Complex ideas are presented in simple, entertaining ways for kids during Chemainus Theatre’s summer production of The Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe.

Director David Nykl and actors Mackenzie Gordon and Lindsey Angell bring author C.S. Lewis’ supernatural world of Narnia to life through active imaginations, masks and costumes.

Angell and Gordon portray 16 characters against a virtual world of projected sets illustrated by Dean Griffiths.

“Dean’s done a pen-and-ink drawing of Narnia for our sets to be projected onto a cinema-size backdrop,” said father of three Nykl, 42.

“It’s like reading a bedtime story to children. What’s exciting is looking at the pictures.”

His 50-minute play presents the fantasy “in a clear way but it doesn’t talk down to the kids.

“Children are a lot smarter than we think they are and I’ve approached Lewis’ text as if kids are savvy to what’s going on,” he said.

Lewis’ subtext involved his belief in paganism and mythology, and his personal doubts about his own Christianity, Nykl explained.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an examination of what faith is.

“It’s about the nature of sacrifice and of redemption,” he said of the good-over-evil tale that has entertained generations of children.

“These aren’t cutesy animals in Narnia, they’re beasts and they’re like people.”

Nykl’s using some methods learned after he started Prague’s Misery Loves Company in the ‘90s. Back then it was Eastern Europe’s largest English-language theatre company.

Lion’s cast will make all costume changes on stage.

“The challenge is to manage it all,” he said, noting kids can meet the actors after the show.

Your ticket:

What: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

When: July 1 to Aug. 29

Where: Chemainus Theatre

Tickets: $10. Call 250-246-9820.