National Children’s Theatre brings Aesop’s Fables back to the stage this August
The beloved production returns for a limited season in Parktown, offering families and school groups an engaging blend of classic storytelling, music and valuable life lessons.
The National Children’s Theatre (NCT) is bringing its popular production Aesop’s Fables back to the stage for the first time since 2021, with a limited run from August 10 to 30 at its Parktown theatre.
The production, directed by Devon Flemmer, features five of Aesop’s timeless tales: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Grasshopper and the Ants, The Lion and the Mouse, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and The North Wind and the Sun.
The stories are linked by Aesop, a lively storyteller who guides audiences through each moral-filled adventure.
The production stars Aphelele Sidelo, Langa Mathuthu, Lihle Ngubo and Katelyn Forbay, with the four actors taking on multiple roles through fast-paced performances, music and physical theatre.
“I want young audiences to come to the theatre and experience the joy and magic of live storytelling,” said Flemmer.
“Parents and children alike will be entertained, enthralled by the characters, and encouraged to engage, play along and immerse themselves in the world of the stories.”
Designed by Dr Sarah Roberts, the colourful set, costumes and props have also been created for easy touring, allowing the production to reach schools across Johannesburg, Soweto, Gauteng and beyond.
Musical direction is by Christine Ludwig.
Belinda Germeshuizen, NCT’s COO and incoming CEO, said the production also supports classroom learning.
“Considering Aesop’s Fables is a staple of early-grade literacy curricula, the production offers a natural tie-in to classroom learning as what is taught is brought to life on stage,” she said.
Each of the five stories ends with an age-appropriate lesson, encouraging conversations about perseverance, honesty, kindness and hard work long after the performance ends.
The production follows NCT’s successful 2026 staging of Disney’s The Lion King JR and continues the theatre’s commitment to making quality live performances accessible to young audiences.
Performances will take place from Tuesday to Thursday and on Sundays at 10:30, with additional 14:30 shows on Fridays and Saturdays.
The production is recommended for families and children aged eight to 13.
Tickets are available through Quicket, while schools can contact the National Children’s Theatre directly to arrange group bookings.
