The Willow Pattern is a charming and witty play that is ideal for pupils at KS3, accompanied by stimulating background materials containing fantastic ideas for drama exercises, as well as other activities designed to answer English Framework and NC objectives. Humorously adapted from an ancient Chinese tale, The Willow Pattern is a classic tale of innocent, yet forbidden love. The Mandarin is a very powerful man who runs his province with an iron fist, tyrannical with everybody except his daughter Knoon-She. Knoon-She, however, isn't keen on marrying the noble warrior he has in mind for her, and instead has eyes for Chang, her father's humble secretary. Encompassing poetry, story-telling, proverbs and a little martial arts, The Willow Pattern is accessible, funny, moving and thought-provoking. A great drama text for Year 7 up.