The boy who tricked the moon [drama review]

• Main Author: Oaks, Harold, R;
• Other Authors: Grauer, Rita;
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1997
• Subjects: Play review; Plays; Folklore; Drama > Reviews; Indians of North America > Juvenile drama; Orphans > Juvenile drama; Anchorage; Pacific; Thunderbird; tlingit
• Online Access: http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/CBPR/id/722

Grauer, Rita. The Boy Who Tricked the Moon. Anchorage Press, 1997. ISBN 0-87602-349-9. 45 pp. A K-6 Reviewed by Harold R. Oaks Orphan Boy, without family to teach him, is despised by the other boys in the tribe. But when Clan Chief's Son is taken away by Moon, it is Orphan Boy (with the help of his spirit family, Sky Grandmother and Little Sky Sister) who rescues him and helps Moon to put on a gentle face. This delightful tale is adapted from the native folklore of the Pacific Northwest, in particular a story from the Thunderbird Clan of the Tlingit Indians. Careful instructions are included for creation of masks, costumes, and dances to preserve the Native American heritage of the story. Designed to include considerable audience participation, performers (5 M, 2 F) will need to be skilled in drawing, controlling, and using audience contributions. The play was com- missioned and originally mounted by Stage One: The Louisville Children's Theatre. Performance by professionals is recommended, but very experienced amateur groups will find the work challenging. Staging will require research to maintain the integrity of the costume and set pieces. 47 p. 22 cm. Children's Book and Play Review, September / October 1997