From Atalanta to Zeus: Readers Theatre from Greek Mythology
Should children a) meet myths early, but in bowdlerized or simplified versions, or b) wait until they can handle the psychosexual complexities characteristic of myths? If you vote for a), then you might want to look at this collection of more than 25 Greek myths prepared for read-aloud dramatics. The scripts cover most of the major and some of the minor deities' tales. The balance between dramatization and narrative varies widely: in some scripts (Dionysus, Hermes) characters have real dialogues, but in many cases (Heracles, Jason) the narrators are mostly reading a third-person account of events. Suggestions for adults about presentation, costumes, and delivery are included. On the minus side: there are errors of grammar; although the language is clear, the register is inconsistent (words like "bereft" join phrases like "You made it!"); and, most of all, some stories, like "Cupid and Psyche," are almost unrecognizable without their dark freight. Psyche is blamed here (whereas Cupid, who tries to protect himself from real intimacy and runs to Mom when his relationship falters, is equally immature); the sisters aren't jealous; Psyche doesn't carry a knife to kill her "monstrous" husband, so there's no real tension. Barchers's effort is well meaning, and some of this book could be useful for junior high students who might be frightened off by the adult content of more sophisticated versions. On the other hand, if they can deal with these names and intricate plots here, they might be able to handle more.Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RICopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.