Ms. Courageous

by Joanna Halpert Kraus

Scenes from the lives of Elizabeth Blackwell and Marie Curie, for six or more performers. 50 minutes. Audiences upper elementary, junior high. Published with complete Resource Guide for incorporation into the curriculum. $8.95, illustrated . $ 8.95

Joanna Halpert Kraus has earned her place as one of our foremost playwrights for young audiences not only for the quality of her writing, but also for the compelling role models that she brings alive through drama. In Ms. Courageous the role models are two women with a passion for achievement. They helped make possible today's scientific community where discovery knows no gender . . . Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor with a medical degree, and Marie Curie, discover of polonium and radium.

This fast-paced piece is written in a "living newspaper" style, a collage of short scenes punctuated with sound effects and music of the period. Its blend of public and private moments sweep the audience into the scientists' dreams, invite them to share their obstacles and fight the prejudices against them before savoring their triumphs. It has been successfully performed both by a small college touring company playing to elementary and middle schools, and by a large cast of young performers sharing their explorations with their peers.

Ms. Courageous comes with an extensive resource guide containing background information on both scientists, as well as a time line that places their lives in the context in which they lived. Well-tested rehearsal improvisations are included, along with ideas for incorporating study of the play into the curriculum--language arts and music as well as social studies and science.

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States to become a doctor with a medical degree; Marie Curie won two Nobel prizes for her work in physics and chemistry. These women are the subject of this two-part, story-theatre style narrative. It explores the difficulties and challenges of being accepted in traditionally male fields, and having people believe they were not only competent, but able to excel.

The play is designed to move swiftly in time and space. The play text is supplemented by a 40-page resource guide, including improvisation suggestions, chronologies, short histories, lists of other women scientists, and classroom exercises and activities for Science, Language Arts, Social Studies and the Arts.

Staging requirements are minimal: utilizing platforms, changeable signs, and costume pieces for character changes. The play can be done with a cast of four (3F, 1M) or a much larger cast, if desired. It can work as an informative presentation for young audiences by either professional or experienced amateur performers, or as an excellent classroom exercise that will expand students' experience and knowledge.
Harold R. Oaks,
Children's Book Review