Flashback Friday - The True Story of Hansel and Gretel - Scene 1

A little while ago, I mentioned a book I grew up loving which inspired the following story. This is a script that I wrote for my capstone project for my Bachelor's several years ago. I was required to combine my study in English, Communication, and Theatre into one project along with an essay explaining how the three parts were integrated. For the next few weeks, I'll share the story - one scene at a time. Enjoy!

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel

Scene 1

(Hansel and Gretel enter center stage in front of the curtain.)

HANSEL
Welcome, everyone, and thank you for coming to our show!

GRETEL
My name is Gretel and this is my brother, Hansel. And, boy, do we have a story for you.

HANSEL
You may think that you know our story. (Asking audience) Who thinks they know the story of "Hansel and Gretel"? (Members of audience raise hands. Mock disbelief.) I don't know. Gretel, do you think they really know our story?

GRETEL
I don't know either. Let's ask them what they think it is. (To audience.) Who can tell me our story? (Picks on audience member whose hand is raised.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER
(Recites a variation of this story.) They go wandering in the forest and they leave a trail of bread. And then a bird comes and eats the bread. Hansel and Gretel realize they are lost and start trying to find their way back home. Then they find a house made of candy, so they go inside and start eating. A witch comes and starts trying to eat them. To beat the witch, they throw her in the oven. And then they find their way home.

HANSEL
Yeah, that is pretty much the story that everyone gives.

GRETEL
But that's the fairy tale.

HANSEL
That isn't what really happened.

GRETEL
Do you want to hear the real story? 

AUDIENCE
Yes!

HANSEL
Are you sure you want to hear the real story?

AUDIENCE
(Louder.) Yes!

HANSEL
Alright, we’ll tell you. But will you do us one favor?

AUDIENCE
What’s that?

GRETEL
Forget everything you think you know about Hansel and Gretel.

(Lights.)

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