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A PLAYSCRIPTS TITLE
Short Play, Drama / 4w, 2m, 3 any gender (youth) plus ensemble
By Don Zolidis
Adapted from a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen
On a frigid winter night, a young mother nurses a sick child, hoping it will live through morning. Then a stranger appears at her door, asking for shelter from the cold.
On a frigid winter night, a young mother nurses a sick child, hoping it will live through morning. A stranger appears at her door, asking for shelter from the cold. She takes him in, but no sooner does she close her eyes, the man and her daughter are gone. The stranger was indeed Death, and he has taken her child, but the Mother does not give up. She races against Death, trying to reach the other shore before he does, but what price will she be willing to pay to save her daughter? In another easy-to-stage production that nevertheless remains full of energy and life, acclaimed playwright Don Zolidis creates another thrilling fairytale adaptation perfect for all audiences.
The Price was first performed at Memorial Parkway Junior High in Katy, TX on 25 April 2025.
THE MOTHER – a young mother DEATH – a traveler NIGHT – an elegant woman THORNBUSH – a bush full of thorns THE LAKE – a very large lake OLD WOMAN – a caretaker, tending the flowers in Death’s garden TOMAS – a young man ELENA – a young woman ENSEMBLE – any number of actors who portray STARS, FIR TREES, WAVES, FLOWERS, and PEOPLE.
Double-casting: All roles except Death and the Mother should also play parts in the ensemble.
Gender of the characters: The Thornbush, Lake and Ensemble members may be played by actors of any gender. Feel free to adjust pronouns accordingly. It’s recommended for Death to be played by a male-identifying actor, but not compulsory.
The speaking role for Ensemble and Fir Tree should be shared amongst multiple actors. Feel free to distribute the lines as necessary to all of the players. If Ensemble or Fir Tree has multiple consecutive lines, that means that different members of those roles should speak the lines.
A small home in the snowy forest.
Don Zolidis, one of the most-produced playwrights in the world, is a former middle school and high school theater teacher. His 140+ published plays have been produced over 25,000 times, appearing in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and more than 80 countries around the ...