Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
George Bernard Shaw’s retelling of a popular religious folktale, Androcles and the Lion presents the story of a meek tailor with the gift of talking to animals. Androcles is a Christian, steadfast in his faith despite persecution, slavery, and his scolding wife. While on the run from Roman soldiers, Androcles stumbles across a wounded lion. Rather than run, he removes a thorn from its paw. Unfortunately, he is captured by the Romans. With the other Christians at the Colosseum, Androcles exemplifies Christian charity and piety. He is patient with the guards, protective of his friends, and ready to sacrifice himself for his beliefs. When Androcles is sent into the arena to be eaten by a lion, he is greeted by an old friend. A centuries-old tale recounted as an example of mercy--on behalf of man and lion--Androcles and the Lion is a play for audiences young and old.
Show Information
- Book
- George Bernard Shaw
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1913
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- ancient rome
- Cast Size
- large
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Large Cast, Middle School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Religious Groups, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Early Teen, Late Teen, Elderly Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
|
|
|
Lead |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
|
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress