Androcles and the Lion

By G.B. Shaw

Directed by Richard DiPrima

The story of Androcles and the Lion, was retold in many forms, and became one of the most famous of Aesop's fables. In the early 1900s, George Bernard Shaw adapted the story as a play resetting it in the early Christian days of the Roman Empire. Androcles, an animal-loving tailor, and his fellow Christians are going to be thrown to the lions unless they renounce their new religious beliefs. But the Roman masters do not count on one lion's gratitude -- and his long memory! Aesop's fables all had morals. The moral for this one was, "Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." That and other messages about what happens when new beliefs clash with established power are part of Shaw's message, too, in this very funny short play.

Produced by Young Shakespeare Players at 1806 West Lawn Ave, Madison, WI

Performances: February 2 - 11, 2007

Performance Times: Feb. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 at 6 p.m.; Feb. 11 at 4 p.m.

Ticket Prices: FREE

Call 258-0015 for reservations or more information.