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Nature in Recreation 



C. The stage is now ready to be painted. Through No. 4 the puppets are 

 inserted. The puppets are operated through No. 4. Nos. i and 2 are to be used 

 as curtains which are "drawn" by closing the box as it was in figure A. 



D. D shows the stage open ready for the play. It may have a quilt or 

 other drapes hung above it to keep the manipulators from view. 



Suggestions for Insect Plays 



It should not be difficult to write an insect play as there is not only an 

 opportunity for the study of insect life, but all kinds of dramatic situations 

 can be introduced. The insect world has its sweethearts, heroes and villains 

 very much as humans do, and the characters can arouse as much sympathy 

 if the play is well written and presented in an interesting way. It is impor- 

 tant to keep the characters as authentic as possible and the action basically 

 factual as well as dramatic. 



Study the habits of insects and fit your characters into their natural set- 

 tings. For instance, the Butterfly with her wings of many colors could be a 

 fickle heroine who lives in the sunshine, dashing from one flower to an- 

 other. The Luna Moth, one of the most beautiful of all the insects, repre- 

 sents tragedy she unfolds her wings for the first time in the darkest part 

 of the woods, flies at night and lives only a few days. When it comes to 

 heroes, why not choose the Bumble Bee with his pompous air, or picture the 

 Cricket singing beneath the window of his lady. The Hornet and Preying 

 Mantis are unmistakably villains and the Wasp, with his black shiny coat, 

 could be the blackest villain of all. 



