Sometime in the 8th century, a monk in England wrote a poem describing the incredible vision he had.

That poem is now called The Dream of the Rood.

Come experience the live theatrical version of this poem.

American Theatre of Actors from March 21st through April 1st, 2018.

Devised & Directed by Jeff Dailey, who also translated the poem, The Dream of the Rood is a theatrical and musical experience bringing to life this incredible apparition.

“The Dream of the Rood” is an Old English poem about a talking cross – specifically, the cross on which Christ was crucified. Once a vehicle for administering punishment to the oppressed, the cross is now a symbol of salvation, encrusted with jewels and shining like a beacon, even though the narrator can still glimpse blood flowing from beneath its lavish covering. All this is well and good, and it’s a lovely poem with plenty of Old English flavor. But when I heard about Jeff S. Dailey’s stage adaptation of “The Dream of the Rood,” I doubted it could be successful. Though beautiful, this is definitely an odd poem: its main character is a talking cross. How on earth could anyone translate that into a play that doesn’t come across as laughable? The answer: with great sensitivity. And against all odds, that’s what Dailey’s production hinges on. Far from being boring, laughable, or trying too hard, this adaptation (presented by The American Theatre of Actors and Collectio Musicorum, Inc.) is a surprisingly imaginative, enjoyable, and moving fifty minutes of theatre. The production begins with the lights out. A quivering fire throws huge shadows on the theatre walls, and we hear the win …Read more