Just So Stories

These familiar dramatized tales take place when the world was new, set close to and within a cave. Each tale tells a different story of how the earth evolved from wild and free into a new beginning for all. Djinn, a spirit of magic, oversees the changing world as he narrates each comical story to the audience. The Cat Who Walked by Himself: In the beginning of high and far-off time, all the animals were wild as wild could be—including man. When man meets woman, the world begins to change. He invites her to share his cave, which she pretties up with her womanly touches. She teaches him to tame the dog and the horse for his uses, but the sly and sneaky cat resists her charms. When the baby comes, the cat tricks woman into a bargain. He allows himself to be tamed for the uses of man, while keeping his freedom to walk by himself at night. How the Camel Got His Hump: In this far-off time, all the animals were called and came to work for man in order to help the world begin. The camel was the only animal not doing his part—he was lazy and didn't like to work. The camel, with his grumbling "Humph," is chastened with severe punishment into lightening man's burden. This story for young audiences includes opportunities for audience participation. How the First Letter was Written: In this telling, the baby of primitive man and woman has grown into a child. When man needs help, the child uses a crude drawing to send a message. The drawing is widely misinterpreted and nearly precipitates a war. But it was a good idea to learn how to write—wasn't it?