre Award in the category of Performance Art. Details about these awards may be found here: www.nyitawards.com

Founded in 1976 by James Jennings, the American Theatre of Actors is one of New York City's oldest Off-Off Broadway theatres, presenting dozens of performances of both classical and contemporary plays each year.