Jerusalem themes and myths
Wild Will’s Outdoor Production of Jerusalem introduces all the raw energy, folklore, and tension of Jez Butterworth’s acclaimed play.
Enter the Forest, Meet the Myth
Step beyond the garden gate and into a hidden corner of English woodlands, where folklore and rebellion are alive and well. Wild Will’s outdoor production of Jerusalem isn’t just a play, it’s a visceral journey into the soul of modern Britain. Set on St George’s Day in the depths of a Wiltshire forest, Jerusalem pits ancient myth against creeping modernity, personal freedom against public order, and wildness against the sterile stamp of progress.
At its centre stands Johnny “Rooster” Byron: outcast, story-spinner, ex-stuntman, and accidental prophet. Loved by misfits, loathed by officials, and haunted by England’s past, Rooster’s encampment becomes the stage for a last stand, part rave, part ritual, part reckoning.
This is theatre unbound: raw, immersive, elemental. Performed under open skies and amongst trees, our Jerusalem draws you into a living myth, where every branch crackles with tension and every word pulses with heart.
Key themes
1. Myth, Lies and Modern British Identity
Johnny “Rooster” Byron spins fantastical tales, lies or myths, that blur reality and folklore. These tall stories aren’t malicious; they create emotional resonance in a world that might otherwise feel empty.
2. Reclaiming the Green & Natural World
Set in a rural Wiltshire wood on St George’s Day, the play throws the natural world into stark relief against encroaching housing developments. Rooster protects the forest and his freedom, reflecting a raw, elemental love for wildness.
3. Authority vs Radical Individualism
Local councillors demand Rooster’s eviction, risking the livelihoods of his rag‑tag community. The play becomes a battleground between official structures and the hero's chaotic, anti‑heroic spirit..
4. Community, Protection, and Outsiders
Though Rooster is a marginal figure — an ex‑stuntman, drug dealer and squatter — he attracts a motley crew of teens and misfits, offering them the freedom and acceptance they crave.
Central relationship
Johnny “Rooster” Byron & the Teens
Rooster acts as a surrogate father figure; charming, reckless, wryly philosophical. He encourages confrontation with norms, yet shields his followers from authority’s reach.
Rooster & His Son, Marky
In quieter, poignant moments, Rooster shares glimpses of vulnerability and legacy with Marky, teaching survival but also revealing his frailty.
Rooster & Council Reps (Parsons & Fawcett)
The play unfolds in opposition to the council’s attempts to evict Rooster on St George’s Day; a symbolic clash of tradition and contemporary suburban life.
Rooster & Phaedra
A romantic question, poignant link blossoms between Rooster and Phaedra. Their tender connection pierces the rough edges and emotional turmoil of his world.
Jerusalem play FAQs
Experience Jerusalem outdoors
Experience the untamed, mythic spirit of Rooster Byron under Devon skies with Wild Will. Our performance of Jerusalem invites contemplation, thrills, and connection to the land and to one another.