THE UNHAPPY LION

CHARACTERS:

 SQUIRREL

RABBIT

LION

SCRIPT:

ACT I – In the Jungle

(There’s a tree in the center of the stage.  The Lion is sleeping under the tree.  The Squirrel and the Rabbit enter the stage and start looking for food)

SQUIRREL:  We must be careful.

RABBIT:  I know.  We’ve never been away from home.

SQUIRREL: Let’s hurry up so we can get out of here soon.  This place gives me the creeps!  

RABBIT:  Have you found something to eat?

SQUIRREL:  Not yet, and I’m getting really hungry.

RABBIT:  Don’t worry, I always find food on this side of the jungle.  Of course, I don’t come here often…you know why. 

SQUIRREL:  Yes.  Because of the ferocious lion who’s always looking for helpless animals to eat.

RABBIT:  You mean like us?

SQUIRREL: No, but that’s why I didn’t want to come here with you.  (Looking to the top of the tree) Look, the tree is full of nuts!

RABBIT:  Climb fast, and throw me the nuts.  I’ll catch them! 

SQUIRREL:  (climbs the tree singing) “Life is beautiful.  I’m always happy when I wake up every morning…” (loses balance and falls over the lion)

LION:  (catches the Squirrel) What’s wrong?  How did you dare to wake me up!

SQUIRREL: I’m sorry, it was an accident.

RABBIT: Yes, please Mr. Lion, forgive us.  We are two tiny animals looking for food.  If you let us go, we will never come back and bother you again.  Times are hard, and the lack of rain has caused a shortage of food, and ….

LION:  Shut up!  (To the Squirrel) I see you got yourself a good lawyer.

RABBIT:  I’m begging you!

LION:  (to the Squirrel) I’ll let you both leave only on one condition.

SQUIRREL:  We’ll do as you say.

LION:  I really want to know why you were singing so happy if you’re so small, frágil, and insignificant. While I’m the king of the jungle! Everybody is afraid of me and they must obey me, and if they don’t, they lose their lives, but…

RABBIT:  You’re not happy?

LION:  No.  I’m always in a bad mood and angry.  In short… I’m bitter.  I have everything to be happy.  This jungle belongs to me. I can eat what I want whenever I like. I am the master of this place, but I’m never happy or in a good mood. I don’t smile and never have fun. I don’t enjoy life!

SQUIRREL:  I’ll tell you why I’m happy.  I have a clear conscience and live in peace with everybody; I accept them as they are without trying to change them just to please me; I love everybody and never cause any harm.  On the other hand, you just wander through the jungle stalking other animals to eat them and destroy them.  You hate… and I love.  That’s why you are so miserable, while I’m happy and enjoying life.   

LION:  I, the King of the Jungle, have nothing to teach a little squirrel.  Get out of here before I regret it… and never come back.

SQUIRREL AND RABBIT:  Thank you!

(The Squirrel and the Rabbit leave the stage)

THE END

Author: Aesop Fable

Adapted by: K I D S I N C O

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