By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- An original dance story for children will premier at Barnswallow Theatre Thursday evening, July 8, with performances throughout the weekend. "Rough Bark" was written by Ruth Andrews of Cassopolis, with original music by Bev Smith.
Caitlin Reese, 11, of Edwardsburg, will portray Rough Bark, an apple seedling which sprouted in a meadow in a field of weeds. The play is her struggle to survive competition for sun and rain, as she grows slower than the other trees.
Andrews was inspired to write the play by the sojourn of children in foster care, who know what it is like to be uprooted in order to survive. It is about never giving up.
Rough Bark highlights some of the tragedies and triumphs that occur when trees and humans struggle to live together, with Larry Kling playing the human. The simple plea of "help" is heard throughout the story with helping becoming the ultimate message.
The dances are choreographed by Elyse Massey and Lena Kelly.
The play will be performed Thursday through Saturday, July 8-10, at 7;30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 11 at 3 p.m. at the Barnswallow Theatre, 24010 Hospital Road, Cassopolis.
Call 269-445-9016 for information and tickets, which are $6. Foster children, accompanied by their foster parents will be admitted free.