Ford Ainsworth, author of Persephone and other award-winning plays, has taken the Old Norse Folk tale, "Three Billy Goats Gruff," and turned it into a strong, significant drama that deals not only with truth, but with loyalty, patriotism, bravery, honesty, integrity, and other qualities that make strong, independent people and strong, independent nations—qualities which seem to be disappearing from our national character. It is not a children's play.

Three Trolls stand guard at a bridge. Three goats beg them to let the starving herd cross the bridge to graze in lush pastures. The Trolls agree on the condition that the goats sacrifice one of their members. Each goat is brave and eager to cooperate—until he is asked to be the sacrifice. The play points an accusing finger at people whose beliefs, morals, and religious practices are contingent upon their own comfort and well-being. It is an important, timely, intelligent look at the weaknesses of modern society.

From a judge at the New England Festival: "Simple, economical, tasteful. Revealed logic and thought...gave me hope for the future of theatre. Thanks for supplying excellent plays and good service." "The judges loved the play and I'm still getting compliments."—Malcom Ross, Richwood High School, West Virginia.

A dynamic contest play. One-act; set, a bridge over a stream; costumes, black tights and leotards with symbolic masks and accessories.

Also by Ainsworth: Charity Case, Farewell to Galatea, The Sheep Thief (The Second Shepherd's Play)

Other plays about social issues: Artie, A Friend Like Artie, Close the Door So It Can't Get Into Your Room, A Different Drummer, Don't Say It, Help, How Reading Came Back to Nowhere, Isolation, The Other Person's Shoes, The River Between, Rhubarb Jam, All the World's a Stage, Stark Drama, Stations, A Trying Ordeal, Turners, Welcome to Carnie, What Will Happen to the Children?