Arts & Culture

Fort Wayne Youtheatre Brings Modern Classic to the Stage

89.1 WBOI | By Julia Meek

Published October 7, 2015 at 2:45 PM EDT

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John O'Connell gives stage direction to Fort Wayne Youtheatre actor, Harley Babbitt, for his role as "Piggy" in their upcoming presentation of "Lord of the Flies."

Courtesy/Leslie Hormann

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Harley Babitt & fellow actors rehearse a bullying scene from Fort Wayne Youtheatre's production of "Lord of the Flies."

Courtesy/Leslie Hormann

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Youtheater actors rehearse a scene from "Lord of the Flies."

Courtesy/Leslie Hormann

Fort Wayne Youtheatre is launching its fall season this Friday evening with a step away from the usual lighthearted musical fare. They'll be performing an adaptation of William Golding's 1954 classic novel, "Lord of the Flies."

John O'Connell teaches combat moves to Fort Wayne Youtheatre actors readying for "Lord of the Flies."

What makes this dramatic presentation even more compelling is the use of actual 12 year olds to play the roles of the story's 12-year-old characters--parts, according to director, John O'Connell, that are usually given to actors of college age, or older.

Earlier this week, WBOI's Julia Meek met with O'Connell and cast member, Harley Babbitt to discuss both the challenges and the satisfaction of bringing the production to the stage.

Fort Wayne Youtheatre Presents:

"Lord of the Flies" @Arts United Center, Fort Wayne
Friday, October 9th, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 10th, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 11th, 2:00 p,m.

For ticket information, visit their website.