 "Photo: Destiny Mata")
The stage play “Aesop’s Fables,” which opens Monday, is based on a series of stories told by animals who share moral values with children and adults.
The play, presented by the department of theater and speech communication, was adapted by Robert Lehan. Theater and speech communications Instructor Charles Falcon is director, and theater sophomore Ray Seams is assistant director.
Aesop was believed to be a former Greek slave in the mid 5th century B.C. Many of his more than 650 fables have been adapted into plays often involving anthropomorphic animals advocating morals.
This adapted version focuses on three fables. In “The Lion and the Mouse,” Lion discovers Mouse’s size is nothing compared to his abilities. “Dog in the Manger” demonstrates that boasting gets one nowhere. In “The Ant and the Grasshoppers,” Aesop puts an emphasis on “work now, play later.”
Economics sophomore Andrew Olmos, who plays Aesop, said the costumes and scenery look great and thinks many in the audience will respond to “The Ant and the Grasshoppers.”
Olmos said the story relates to his experiences and that one must work hard in the present to attain the joys of relaxation later.
Falcon said he told his cast to research many of the tales. He said the ability to tell a story was the first step toward getting into character.
Falcon said the decision to produce “Aesop’s Fables” as this year’s children’s play came from economical thinking. With budgets continuing to decrease in most departments, Falcon saw an opportunity to present a play many people are familiar with.
Daytime productions for school groups with reservations will be at 9:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Monday through Nov. 6. Admission is $1 for school-age students; and no charge for adults.
General audiences can see “Aesop’s Fables” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Nov. 6 and at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 7 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children age 12 and under; and free for Alamo College Community District students, faculty and staff with ID.
For more information, call 486-0484.
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