One has to be careful of course, because wolf has been cried so many times. The TV age, digital games, mobile phones, apps… each has been blamed for a change in the way children see the world, and a decline in their imaginative powers.
The counterbalance to this decline is of course the creative arts, wherein children become involved in, and witness a professional performance right in front of them. It is the prime way in which the spirit of imagination can be rekindled.
Which is also where crying wolf comes in, for Aesop’s tale—which was created 2500 years ago—is as vibrant and stimulating for children now, as it was then.
And that is why our team of three professional actors visit schools across the country and over the course of a day work with individual classes. The children assist with the creative preparation for a show which grows from Aesop’s tales, creating elements of the set, writing their own short stories, etc.
Once the team has spent approximately half an hour with each class, all classes come together to experience Aesop’s Fab Fables. Performed by the actors, this is a 45 minute show suitable for both KS1 and KS2 children based on three of the classic stories.
The approach works as a great introduction to live theatre as it breaks down the barriers between performers and audience, stimulates creativity, and rewards the pupils who will see the fruits of their labour employed in the show.
Aesop’s Fab Fables is available for in-school performances throughout the summer term of 2018.
To find out more, simply e-mail Helen in our office, helen@fred-theatre.co.uk, or call us on 01789 777612. We’ll collect a few details from you and respond with potential dates and a quote.
I look forward to hearing from you, and I welcome any feedback you may have on this production or any of the work we do here at Fred Theatre.
Robert Ball
Artistic Director