Photo of Matt Pilipiak. Carousel Players

Boys, Girls, and Other Mythological Creatures

By Mark Crawford

Deep in Simon’s basement, there is a secret world of imagination and adventure. When he invites his new friend Abby over to work on an assignment, Simon quickly steers them towards the theatrical! But Zach, his 13 year old brother, is on high alert because Simon is always acting like a girl. As the three characters battle over their personal conflicts, they improvise a brand new fairy tale about a magic Prince, an evil King, a young girl who’s an ace with a bow and arrow, and a fire-breathing dragon. Can Abigail save Princess Simone from the Tower of Light? Will Zach succeed in turning his brother back into be a boy? And will Simon(e) overcome fear and become their true self? A thoughtful and hilarious new play about our ability to transform.

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Bravo to Mark Crawford for writing such an important play addressing gender issues among others so sensitively...Mark Crawford’s lively unsettling play about a boy who just wanted to be himself.
Slotkin LetterLynn Slotkin

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I felt the play was extremely well written, tacking a challenging subject in a kid friendly way. Bravo to Carousel Players, I think this play is one of the best I have seen from you.
Teacher, Grade 4, Jeanne Sauve

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Excellent. Subject matter was very well presented. Need to talk sooner than later
about gender identity.
Teacher, Lincoln Centennial

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This was one of the best play I have ever watched from Carousel players. It was funny, age appropriate and very relevant to what students are dealing with these days.
Youth Counsellor, Simcoe Street, DSBN

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Kids were the most engaged I have seen at a play. The curriculum was covered and you touched on gender bias, self acceptance, and diversity which is not an easy subject to cover in the classroom! This was a great topic! Do more!
Teacher, Grade 2/3, Wellington Heights