MSU Theatre Performance of Androcles and the Lion

The play is based on Aesop's fable of kindly Androcles, who removes a thorn from the lion's paw, and the lion returns the favor by not eating Androcles in the Roman arena. Androcles and his nagging wife are mistakenly sold into the service of Caesar, though they are free citizens of Thrace. Caesar needs a musician's help to ease his throbbing migraines, and Androcles is a perfect fit. When Androcles sells his harp to gain his freedom, he falls into disfavor with the emperor and is condemned to death in the arena. There he meets his old friend, the lion, in a joyous and hilarious reunion.