Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 229
In Search of the Lady
A Mabon Mystery Play
By Oberon & Morning Glory Zell & Diane Darling
(First performed at Isis Oasis, Oct. 1, 1988)
Characters Props & Costumes
The Wise Woman Flowing robes
Whale of the West Whale mask, grey cloak, large beautiful seashell
Lion of the South Gold lion mask, golden cloak, votive candle in red jar
Eagle of the East Eagle mask, shawl made to imitate wings, large feather
Bison of the North Horned bison headdress, brown cloak, large quartz crystal
Lady of Life Green robes, crown, round mirror in ornate bowl or cauldron
Pan Shaggy leggings, horned headgear, hoofed shoes, panpipes, filled wineskin
Green Man Leafy mask, green robes covered with autumn leaves, leafy wreath,
sheaf of wheat
Seeker Speakers (members of audience given cue cards with all lines needed)
Guardian of East Black covering, winged medicine skull, wand
Guardian of South Black covering, firedragon medicine skull, sword
Guardian of West Black covering, seadragon medicine skull, chalice of water
Guardian of North Black covering, unicorn medicine skull, panticle paten
Gatekeeper Black covering, red cape, demonic gorgon mask, sparklers, black
crepe streamers
Queen of Death Black robes, crown, omega mirror*, silver dagger, black satin ribbons sewn
with mirrors, glass cauldron with dry ice lit from underneath by red light
*Omega mirror is made by sandwiching a sheet of 50:50 mylar (50% reflective vs. transparent)
between two thin pieces of glass in a small photo frame.
Production Notes:
This mystery play is designed to be performed in the round, around a campfire. Ideally,
it should begin just at sunset. There should be enough people in the “audience” to form a
continuous Circle around the fire, leaving at least six feet of open space between the
people and the fire. The entire play is performed within this open arena of space. Into the
West side of the circle a large throne is set, with space on either side of it. Behind it is a
backstage area, screened off from view, with a table on which props are kept. In front of the
throne stands a small altar table, upon which is an ornate bowl willed with water with a
round mirror set in the bottom. A red and a yellow spotlight are situated opposite or above
the throne, to be beamed upon it when appropriate. The various archetypal characters
enter the arena from their respective directions, and fade back into the Circle when their
part is finished. The parts of Pan and the Gatekeeper are designed for comic relief, and
should be cast and played that way. Performers should be familiar with all chants, for they
will be expected to lead the rest of the group. Audience members should be encouraged to
bring drums, rattles, flutes, etc. to back up the chanting. Each chant should be repeated for
about three rounds before being broken by the next performer coming in. All onstage movements
in the first section (through the Lady of Life) are deosil (sunwise). All movements in the
second part are widdershins (anti-sunwise). When everyone is settled in, the play begins as
if it was just a campfire sing-along. If desired, various songs may be sung prior to the one which
actually opens the play (“Wind in the Pipes,” by Meg Davis—see page 267, #237).
I. The Wise Woman (or Wizard)
Greetings, pilgrims, and welcome! You have come to this place in search of a Mystery.