By Brothers Grimm (Adapted for Theater)
Introduction to the Play: The Spirit Inside the Bottle
This play is an adaptation of The Spirit Inside the Bottle by the Brothers Grimm, a tale about cleverness, wisdom, and making good choices.
A young man discovers a mysterious bottle in the forest and unknowingly releases a powerful spirit. But instead of receiving a reward, he finds himself in danger! Using his intelligence and quick thinking, he outsmarts the spirit and earns magical gifts that change his life forever.
This story teaches us that wisdom is more powerful than strength, and cleverness can overcome even the greatest dangers. Enjoy the play!
The Spirit Inside the Bottle play Characters (3):
- The Young Man – A hardworking woodcutter’s son, curious and eager to learn.
- The Spirit (Mercurius) – A powerful but tricky spirit trapped in a bottle.
- The Father – A poor woodcutter who values hard work over learning.
Scene: A Forest Clearing
A large tree stands in the center. The Father is cutting wood while the Young Man rests nearby.)
Father: (grumbling) You sit there while I do all the work!
Young Man: (softly) But, Father, I only wish to study my books.
Father: Books will not fill your stomach! You should learn a trade, not waste time with learning.
Young Man: Just let me rest a while. Then I will help you.
Father: Hmph! Very well. But be useful—gather wood while you rest!
(The Father continues chopping. The Young Man wanders around the tree and notices something half-buried in the roots—a small bottle.)
Young Man: (curious) What is this? A bottle? It looks very old…
(He picks it up and examines it. Suddenly, a voice comes from inside!)
Spirit (Mercurius): (muffled, from inside) Let me out! Let me out at once!
Young Man: (startled) Who… Who is speaking?
Spirit: Open the bottle, and you shall see!
Young Man: (hesitant) But what if you are dangerous?
Spirit: I swear I shall reward you greatly! Open it, and riches shall be yours!
Young Man: (excited) Riches? Then I shall free you!
(He uncorks the bottle. A thick smoke swirls out, forming into the shape of the Spirit.)
Spirit: (laughing) Ha-ha-ha! Free at last!
Young Man: (stepping back) You are… enormous!
Spirit: Indeed! And now, foolish boy, I must kill you!
Young Man: (shocked) Kill me?! But I freed you!
Spirit: Yes, but long ago, I vowed to destroy anyone who releases me. It is my fate!
Young Man: (thinking quickly) But how can I know you were truly inside that small bottle?
Spirit: (boasting) Foolish boy! You doubt my power? I could fit in there easily!
Young Man: Prove it, then! Show me how you fit inside again.
Spirit: Very well! Watch closely!
(The Spirit swirls back into smoke and squeezes into the bottle.)
Young Man: (quickly corking the bottle) There! Now you are trapped again!
Spirit: (angrily, from inside) No! Let me out! I was only joking!
Young Man: You lied to me before. Why should I trust you now?
Spirit: This time, I swear upon my power! If you release me, I shall grant you three wishes!
Young Man: No. I do not need wishes. Instead, you must give me something useful—something I can use for my future!
Spirit: Fine! Take this rag—it will heal any wound and make you strong! And take this piece of iron—it will turn into a mighty sword when struck upon stone!
Young Man: Good. Now I shall free you.
(He uncorks the bottle once more. The Spirit emerges, but this time, he does not harm the boy.)
Spirit: You are clever, boy. Use these gifts wisely. Farewell!
(The Spirit vanishes into smoke.)
Scene: Returning Home
(The Young Man runs back to his Father, who looks surprised.)
Father: Where have you been?
Young Man: Father, look! I have something wonderful!
Father: (grumbling) Not more books, I hope.
Young Man: No—see this rag? It heals all wounds! And this iron piece? It becomes a mighty sword!
Father: (amazed) This is true? Then perhaps learning is valuable after all!
Young Man: Yes, Father. And now, with my knowledge and these gifts, I will make a great future for us both.
(They exit together as the lights fade.)
THE END.
