James Ewens, 10, who emerged through CYT’s workshop program, seized the chance to director “The Last Dragon’s Tooth”, one of the short plays making up CYT’s upcoming production Artists Unite.

His play is an adventure story that sees the reluctant young hero Tom, set out on a dangerous quest to bring back the only cure for his dying father, the last dragon’s tooth on earth.

Journeying through the Cliffs of Doom to the Cave of Mystery, he is met by weird creatures and finds personal courage.

Ewens went into the rehearsal period with a strong vision for the play and has demonstrated a talent beyond his years for guiding the adventure both on stage and off.

With a cast of eight young people (the oldest is 12) director Ewens was working under the guidance of artistic director Karla Conway.

“The Last Dragon’s Tooth” is one of four short plays by emerging playwrights, directed by emerging directors and designed by emerging set, costume, lighting and sound designers. Each play has its own creative team, mentored by professionals in their field.

The Last Dragon’s Tooth joins “Silver Gelatin” by Camilla Sheather-Neumann, “Frog’s Body” by Olivia Hewson and “Circcestra” by Farnoush Parsiavashi.

Canberra Youth Theatre presents “Artists Unite”, C-Block Theatre – Gorman House Arts Centre, previews, 7pm November 22, 23, performances: 7pm November 24, 25, 26 with a matinee, 2pm November 26. Bookings to www.cytc.net