A PLAYSCRIPTS TITLE

The Price (Zolidis)

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. A stranger appears at her door, asking for shelter from the cold. She takes him in, but no sooner does she close her eyes, then the man and her daughter are gone. Who is this mysterious figure?

The Price (Zolidis)

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 2m, 3 any gender (youth) plus ensemble
  • Duration
    Duration
    30 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Fantasy, Adaptation (Literature), Fable/Folktale
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Pre-Teen (Age 11-13), Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

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.

History

The Price was first performed at Memorial Parkway Junior High in Katy, TX on 25 April 2025. 

Keywords
Performing Groups

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.

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.

  • Time Period Present Day, Medieval (6th-14th Century)
  • Setting

    A small home in the snowy forest. 

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Fantasy Costumes, Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 30 minutes

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £30 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Don Zolidis

Don Zolidis

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 ...

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