In the enchanting yet dangerous world of Slavic folklore, Alena’s Escape from Baba Yaga tells the story of a brave young girl who must outsmart the fearsome witch Baba Yaga. Guided by courage and quick thinking, Alena faces magical tests and terrifying challenges deep within the dark forest. Will she be able to escape the witch’s hut that walks on chicken legs, or will Baba Yaga catch her first?

CHARACTERS:

ALENA – A kind and brave young girl.

IVANO – Alena’s well-meaning but often oblivious father.

MARISHA – Alena’s cruel and manipulative stepmother.

THE MYSTERIOUS WOMAN – A benevolent helper in the forest.

THE CREAKING GATES – Ancient, unyielding, then grateful.

THE SLEEPING DOG – Fierce, then loyal.

THE MAID – A downtrodden servant of Baba Yaga.

BABA YAGA – The terrifying, ancient witch.

THREE HORSES – Manifestations of Baba Yaga’s magic.

SCRIPT:

SCENE I – A CAGE OF DOMESTICITY

(The living room of Alena’s house. Alena sits on the floor, engrossed in a worn storybook, her face illuminated by the magical world within its pages. Ivano is hidden behind a newspaper, its rustling a counterpoint to the rhythmic snip of Marisha’s needle as she sews a shirt. A battered suitcase stands near the door.)

MARISHA: (Her voice, sharp as her needle, cuts through the quiet) Alena, how many times must I tell you? Those frivolous books are not for you! Hand it over!

(Alena slowly rises, her shoulders slumping, and hands the book to Marisha.)

MARISHA: (Snatching the book, she reads the title aloud with a sneer) “The Witch from the Forest.” Where did you unearth this nonsense?

ALENA: I… I found it in the attic, Marisha.

MARISHA: What were you doing in the attic? Ivano! Aren’t you going to say something to your daughter about this defiance?

ALENA: You told me to clean the attic, remember?

MARISHA: No, I don’t recall such a command. But I distinctly recall telling you to wash the dishes. Were they washed?

ALENA: Yes, stepmother.

MARISHA: Don’t call me stepmother.

ALENA: Yes, Marisha.

MARISHA: I am your mother.

ALENA: You’re not my mother!

IVANO: (Lowering his newspaper, his voice weak) Alena, please. Be kind to Marisha.

MARISHA: (A predatory smile plays on her lips) You’ll get used to it. (She turns to Ivano, her voice suddenly sweet) Ivano, darling, do you know what time it is?

IVANO: It’s almost two o’clock.

MARISHA: (Yelling) TWO O’CLOCK! Don’t you have a train to catch?!

IVANO: My train! I almost forgot!

(Ivano scrambles to his feet, snatches his suitcase, and heads for the door. Alena rushes to him, throwing her small arms around his waist, tears streaming down her face.)

ALENA: Father, don’t leave me! Please, take me with you!

(Marisha swiftly steps forward, seizing Alena and pulling her roughly away from Ivano. Alena stumbles and falls to the floor.)

MARISHA: Stay away, little girl. He has a train to catch!

IVANO: Alena, I can’t take you with me. But I love you, my little one.

(Marisha yanks the door open, practically shoving Ivano out of the house.)

MARISHA: Have a pleasant journey, darling!

(Ivano disappears. Marisha slams the door shut and turns to Alena, her expression hardening.)

MARISHA: Stand up. I have a favor to ask.

(Alena slowly rises, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and dread. Marisha holds up the half-sewn shirt.)

MARISHA: This is your father’s favorite shirt, but the needle broke, and I have no more thread. I need you to go to your aunt’s house to fetch some.

ALENA: No! I don’t want to go to that witch’s house!

MARISHA: Alena, Alena, my sister is not a witch. Who told you such silly things?

ALENA: Everybody in town knows she’s a witch!

MARISHA: Hmmm, what else do people say about my sister?

ALENA: She… she likes to eat children.

MARISHA: (A harsh, cackling laugh) Ha, ha, ha, ha! And you believe that fairytale?

ALENA: Yes, I do!

MARISHA: For the second time, my dear Alena, she’s not a witch. Her name is Baba Yaga. Repeat her name!

ALENA: No, I won’t!

MARISHA: (Her voice now a menacing whisper) Say her name, or you will never see your father again.

ALENA: (Whispering) Baba Yaga.

MARISHA: Good girl. Now do as I told you. Say “yes!”

ALENA: Yes.

MARISHA: Yes, mother!

ALENA: Yes…

MARISHA: Mother.

ALENA: Mother.

MARISHA: Good. Now, try to return before the sun sets.

(Alena picks up her small bag. Marisha hands her a pristine white handkerchief.)

MARISHA: Here, take this handkerchief. Just in case you cry and wish to wipe the tears from your pretty face.

(Alena takes the handkerchief and tucks it into her bag.)

ALENA: Thank you.

MARISHA: I’m doing you a favor, child.

(Marisha opens the door, and Alena exits into the blinding sunlight.)

SCENE II – THE WHISPERING WOODS

(Alena walks deeper into the dense, ancient forest. The trees seem to close in around her, their branches like skeletal arms. She sinks beneath a gnarled oak, burying her face in her hands and weeping. A kind-faced Woman, carrying a simple woven basket, approaches her softly.)

WOMAN: Oh, dear child, what are you doing here, all alone in this deep, dark forest? Did you lose your way?

ALENA: No.

(The Woman sits gently on the mossy ground beside Alena.)

WOMAN: Why are your eyes so full of tears, little one?

ALENA: (Pointing a trembling finger through the trees) Do you see that house over there?

WOMAN: That’s Baba Yaga’s house. You must stay far, far away from her!

ALENA: I have to go there. She’s my stepmother’s sister.

WOMAN: Oh, those wicked women! Do you truly have no choice but to go?

ALENA: Yes, I must.

WOMAN: Listen closely then, for I have something vital to tell you.

ALENA: What is it?

WOMAN: You must know everything about that creature. You must be exceedingly careful. Baba Yaga can eat you alive with her iron teeth, did you know that?

ALENA: Yes. What else do you know about her?

WOMAN: People call her Baba Yaga Boney Legs, for she is as thin as a skeleton, despite all the children she devours.

ALENA: Oh!

WOMAN: And don’t be startled by her nose, which is so long it rattles against the ceiling of her hut when she snores.

ALENA: Does she have a broomstick like the witches in the stories I read?

WOMAN: No, she is no ordinary witch. She travels upon a large mortar, propelling herself with a pestle, sweeping away her tracks with a broom. And listen carefully. When you reach her house, you will see that it stands on hen legs and walks around the yard as if alive.

ALENA: Do you mean the house moves through the forest, too?

WOMAN: Yes, that’s right! And the windows of the hut serve as her piercing eyes.

ALENA: (Her voice barely a whisper) You’re scaring me!

WOMAN: You should be scared! Your life is in grave danger! Listen to me, I don’t have much time.

ALENA: Sorry, please, keep talking.

WOMAN: The house is surrounded by a fence made of human bones, with mighty iron gates. As you try to open the gates, they will creak and groan, refusing to let you in.

(The Woman reaches into her basket and pulls out a small bottle of oil, handing it to Alena.)

WOMAN: So, put some of this oil on them, and they will open softly. As soon as the gates yield, you will see a ferocious dog who will try to harm you.

(She takes out a piece of glistening ham from her basket and gives it to Alena.)

WOMAN: Give him this piece of ham, and he will let you pass.

ALENA: (Grasping the gifts tightly) Thank you! Thank you!

WOMAN: Remember what I have told you, dear child. Your life depends on it.

ALENA: I will, I promise! Goodbye!

(Alena stands up, clutching the oil and ham, and hurries deeper into the forest.)

WOMAN: Poor girl. I fear I shall never see her again, that’s for sure.

SCENE III – THE WITCH’S DEN

(Alena stands before the imposing gates of Baba Yaga’s hut. The fence is indeed made of bones, and the gates are massive, ancient iron. She pushes them, and they let out a bloodcurdling, metallic SCREEECH!)

ALENA: Oh, you definitely need some oil!

(She uncorks the bottle and carefully applies the oil to the hinges. The gates, miraculously, swing open with a soft, almost grateful sigh. Alena steps inside. A large, snarling dog rushes towards her, teeth bared. Alena quickly throws the piece of ham. The dog devours it in one gulp and instantly collapses, snoring softly. Alena continues walking until she reaches the hut’s door. She knocks. The door creaks open, revealing a gaunt, somber MAID, her face downcast.)

MAID: What do you want?

ALENA: I’m here to see Baba Yaga. She’s my stepmother’s sister.

MAID: Come inside, and sit.

(Alena enters and sits cautiously. The Maid retreats to a shadowy corner of the room, her head bowed in silent misery. Suddenly, Baba Yaga herself appears, a blouse clutched in her bony hands. She is every bit as terrifying as described, with a nose that nearly scrapes the ceiling and eyes that gleam with an ancient, hungry light.)

BABA YAGA: Hello, Alena. How are you, my dear little niece?

ALENA: I’m fine, Aunt Baba Yaga.

BABA YAGA: How is my sister, Marisha? Still as… industrious as ever?

ALENA: She’s fine. She sent me to get a needle and thread.

BABA YAGA: Oh, certainly. Let me fetch it. Meanwhile, help me with this. Keep sewing while I bring you the needle and thread my sister desires.

(She thrusts the blouse into Alena’s hands.)

ALENA: Yes, Aunt.

BABA YAGA: (Turning to the Maid, her voice taking on a chilling edge) You! Come here!

(The Maid shuffles forward, her shoulders hunched.)

BABA YAGA: I want you to prepare a bath for my niece. I want her sparkling clean. I’m going to eat her!

MAID: Yes, master.

(Baba Yaga cackles and exits the room. The Maid approaches Alena, tears silently streaming down her face.)

ALENA: (Seeing the Maid’s distress) Why are you crying?

MAID: It’s that evil witch!

(Alena, remembering her own sorrow, offers the Maid the soft white handkerchief.)

ALENA: Here, take this. Wipe your tears.

MAID: Thank you. Oh, this handkerchief is so soft and pretty! Listen, you have to escape!

ALENA: But I can’t! I came for a needle and thread for my stepmother.

MAID: (Shaking her head, her eyes wide with urgency) Don’t you understand?! Your stepmother doesn’t need a needle and thread! She knew exactly what she was doing by sending you here!

ALENA: Oh!

MAID: She wants to get rid of you, and she knows exactly how!

ALENA: So, she knows that I will never come back home, because her sister is going to…

MAID: Yes! She’s going to eat you!

ALENA: Then tell me, how can I possibly escape from here?!

(Baba Yaga’s booming voice echoes from the other room.)

BABA YAGA: Are you sewing diligently, my dear?

ALENA: Yes, Aunt!

MAID: (Whispering frantically) Listen, I will take over the sewing, but hurry! Before she knows I’m not you. Take this towel and this comb. They will help you get away from the witch. Run as fast as you can because Baba Yaga will pursue you. Once in a while, put your ear to the ground so you can hear when she’s near. When you hear her getting close, throw the towel on the ground. It will turn into a wide, impassable river that Baba Yaga will not be able to cross.

ALENA: What should I do with the comb?

MAID: When you hear that she’s no longer near, throw the comb to the ground. It will turn into a deep, enchanted forest, so thick and thorny that Baba Yaga will not be able to get through. Now, go! Run!

(Alena clutches the towel and comb and flees from the house like a startled bird. The Maid, with practiced swiftness, picks up the sewing and begins to work. Baba Yaga’s voice booms from the other room again.)

BABA YAGA: Are you sewing, my dear niece?

MAID: (Her voice carefully calm) Yes, Aunt.

(Baba Yaga enters, her eyes scanning the room. She sees the Maid sewing and her face contorts with fury.)

BABA YAGA: Where is she?! Why did you let her escape?!

MAID: She was kind to me! She gave me this beautiful handkerchief, and you… you never give me anything! Not even a scrap of cloth!

(Baba Yaga, roaring with rage, strikes the Maid. She storms out of the house and finds the dog still sleeping soundly.)

BABA YAGA: Wake up! Where’s Alena?! Why did you let her go?!

(The Dog stirs, shaking its head.)

DOG: She gave me a delicious piece of ham! You never feed me!

(Baba Yaga kicks the dog, then rushes to the gates. She tries to open them, but they remain silent, uncreaking.)

BABA YAGA: Oh! How dare you not creak?!

GATE: I have served you for so long, and you have never oiled my hinges. She did!

(Baba Yaga beats the Gates in frustration, then bursts through them, a whirlwind of ancient fury, disappearing into the forest.)

SCENE IV – THE CHASE

(Alena races through the forest, branches whipping at her face. Behind her, the air shimmers with Baba Yaga’s approach. Alena drops to her knees, pressing her ear to the earth. She hears the rumbling, growing louder.)

ALENA: Oh, no, she’s right behind me! The Maid said to throw down the towel! I hope it helps!

(Alena tears the towel from her bag and flings it to the forest floor. Instantly, a great, wide, churning river appears, roaring between her and Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga skids to a halt at the river’s edge, snarling with impotent rage.)

BABA YAGA: You little monster! But you will not get away from me so easily!

(Alena, heart pounding, puts more distance between herself and the witch. Baba Yaga, undeterred, spies three horses nearby. Their coats are a vibrant red, a pure white, and a deep, shimmering blue. She raises her bony arms, chanting a dreadful spell.)

BABA YAGA: Red, white, blue! Come to me and drink all the water you see! Drain this river dry!

(The three magical horses gallop to the river and, with unnatural speed, begin to drink. The water level rapidly drops until the riverbed is nothing but mud. Baba Yaga leaps across and resumes her relentless pursuit. Alena, exhausted, again drops to the ground, listening. The sounds of Baba Yaga’s pursuit are growing closer, closer.)

ALENA: She is still chasing me! I have to use the comb!

(She pulls the comb from her bag and throws it to the ground. With a flash, a deep, enchanted forest sprouts forth, its trees intertwined with thorny vines, impenetrable and endless. Baba Yaga runs headlong into the thicket, becoming hopelessly ensnared.)

BABA YAGA: (Screaming) No! You can’t get away! Come back!

(Alena vanishes into the distance, leaving Baba Yaga trapped in her own magical creation.)

SCENE V – HOMECOMING AND JUSTICE

(Ivano enters his house, looking weary but relieved to be home. Marisha, startled by his unexpected return, drops the shirt she was mending.)

IVANO: Where is my daughter, Marisha?

MARISHA: She… she went to see her aunt.

IVANO:  You sent her to your sister’s house, even though you knew she was a witch?!

MARISHA: She is not a witch, and besides, I desperately needed a needle and thread.

IVANO: You should have gone yourself to get it! You knew the risks!

(At that moment, the door opens. Alena stands there, a little dishevelled but alive, her eyes shining with relief. Ivano rushes to her, sweeping her into a tight, tearful embrace.)

ALENA: Father! You’re back!

IVANO: Alena, my brave girl! Please forgive me for leaving you alone with this… this woman. I know where you have been.

ALENA: Yes, father. That witch truly tried to eat me.

IVANO: (Turning a fierce gaze on Marisha) I have been so blind! So foolish!

(Ivano grabs Marisha by the arm, pulling her towards the door.)

MARISHA: (Struggling) You can’t do this to me! I am your wife!

IVANO: Oh yes, I can. You don’t belong here. Not anymore.

ALENA: (Stepping forward, a triumphant glint in her eyes as Marisha is dragged out) By the way, Marisha, you will never see your sister again. She’s trapped in the enchanted forest… forever!

(Marisha lets out a frustrated wail as Ivano pushes her out and slams the door shut. He turns back to Alena, holding her close, a new beginning dawning for them both.)

THE END

Author: Russian Folktale

Adapted by: K I D S I N C O

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Suggested External Link:

Baba Yaga Folklore – https://www.britannica.com/topic/Baba-Yaga
A reliable source about Baba Yaga’s origins and role in Slavic folklore.