Theatre UNCA presents its Tanglewood Children's Theatre production of David Saar's "The Yellow Boat" April 12-16, in UNCA’s Carol Belk Theatre.

Directed by UNCA Drama Department Associate Professor Patricia Snoyer, "The Yellow Boat" is the touching true story of Saar's son Benjamin, who was born with hemophilia and died in 1987 at the age of eight due to AIDS-related complications. The play traces Benjamin's life as he and his family cope with hemophilia and receive the HIV-positive results. The audience sees Benjamin admitted to the hospital where he formed a team with his doctors and nurses in order to participate more fully in his treatment. A gifted visual artist, Benjamin's buoyant imagination transformed his physical and emotional pain into a blaze of colors and shapes through fanciful drawings and paintings.

Though "The Yellow Boat" touches on and sensitively explores the serious issues of death, dying and AIDS, it is a play about living. "The Yellow Boat" portrays the power of imagination and art to fill life with color, energy, humor and hope. It is a celebration of a child's life and a tribute to the strength and courage of all children.

Saar will be in residence at Theatre UNCA during the staging of "The Yellow Boat." He will answer questions and facilitate discussions after all evening performances and the Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. matinees.

Benjamin's original artwork will be exhibited in Carol Belk Theatre. The exhibition is on loan to UNCA from Arizona State University who are the caretakers of Benjamin's art.

This Tanglewood Children's Theatre production stars Michael Armstrong as Benjamin; Angela Koon as mother; Jeremy Briggs as father; Kristen Emeola as Joy, the Child Life Specialist; and David Acevedo, Jenny Bowen, Ali Tomberlin and Amy Elliot-Smith as the chorus.

Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and performances at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $9 general admission, $7 senior citizens and $5 students. Because of the intimate size of UNCA’s Carol Belk Theatre and often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strongly advised. Tickets may be purchased by phone with Visa or MasterCard by calling 828/232-2291 between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays.

Special performances will be staged at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, and Thursday, April 13, for area schools. These performances are free of charge. For more information on this program, call Robbie Daniels in the UNCA Drama Department at 828/251-6610.