Multicultural Plays for Children Grades 4-6, Vol. 2

Ten plays based on multicultural folktales from such countries as Ghana, China, and Italy.

This book, which includes clear directions for staging, rehearsing and performing, as well as simple instructions for making sets, props and costumes, is for creative educators who want to integrate multicultural studies with other subjects including world literature, foreign language, music, movement and art. The ten scripts in this volume are based on folktales of other peoples. They include: France's Puss-In-Boots, the Native American, The Seal-Hunting Brothers and Norway's Legend of the Seasons.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6A perennially difficult demand for libraries to fill is for high-quality children's plays. These excellent dramatic adaptations of 10 folktales from various countries and cultures will help fill that void. Each play is based on a story from the oral tradition that has retained, through many alterations across time, a core of truth about human nature and life. The volume includes a substantial introductory section that addresses many important concerns: adapting a play for various cast sizes; changing gender, setting, and length; vocal-projection exercises and theater games; plus many useful suggestions for production. Each play has detailed directions for creating sets, props, costumes, a realistic timetable for rehearsals and other production needs, and a pronunciation guide. Music is included, as is extensive information about some cultures that will extend and enrich the experience for children. The plays range from the simple "La Culebra" ("The Snake") to the ambitious "Vasilisa Prekresnaia" ("Vasilisa the Beautiful"). Each selection is well written and appealing, and may be performed in classrooms without a fee. A selection that will make many teachers (and their performance-hungry students) very happy.Lee Bock, Brown County Public Libraries, Green Bay, WI

Pamela Gerke has been Director and Playwright for Kids Action Theater Play Productions in Seattle since she created it in 1988. She has written and produced over 25 children's plays, as well as being composer and music director for several other shows. Pamela understands the needs and issues of elementary education - having worked as an elementary school music and movement specialist since 1985. She currently divides her time between Kids Action Theater and choral conducting.