When Lion Had Wings

When Lion Had Wings is based on a traditional Khoikhoi folktale. The story starts in ancient times when all the animals lived in fear of Lion who could fly. However, some tricky Frogs reveal that Lion’s magic is hidden beneath a pile of bones. The balance of nature needs to be restored. It’s about overcoming fear, challenging greed and discovering our talents.

The play has 3 characters who portray hilarious frogs who lead the animals to discover their own talents and to stand up to the bully. The storytellers continuously link the folktale to the language, the culture & history of the Khoikhoi as well as to their personal experiences. Insights into the behaviour of humans and wild animals are revealed. Both versions make use of English, Afrikaans & Nama (Khoikhoi language).

When Lion Had Wings is 40 minutes in duration with the storytelling version most suitable for Grades 4-7.

“Great performance. The learners were entertained throughout” Sid G. Rule Primary 2016

When Lion Had Wings, was developed during the course of 2016 and made its debut at the Cape Town Fringe Festival and was subsequently performed at the Muizenberg Festival as part of Project Ripple; the Cape Town Embrace event in celebration of Universal Children’s Day; at Streetopia and at the Vrygrond Festival.  The play toured local primary schools during November of 2016, was performed at the Masque Theatre early December and toured the Northern Cape at the start of March 2017. During 2018 JTC created an Afrikaans version of the storytelling version of the show called Toe Leeu Kon Vlieg and toured it to Afrikaans primary schools around the Cape Metropolitan. Since then the show has been performed at the Masque Theatre, Drama Factory, several primary schools and as part of Jungle’s African Folktales Festival.

For supporting resources click here!

directed by:

Joce Engelbrecht

currently starring:

Naledi Tlailane, Noxolo Magadla, Marvin Safoor

funded by:

• National Lotteries Commission
• Department of Arts & Culture
• Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport