PRODUCTION HISTORY

Telling William Tell received its world premiere at Atlanta’s FirstStage in 2002. Since that time it has gone on to win the Jackie White Memorial Playwriting Competition (2006) and the Aurand Harris/New England Theatre Conference Children's Play Competition (2006).

SYNOPSIS

William Tell is a figure of national pride in Switzerland. Though many dispute his existence, his story is nonetheless compelling. Before the creation of the Swiss Confederacy in the late 13th (or early14th) century, the Swiss found themselves under Austrian rule. As the legend goes, an Austrian tyrant named Gessler was “Vogt,” or governor, of the canton (county) of Altdorf. He placed his hat upon a pole in the center of the city and decreed that everyone who passed must bow to it. When William Tell, an archer known for his marksmanship, refused to bow, he was forced to shoot an apple off his son’s head, or both of them would be executed. Tell was successful and their lives were spared.

The play Telling William Tell is the retelling of the story of the mythical Swiss hero framed by a fictionalized story of Gioachino Rossini, a popular French composer (though born in Italy) of the 19th century, writing his famous opera, Guillaume Tell. The action glides back and forth between the two stories as Rossini strives to convince the producer of the Paris Opera that this piece will be a brilliant success. As Rossini weaves the tale of William Tell, he transforms into Tell and “acts out” the story. We see the oppression of the Swiss people and marvel at their ability to find joy in a frustrating situation. We watch as they plan an uprising against the military using only their wits and courage. And we cheer as Tell shoots the arrow and saves his son.

Particularly moving are the characters of Jean, Tell’s hot-headed twelve-year-old son, and his friend Roxane, an outgoing and independent twelve-year-old girl. These two children display a tenacity and valor that is a lesson to all of us today.

WHAT MAKES THIS VERSION SO SPECIAL

Telling William Tell is a timely piece, speaking about change and the personal responsibility we each have in making it happen. Middle school audiences can draw the parallels between Austria’s oppressive rule over the Swiss, and many modern political situations. Watching the characters of Jean and Roxane affect the history of their nation with their personal acts of courage empowers today’s youth with the knowledge that they can make a difference in their world.

PRODUCTION FACTS

This play is in two acts and runs approximately 80 minutes. It is intended for audiences aged 8 and over.

There are 24 speaking roles in the play, which require a minimal ensemble of 11 actors: 5 men, 3 women and 3 children (2m, 1f). For large productions, the cast is easily expandable to 30+, allowing for a realistic feel in the Swiss scenes.

It is recommended, though not required, that Rossini's music be used throughout the play. The script comes with a detailed list of suggested pieces and their placement in the show, making sound design a breeze!

SAMPLE SCENE

Click here to read an excerpt from the play in PDF format.