Author Description

A spine-tingling tale of a boy and his worst fears in the swamp-eventually overcome by Wiley himself. Cast of 3 men, 1 woman. A chorus of 4 or more who may be either male or female. Fragmentary set which may suggest house and swamp. Costumes, "simple swamp." Set deep within the mysterious Tombigee Swamp, WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN centers around a young fatherless boy, his conjure-woman Mother, his faithful Hounddog, and the Hairy Man who haunts Wiley's days and dreams. Through rhythm and rhyme, a Chorus creates the mystery of the swamp. The magic of this play is not fairy dust -- it is soil. The magic of the earth and mud of the swamp. The magic of survival. In an exciting duel of wits, Wiley learns to rely upon his own resources and conquers two villains; the Hairy Man and his own fear.