Activity Page
Activity Page
0
~
~ Put the pictures in order. Write 1-5.
Label the pictures.
...Y:1.
...Q.
_r _Q_
__s__ _g_ _n_ _d_ _g_
_I
__s__
_r -.JL _g_ _d_
_r -.JL -.L _k_
fJ Complete the sentences and do the crossword.
1. Aethra was very Ill _Q_ _r ...Q. J:L _Q_ of her son.
2. The road to Athens was very (2) Ji ....9... Jl _g_ ~ _r _Q_ __!:!_ ~ •
3. Aethra was the (3) _Q_ _Q ___!!~_b._ _t ~ _r of the King of Troezen.
z'
4. Aegeus had a lot of (4Ler
·' n- e -m- i -e- s in Athens.
-;; - r
5. Theseus was .a (5_) :!l_ _Q_ Jl __Q_ ~ _Q_ ..!!! ~ young man.
6. Aethra and Theseus stayed in Troezen because it was (6) ~ ....9... _f
!
7. Theseus saved people from (7)_
r _Q_ __Q_ _Q_ ~ _r ~ .
_g_ there.
a
Look at activity 3 and write a sentence for each picture. Use the verbs below.
put on
v
~@][EJ[Q][Q][Q]
welcomed
buried
went
1. King Aegeus buried his sword and sandals under a rock.
[A]
v
~[Q][A][Q][Q][8][l]ITJ[EJ
2. Theseus moved the rock easily.
llil
ITJ
llil
[EJ
[}]
[Q]
lMI
[Q]
[JJ
E>-C8J[A]Il!][Q][m[Q][M]ITJ
V'
[R]
[Q]
[ID
[ID
~ [m[A][I]IIJ
[R]
~
3. Theseus put on his father's sandals.
4. Theseus went to Athens.
5. The people welcomed Theseus like a hero.
r;)
What will happen next? Answer this question and discuss.
What will King Aegeus and Theseus do?
moved
II,
,:l
Activity Page
i,,
0
Activity Page
~ Complete the sentences with the names below.
Match the words with the pictures.
2. labyrinth
1. ship
3. sail
5. bull
4. palace
Aegeus
1.
Minos
2.
Androqeus
Minos
Androgeus
was the king of Crete.
was killed in Athens many years ago.
3.
Aegeus \. didn't want to send his son to Crete.
4.
Theseus
a
·{!]
Theseus
decided to save the young Athenians .
Answer the questions.
1. How did King Aegeus recognize his son?
King Aegeus recognized his son when he saw the sandals and the sword.
f)
Complete the sentences p ith words from the text. Then transfer the letters in the boxes
to the spaces belowj tJ,e,.sentences and spell out the name of a terrifying creature.
Because his son, Androgeus, was killed in Athens many years ago.
1. The labyrinth _wa~.-<Yhuge, dark §] _g_ ..1:_ _g._ .
2. Theseus decided to _l_ [[]
3. How many young men and young women did Athens send to Crete every year?
_g_ _h_ _t for the freedom of Athens.
3. Everybody in Athens looked very J:L
@] _h_
_Q_ ..Q_ _Q_
l
Seven young men and seven young women .
.
4. When King Aegeus saw his sandals and the sword, he _r ~ -..£.
@] _g_
_n_ _i ~ ~ _Q_
5. Every year Athens paid a
!
ITJ _r
_i _Q_ J:L _t ~ to King Minos.
6. The labyrinth was under King Minos' ..Q_
7. At first, King Aegeus was ~
@] ~
@]
_Q_ _i
_I _Q_ _f.. _g_ .
...L _i
_Q_
[!] _i _f
_i __f_ ~ 2._
5. What did the creature look like?
The creature had the head of a bull and the body of a man.
JL 2. of Theseus .
8. Every year Athens sent seven young men and seven young women to Crete as
2._ _Q_ __f_
4 . King M inos kept a terrifying creature in his palace. What was the creature's name?
The creature's name was the Minotaur.
his son .
I
2. Why did King Minos punish Athens?
t;l 1n the next part of the story Theseus leaves for Crete. Answer these questions and
discuss what will happen .
0
1. What will King Aegeus do?
M
nota
r
-i-u
-12345
678
2. How will the Athenians feel?
3. What will Theseus do?
'il
,[
Activity Page
II
0
Activity Page
~ Complete the sentences with the verbs in the box.
Label the pictures.
find
stand
set
put
l . Theseus said: "Don't worry, Father. I will
wait
put
cheer
return
up the white sail when I
kill
return
from Crete."
g __Q_ ~ Jl
o _I _i ..:!..._ ~
w _r
fJ
~ _Q_ _t
h ..9_ _r _Q_ _Q_ _r
_h_ [BrE h _Q_ _r _Q_
g Q_ ..9_ __r_ _Q_
_Q_ _JJ_ _L ]
p _r _i ~ __Q_ _o_
2. Aegeus is g ~Jng to
stand
3. The ship
sail for Crete.
set
4. On the ship, Theseus tried to
Spot four (4) mistakes in the picture and write sentences.
...
~
kill
a
on the hill at Cape Sounio and
cheer
the Minotaur and
find
a way out of the labyrinth .
Who said what? Match.
King Minos wilt never be able
to punish Athens again.
----------------~ ~
Father will be very angry. l ~
I
;I
:
Come back safely and bring
victory to Athens.
,
I
1. The ship had black sails, not white.
How are we going to get out )
of the labyrinth?
2. The young Athenians wore white gowns.
3. The young Athenians wore olive wreaths on their heads.
4. The young Athenians were not happy. They were sad and scared .
for Theseus.
up the young Athenians. He promised to
The Minotaur mustn't kilt Theseus.
,.. It
wait
~ What will happen next? Answer this question and discuss.
What will King Minos, Theseus and Ariadne do?
'l
,[
Activity Page
Activity Page
II
0
~ Answer these questions. Circle a or b.
Look at the pictures and complete the paragraph.
. ... . . .... ·--
(
i
r
~/I
palace
had a huge feast at the
ate
. Everybody
danced
all
keys
door
Complete the thought bubbles.
... and he will
never get out of
the labyrinth.
went to the prison. She stole the
and -o6ened the
. . . ......,.
a
sad
long. The prisoners were
Ariadne
, and
<.
)'
night
l. How did Ariadne get into the prison the first time? 3. Why was King Minos celebrating?
@ Because he believed that nobody could kill
a. She stole the keys.
@ She persuaded the guards to let her in.
the Minotaur.
b. Because Theseus was so brave.
2. What did Ariadne ask Theseus to do?
@ To take her to Athens with him.
4. What were the guards doing when Ariadne
went to the prison the second time?
b. To stay with ~r on Crete.
a. They were at the feast.
~ They were sleeping.
... kill the Minotaur
and set Athens free.
... offer us to
the Minotaur.
. She wanted to help
~
Theseus
I
·"II
I
..f
f)
l. King Minos thought that Theseus was either very
(l) _Q_ _r _g_ _:j_ _!L or very l2)_
f _Q_ _Q_ _I _i
I
I,
,,
I'
;j
v
Complete the sentences and do the crossword .
~
_h_ .
v
2. King Minos invited all the people on Crete to the
[I]
' [[] OJ
13) f e a s t .
3. Theseus must l4)_
t _r JL
[I]
[Q]
[Q]
~
_t
Ariadne.
4. Ariadne williS) _g_ _i .:1_ __g_ Theseus everything he
needs to kill the Minotaur.
~ [l][[][ill~[I]
[8] [8J
[YJ
v
[I]
[I]
v
[Q]
OJ
[YJ
~ [Q[I][I][I][[][R][8J[I][I]
5. When Theseus kills the Minotaur, it will be the Athenians'
l6)_
t JL _r Jl. to I?) ...f._ JL _I __g_ _Q_ _r _g_ _t _g_ .
~
~ [l][ill[[]lli]
~ What will happen next? Answer these questions and discuss.
l. What will Ariadne give Theseus?
2. Will Theseus be able to kill the Minotaur?
... helped Theseus,
he'll kill me!
'I
,[
lj
i
i
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0
a
What did Ariadne give Theseus? Join the dots and find out.
Activity Page
How did Theseus kill the MinoJaur? Complete the paragraph with the words in the box.
1 .~
3Y(r-;\
J)
I.
4
\
(
raised heart jumped went
asleep thurst ran roared
11
.11
7 10
4
10
5
.
Theseus Ill
went
He 12)
ground noises sword
found woke heard
into the labyrinth.
soft growling 13) noises
heard
and moved in that direction. A few minutes
6 •11 .} 8
4
'1..
later, he 14)
found
the Minotaur,
7
a b _g_ _I _I of t _b_
_L ~_g_
_Q_
a t _Q_ _r
~ _h_
a s Yi_
_Q_
_r _Q_
who was 15)
asleep
out his 16)
H Answer the questions.
sword
heard the noise and
1. How must Theseus use the ball of thread?
He must tie one end of the thread to the door and unwind it as he moves through the labyrinth .
2. When can Theseus kill the Minotaur?
At midniqht, because then tne Minotaur sleeps for only one hour.
He 18) jumped
19)
~~~,
.Theseus took
· . The Minotaur
Ill
woke
'~"''
.•.~·~Qj ,\-~ i.r ~~
.
~
towards Theseus.
Theseus moved closer to the Minotaur. He
110)
raised
his sword and
llll
thrust
it into the creature's
112)
heart
. The Minotaur 113)
'
./~
3. What was it like in the leinyrinth?
.......r"
It was cold and ver y dark.
I
·"II
:ljl
..
i
I
11 m~
I
4. What was the Minotaur doing when Theseus first saw him?
The Minotaur was asleep.
D Help Theseus find the Minotaur.
!;)
i!'ft~,,\
· ~. ~"~~, ~
up.
to his feet, roared and
ran
ij ...
roared
' ; -'
·., ' .rl~)Jl'!
and fell to the 114)
ground
What did Theseus say when he killed the Minotaur? Unscramble the words and find out.
lED UOY OMSTERN
EW REA ERFE
COVIRTY ROF THASEN
Dl
E
--
w _E_
:y_ _I
YOU
--
A
~
R_
L
_I_ _Q_ _R_
MONSTE
-R
-
__E_ _R_ _E_ _E_
l
__E_ _Q_ _R_
A l
H_
L R
_2_
[;) What will happen next? Answer these questions and discuss.
1. What will Theseus and Ariadne do?
2. Will the Athenians manage to escdpe from Crete?
Activity Page
0
Activity Page
Look at the pictures and complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verbs in the box.
cry
watch
open
welcome
set
make
~ Read and write T for True or F for False.
l. When Theseus and Ariadne went to the prison, the guards were at the feast.
[£]
2. Theseus saved the young Athenians' lives.
[!]
3. Everybody was at the feast, so they didn't see the Athenians going to the
6. Ariadne was not happy when she left Crete.
[£]
[£]
[£]
[£]
7. When the ship came to the island of Naxos, they stopped for food and water.
[!]
8. Theseus decided to leave Naxos immediately.
[£]
harbor (BrE harbour).
4. It was Ariadne's idea to make holes in King Minos' ships.
\.
5. Theseus put up the white sails.
2. The Athenians
l. Ariadne opened the
door.
cried
3. The Athenians
made
holes in King Minos' ships.
with joy.
a
What are Theseus and Ariadne saying? Break the code and find out.
T H A N K
16
,,/
4. Theseus
5. Ariadne was watching I
set
sail for Athens ~ · ...... ~~
'I''
·l
6. The people of Naxos
welcomed
watched the sunrise.
H Complete the sentences with the words in the box. Then match.
them.
6
1
ll
8
_y_
_Q_
19
12
7
15
8
5 A V E
15
1
18
4
4
I
17
1
Y 0 U R
-
R I 5 K ED
14
.1L A
19
3
u
5
17
15
12
17
14
_R_ _I
14
7
A
_Q
1
3
li _I_
ll
19
I
F E
T 0
9
7
5
16
4
I
M _!L_2__l
10
17
__y_ _Q_ 1L
15
17
16
I
M
I
1
lO
(rhank you. You are a
true
9
6
16
6
15
4
A
1
1
j_ 2__ _I_
4
15
4
12
6
.Y_ _I_
18
11
4
8
1L _2._
17
H. A
_2_ Q
_l_ _I_
us.
Touow
lH.Ali_K_
16
l H.
I
17
12
7
A
Minos' ships may
12
L
----
12
1[)1
_y_ Q_ .1L
.
4
1
~
2
•
15
_E_ _E_
13
_R_ l_
14
_y_
13
4
19
l
_I_ .
16
4
___h;ro.)
A= 1, C = 2, D = 3, E = 4, F = 5, H=6, I = 7,
We must
hurry
. The sun will
K = 8, L = 9, M = 10, N = 11, 0 = 12, P = 13,
rise
R = 14, S = 15, T = 16, U = 17, V = 18, Y = 19
It is an honor (BrE honour] to have the son
of King Aegeus here on Naxos.
Our
journey
was long and we are very
~ What will happen next? Answer these questions and discuss.
,,., ....
l. What will Theseus, Ariadne and the young Athenians do on Naxos?
2. What will happen during the night?
Activity Page
i
Activity Page
111
0
Complete the sentences and do the crossword .
1. The people of Naxos had a feast to celebrate Theseus'
(l) ..J!... _ i _£ _t ...Q _r _y_ .
v
2. When Theseus went to sleep after the feast, he had a
strange (2) A __!:__ J;L ....9... l!l .
3. The (3) _g_ _Q_ A Dionysus spoke to him.
4. Dionysus wanted Ariadne to be his (4) ::!!__ _i __!_ ~ .
5. Theseus didn't want to break his
(5) _2_ _r .Q_ !!!.._ _i £ ~ to Ariadne.
v
v [Q]
~
~ Look at the picture and complete the paragraph. Use the words in the box.
[]]
~ @][EJ[Q][M][JJ ~!I]
[]] II] lli]
~ lli][Q][Q]
.
II]
[M]
II]
~ [2J[JJ[g[I][Q][EJ[YJ
~
6. But Theseus couldn't disobey Dionysus'
(6) _Q_ _r_ A J;L _r ~ .
H What happened in the story? Check [BrE Tick] the correct pictures.
il:
;II
Theseus went to Ariadne's
(l)
at her for a long time and (4)
1. - - -
room
. She was (2)
thought
about the dream. He couldn't (5)
Ariadne to Athens with him because he couldn't (6)
asleep
disobey
Ariadne will
be my wife.
Ariadne will
be my wife.
(7)
a
set
sail for Athens without her.
Answer this question and discuss.
Was Theseus right to leave Ariadne on Naxos?
r;)
-1
3.
f
tit '
0
What will happen next? Answer these questions and discuss.
1. How will Ariadne feel when she wakes up? What will she say?
2.What will Theseus do?
3. What will King Aegeus do?
.,
4. How will the story end?
•
take
the god's orders. So, he
j
li'l
. He (3) looked
Activity Page
0
II
ill
Look at the pictures and complete the sentences. Use the correct form of the verbs in the
box and some more words.
·
become
drown
put up
jump
curse
forget
leave
In times of trouble
In times of fear
A hero came to Athens
To help the people there
Theseus gave his word
And fought with his swor
To set Athens free
And bring victory
1. Theseus
forgot
put up the white
to
2. Ariadne
sails.
he
cursed Theseus
left her
because
on Naxos.
·:
No more sacrifices
And no more Minotaur
Athens now is free
Theseus brought victory
3. King Aegeus
sea and
f)
jumped into
the
drowned
4. Theseus
became King
of
Athens.
Match the speech and thought bubbles to the people.
Tragedy is waiting for you in Athens.
Be as unhappy as I am now!
'I
I
Forgive me, father. I forgot
to put up the white sails!
Your father is dead. He saw the black sails and he thought
you were dead. So, he jumped into the sea and drowned.
I
I
Activity Page
~ Look at the map and trace Theseus' route.
I
I
.'1'.!',:!
I
,1:·,1
.~,.,I~I·
,:II
:ir~l
~,I!
,·:I
H
l,i
i.l
ll. !Ili
black
dangerous
about
body
dark
afraid
boy
daughter
after
brave
day
again
break
dead
ago
bring
dear
all
bull
death ......................... .
alright
bury
decide ................ . .......... .
among
but
deeper ........................... ..
and
by
die ..................... .
angry
called
direction .. .
can ......................... ..
disobey
around
cape
distance
arrive
care
door .............................................
as
careful
down .......... .
ask
celebrate
dream (n.)
at
cheer up .
dream (v.) .
at first
city
drink ......... .
Athenian
closer .....
back
cold .
early
ball
come
easily ....
be
continue
eat
beat
could
either
become
creature
enemy
before ...
cry
escape
believe ......... .
curse
every ................. ..
birthday _.......... ..
danger ....... ..
everybody
anybody ____ __.........
I
II'i
able
a
Write three sentences about one or more of the characters below. Read your sentences
to the class and listen to your classmates' sentences. Then discuss.
rl!
rG
·I
~
.,
Theseus
King Aegeus
King Minos
Ariadne
The Minotaur
Dionysus
-
---·--·
--- ~ -
drown .
'I
•11 Aethra:
Theseus and Aethra embrace, as the lights dim
.lit
gradually to dark. Two or more students carry the rock
offstage. Theseus and Aethra exit the stage in
4,
darkness.
Theseus:
•
.II•
Now you must go to Athens and meet • "'
your father, King Aegeus. But be
careful, Theseus, the road to Athens is
very dangerous.
Don't worry about me, Mother. I am
not afraid.
d,, Theseus:
Aegeus:
•
•
In semi-darkness, the narrators speak their text.
Offstage we hear screams, growls, and all sorts of
frightening sounds that illustrate Theseus' adventures 0
with the robbers.
'
l'
Narrator B: Theseus traveled (BrE travelled) for
many days. On his way, he saved
people from dangerous robbers.
People welcomed him like a hero
everywhere. By the time Theseus
arrived in Athens, everybody was
talking about him.
Athenians:
r!
The lights go up to full. The chorus of Athenians enters
the stage from the opposite two upstage corners. They•
are walking in single file and meet in the center [BrE
centreL cheering. Theseus enters the stage from
among the spectators in the auditorium, who also
cheer him.
IfTheseus:
•
'Q . _:::;,...
:I
I
I
Aegeus:
Aegeus helps Theseus up.
]
Theseus:
Here comes Theseus, our hero!
,,
Theseus takes a few steps downstage
away from the throne. He faces away
from his father.
During the Narrator's speech, the
lights dim to half
,
0
• 11
~~ .
1
Theseus:
t
Aegeus gets up from his throne and
walks towards Theseus.
Aegeus:
No, Theseus, no! You are my only son! I can't let
you go!
Theseus:
You can't stop me, Father. I must fight for the
freedom of Athens.
III
rl!l,
Scene Three
The lights are up. While the Narrator speaks, a solemn procession of young Athenians enters. This
should be choreographed carefully. There is a pattern of repetition in their movement diagonally across
the stage. Theseus is leading the procession holding a big olive wreath. The rest of the Athenian chorus,
Aegeus included, are all standing downstage in the right -hand corner, watching silently. The more
students involved in the chorus, the better the effect will be. A couple among them could be weeping.
G
•
11 ,
Father! Finally, we meet'
Father, why is everybody so sad?
My son, ifs time for our tribute to King Minos of
Crete. Minos' son, Androgeus, was killed here in
Athens many years ago. Minos decided to punish
the Athenians for his son's death. So, every year, a
IIIII'
ill
Father, I will go to Crete with the others and kill the
Minotaur.
The two men embrace, as the lights
dim to darkness. Two or more students
take the throne offstage.
The Athenians took Theseus to the palace. At first
King Aegeus was suspicious.
But when he saw the sandals and the sword, he
recognized his son.
Theseus, my son, welcome! I am so happy that you
are here!
p
1'1:
.
Aegeus is trying to stop Theseus, but
Theseus is gently pushing him away.
Narrator A: While Theseus was walking around Athens, he
noticed that the people looked very unhappy.
Theseus:
Aegeus:
Narrator B: Theseus was horrified. When he saw how sad his
father was, he decided to save the young people of
Athens.
My journey is over. Take me to see the •
I
I
0
Athens must offer these young men and women as
sacrifices to the Minotaur. The Minotaur is a
terrifying creature with the head of a bull and the
body of a man. He lives in a labyrinth, a huge, dark 11 '
maze under the palace of King Minos. Nobody can
escape the Minotaur or get out of the labyrinth.
o
•
Scene Two
·· ·,
When the lights come up, Aegeus is sitting on his throne downstage center [arE centre] . Two members of
the Athenian chorus stand on either side of him. A third Athenian leads Theseus to his father from
upstage left. Theseus kneels in front of his father.
~
\.
10
The lights dim to dark. Two or mo(estudents bring
~/
Aegeus' throne on stage.
iltl
•
p
ship with black sails comes to take seven young
men and seven young women to Crete.
But why?
•
.c.
•
11,
.ft .
Two days later, seven young men and seven ~·
young women were ready to go to Crete.
•
They wore white gowns and had olive
wreaths on their heads. The Athenians
,
watched them walk to the harbor
(BrE harbour). Some people were crying .
0'
Narrator B: Aegeus tried to persuade his son to stay
•
in Athens .
Aegeus:
Theseus, please stay! You are my only son.
One day you'll be king! Don't go, ifs very
dangerous!
Theseus:
Father, we mustn't let King Minos kill any
more Athenians. It isn't right.
•
,
o"•
. uf
4:-
' Aegeus:
Theseus:
Scene Four
Alright, my son . Be careful. Come back
safely and bring victory to Athens. Here, t
take these white sails. Please put them \\'
up when you return. That way I will know
that you are safe. I'm going to stand on
the hill at Cape Sounio and wait for you t
come home.
You have my word, Father.
The lights are up. Ariadne is talking to Theseus center [8rE centre] stage. There is a spot on them, whereas
the rest of the stage is very dim. Two of Minos' guards are standing on either side of them.
Q_ · ~
At the prison, Ariadne persuaded the guards
to let her in.
t
Theseus, I am Ariadne, the King's daughter. I
want to help you, but you must promise to
take me to Athens with you .
Theseus:
As the chorus of young Athenians exits the stage
ceremoniously in single file to upstage right, the
lights gradually fade to dark. The rest of the
Athenians, including Aegeus, lower their heads,
one by one and then exit the stage in the
opposite direction.
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Narrator A: The ship set sail for Crete. The young
II
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When the lights are restored to bright we see a
horizontal line of Minos' guards {depending on
the number of the students involved in the proiect,
these could be up to 8) holding up spears and
facing the audience. Theseus and the young
Athenians are standing in front of them, their
hands held back, as if in handcuffs. They are in a
freeze. Ariadne and Phaedra are standing
downstage in the left-hand corner, watching.
The lights go out, as Ariadne exits.
During the blackout, two students bring
in the throne. This time it is covered in a
different cloth than when it was used
as Aegeus' throne. When the lights
come up, Minos is already sitting on his
throne, two guards on either side of
C
him. Theseus is kneeling in front of him.
merllf
and women were very scared.
Narrator 8: Theseus tried to cheer them up.
You mustn't be afraid. We will kill the
Theseus:
Minotaur. Minos will never be able to
punish Athens again.
Young man: Theseus, you are very brave and you
may kill the Minotaur. But how will we get
out of the labyrinth? Irs very dark, with
lots of passages. We'll all die in there.
We'll find a way out, I promise you.
Theseus:
~~
I
Narrator A:
Narrator 8:
'
I
Ariadne:
Ariadne lets go of Phaedra's hand and tries to
run to Theseus. Phaedra stops her.
A few days later, the ship arrived in Crete.
King Minos' guards were waiting at the
harbor [BrE harbour) and took the young
Athenians to the palace prison. A lot of
people were watching. Among them
were Ariadne and Phaedra, Minos'
daughters.
~
I
,
Thars Theseus, the son of King Aegeus.
He is so handsome! I'll go to the prison to
talk to him.
I
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Phaedra whispers to Ariadne and warns her not
to help Theseus.
The lights fade to dark as Ariadne walks
deliberately towards Theseus, and Phaedra exits
upstage left.
I know how you can kill the Minotaur. Tonight
I'll give you everything you need.
\..
In semi-darkness, upstage center (BrE centre] we
see the silhouettes of the young Athenians and
Theseus imitating the motions of setting sail. This
choreography can come out of a very fun-to-do ~
improvisation exercise with the students. Two of
the students are holding the oars, pretending to
row. Some upward and downward mov~ment
generated by the students can also help create
the impression that the young Athet;Jians are all
in a ship, trying to hold on to the;;nast during a
sea storm. Theseus is standinfl amongst them
calmly and evidently
not.scared.
....
•
Phaedra:
Ariadne:
\
I
Don't do that, Ariadne. Father will be very
"
angry.
I don't care. The Minotaur mustn't kill
~
Theseus. I'm going to help him. Maybe •
Theseus can take me to Athens with him. • •
I must go to the prison. Please, Phaedra, r
• b
don't tell anybody.
-~ -
.
The lights fade to semi-darkness. Two
students take the throne offstage. While
the Narrators speak, we see the
silhouettes of Minos, all his guards,
Ariadne and Phaedra dancing all over
the stage to festive music. {The choice
of both music and dance are up to the
teacher). The Athenians are all thrown
together downstage in the left-hand
corner, motionless. They are in a
separate part of the stage,
representing a prison. Two guards are
blocking their exit. They hold their
spears up.
Ariadne moves furtively towards the
area where the Athenians are kept. The
guards and all the young Athenians
are sound asleep.
How can you help me?
'
Later, the guards took the prisoners to see the
King.
King Minos:
So, you are Theseus, King Aegeus' son. Why
are you here?
Theseus:
I'm going to kill the Minotaur and set Athens
free.
King Minos:
You are either very brave or very foolish,
Theseus. You will never kill the Minotaur and
you will never get out of the labyrinth. Tonight,
we will have a feast. Tomorrow, you will fight
the Minotaur... and lose!
,0 Narrator A:
'
That night, King Minos had a feast and
invited all the people on Crete to celebrate.
Everybody ate and drank and danced all
night long.
Narrator 8:
The prisoners were very sad.
Young Man:
Listen to them out there. Tonight they're
celebrating, and tomorrow they're going to
offer us to the Minotaur!
,
t
Young Woman: Theseus, do you really believe we can kill the
Minotaur?
Theseus:
• Narrator A:
Narrator 8:
tNarrator A:
Yes, I do. Don't worry. Soon, it will be our turn
to celebrate.
While everybody was at the feast, Ariadne
went to the prison .
The guards were sleeping.
Ariadne stole the keys and opened the door
quietly.
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·»· Ariadne:
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Theseus:
•
Ariadne:
•
Ariadne takes Theseus by the hand
and together they walk on tiptoe and
exit the stage crossing from downstage
left to upstage right amidst Minos and
his guards who are also on the floor
snoring away after all the drinking and
dancing. The lights fade out to dark
and everybody leaves the stage.
I
Theseus! Wake up! I have the key to the
labyrinth. Come with me and I will help you
kill the Minotaur.
But how can I trust you?
You must trust me. I want to go to Athens with
you . I can't stay here any longer. If my father
finds out that I helped you, he'll kill me. Let's
go! We don't have [BrE haven't got) much time!
there are some growling sounds that
increase in volume and intensity.
Theseus walks in the direction of the
sounds coming from upstage right.
Suddenly there is a blackout. It lasts for
about 5 seconds. Afterwards, there is a
spotlight on the very upstage right-hand
corner of the stage. We see the
Minotaur roaring qway. Then all the
labyrinth lights come on at once. The
Minotaur struts across the stage in big
open strides (the movement again, will
be more effective if choreographed and
in slow motion). Theseus is standing in
front of the Minotaur, waiting to confront •
him.
Scene Five
When the lights are up Theseus and Ariadne are in the labyrinth. It is very important that the teacherdirector, together with the students come up with a clever "solution" to staging a labyrinth. An idea would
be to light different areas of the stage separately, but also, choreographed repetition of movement will
be instrumental to sustaining the ii/I.Jsion. That is, Theseus may be seen crossing the same stage areas
over and over again, as if moving fn circles, apparently getting nowhere. Sounds of exasperation, gasps
of breath, etc. could also intensify
the feeling
of claustrophobia and helplessness one gets in a maze.
,~
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Ariadne hands Theseus a ball of thread.
Theseu~
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Narrator B:
Ariadne:
lil'll
Theseus pretends to tie the thread on to
a door in the downstage right-hand
corner and lets the ball unroll as he
moves diagonally towards the center f3rE
centre] of the stage. Ariadne exits from
upstage left. The lights dim.
Theseus moves up and down and
across the stage in a repeated
choreographed movement. Suddenly,
Then Theseus takes a step closer to the
Minotaur and raises his sword to him.
The lights go out. The Minotaur's
scream is heard in the dark.
.=
4
Narrator A:
,
What is this ball of thread for?
Theseus tied the thread to the door and went
into the labyrinth.
"'
Narrator B:
Slowly, he went deeper and deeper into the
labyrinth. A few minutes later, Theseus heard
A couple of seconds later, the lights are
restored. The Minotaur is lying dead on
the ground. Theseus runs quickly
downstage left. Theseus is rolling up the
ball of thread, tracing his steps. The
labyrinth lights go out. Bright lights are
restored and Ariadne is discovered
waiting for Theseus downstage center
f3rE centre] . As soon as she sees Theseus
she runs over to him and hugs him.
,
,
0
Narrator B:
•
,0
IB Narrator A:
Theseus moved closer to the creature, raised
the sword and thrust it into the Minotaur's
heart. The Minotaur roared again and then
fell to the ground.
Die, you monster! We are free! Victory for
Athens!
Outside the labyrinth, Ariadne was walking up
and down. Theseus followed the thread back
and a few minutes later he came out of the
labyrinth. Ariadne was happy to see him.
li'lAriadne:
Oh, Theseus! You are so brave! You killed the
Minotaur! Please promise to take me to
Athens with you and marry me!
U Theseus:
Yes, yes, I promise. Come, let's go get the
others.
,
•
01
no
II•
Narrator A-B: It was cold and very, very dark.
t.
A few minutes later, Theseus found the
Minotaur. The creature was asleep. Slowly, he
took out his sword, but the Minotaur heard
the noise and woke up! When he saw
Theseus, he immediately jumped to his feet
roared and ran towards him.
Theseus:
Ariadne took Theseus to the labyrinth. Then
she gave him a ball of thread, a torch and a
sword.
You'll need it to find your way out of the
labyrinth. Tie the thread to the door and
unwind it as you move through the labyrinth.
The Minotaur sleeps at midnight for just one
hour. That's your only opportunity to kill him.
Hurry, Theseus.
I'm going to kill the Minotaur, set Athens free
and punish King Minos ...
..
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soft growling noises in the distance and
moved in that direction.
II~
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Theseus and Ariadne exit upstage left.
The lights fade out and the Minotaur
leaves the stage in darkness.
I
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resume their earlier position of
traveling [BrEtravelling} in a sailboat,
rowing, etc. The sea is calm and the
movements are gentle. Everybody
looks happy. Some of the young
people are humming a tune. When
they reach Naxos they all freeze in
position, until the local runs to
welcome them from upstage left.
Scene Six
When the lights are up Theseus and Ariadne are already in front of the prison. Minos' guards and the
young Athenians are still in the same position where we saw them last, sleeping. Theseus wakes up his
friends carefully, while Ariadne watches out for the guards. Then, they all exit the prison on tiptoe.
Theseus and Ariadne ran to the prison.
The guards were still asleep .
•
When Theseus told them that the Minotaur was
dead,
they cried with joy.
Thank you for saving our lives, Theseus! Thank
you! You are a true hero!
Theseus:
No time for that now! We must hurry.
Ariadne:
The ship is waiting for us at the harbor (BrE harbour).
The feast is over now and everybody is asleep.
They won't see us.
,
•
•
"
4
0
..
0
Everyone comes out of the freeze.
Ariadne opened the door and let the prisoners
out.
island of Naxos. They needed food and water, so
Theseus decided to stop there. The people of
Naxos welcomed them and gave them food and
drink.
(J,
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\\ Local:
11
•
It's an honor (BrE honour] to have the son of King
Aegeus here on Naxos. Please spend the night
here. You can leave in the morning.
Theseus:
Thank you . Our journey was long and we are
very tired .
Everybody stretches arms and legs •
and then very slowly get down on
the floor and fall asleep. The lights
dim.
Scene Seven
Spotlight on Theseus, sleeping. We can see Dionysus approaching him from among the spectators.
Dionysus is holding a bunch of grapes in hi§.. hands. He comes over to Theseus and stands by his side.
•
}!
The lights go out and Minos'
f
guards leave the stage. When the r'
lights come up a few seconds4 / '
later, Theseus and his crew are
seen imitating the motions of
bringing down axes onto Minos'
ships. They are spread all over the
stage (Again, some relevant
improvisation exercise would
surely help the students get into
the mood and the spirit of this
activity).
Narrator A:
Theseus:
I\\
Theseus, Ariadne and the young Athenians
walked to the harbor (BrE harbour). Theseus was
still very worried .
.llo
We are still in danger. King Minos' ships may
follow us!
~I
Narrator 8:
Then, he had an idea .
Theseus:
Before we leave, we must make holes in King
Minos' ships. That way, the ships won't be able to
follow us.
Young man:
Good idea, Theseus. Let's do it!
Ariadne:
We must hurry. The sun will rise soon.
Narrator 8:
Theseus, Ariadne and the young Athenians made
holes in all the ships. Then, they got on their ship
and set sail for Athens. They couldn't believe that
they were going back home. They were tired but
happy. Ariadne was watching the sunrise when
Theseus walked up to her.
,i,
I
II
~
•
Dionysus exits the stage towards the
auditorium. Theseus wakes up. He moves
towards his companions and wakes them
up, as well. They are reluctant to get up.
G" Theseus:
Ariadne:
'I Narrator A:
Ariadne, I want to thank you for everything. You
risked your life to help me kill the Minotaur.
I must thank you, Theseus. I'm so happy to leave
Crete.
They continued their journey until they came to
Cl
'
,
Theseus, I am Dionysus. Listen to me.
Ariadne must stay here, on Naxos. She will
be my wife. You must leave her here,
Theseus, or you and the city of Athens will
,
0
suffer!
p
Narrator A: Theseus woke up puzzled . He didn't want
to break his promise to Ariadne and leave
her on Naxos. But he couldn't disobey the
god's orders.
the~n .
~
Narrator 8: So, he woke up the young Athenians.
Theseus:
Get ready. We are leaving now.
Young man: But Theseus, it is still night. Let's wait till
morning .
~
i
(I
Narrator 8: Theseus had a strange dream. He
dreamed of the god Dionysus. Dionysus
spoke to Theseus ...
Dionysus:
•
While all the crew are one by one
terminating their physical action,
Theseus and Ariadne are both
standing in the middle of the stage
talking to each other.
The lights change again. Theseus,
the young Athenians and Ariadne
That night the people of Naxos had a feast •
to celebrate Theseus' victory. After the
feast, everybody went to sleep.
4
Theseus:
No, we can't wait a minute longer. We
must leave immediately.
I~
.,, .
,
;,
.,
I
··"• Narrator B:
. ,10
Theseus goes offstage to take a look at
Ariadne one last time. We hear his voice
from outside.
"·
Narrator A: Theseus went to Ariadne's room. She was 11 •
asleep. He looked at her for a long time
and thought about the dream.
Ci
Theseus:
•
a
Lights are bright. Theseus re-enters the
stage and prepares his companions for the
journey back to Athens. They all resume
their "traveling [BrE travelling] position·: only
this time they seem to be very excited. They
are singing loudly and making all sorts of
partying movements, such as dancing,
cheering, clapping, etc. Lights fade out
against the background of the party sounds.
During the blackout Aegeus lies flat on
the floor downstage center [BrE centre] .
The lights are restored to reveal the dead ,
King. Theseus is at the harbor
[BrE harbour] of Athens. Someone brings
the news to Theseus and he looks
devastated. Theseus' companions
•
surround him trying to console him.
Forgive me, Ariadne, I can't take you with
me. One day you will understand .
•
G'
p
Narrator B: And so, Theseus set sail for Athens ...
•
0
The rest of the citizens of Athens enter the
stage cheering for Theseus.
llo
\.
4
Scene Eight
A few moments later, Ariadne enters the stage, crossing downstage center [BrE centre] . Behind her Theseus
continues traveling [BrE travelling] simultaneously. The old woman is walking slowly, carrying a heavy load on her
shoulders. Ariadne moves to her to inqui&....abr;ut Theseus.
·,
.-
,
0
/
,~
~
.llo
4,,
Old lady:
Ariadne:
1\
1
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Ariadne turns to the audience, kneels
down, weeps and curses Theseus.
Ariadne:
I
dI
I,
.
0
Aegeus comes on stage, entenng from
upstage right, while the others continue
"traveling [BrE travelling] simultaneously.
He's standing on the edge of the stage,
looking past the audience, as if scanning~
the horizon. The companions are holding
up the black sails. Aegeus screams. He is'
about to jump down when the light goes
out.
The next morning, Ariadne woke up and looked 0
for Theseus. When she could not find him, or any
of the other Athenians, she asked an old lady
about them.
I'm sorry, my dear. They left for Athens early this
morning.
What? Why did he leave me here? Why did he do
that? Why?
I curse you, Theseus! Tragedy is waiting for
you in Athens! Be as unhappy as I am now!
~
,
p
Theseus left Naxos in a hurry and forgot to put up
the white sails. King Aegeus was standing on the ~
hill at Cape Sounio. He was looking out to sea.
When he saw Theseus' ship, his heart started
beating strongly.
Narrator A: A few minutes later, he saw that the ship had
black sails. King Aegeus believed that his son
was dead. He was so sad that he
IP
immediately jumped into the sea and
drowned. To this day, this sea is called the
Aegean Sea, in honor [BE honour] of King Aegeus. w·
Narrator B:
,
Theseus:
When Theseus arrived in the harbor,
[BrE harbour] he found out about his father's
death. Theseus was very sad .
Oh Father, forgive me. I forgot to put up the
white sails. But I killed the Minotaur and set
Athens free. We will never need to pay tribute
to King Minos again.
,
D
Narrator A:
And so, the brave Theseus became King of
Athens ....
Theseus:
We must thank the gods for our victory. I am
going to offer the head of the Minotaur to the
temple of Apollo, the god of light, on the
island of Delos. Athens is free!
Athenians:
Long live King Theseus! Long live the king!
•
~~
SONG
•l1
I
The students playing Minos, his guards, Ariadne, Phaedra, the Minotaur, etc. enter the stage divided into two
groups, one entering from upstage right, the other from upstage left. When everyone's on stage they start singing
together. Just before they finish, the house lights come on and the audience is invited to clap in time to the song.
Theseus brought victory
In times of trouble
In times of fear
A hero came to Athens
To help the people there
1
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Theseus gave his word
And fought with his sword
To set Athens free
And bring victory
No more sacrifices
And no more Minotaur
Athens now is free
Theseus brought victory
/
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