9th Hour Theatre Company brings The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to Ottawa

Allen Macartney
Special to Spur Ottawa

The 9th‑Hour Theatre Company has brought a theatrical adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ most famous children’s story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, to Ottawa.

“It’s a classic tale of good and evil, talking animals, child bravery, and great sacrifice—all for love,” says Care Baldwin, the play’s assistant director.

In an ironic twist, the play is showing just before Christmas, from December 13 to 16 at the Shenkman Arts Centre and from December 19 to 23 at Centrepointe. Much of Lewis’ beloved story, is set in Narnia, a troubled land frozen by a witch’s spell, which makes it always winter, yet never Christmas. The dwarves, mythical creatures, and animals that inhabit Narnia live in fear, despair, and perpetual cold. Yet ancient prophecy foretells the return of Aslan, Narnia’s rightful king.

“Intelligent talking animals, still loyal to the great and majestic Aslan, await his return with fearful but patient hope,” Baldwin says. “However, he’s been away for so long, some creatures doubt his very existence.”

The story’s magic begins when four English children, escaping the horror of the Second World War, suddenly find themselves at the centre of the Narnian prophecy. The play does not give an overt gospel presentation, yet it offers a clearly evangelical message, wrapped in high adventure.

“Lewis used a parallel-reality illustration very skillfully.”

“Think of it as a parable—a parable you can enjoy as merely a good story, or understand at a deeply spiritual level,” says Baldwin. “Lewis used a parallel-reality illustration very skillfully. The British children, evacuated to the countryside, are awaiting the end of a terrible war, while the Narnians are awaiting the return of Aslan to end the witch’s rein.”

The 9th‑Hour Theatre Company (named for the hour at which Christ died) tells stories that explore God, faith, and humanity. The staff come from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs. They use theatre to spark deeper thinking about spiritual topics and encourage dialogue on current social issues.

Often, following performances, the Company hosts a “talk back”, where the audience can interact with the cast to further explore the play’s themes.

“Unfortunately, we’re not able to have one this time,” says Jonathan Harris, the play’s director. “The schedule didn’t allow it and due to the nature of the mixed audience (kids and adults) it would have been more challenging.”

However, Baldwin says, “Before starting production, and during it, we spent a lot of time digging deeper into the play’s spiritual motifs so we could communicate it clearly. C. S. Lewis wove themes of love, sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness throughout the story.”

“This classic tale brims over with great spiritual themes,” states Harris. “It communicates easily regardless of culture and time.”