"I have been a composer and writer all my life, and I have had a great passion for the beauty and skill of the martial arts. To me martial arts is a visual art like dance with some interesting differences. The martial arts deals with the character of the practitioner in ways other arts do not. There is truth in the art that is immediate.
When I wrote Knights, the main elements I was trying to capture were the growth of character through adversity and the folly of falling victim to the temptations of the world. Writing it as a musical allowed me to touch emotions that I was unable to express in words alone.
Working with this cast and staff has been a joy. Every one of the cast members has given many hours of martial arts practice as well as singing and acting rehearsal to bring this work to reality. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us.
Thank you."
John Oliver Peel Director
The purpose of the Martial Arts Theatre at the community level is to develop new works and provide learning opportunities for martial artists, dancers, actors, musicians, singers, and performers of many different disciplines. For audition inquiries contact: Valerie Houston-Peel info@martialartstheatre.net
