Free Youth Arts Performances Bring Aesop’s Fables to Oak Island and Leland Parks

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Families are invited to bring a chair, blanket and picnic and enjoy an afternoon or evening of free theater as the Youth Arts Council and Brunswick Arts Council present a special production of Aesop’s fables in Oak Island and Leland.

The 45-minute performances will combine sunshine, silliness, laughter and community arts at three outdoor events this month.

Performances will be held at:

• Middleton Park in Oak Island: Friday, August 14, at 1 p.m.
• Middleton Park in Oak Island: Saturday, August 15, at 6 p.m.
• Founders Park in Leland: Friday, August 21, at 6 p.m.

The free performances feature local young artists and community performers bringing a collection of familiar Aesop characters to life.

The cast includes Stella Travis as Pond, Hare and Reporter #1; Declan Peterson as Fox, Miller and Chicken; Eri Madison as Tortoise, Butcher, Reporter #2 and Grumpy Old Lady; Aubrey Peterson as Sapphire Fairy and Number Bearer; Doug McKenna as Aesop Dog and Lion; Ruby Evans as Mouse; Etta Wilson as Maid and Sally; Lorna Martian as Flamingo and host; and Pink Fairy Cali Horton.

The production is directed by Cali Horton and is being presented in memory of Rosina Whitfield, who envisioned the production last spring.

Organizers say the event is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the arts in an informal outdoor setting while supporting young people and creative expression.

The performances are funded in part by the North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Program in partnership with the Brunswick Arts Council, with support from the parks and recreation departments of Oak Island and Leland.

The Youth Arts Council works to equip young leaders to champion arts education and creative expression in their schools and communities.

For more information about the Youth Arts Council and its mission, visit the Brunswick Arts Council website.