The Mischief Makers

by Lowell Swortzell

A comedy for three versatile actors who play both men's and women's roles. One set, 60 minutes. Complete with multicultural study guide by Nancy Swortzell . $ 8.95

Take three of the world's favorite tricksters, rascals and rogues from across three continents. Put them together on a totem pole somewhere on the Northwest Pacific Coast. Let them act out tales of their greatest mischief to prove themselves to one another. What do you get? Magnificent braggadocio . . . wild foolery . . . suspense . . . laughter . . . pandemonium. By the time the three of them finish competing for the championship of trickery, the very foundations of the theatre tremble.

Children delight in mischief-making, and the Swortzells present it at its most appealing. Although the play was originally written for a professional company of three performers, middle and high schoolers have found that they can expand the cast of Mischief Makers by playing out all the parts of all the trickster tales, and turning it into a fun-filled experience for the whole group.

A comedy for three actors, this delightful play introduces young audiences to Anansi the Spider from Africa, Reynard the Fox from Europe, and the Native American trickster Raven. As the play opens, the three are found perched together sharing a totem pole. The have been unknowingly brought together by Nyame, the god of the skies. As the play continues, the three argue over who among them is the best trickster. They work together to play out stories that best demonstrate their finest acts of trickery. In the end, Nyame returns, admitting that he brought the characters together in the hope that they would repent and reform their behavior; instead he has come to realize the value of their deed and the laughter they bring to the world.

Appropriate for audiences of all ages, this piece could work very well as a simple touring piece. Rich with instructional opportunities, the play provides a wonderful exploration into the trickster tales found across cultures.
Nancy Hovasse
Children's Book & Play Review