Three performers, cardboard cutouts, tiny puppets and a pair of swords. That’s all it takes for Scotland’s Visible Fictions theater company to present “The Mark of Zorro,” their charmingly low-tech show about the legendary masked avenger.
The title character, whom pulp fiction writer Johnston McCulley created in 1919, reached the silent screen a year later and has been a pop-culture icon ever since.
Zorro’s secret identity is one Don Diego de la Vega, a young nobleman living in the Spanish colony of California in the early 1800s. After his father’s struck down by a Spanish soldier, Diego vows to defend the people against oppression while posing as a naive stable boy for the governor, Don Carlos.
“Never fight for vengeance,” the dying father tells his grieving son. “Fight only for justice.”
Fittingly beginning with the phrase “Once upon a time,” this fast-paced adaptation — geared for ages 7 and up — depicts Zorro’s efforts to defeat the villainous Esteban, captain of the Royal Guard. Not only is Esteban intent on seizing power, but he’s after the governor’s beautiful young daughter Isabella.
So, too, is Diego, but — shades of “Superman” — Isabella only has eyes for his dashing, masked alter-ego.
Tim Settle, Denise Hoey and Neil Thomas skillfully play all the major roles and several supporting ones as well, including that of a screeching parrot. When a character rides a horse, he holds up cardboard representations of its head and tail, even dropping a few cardboard droppings along the way.
Director Douglas Irvine keeps the action moving at a breakneck pace, while designer Robin Peoples’ ingenious props and puppets convey everything from billowy clouds to Zorro fleeing Esteban’s minions across rooftops.
The only real props are the rapiers, which Zorro and Esteban flourish in a couple of thrilling sword fights. David Trouton’s rousing, pre-recorded musical score adds to the excitement, giving the proceedings a cinematic feel.
The young audience erupted in cheers the other day when Zorro finally donned his trademark black outfit, complete with mask, cape and hat. It was enough to make them forget that other costumed hero, Spider-Man, battling the forces of evil right next door.