The Green Snake and
the Beautiful Lily

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's
fairy tale

Play Version - Michael Burton

Original Translation of the Fairy Tale -
Thomas Carlyle

The Art of Goethean Conversation -
Marjorie Spock

A group of people live in a world turned upside down. They realise that the efforts of one alone can do little to create a new society. But by waking up to each other at the right time, they bring about profound spiritual and social renewal.

Goethe originally told this magic tale in a group of travellers during the French Revolution. Today, this magic still sparkles in Thomas Carlyle's original translation. Michael Burton's play invites you to enjoy the tale afresh through his punchy dialogue.

Jay Ramsay writes that this ' ... inspiring script is a genuine contribution, combining the grace of the original fairy tale with a brilliant use of the modern idiom.' And when the Green Snake is asked by the Gold King, 'What is more quickening than light?' she replies, 'Conversation!' We come alive when meeting each other in real dialogue. Marjorie Spock's Art of Goethean Conversation shows how true conversation has transformative power.

This book was published specially for the 1998-99 European Tour of the Mask Studio's production of The Green Snake, a new play inspired by Goethe's fairy tale. It also meets readers' requests for the Spock essay and Carlyle translation in an accessible form.