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 tracesHarris's development as a playwright ina biographical study based on interviews with Harris. This enlightening section treats Harris's philosophy and teaching methods, as well as his creative process.
By Aurand Harris
Coleman A. Jennings is Jesse H. Jones Regents Professor in Fine Arts in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a leading authority on theatre for young audiences and editor of eight anthologies of plays that represent the major works of America’s foremost playwrights.