Dragonsong

Dragonsong is a space/time journey set on the planet Pern and a coming-of-age story in which teenage Menolly breaks away from a small-minded, abusive village and becomes apprenticed to the planet's master harper. Menolly is a gifted musician. But in her fishing village, girls do not become harpers, nor boys dragonriders! When T'Gellan, a real dragonrider, arrives looking for recruits, young Tirolt wants to go, and Menolly is inspired to create a song. She receives harsh and unfair punishment for this and runs away. Alone, she encounters newly hatched fire lizards who learn to sing with her and give her hope. Then, caught in a threadfall storm, T'Gellan rescues her on dragonback and takes her to the dragon-training village of Benden Weyr. There she witnesses a dragon hatching and meets up again with Tirolt. Menolly encourages Tirolt as a budding dragonrider but begs him to keep her identity a secret, fearing she will be sent home. The kindly villagers discover her gift and encourage her to sing. Menolly refuses until she finds herself swept into a joyous sing-along led by the master harper, Robinton. Recognizing her true talent, Robinton invites her to become his new apprentice. Dragonsong is a fantasy play with imaginative opportunities, as the music and fire lizard puppets operated by the cast are integral.