Androcles and the Lion

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.