Synopsis
This dramatic staging of the haunting Japanese classic has been hailed by distinguished theatre educators. A young fisherman rescues a venerable turtle from its tormentors. As a reward, he is taken to an undersea wonderland where he wins the favor of the princess and saves her kingdom from destruction by the wicked scorpion. The fisherman becomes a prince; years pass unnoticed; his village wife and children are driven from his mind. But still the homesick prince longs for the changing seasons of his village and begs the princess to let him go back. The fisherman/prince thinks that he's only been gone for a few days, but on his return to land, he makes the shattering discovery that many, many years have passed. The turtle calls to him that he can still return to the underwater world and to eternal youth but now he must make his choice, a choice brilliantly summed up by Lowell Swortzell, professor of educational theatre, New York University...
"The question of the play—to stay young forever or to grow old as nature dictates—gives the child a great deal to think about, but unlike Peter Pan and Rip Van Winkle which also address this problem, Urashima Taro gives an answer that is devoid of regret and neurosis, an answer that is an affirmation of human life."
Notes
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Details
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Status
In stock
- Type of Show Full-length Play
- Product Code H27000
- Cast Size 11
- Min. Royalty Rate $90/perf
- Cost $10.95
- Approx. Run Time 55 min
Categories
- Target Audience Family (all ages)
- Performing Group Middle School | High School | College Theatre | Community Theatre | Professional Theatre
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9780871299284
Customer Reviews
- "This play begs to be performed in the Kabuki style. The new script has great suggestions for production in the back. Very Japanese themes of honor, duty and family run throughout the script. Love the expandable cast!"
- Review by Kate Olena, Nichols Middle School, Buffalo, N.Y.
- "This is a wonderful piece to do with a large group of students. We used it as an in-class production, and it's great the way the cast can be expanded and/or doubled as needed. The students made their costumes and sets and had a blast!"
- Review by Nikki Attwood, Bailey Middle School, Austin, Texas
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
- "We chose to attire the sea creature chorus in hakama (pants) and kataginu (vests) instead of trying to suggest actual creatures. Only the turtle had an animal characteristic (his shell). This allowed the chorus to be "water" or any other thing needed."
- Tip by Andrea Croskery, Smiles and Frowns Playhouse, Greenville, N.C.
- "Blacklights are a creative way to do the underwater part of the show."
- Tip by Lindsey Ervi, Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Leander, Texas