The belles of Canterbury : a Chaucer tale out of school

A lively one‑act play sets a girls’ school classroom buzzing with the excitement of a holiday party in the works. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors slip into the voices of Chaucer’s iconic women—from the bold Wife of Bath to the poised Prioress—mixing medieval wit with modern schoolyard chatter. Their quest to devise a memorable Thanksgiving celebration spirals into a comedy of ideas, mishaps and the inevitable clash of personalities.

The script balances clever dialogue with simple staging, inviting community groups to bring the story to life without elaborate sets. Costumes range from bright, farm‑style skirts for the Wife of Bath to an Amazonian armor for Hippolyta, giving each character a distinctive flair. As the girls brainstorm menus, friendships, and a touch of Chaucerian mischief, listeners are treated to a charming snapshot of youthful creativity and timeless storytelling.