I arrived at the Miami Theater Center about 20 minutes before the yellow buses arrived. I wanted a good seat for the 10 a.m. performance of “Inanna and the Huluppu Tree.” I entered the empty theater space, and it was cold. I decided to sit in the fifth row,left of center, aisle seat. I got bored so I moved back three rows because I thought it would give me a better view of the stage. Then, the kids entered the theater with the fierceness of a tsunami and hurricane combined into one cataclysmic event. That’s when I realized the real show would take place in the audience.

Inanna from the Ishtar Vase.

“Inanna and the Huluppu Tree” retells the story of Inanna (played by Diana Garle), the Sumerian goddess of sexual love, fertility and warfare. When Gilgamesh fails to return on time from his quest for immortality, the city of Uruk is left without a leader. Despite the objections of her father and brother, Inanna’s great grandmother, Ninhursag, the Great Mother Earth Goddess (played by Shaneeka Harrell), essentially gives Inanna the green light to take Gilgamesh’s place. The first thing she does is plant the coveted Huluppu tree, a tree soaked in the tears of human suffering that bears delicious fruit that even the gods can’t resist. (I wasn’t sure how this would go over with the kids.)

As the drama unfolds and Gilgamesh returns from his quest for immortality, the city of Uruk dissolves into chaos as three of the seven great deities of Sumer, Siduri, Nannasuen and Ningizzida, as well as Gilgamesh, become obsessed with the fruit of the Huluppu tree. Despite her powers, Inanna is challenged to right the unintended consequences that came with planting the tree. To help solve her crisis, Inanna enlists the help of the audience, who were eagerly and enthusiastically ready and willing to help.

Between shouts of “Oh. My. God!”, “Ohhhh” and “Eww!”, the four thousand year old story of Inanna and Gilgamesh came to life at the Miami Theater Center for a room full elementary school kids riveted by this ancient story. Four thousand years of history literally walked into the room, stood in front of these children and spoke to them with honesty and sophistication. The magic of this performance: the entire production! Their innate ability to communicate and connect with the audience was astounding. These kids were hyper-engaged, excited and literally jumping out of their seats for live theater.

“Inanna and the Huluppu Tree” isn’t a dumbed down ancient tale for kids. It is an ancient tale that communicates a timeless and contemporary message: “We must move forward toward a future with honesty.” These are the words Ninhursag uses to console and encourage Inanna in the midst of her struggles. Words used by one powerful and empowered female character to another. Words used to encourage a solution that did not involve violence, death or destruction.

More theater like “Inanna and the Huluppu Tree” for kids (and adults who’ve forgotten what it means to be a wide-eyed kid)—this is what’s needed to move our culture forward toward a future with honesty where children are simultaneously engaged, enlightened and wildly entertained.

Recommended for ages 8 and up. Opens May 1 and runs through June 2 at the Miami Theater Center, 9806 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. Tickets are $20 and group rates are available. To purchase, call 305-751-9550 or visit mtcmiami.org. Go during the week when the kids are in the theater!