“A Royal Friendship” is a heartwarming play adapted from a Jataka Tale. It tells the story of an unlikely but powerful bond between a mighty elephant and a small stray dog. Through kindness, loyalty, and companionship, this tale shows us that true friendship has no boundaries—whether of size, strength, or status. Perfect for classrooms and children’s theater, the play delivers an uplifting message that resonates with all ages.
SCRIPT
CHARACTERS:
NARRATOR
DOG
ELEPHANT
MAN
ELEPHANT-KEEPER
KING
MINISTER
SCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Once upon a time, in the King’s grand palace, there lived a royal elephant. The King loved this elephant dearly, so he was well-fed, cared for, and treated with kindness. Nearby, in the shadows of the palace grounds, lived a skinny, hungry dog. Each day, the dog smelled the sweet aroma of rice being fed to the elephant.
DOG: Oh, what a delicious smell! I cannot resist it anymore. I’ll sneak into the elephant’s shed and taste the rice that falls from his mouth.
NARRATOR: And so, he did.
DOG: This food is so good! I think I’ll come here every day. The elephant doesn’t even notice me.
NARRATOR: Day after day, the dog ate the sweet rice until he grew stronger and healthier. Soon, the elephant noticed him.
ELEPHANT: Who are you, little one? Have you been here long?
DOG: Hmm… not very long. But I must admit, I love your food!
ELEPHANT: Then share it with me. Friends should eat together.
DOG: Really? That would be wonderful!
NARRATOR: From that day forward, the elephant and the dog became inseparable. They ate together, played together, and even slept side by side.
ELEPHANT: You are my best friend, little dog. Stay here always.
DOG: And you are mine. I never want to leave.
NARRATOR: But one day, a man saw the dog and wanted to buy him.
MAN: Elephant-keeper, I want that dog. Name your price.
ELEPHANT-KEEPER: He’s not really mine… but if you want him, I’ll sell him.
NARRATOR: The man took the dog far away to his village. The elephant was heartbroken.
ELEPHANT: My friend is gone… I cannot eat. I cannot sleep. Life feels empty without him.
NARRATOR: The elephant-keeper reported the elephant’s sadness to the King, but did not mention the dog.
KING: Minister, find out why my elephant is so sorrowful.
MINISTER: Yes, Your Majesty.
NARRATOR: The wise minister visited the elephant. He studied him carefully, then asked the elephant-keeper.
MINISTER: His body is healthy, but his heart is heavy. Did he have a companion?
ELEPHANT-KEEPER: Yes… a dog. They were always together, but a man took the dog away.
MINISTER: That explains it.
NARRATOR: The minister returned to the King.
MINISTER: My King, the elephant is not sick. He is grieving the loss of his dear friend.
KING: Friendship is priceless. We must bring back the dog. Declare that whoever has taken the dog must release him immediately!
NARRATOR: The King’s proclamation spread quickly. The man, fearful of punishment, released the dog at once. The little dog ran as fast as his legs could carry him—back to the palace, back to his friend.
ELEPHANT: My dear friend! You’re back!
DOG: I missed you so much. I never want to leave again.
NARRATOR: The elephant lifted the dog gently with his trunk and placed him on his head. His eyes shone with joy as the dog wagged his tail.
KING: Minister, your wisdom has restored happiness to my elephant. You shall be rewarded.
NARRATOR: From then on, the elephant and the dog lived happily together, never to be separated again.
“A Royal Friendship” teaches us that true companionship is a treasure that no wealth can buy. Love and loyalty can heal even the deepest sadness, proving that friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts.
The End
Author: Jataka Tale
Adapted by: K I D S I N C O
Moral of the story: True friendship knows no size, strength, or status—it only knows loyalty, love, and joy.
- Explore our full collection of free play scripts for kids, perfect for classroom performances.
External Resources:
- Friendship Stories for Children
- World of Tales: Stories for children, folktales, fairy tales and fables from around the world
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