39 pgs. 2 female, 2 male (14 characters doubled)
Originally produced in CTC’s 1974-75 season
Audience Recommendation: all ages
Run Time: 55 minutes
This story is told by the Bandurist, a central figure in Ukrainian folk culture, who entertains, informs, and inspires people of his village. First he tells a story of Pan Kotsky, a very fat cat. One day his owner abandoned him in the forest because he did not do any work. The fox decided that she would like to marry Pan Kotsky, so she does. The other animals in the forest are curious who this Pan Kotsky is, so one day they decide to hold a meal for the fox and him to attend. The fox tells the other animals that they must hide because Pan Kotsky is so ferocious. However, Pan Kotsky sees the boar’s tail and thinks it is a mouse, so he pounces on it. All the other animals think he is attacking and they run away in fear. From then on, Pan Kotsky has the reputation of being the fiercest animal in all of Ukraine.
Then the Bandurist tells the tale of The Chatterbox. This is a story of a man that has something to hide, with a wife that can’t keep a secret. The end result is funny tale that has many tongue in cheek moments.
“Ukrainian Tales is original and consistently enjoyable.” –The Minneapolis Star
Classroom Reading Fee: $50 per classroom, per semester
Amateur/Educational Royalty Fee: $65 per performance
Professional Royalty Fee: please inquire for a quote
The royalty fee includes permission to make copies of the perusal script for your cast.
