Riddle Me Ree
by Martha Bennett King

Play script by Martha Bennett King.

This beguiling work derived from ancient ballads by a master of playwriting was the first of a new breed of subtle participation plays.

Out of the medieval sport of riddles, a spell is woven of laughter, life and dearth and naturally involves its audience in song and suspense without condescension or gimmickry.

Settings of an open field and a room in the palace may be simple or elaborate.

Medieval costumes.

Music included.

Cast of 7 women, 7 men.

Riddles, now the delight of modern children, were once a sport of wits for adults.

The ancient ballad on which this play is based tells of a king who forgot the laughter behind the shout: "Answer the riddle or pay me a fee."

This envious king raises the stakes to grim heights, commanding a wealthy Abbot to answer three impossible riddles at peril of his wealth and his head.

The queen, her ladies , the court jesters, an evil astrologer, even the audience become involved, first in spirited riddle songs and questions, then step by step in growing concern for the despairing and doomed Abbot.

It is the scorned step-brother of the Abbot, a simple singing shepherd, whose wit and courage brings the day to an astonishing climax, in which, - the tale's the thing.-