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Hansel and Gretel

by Shirley Barrie

An inventive re-telling of the Grimms' fairy tale. Puppetry, percussive rhythms, twists in language, and unique characterizations.

About 56 minutes

Times given are approximate and do not include intermissions/scene changes/breaks

7
2 M | 3 W | 2 Any Gender, Percussionists and Puppeteers

Simple Set

56 pages

Dramedy Classical Adaptation Movement-based Young Audiences

"When you get it right, you get it right - The transformation from page to stage is done with finesse." - The Montreal Gazette

Hansel and Gretel is an inventive retelling of the Grimms' classic tale. Students are given an exciting opportunity to play on stage using puppetry, percussive rhythms, twists in language, and unique characterizations. It's a play for young audiences that stretches the skills of the performers.

Gretel is afraid of many things, especially the woods. Hansel delights in teasing his little sister, but when they are left in the forest, he is determined to protect her.

They are taken in by a friendly witch, who lives in a magical candy house but who is not at all what she seems. The tables are turned and Gretel has to conquer her fears in order to save her brother.

Characters

7
2 Men, 3 Women, 2 Any Gender, Percussionists and Puppeteers

Hansel [M] (31 puppet lines) lines: A boy; A little bit of sense.
Gretel [W] (5 puppet lines) lines: His younger sister; A little bit more sense than her brother.
Mother [W] 65 lines: What kind of a mother plots to killer her children? In fairytales, a stepmother!
Father [M] 60 lines: Means well. Doesn’t always do well.
Witch [W] 65 lines: The candy house, the oven. The whole works.

Subgenres: Fantasy Fables/Folktales Adaptation Theatre for young audiences Fairy tales
Settings: 19th Century
Dress: Elaborate costumes Period costumes
Audience: All audiences Children Pre-teen Teen
Features: Mime Puppetry Poetry Opportunity for spectacle

Set: Simple set
Themes: Childhood Parenting/Family Economic issues
Cross-Curricular Uses: English
Other uses: Audition material Class work Scene work

Prop List

Ball, pile of white pebbles, stack of wood, turnip, rag, two wooden bowls, pieces of bread, axe, washing hung on a line, big key, chicken in pot, big twinkling red jewel, necklace, scarf, hat, vest

Puppets:

Hansel, Gretel, Large Crooked Red Rimmed Eye, Piece of Cake dripping with Fruit, Bowl of Ice Cream, Small Version of White Bird, Large Version of White Bird, Little Gingerbread House, Sun, Waft of Aroma, Hair Brush, Cloth, Pillows, Fluffy Blanket, Crescent Moon, Huge Bowl of Chocolate Pudding, White Duck

Multimedia

Related Titles

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Royalty fees apply to all performances whether or not admission is charged. Any performance in front of an audience (e.g. an invited dress rehearsal) is considered a performance for royalty purposes.

Exemption details for scenes and monologues for competition.