Arts Depot, London Two new friends attempt to protect a cherished tree from destruction in Tatenda Naomi Matsvai’s evocative play for young audiences Two stories are entwined in Tatenda Naomi Matsvai’s new play, which is rooted in the natural world. The first is a folk tale, read downstage by schoolgirl Bettie, about Paida Moyo, who protects her Zimbabwean kingdom from “cutlass-carrying men” and rescues an injured lioness. The second is Bettie’s own nocturnal adventure, accompanied by Paida Moyo, to save a cherished oak tree from being felled as part of the villainous local council’s plans for a new car park. The former story is delivered with the headlong rush of an avid reader and risks running away from the young audience (it’s aimed at children aged three to eight). The latter, which forms the bulk of the show, has a more halting pace as the derring-do is interspersed with bits of wisdom. Touring until 15 March Continue reading...