Hansel and Gretel
by Moses Goldberg
Audience participation play for 3 men, 3 women. One hour. $ 6.50
How do you take a beloved story--one most children know well before they enter the theatre--and translate it into terms that will be relevant to children today? How can you make it contemporary without becoming camp?
Moses Goldberg's solution for Hansel and Gretel grew out of Brian Way, the traditions of the Oriental theatre, and the Commedia del'Arte. From Brian Way he learned to set the story in the round, with an intimate audience who shares the action in a direct, physical way. From the Oriental theatre he borrowed the mute Propman, who changes the set and acts out minor characters and props in mime. The Commedia inspired him to present the actors, through a prologue, as a band of strolling players. This family unit improvises on demand, mimes, dances and sings, accompanied by their own simple instruments. The result, as many have acclaimed: "The best Hansel and Gretel adaptation I've ever seen."
You will quickly spot the practical advantages of this adaptation: small cast, simple physical production (even now it can be mounted for less than $100) and the box office draw of its title. Nevertheless, the best recommendation for this Hansel and Gretel is not its practicality but its imagination, its psychological insights, above all its theatricality.
We so enjoyed producing Hansel and Gretel that we are going to do another one of your shows. I just overed the books for The Fisherman and His Wife over the internet. . . . We really do like the plays in your catalogue. They are of excellent quality and as fun for the actors as they are for the children who come to see them. Keep up the good work!
Margie Secora, Vice President
Margie Secora, Vice President
Southwick, Massachusetts
