The Popping of the Grand Balloon - A Play to be Performed by Children

Adapted from the Hungarian folk story The Little Rooster and the Diamond Button. The Little Rooster, poor and hungry, scratching in the earth for something for himself and his poor Old Woman to eat, finds a Diamond Button. The Grand Balloon, the very fat ruler of the land, claims it and takes it from the Rooster. As the Rooster attempts to persuade the inflated autocrat to concede, his native wit causes ever greater amusement as does the humorous, punning wit of the author as she symbolises the human frailty of those who apparently hold sway - and whose bubble is finally burst.

Cast : 14 speaking parts (variable m/f), two of which are substantial, + crowd as required. Suggested Age Range : 8 to 11. Running Time : 50 minutes - Music : Not prescribed. Can be live - recorders/percussion or as available - or recorded; simple dances and/or incidental music. Set : As desired; could work well "in the round".