PREVIEW: Sushil is so stingy, even a god takes notice.GENRE: Fables, folktales CULTURE: Buddhist, Asian Indian THEME: Stinginess READERS: 11 or more READER AGES: 8 and up LENGTH: 7 minutes ROLES: Narrators 1-4, Sushil, Boy, Nirmala, Sakka, Man, Woman, Rajah, (Servant), (Other Townspeople), (Children)NOTES: This tale comes from the Jataka, an ancient Buddhist collection of folktales, legends, and fables. Sakka, the King of Heaven, is a popular figure found in many of those tales. For best effect, place NARRATORS 1 and 2 at far left (as seen from the audience), and 3 and 4 at far right. To help Sakka imitate Sushil, Sushil should use a distinctive funny voice. Sushil is pronounced “SOO-shil.” Nirmala is pronounced “NEER-ma-la.” Sakka is pronounced “SOK-a,” sounding like “sock a.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------NARRATOR 1: Sushil was a miser. Though his treasure house was full, he was too stingy to give away even the smallest coin.NARRATOR 4: And since food cost money, he ate almost nothing, and starved his family and servants besides.NARRATOR 2: One morning, as Sushil took his daily walk through town, he saw a boy eating a sweet rice dumpling.BOY: (makes loud sounds of enjoyment as he eats)NARRATOR 3: Sushil’s mouth watered as he made his way home. He said to himself,SUSHIL: If only I could ask my wife to make me a sweet dumpling. But if I wanted one, so would my wife. And if my wife wanted one, so would the children. And if the children wanted one, so would the servants. So I had better just keep quiet.NARRATOR 1: When Sushil arrived home, he said nothing about a dumpling. But he wanted one so badly, he felt weak. His legs shook, and he had to go to bed.NARRATOR 4: His wife, Nirmala, came to him. She asked,NIRMALA: What is wrong, my husband?NARRATOR 2: Sushil lay groaning and clenched his teeth.NIRMALA: Is there something you want?NARRATOR 3: Sushil’s face grew red, then purple. At last he squeaked,SUSHIL: I would like a sweet rice dumpling.
樱桃香香
