Here is another imaginative play from the author of the very popular Of Winners, Losers, and Games. Queen Augustus the Anguished is a powerful, domineering person with the kind of voice that makes lions crawl back into their dens and thunder retreat into the clouds. Her son, King Nathan the Nervous, is a meek, mild little fellow who faints at any noise louder than the flutter of butterfly wings. This contrast of characters produces chuckling humor and titillating suspense. The possibilities for comedy are endless, and the author takes full advantage of them. The play's a scream (literally) for Children's Theatre or for performance by children.

Among the many charms of O. B. Rozell's plays is their adaptability to almost any type of staging. Equally suitable for proscenium, thrust, or arena staging, Nathan the Nervous may be played on a virtually bare stage decorated with an arrangement of platforms, pylons, step units, and screens; or it may be mounted with an elaborate throne room, replete with columns, draperies, gilt thrones, and royal banners. Costumes may be traditional medieval fairyland garments, modern clothes, or fantastic, stylized array.

Nathan the Nervous is also suitable for any age group. It can be performed by children or adults for audiences made up of children and/or adults. It has the qualities of a good contest play, and it is ideal for experimental theatre and workshops.

"My seventh grade drama class's production of Nathan the Nervous went very well—everybody really enjoyed it."—Lite and Life Christian School, Phoenix, Ariz.

Other Rozell plays: The Freeway, Sharing, Searching

See also: Plays About Personal Relationships