Drama. 45-60 minutes. 5-15+ males, 4-20+ females (12-35+ total performers possible). Suitable for middle school and older. First performance royalty: $60. Each additional performance: $35. All licenses include permission to make copies of the script as necessary for production. Professional rights should be negotiated directly with YouthPLAYS at info@youthplays.com.

The Minotaur premiered at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) in a production directed by Kate Mendeloff and co-sponsored by the Residential College of the University of Michigan and the Young People's Theater of Ann Arbor.

"The Minotaur offers young people the chance to explore Greek mythology in an immediate and visceral way. I also recommend it as a dynamic and flexible theater piece with good casting options for large groups and the opportunity to incorporate movement, music and ensemble staging throughout the rehearsal process." - Kate Mendeloff, University of Michigan

This play is available for perusal as a free non-printable PDF or as a printable PDF file ($6.00).  To order a digital copy, just click the Place an Order button above and select the either Non-Printable or Printable Perusal option.  It is now also available as a printed acting edition which includes special commentary from the author.  This version is available for $6.50 per script plus shipping/handling.  Until our shopping cart system is updated to include this option, please email us with your name and address and your preferred shipping option (standard, expedited, priority).  We will send you a Google Checkout invoice (if you'd like to pay by credit card) or quote you a price (if you'd like to pay by check or purchase order or PayPal).

Princess Ariadne is heir to the throne of Crete and sister to The Minotaur. She promises her brother that she will not let anyone hurt him. But now, beneath the palace, an elaborate maze is under construction. It will serve as the prison for the fourteen youths and maidens sent every nine years from Athens to Crete as a sacrifice. It is said that in the center of the maze, a terrible monster awaits, half-man, half-bull, and thirsty for human blood. Hearing these rumors, The Minotaur wants to run away—and he wants Ariadne to come with him. She counsels patience, and then it is too late. The ship from Athens has arrived; on board is the hero Theseus who hopes to slay The Minotaur and free his country from bondage. If Ariadne is to save her brother, she must devise a way to lead him and his would-be slayer out of the maze, and she must convince Theseus that the creature he has come to kill is only a young man like him and not a monster who feasts on human flesh.