Spring 2005
Elementary School
Hanger Theatre's Androcles & the Lion















This 45-minute play is geared towards elementary school students of all ages, merging two
classic tales in an accessible and funny story which is specifically crafted to help teachers talk
with students about:
* making friends through sharing, kindness, and listening to others
*how working together makes our lives richer
*ways to handle anger and resolve conflict
*finding common ground with people who are different from us

The Hanger brings you a refreshing, original theatre piece inspired by two of Aesop's fables,
Androcles and the Lion and The Lion and the Mouse.  The play tells the story of a lion and a
boy named Androcles who meet in the jungle and -- through acts of kindness towards each
other -- become the best of friends.  Then, in a surprising turn of events, Androcles and the
lion suddenly become rivals, as unwitting players in the scheme of a young emperor who is a
bully.  With the help of an unexpected hero, a tiny mouse, everyone becomes friends.  And in
doing so, they learn the positive ways in which children, lions, mice, and even emperors can
get along together.

Androcles and the Lion demonstrates that through the compassion and understanding of
others, and a little courage within themselves, bullies can change their behavior and reap the
rewards of new friendships.