Chinese New Year brought to the stage in 'unique' production (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Chinese New Year brought to the stage in 'unique' production

8:00am Saturday 26th January 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

Children will be able to enjoy the colour and vibrancy of the Chinese New Year next month when a unique production arrives at the Polka Theatre.

Why the Lion Danced is being brought to the stage by the British East Asian Theatre Company, Yellow Earth directed by Kumiko Mendl.

The production follows the lives of Tom and his family working in their busy Chinese takeaway as they prepare for the Chinese New Year.

Along the way children will hear of the story of Nian, a dreaded monster who lives deep in the mountains of ancient China who every thirteenth moon visits the family's village.

Using shadow play, live music, song and dance the show calls on its audience to help scare away the monster by performing a ‘Lion Dance’. 

Jonathan Lloyd, Artistic Director of Polka Theatre, said: "Polka is all about bringing a world of stories to our young audiences and we’re delighted to celebrate Chinese New Year with this playful and heartfelt story."

A 'Why the Lion Danced' storytelling and craft workshop will also take place on February 19 aimed at five to seven years olds.

Why the Lion Danced; Polka Theatre, 240 Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB; February 20 to March 2; £8 to £12; Storytelling and Craft Workshop; February 19, 10 to 12pm; 020 8543 4888; polkatheatre.com.