Joe Blog

Double Bill Xmas Show: The Mantis and The Moon + Stubby The Caterpillar! You asked. We heard. Two South African plays, The Mantis and the Moon and The Stubby Caterpillar are making a bold entry on NCT’s stage from 18 November to 14 December. The plays are from the landmark 1979 book by Marguerite Poland, each has an important question, which is also a life-lesson: First, Can the Mantis catch the moon? And second, can the Caterpillar outgrow her unhappiness with her stubby legs and ugly body?The Mantis and The Moon opens with the Mantis resting on the desert floor. He looks up and is stunned by the beauty of the moon. He is enchanted by its brightness and the way it illuminates the earth. The Mantis decides he wants the moon for himself. Will he win the moon? The Stubby Caterpillar is equally absorbing. Caterpillar dislikes her body form: She’s got short stubby legs and long body, and as she goes about her business on the veldt, she meets all manner of insects, some are friends and others are not so friendly! Do you know how beautiful she becomes?Book now to catch this fantastic double bill, and to learn all the answers! Tickets are limited, so book yours now.These two short plays are directed by Ivor Jones, with sets by Sarah Roberts and music by Christine Ludwig. “There are many learning points to be gained from these simple stories,” says Ivor Jones. “The Mantis came to understand that some things in the world are meant to remain where they are. The moon was one such thing, meant to be admired from afar, not possessed. And as for the Caterpillar, she learnt that you can change - you don’t have to rely on others -you can make yourself into something special, as she did.” Show informationWhen: 18 NOV to 14 DEC at 10:30 daily TUES to SUN (no show on Mondays)Where: NCT, 3 Junction Ave, ParktownAges: Families, pre-primary and primary schoolsRun Time: 60 mins For further details call Nthabiseng Mmethi 011 484 1584 or nthabiseng@NCTheatreSA.org.za