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

Androcles

Lead

Male

Lavinia

Lead

Female

The Captain

Supporting

Male

Lion

Supporting

Male

Lentulus

Supporting

Male

Metellus

Supporting

Male

Ferrovius

Supporting

Male

Spintho

Supporting

Male

The Centurion

Supporting

Male

The Editor

Supporting

Male

Megaera

Supporting

Female

The Emperor

Supporting

Male

The Callboy

Supporting

Male

The Ox Driver

Featured

Male

Menagerie Keeper

Featured

Male

Roman Soldiers

Ensemble

Male

Christians

Ensemble

Either Gender

Gladiators

Ensemble

Male

Songs

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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

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Scenes

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Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress