Androcles and the Lion

Buon giorno! (Hello!)

Welcome to the USQ Performance Centre's 2004 Children's Theatre Week production of Androcles and the Lion, directed by Associate Professor Kate Foy.

Androcles and the Lion is a farcical tale adapted from an Aesop's fable by American children's playwright, Aurand Harris in 1963. The story recounts the animated adventure of the hero/servant, Androcles, performing a good deed and having it returned. Set in Renaissance Italy and based on Commedia dell'arte (Theatre of Actors) for both the story and performance style, Androcles and the Lion is a joy to watch for any age. The lazzi (slapstick) style humour will bring giggles to the lips and the fun nature of Harris's play is a perfect way to introduce children to the world of theatre.

The play brings many issues to the forefront of our minds, and even has some very relevant links to some of the issues that our country and the world face today. Will the Lion ever be freed from his slavery, and will his attempt to help his friend Isabella escape from the evil watch of Pantalone work out for them both? On the way to answering these questions, many of the themes become evident to the audience and help them to understand the concept of friendship, trust and freedom.

These Teachers' Notes provide you with information about our interpretation of the text and details about the production process. They cover the elements of design and look closely at the history of lazzi, Commedia dell'arte and the various themes and issues raised in the story.