Thin Waist Script
Spider Stretch Script
Why Spiders Have a Thin Waist: A Jamaican Folktale
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________
The Cast (Who is in the play?)
1 Anansi
2 Narrators
3 Rabbit
4 Monkey
5 Turtle
6 Pig
Scene 1: The Island Morning
[Setting: A sunny island in Jamaica. Tropical music plays. Anansi is rubbing his stomach.]
Narrator 1
Long ago, Anansi the Spider had a very big tummy. He loved to eat more than anything else!
Anansi
(Rubbing stomach) Oh, I am so hungry! I hope my friends are cooking something delicious today.
Narrator 2
Just then, Anansi saw Rabbit cooking a big pot of spicy beans.
Rabbit
Hello, Anansi! My beans are almost ready. Why don't you stay and eat with me?
Anansi
I would love to, Rabbit! But I have things to do. Here, take this long piece of web. Tie one end to my waist and the other to your pot.
When the food is ready, give the web a TUG! I will come running!
Scene 2: Too Much Food!
[Anansi walks across the stage. He meets Monkey, Turtle, and Pig. He gives each one a piece of web to tie to his waist.]
Monkey
My sweet potatoes are boiling! Hold the web, Anansi!
Turtle
My tropical fruit stew is almost done! Hold the web, Anansi!
Pig
My spicy corn is ready soon! Hold the web, Anansi!
Anansi
Yes, yes! Everyone tug when the food is hot! I will have a feast!
[Suddenly, all four animals pull their webs at the exact same time! Anansi is stuck in the middle.]
Anansi
OUCH! Help! Everyone is pulling! My waist! My poor waist!
Narrator 1
Rabbit pulled North! Monkey pulled South! Turtle pulled East! Pig pulled West!
Narrator 2
The webs got tighter and tighter. Anansi's fat tummy got smaller and smaller.
Spiders have a very thin waist!
Spider Story Slides
Anansi the Trickster
Exploring Jamaican Folklore
Island Home
The stories of Anansi traveled from West Africa all the way to the island of Jamaica.
"Anansi is a spider, but he often acts like a human!"
🇯🇲
JAMAICA
Land of Wood and Water
What is a Trickster?
Clever
They use their brain to solve problems.
Funny
Their tricks usually make people laugh.
Greedy
Sometimes they get into trouble for wanting too much!
The Big Feast
-
Anansi is invited to MANY parties.
-
He doesn't want to miss a single bite.
-
He uses his spider web to make a plan...
What do you think happens when everyone pulls the web at once?
Ready to Perform?
We are going to read our script
"Spider Stretch"
and find out why Anansi has such a tiny waist!
Use Your Voice
Have Fun
Staging Guide Resource
Teacher Resource
Anansi Staging Guide
Facilitating the "Spider Stretch" Play
2nd
Grade
Cultural Context
Anansi is one of the most important characters in West African and Caribbean folklore. Originating with the Akan people of Ghana, these stories were brought to the Caribbean during the transatlantic slave trade. In Jamaica, Anansi became a symbol of resistance and survival—using wit and humor to overcome stronger opponents.
Key Motif: The Trickster
Anansi often learns a lesson (or doesn't!) through his greed or curiosity. In this story, the "Thin Waist" is a physical reminder of his attempt to be in too many places at once.
Performance Tips
Simple Props
- The Web: Use long pieces of yarn or ribbon.
- The Pots: Plastic bowls or buckets.
- Ears: Headbands with paper ears for animals.
Acting Notes
- Voice: Encourage Anansi to sound hungry and excited.
- Movement: Have the animals pull in opposite directions for comedy.
Discussion Questions
1. Why did Anansi give the web to so many friends?
Look for: He was greedy; he didn't want to miss any food; he thought he was being clever.
2. What happens when we try to do too many things at once?
Look for: Connections to real life—feeling "stretched" thin or not doing any one thing well.
3. How does this story explain something in nature?
Look for: It explains why spiders have small waists (an "origin" or "pourquoi" story).
Quick Differentiation
For Emerging Readers:
Assign the "Animal Host" roles (Rabbit, Monkey, etc.) which have shorter, repetitive lines.
For Advanced Readers:
Assign the "Narrator" roles which have longer descriptive passages and require pacing.
Spider Sketch Worksheet
Spider Sketch & Solve
Show what you know about Anansi!
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
1. Describe Anansi
Circle three words that describe Anansi in the play:
Clever
Lazy
Hungry
Honest
Greedy
Shy
2. The Story Lesson
What was Anansi's mistake? Why did he end up with a thin waist?
3. Spider Sketch
Draw a picture of Anansi at the end of the play. Don't forget his thin waist and his web!