Six Plays for Children
by Aurand Harris brings together a variety of dramatic forms that have enormously enriched the literature of children's theatre in this country and around the world. These works by this respected children's theatre playwright show Harris's great versatility: in the commedia dell'arte of
Androcles and the Lion
; the musical melodrama
Rags to Riches
; the sober, absurd comedy
Punch and Judy
; the realistic historical drama
Steal Away Home
; the farce
Peck's Bad Boy
; and the musical review
Yankee Doodle
. Each of the six plays exhibits a vital theatricality which is sure to win a child's attention and response.
Editor Coleman A. Jennings traces Harris's development as a playwright in a biographical study based on interviews with Harris. This enlightening section treats Harris's philosophy and teaching methods, as well as his creative process.