Home plays were a big part of my childhood. There were living room engagements of The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, even the EPCOT Center “American Adventure” history-through-robots show. (We grew up in Orlando; that’s all you should know), with whomever my brother and I could talk into donning a wig or a mustache. There’s something about costumes and silliness that seems to bring out the best in family, no matter how young or old. Maybe you have a similar tradition? Here’s something new – Reader’s Theater for Friday Shorts!
Today’s play stars Anansi the Spider, a hero of folk tales from the Ashanti people of what is now the African nation of Ghana. He is a classic trickster, and his tales often involve Anansi using his wiles to take advantage of his friends. Often, however, the tables are turned when Anansi’s friends are fed up with his mischief. The author Eric Kimmel has a series of picture books retelling Anansi tales which my children have particularly loved, including Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock and Anansi and the Talking Melon. I hope you and your family enjoy gathering together to perform this light-hearted Reader’s Theater version of “Anansi’s Feast.”
I’ve attached a PDF form of the script through the link below, so you can save or print as need be. Enjoy! – GM
“Anansi’s Feast” Reader’s Theater Script (PDF)
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He is the author of The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson and Horace and Oscar Visit the Lake, and can be visited at glennmccarty.com or on Instagram @glennmccarty.
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Our family lives in Ghana ~ we’re huge fans of Anansi stories! Thanks for the script. The kids will really enjoy it.
Wow, Patty! That’s terrific. Let me know how the performance turns out!
We are doing this as a performance this evening! My 8 year old daughter wanted to ask if you have any more? We would love them if you do!
That’s so cool, Julie! I’ll have to whip some more up for you shortly. I’m always open to requests. 🙂
Well, Anansi was wonderful. If he made more appearances, we think that would be just fine! We ended up getting some more of Kimmel’s books. How had I missed these? They are great! Thanks again for helping us to create a wonderful family memory. The children ages 12, 11, 9, and 7 had a blast. They had props, costumes, and even a river for Anansi to jump into. None of this was asked of them. I merely said, “Hey, I found this script that you could make a performance from.” They took it from there! I must say, they spend so much time consuming things…even good things, like quality literature, that I love when they have a chance to create and give back all of that creative energy that is obviously well and alive inside. Thank you again!! I could see there being a market for reader’s theater like this for families. It was a great way to spend a Friday evening, that’s for sure!