The Story Builders The Six Bridges
The Six Bridges
by Carolyn German
Commissioned by the
Tennessee Performing
Arts Centers - Education
and Outreach
the synopsis
The Story Builders are ready to install a newly-created fairytale in the perfect Story-world location: right across the gorge from The Three Billy Goats Gruff. But the Troll brings the project to a halt when he urgently tells them that the new story’s projected home already contains a story, one that has been forgotten for decades. The Story Builders are in disbelief at first, but then curiosity gives way to intrigue. They use their best research skills and tools to eventually find the title of a story that was written, but never printed or placed on the map. When they share the news with the Boss, the Boss insists on sending the Prince over to meet this forgotten story. But The Story Builders both know that the self-centered, inconsiderate Prince is not the right one for the job. Armed only with a title they head out into the Story World to find the troll and get whatever information he may have to save this “uncharted story”.
They find the troll at his bridge, and little by little he reveals what he knows. In a flourish of excitement, the Story Builders decide that the only way to override the Boss’s plan is to bring her a better plan. They decide to create an entirely new story, where the Story Builders themselves can decide who makes the journey to the unmapped tale. Off they go, sketching and “wordsmithing”, to build a brand new fairy tale. All the while, they learn more about this young troll, who seems so ready for new adventures but doesn’t now how to let go of the past, or of preconceived notions of who he is. When the Story Builders have finished the new story, it is the Troll who takes on the task of “re-discovering” the forgotten tale, leaving his comfortable bridge for the leading character in a newly-created tale of adventure and triumph.
the details
Cast: 6 actors (3 men, 3 women) with doubling
Two acts. Running times: Act 1-45min, Act 2-35min
Simple sets to suggest office (Act 1) and Story World (Act 2)
the characters
Illy: the grand Illustrator. 40’s +. Abstract and sometimes forgetful; very energetic, wise.
Layla: The Lady of the Language. 40’s+. An efficient, no-nonsense wordsmith; takes charge without taking over.
The troll: an adolescent of any age. Walking that balance between living the life that his friends and family expect of him, and living his own life. Respectful, responsible.
Shoe Lady: A been–there-done-that lady; spry, and generous.
Prince Charming: a teenager. Beautiful. Spoiled. If there is a fairytale frat house, he is in it.
The Crooked Man: Kind, reserved. His speech, though “crooked” like the rest of him, is clear and exacting. In another world he would be British upper crust, with out the stuffiness.
Morley: executive secretary to Layla and Illy. Efficient and friendly. With an accent or some sort that sets him apart of the others. Irish works.
Jill: a yuppie, whose only truly annoying feature may be her energetic and sunny attitude at 6 in the morning.
The Boss: A woman who commands respect. She is the bottom line.
The Printer: Da nicest blue-collar gal or guy yous could eva know.