This festive season, the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) in Parktown invites families to step into a world where imagination, rhythm, and folklore come alive.

From November 18 to December 14, audiences can journey through Africa’s storytelling heritage in The Mantis and The Moon and Stubby the Caterpillar, two beautifully reimagined tales by acclaimed South African author Marguerite Poland.

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Adapted by Moira Katz and directed by Ivor Jones, this visually poetic double-bill celebrates the heart of African folklore. Blending puppetry, vibrant costumes, and audience participation, it brings to life stories that teach as much as they entertain.

“The caterpillar’s journey is about change and resilience, while the mantis’s tale explores pride, forgiveness, and the beauty of humility,” says Jones. “We wanted to give children stories that entertain, but have an educational side as well.”

Jones’s direction captures the timeless rhythm of traditional storytelling, combining it with modern theatrical flair. Under his guidance, just three actors conjure entire worlds of colour, sound, and emotion, inviting children to play an active role in the magic unfolding before them.

Lighting and sound transport the audience to the desert at dusk, where the moon glows with quiet mystery, and a haunting rendition of Thula Nana ties the performance to African musical roots. The result is an atmosphere that feels both deeply familiar and wonderfully new.

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At its core, The Mantis and The Moon is a gentle cautionary tale about pride and humility. The mantis, in his longing to own the moon, learns that beauty is not meant to be possessed. When he loses his sight, the theatre falls into darkness, a powerful moment that invites reflection on forgiveness, empathy, and the journey towards wisdom.

“There’s never a quiet moment,” adds Jones with a smile. “We’ve simplified the dialogue, added songs and moments of audience participation to keep the children completely involved from start to finish.”

The production also honours the spirit of Nelson Mandela, whose belief in storytelling as a bridge between generations echoes through every scene. “Children’s theatre is vital for preserving African storytelling traditions,” says Jones. “Through shows like this, we remind kids that there’s a world of African wisdom and imagination beyond English nursery rhymes.”

With its combination of music, movement, and meaning, NCT’s The Mantis and The Moon and Stubby the Caterpillar promise a festive season filled with wonder. “My hope,” says Jones, “is that audiences leave 100% entertained, and maybe a little wiser.”

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