Fable Group by Andrew Martineau

(15 MINUTES) A group of fairy tale characters meets regularly in a group therapy session. A new member, Jack, joins the group and creates consternation for the other members, including Hansel and Gretel, who are dealing with father issues, Snow, a recently divorced princess, and Pinocchio, who has trouble with issues of honesty and trust. The play ends with a gun stand-off between Jack and the others, who work...
(15 MINUTES) A group of fairy tale characters meets regularly in a group therapy session. A new member, Jack, joins the group and creates consternation for the other members, including Hansel and Gretel, who are dealing with father issues, Snow, a recently divorced princess, and Pinocchio, who has trouble with issues of honesty and trust. The play ends with a gun stand-off between Jack and the others, who work to circumvent Jack's mother/anger issues.
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Fable Group

Recommended by

  • Neil Radtke:
    25 Mar. 2024
    “ This play offers a captivating exploration of trauma and resilience within a twisted fairy tale framework. Martineau uses very skillful storytelling and authentic dialogue to delve into the complexities of healing and personal growth. I really enjoyed this play. Excellent! ”
  • James Perry:
    27 Dec. 2023
    “ This play delves into the psychological impact of traumatic childhood experiences on the characters. Each character, representing familiar fairy tale figures, copes with their unique traumas, from abusive stepmothers to imprisonment in gingerbread houses. The therapy session becomes a space for them to confront and heal from their pasts. ”
  • Jennifer O'Grady:
    29 Apr. 2023
    “ Wonderfully dark and very funny short play about some familiar fairy-tale characters having a group-therapy session that goes horribly wrong. I laughed out loud at many of the lines and the surprising things the characters say (and do!). I'd love to see it on stage! ”
View all 14 recommendations

Character Information

  • Snow
    20s -30s,
    White
    ,
    a cis Female
    a troubled princess; complexion-conscious
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Pinocchio
    20s -30s,
    Any
    ,
    (assigned male at birth - not relevant)
    a puppet turned boy and now a man; compulsive liar
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jack
    teens-20s ,
    Any
    ,
    (assigned male at birth - not relevant)
    has mother issues
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jack
    teens-20s
    has mother issues
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Hansel
    teens-20s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    traumatized by stepmother/witch
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Gretel
    teens-20s,
    Any
    ,
    (assigned female at birth)
    traumatized by stepmother/witch
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Camille
    30s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    (assigned female at birth)
    a therapist
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Watermelon One-Act Festival
    ,
    2018
  • University
    ,
    Laugh/Riot Performing Arts Theatre at University of Edinboro (PA)
    ,
    2014