The Drama Studio

41 Oakland Street, Springfield MA (St. Barnabas Church)

www.dramastudio.org

The Stone Lion

A Play Based on an Old Tibetan Folk Tale

Sunday, September 26, 2010

7:00 PM

 Reviewed by B. K. Grant

A wonderful production geared to the very young, the action of The Stone Lion is animated, the costuming bright and authentic (even the narrator), and the dialog uncomplicated. This short but exuberant play opens with the narrator setting the scene in a Tibetan village where two brothers are selling the “finest jewelry in the land”. The older brother, a greedy type, encourages his younger sibling Jinpa to assist a prospective customer, only to lose the sale due to Jinpa’s honesty regarding the origin of the piece. This leads to a riff between them, and having influence in the community, the elder sees Jinpa and their aging mother banished to the mountains.

Taking refuge in a cave, Jinpa searches daily for firewood, eventually exhausting the supply nearby; his search takes him to the mountain top where he encounters a statue of a magnificent stone lion. Assuming the lion is the mountain’s protector, Jinpa humbly presents himself to the great statue, which speaks to him, inquiring as to his name and purpose. The great lion is touched by Jinpa’s story, and agrees to buy a necklace and, under certain conditions, pay handsomely. This generous transaction is the beginning of a better way of life for Jinpa and his mother; they are able to afford a modest home in the village with more exposure for their jewelry business.

Word of their success reaches the ears of big brother and his pampered wife Tashi, who, after hearing Jinpa’s amazing tale, insists they also must journey to the mountain top. The trek is tedious at best but their expectations of great wealth spur them on. Yielding to their selfish desires however causes plans to go awry for the greedy couple: their home and possessions are sold and Tashi looks for employment – as a servant. An epiphany: she learns there are better things to do in life than to “worry about my hair and yell at people”, and that love truly matters. Reuniting in the village proves to be a warm experience for the family and a happy ending prevails.

Dan Morbyrne, production manager and a six year faculty member at DS, has done a marvelous job of reworking this old Tibetan tale, interjecting humor and expression which had the attention of the little ones in the audience riveted on the action. Leading the talk-back after the production, he gave the performers the chance to expand on their role and the experience of performing for grammar school children. The six young actors, ages thirteen to eighteen, were totally submersed in their characters, giving dynamic performances. Bravo, Drama Studio,: may the touring go on to more audiences

 

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