Cottey College presents theatrical production for children

The Cottey College Department of Theatre will present a special day for the young -- and young at heart -- at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the auditorium of the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts. Children from the area are invited to see Ama and the White Crane by Maureen O'Toole. The show is free and no tickets are required.

In an imaginative blend of mime, movement, music and comedy, the adventures of the fisher girl, Ama, and her hand-puppet companion, White Crane, unfold as they journey through 17th century Japan to the legendary Center of the Universe. A pair of bombastic but good-hearted Samurai befriend Ama as she seeks to save her village from a powerful demon, whose disguises create suspense and humor. It will require a great deal of ingenuity and courage on the part of young Ama and her new friends to defeat the demon of many faces. In a highly stylized , simple, yet visually stunning play, our heroes face dangers, overcome challenges and persevere in their climb to the top of Mount Sumeru to complete grandfather's quest to defeat the demon and bring the fish back to Ama's village.

The center of the Arts is on the northeast corner of Austin and Tower streets in Nevada, Mo.