Live theater offers kids an alternative to screens

Many of the stories explore family relationships through Chinese mythology.

One episode, Xihe Drives the Sun, portrays sun goddess Xihe placing all her hopes in her only remaining daughter, Jin Wu, after losing her other children. Her intense expectations strain the mother-daughter relationship.

"Some children leave the theater thinking that maybe their parents are a little like Xihe," Ye said. "The next time their mother gets angry, they might jokingly say, 'I'm Jin Wu, don't be angry.' Sometimes, that simple reference can ease the tension."

Other stories carry different messages. A tale about the nine-tailed fox encourages children to accept their imperfections, while another about the fleeting creature Fuyou reflects on life's brevity and the importance of cherishing each day.

"We hope children leave having learned something about traditional Chinese culture and gained new ways of thinking about life," he said. "We also hope parents pick up some psychological ideas and discover better ways to communicate with their children."

"The best outcome," he added, "is if families continue talking to each other after they leave the theater."