The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Central Methodist University, 2023
This adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic novel follows Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter as they travel into the wardrobe and navigate the challenges of the world of Narnia. Together, the children learn what it means to trust one another and to fight for good over evil.
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In our production King Aslan represented mother nature. As a team we explored not only what it means to fight for good, but what it means to take care of the lands we occupy.
Using intimacy language and fight choreography, a number of epic battle scenes were safely staged. The young audience members cheered particularly loud during these scenes!
The cast performed shows during the afternoon so that CMU could invite K-12 classes from Fayette and neighboring towns to see the show. Our amazing costume designer Terri also created an educational packet to share with teachers who taught lessons in their classrooms based on the play.
Director's Note
I first read C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe back in my middle school days. When the movie came out in 2005, our teachers rented out a movie theatre to bring our entire grade to see it. It was a magical day! In sixth grade, sitting in that theatre, I marveled at the children’s bravery on their quest to bring harmony to the fantasy world of Narnia. As an adult revisiting this story, it now strikes me how truly difficult it can be to choose good sometimes, to find the light in the dark corners of the real world. This story is special in i’s ability to provide hope to audience members of all ages, regardless of the real-world battles they are fighting. For me, I find hope in the environmentalism and restoration of nature in Narnia. Maybe the animals overcoming their crises of faith speaks to you, or Edmund’s triumph over dangerous temptations. You might be reminded of the wisdom of children, of the future generation, as the Pevensie siblings come to understand and protect Narnia. Perhaps this story is pure escapism for you, a wardrobe doorway through which to forget the bad for a bit and feel the power of the good, the kind, and the generous. No matter how the magic of Narnia works on you, I hope it reassures you that goodness exists all around. I have found snow-covered mountains of it here at the Little Theatre.