General Notices

The Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) Theatre Arts Unit host the student led production, Theatre for Children at the Black Box, DCFA Agostini St.

On Saturday April 30 there will be two showings of Androcles and the Lion at 10am and 2pm and on Sunday May 1, there will be two showings of Chest of Dreams at 10am and 2pm.

To view the event’s flyer, please click here.

Tickets for Adults: $40; Children: $20.  

Limited seating will be reserved only for children; therefore parents can call to reserve tickets by contacting DCFA office at 663-2222 (direct line) or 662-2002 ext 82510/3792/3792 or email: maria.cruikshank@sta.uwi.edu.  

About Androcles and the Lion

Based on the Italian tale of “Androcles and the Lion” and adapted for the stage by Aurand Harris

This dramatisation of a classic Aesop’s fable is written in the theatrical style of Commedia dell ’Arte, addressing important social issues within a broad comedy.

At the heart of the story lies the unlikely friendship of a compassionate Roman slave, Androcles, and a lion. When Androcles encounters a lion roaring with pain, he bravely removes a thorn from a lion’s paw. The two part friends only to later find themselves thrown into the public Arena where they are to battle for their lives as amusement for the Emperor. The lion refuses to harm the man who once helped him and the Emperor, impressed that two “natural enemies” have found peace, grants freedom to them both.

Interwoven with this touching fable, is a tale of two people in love (Isabella and Lelio) being kept apart by a greedy uncle (Androcles’ master, Pantalone) and his vain but dim - witted guard (The Captain). With the help of Androcles’ quick-wit and use of disguise, the couple is ultimately able to marry.

About Chest of Dreams

The Chest of Dreams, is a play which transports children through a journey of imagination. Through music and play, it addresses situations which children struggle with every day. Lack of self-esteem, confidence and support from others are the negative feelings and situations conquered in this play.

It creates a fantasy world where Lily and her friends work together to strengthen each other to overcome obstacles by giving each other encouragement.  It is a world where you are very much an active participant be it, a pirate or a dancer, a singer or just a friend looking help Lily and her friends conquer their fears.

It is hoped that every child who participates in this production will be inspired to leave with a boost of confidence and a fresh outlook on the things they want to achieve in life and have the strength to work towards it, in spite of what others say.