In 1995, Theatre’s Dr. Maria Ignatieva proposed directing a children’s show and bussing elementary-aged students to the production. Three decades and more than 60,000 students later, Ohio State Lima’s Theatre for Young Audiences is still opening the world of theatre and imagination to the children of west central Ohio.
“What a journey it’s been! Our program has transported audiences to Russian and Czech forests, Japanese and Irish villages, Mongolian steppes, the jungles of India, on a spaceship to the stars and behind the looking glass, and to the magical land of fairy tales, such as Rumpelstiltskin and the Snow Queen’s,” said Ignatieva. “Often based on original plays or adaptations, professional authors, directors and designers have created unique theatre productions for children, many of whom came to the theatre for the first time.”
The Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts at Ohio State Lima is celebrating the 30th anniversary with a gentle, funny short play that follows two neighbors who overcome their cultural and language barriers to discover how much in common they really have.
Mariposa/Butterfly by Sandra Fenichel Asher and José Casas explores the issue of ownership with humor and understanding.
Public performances are at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 15, and 2 p.m., Sunday, November 16, in the Martha W. Farmer Theatre for the Performing Arts in Reed Hall. Tickets are $2 for children 10 and under, $5 for students and seniors (62+) and $7 for adults. Tickets are available only at the Reed Hall box office, which opens one hour before each performance. Purchases are debit or credit card only.
An opening night celebration reception will be held in the Farmer Family Gallery 4:30-6:30 p.m., Saturday, November 15. Memorabilia and artifacts from 30 years of children’s theatre will be on display. Alumni of the productions and other supporters of the program will discuss the importance of the arts in the lives of children while we take a walk down memory lane. The reception is free and open to all.