Plot Summary
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, this adaptation tells the story of
Mowgli, a human toddler who wanders off into the jungle where a pack of
wolves adopts him as one of its own, along with the help of Bagheera the
Panther. The Tiger, Shere Kahn, seeks to kill Mowgli and, with the aid of
some young wolves, tries to overthrow the pack leader Akela to free the way
to his human prey. Mowgli, with the help of Bagheera, learns the use of fire
and uses a blazing branch to defend Akela, driving Shere Kahn and his allies
away.
The experimental nature of this piece creates
numerous possibilities for it direction. Even though the major characters
must be strong, the choral voices and movements are the key to success.
Concerning the vocal aspect, the director should combine all types of
speaking manners, from whispers to shouts, snarls to pleas, to create a
complete and varied sound. Try different combinations of single, double
triple, male and female voices as you break up the choral speeches among
your cast members. Don't be afraid of even breaking up individual lines into
places for an echo building effect.
Movement is next in importance. The obvious pitfall of actors awkwardly
crawling around on all fours must be avoided. Have your actors explore all
types of offensive and defensive movements from stretches to crouches,
lunges to retreats. Add a blending of both human and animal-like gestures to
complete the picture. Each animal should have an individual personality
which clearly identifies his place in the pack. Some will naturally be more
dominate than others. Remember that Mowgli is more animal than human and
should be played accordingly.
The possible approaches to this production are endless and the director
shouldn't hesitate to create any additional business to enrich the script
further. The greater the level of exploration, the greater the level of
success.
The Setting
The Seeonee Hills of India. A varied setting can be attained by
placing numerous platforms one upon the other at angles to create a series
of acting levels. This will visually break up a possible horizontal
monotony. The levels should provide numerous niches, summits and open areas
so that, with the correct lighting, the audience will accept one staging as
the den, Council Rock, and different places in the jungle.
Michael McGarty has an MA in French Theatre from Middlebury
College (VT) and has acted as the Artistic Director for the Harvard Community Theatre ( 
