News and Events

ENC Theater Brings Roald Dahl Novel to Life

Published: January 14, 2014

The Eastern Nazarene College Theatre Department presented its production of James and the Giant Peach February 13 and 14 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, Feburary 15 at 2:00pm at the Cove Fine Arts Center. A special children’s matinee performance was held during school vacation week at 10am on February 18.

Based on the popular children’s book by Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach tells the fanciful story of a young boy, a gigantic peach and the colorful insects that help him escape from his neglectful aunts. Sponsored by the South Shore School of Theatre, the ENC cast featured several local children in key roles.

“We’re excited to do a show for children because it challenges our theatre students to think about what is exciting to watch through a child’s eyes,” Director Tara Brooke Watkins said. “We approached this play as if we were all children again and were asked to design and direct the show.”

ENC’s production featured costumes and a set design made from items children would find around their home. The costume for the character of the glow worm, for example, is made from a soda bottle and cups, while the spider features legs made from pipe cleaners and buttons for eyes. A “junkyard band” performed on instruments made from ordinary household objects.

“We hope that our production’s unique set design will help children see that they have the power to create theatre magic at home on their own,” Watkins said. “Theatre can empower creativity, and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”

« Lecture: Does Culture Trump Religion?

Alumni Gatherings: Nampa, ID and Phoenix, AZ »