Treasure Island

This play shows a high- or middle-school class bringing Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island to the stage. It is an attempt by Stevenson's stepson, Lloyd, to help his father write his first book for young people. Therefore, the production should always have the style of schoolchildren attempting to create their own drama. Set pieces and costumes should be simple—more representative than accurate. Props should be as children would create them; thus, the swords are wooden, not real; gun fire should either be made off stage or with caps. The play is designed to utilize actors from age 6 to adult. (Teenagers can play the adult roles. If mature actors are available to play the Squire, etc., a simple line can be added about parents helping in the classroom). Normally the main characters should be portrayed by the older actors, while sailors, pirates, etc., can be portrayed by younger cast members. The key to the style is that the class is enthusiastic and sincere in the effort to create an adventure from Stevenson's ideas. Keep the play honest and sincere and don't allow it to get too cute. The play may be performed by junior and senior high-school students or by all adults or by a blend of adult actors and young people. All who are in the cast must be in the opening scene in Mrs. Wilson's class. Since a class is supposedly presenting this play, either gender can portray any role, with the exception of Lloyd and Stevenson. (If an all-adult cast is desired, Jim and Lloyd's roles can be combined simply by having Lloyd ask his father to play Jim Hawkins and by eliminating the auditions.)