Pandora's Box

GC1: Thousands of years ago, in a place called Greece . . . 

GC2: . . . people told stories to help explain their world.

GC3: These stories were about how fire began . . .

GC1: . . . and where people and animals came from.

GC2: They called their stories myths.

GC3: In Greek myths, there were many different gods.

GC1: They lived up in the clouds, on Mount Olympus . . .

All Chorus: . . . and mighty Zeus was the ruler of them all!

Mount Olympus, thousands of years ago

Zeus (shouting): I, Zeus, call Prometheus, the leader of the giants! 

Prometheus (waving): Zeus, I’m right here! And hey, call me Pro. 

Zeus (pointing): Look, Pro, down on Earth. Do you see anything moving?

Pro: No.

Zeus: Exactly! Earth is boring without living things. Make animals!

Pro (confused  ): Uh, animals?

Zeus: Yes! Creatures that can run, fly, swim, crawl, and slither. And make humans too!

Pro: What are humans?

Zeus: They’re like us but without special powers.

Pro: Oof. That’s a lot to ask.

Zeus: Get your brother to help. 

GC2: Zeus cups his mouth and yells out.

Zeus (loudly): Epimetheus! 

All Chorus: You can just call him Epi.

Pro: Wait, who said that?

All Chorus: We are a Greek chorus, Pro. 

GC3: We appear in plays like this to make the story clearer. 

GC1: Don’t worry. You’ll get used to us.

A River Bank

Mount Olympus

GC2: Pro travels back to Mount Olympus to talk to Zeus.

Pro: Zeus, my humans need something to help them stay warm. How about some of your fire? Just a spark, to get them started . . . 

Zeus (angrily): No! Fire has so many uses. It would make humans as powerful as gods. I can’t have that! 

GC3: Zeus is so mad, he throws a lightning bolt at Earth. It hits a tree and starts a fire.

Zeus: Uh-oh. 

GC1: Pro uses this chance to return to Earth and show humans how to harness the flames. 

Zeus: That thief ! Pro stole my fire! I’ll punish him for this! Him and all of his humans!

GC2: So Zeus creates a woman, Pandora.

GC3: She has beauty, courage, and a love of music.

Pandora (singing): La la la la la la la!

GC1: Zeus makes sure she has something else too. Something powerful. 

All Chorus: Curiosity!

Pro and Epi’s house

GC2: Pro hears a knock at his door. It’s a woman.

Pandora: Well, hello there. I’m Pandora. Zeus sent me.

Pro: Then I don’t trust you. Go away!

GC3: Epi comes to see who’s at the door. His eyes meet Pandora’s.

GC1: He feels an instant connection to her.

Epi: You know, I like this woman. I can’t explain why. 

Pandora (to Epi): And I feel the same way. Do you like music?

Epi: Yes, I play the harp.

Pandora: Me too! And I love to sing!

Epi: Me too! Pandora, will you marry me?

Pandora: Of course. I was made for you.

GC2: Pro can’t help but think about Zeus.

Pro (to himself  ): Grrr. I think I know who made her. 

GC3: Soon after, Epi and Pandora get married.

GC1: Pro leaves them with a dire warning.

All Chorus: Whatever you do, do not trust Zeus!

Epi and Pandora’s house

GC2: On Earth, humans are happy.

GC3: There is no sickness, hunger, or sadness.

GC1: There is love and joy.

All Chorus: For now.

GC2: One day, Zeus arrives with a shiny package. It is a small chest with a lock and key.

Pandora: Look, Epi, a golden box!

Zeus: Don’t forget to read the note, Pandora.

GC3: Zeus turns and walks away. Pandora reads the note out loud.

Pandora: “Never, ever, ever open this box. Love, Zeus.” Hm. Now I’m curious. Can I just take a peek?

GC1: Epi quickly grabs the box from her. 

Epi: No! Pro warned us not to trust Zeus.

Pandora: But what if it’s filled with jewels? Or gold? 

Epi: Promise me you’ll never open the box.

Pandora: I promise. But it’s so hard! I’m dying to look inside!

Epi and Pandora’s house, weeks later