THE Anglican parish of St. Catherine’s in Port Coquitlam, is sponsoring the fourth play within three years based on C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series. Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be presented at Terry Fox Theatre October 12 – 14.

As in the previous productions, Rev. Paul Strudwick wrote the script; he is directing the play with Terri Steinmann. With more than 30 actors aged 8 to 18, the production has the largest cast so far. The group has presented The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and The Horse and His Boy.

Although Lewis denied the Narnia stories were allegories, Strudwick says they have allegorical qualities. “They have a message and a meaning.” Treader, he said, “is about ripping off the layers of self-centredness. It’s also about journeying spiritually when you don’t quite know where you are going.”

The play follows Lucy and Edmund Pevensie, their obnoxious cousin Eustace Scrubb and King Caspian, as they sail  to several islands searching for seven lost lords of Narnia.

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Only about half a dozen of the actors are from parish families, said Strudwick. Others come from local high schools, public and parochial, and from other Port Coquitlam churches. Parishioners sew the costumes and create the scenery – which, this time, involves a 30 foot long ship.

Asked why he keeps writing and producing the Narnia series, Strudwick said: “I have a thing about kids acting out their faith.” The director noted: “I am now three scripts ahead of Disney,” referring to the fact that Walt Disney Pictures has only released Lion.

“Our play had everything but the special effects,” said Cailean Woodbury, a Como Lake Middle School student who has been in all four productions. He plays Pug, the leader of the slave traders, in Treader, and finds Lewis’ work “powerful.”

The plays will be presented at 7:30 pm, October 12  – 13; and 2 pm, October 13 – 14. Call: 604-942-9812.       – Topic

October 2007