. all rights belong to Tanis Harms –
. refer to www.church-skits.com
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM – written by Tanis Harms
PREMISE: (history and truths still relevant for today)
. Kentucky, 1859. Jessica is the kind of
. Christian who desires to do God’s will, but
. struggles with all the opinions around her.
. When escaping slaves wind up on her doorstep,
. she reluctantly takes them in. Over the course
. of a few days, she realizes she has a lot
. more in common with them than she thought.
STYLE: drama (choral “musical” optional)
TOPIC: equality, forgiveness
SCRIPTURE: Galatians 3: 26-29, Colossians 3:8-14
NOTES: for CAST, SET, PROPS, MUSIC
SCRIPT: ACT 1 – SCENE 1
. STAGE RIGHT
(WHITE GROUP enters and gathers to sing first two verses.)
SONG 1 - "HAIL, COLUMBIA"
GROUP (vs.1) Hail Columbia, happy land!
. Hail, ye heroes, heav'n-born band,
. Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,
. Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,
. And when the storm of war was gone
. Enjoy'd the peace your valor won.
. Let independence be our boast,
. Ever mindful what it cost;
. Ever grateful for the prize,
. Let its altar reach the skies.
. (chorus) Firm, united let us be,
. Rallying round our liberty,
. As a band of brothers joined,
. Peace and safety we shall find.
. (vs.2) Immortal patriots, rise once more,
. Defend your rights, defend your shore!
. Let no rude foe, with impious hand,
. Let no rude foe, with impious hand,
. Invade the shrine where sacred lies
. Of toil and blood, the well-earned prize,
. While off'ring peace, sincere and just,
. In Heaven's we place a manly trust,
. That truth and justice will prevail,
. And every scheme of bondage fail.
. 2
. (chorus) Firm, united let us be,
. Rallying round our liberty,
. As a band of brothers joined,
. Peace and safety we shall find.
(This following scene is not necessary to plot,
but great to help set the scene...
As GROUP finishes singing, GROUP gathers in a muddle,
getting ready for an auction. Or if you didn’t use song,
GROUP enters ready to do business as a SLAVE DEALER ushers
in a shackled SLAVE MAN and SLAVE WOMAN who is pregnant.
DEALER pushes the SLAVE MAN forward first. WOMAN cowers,
choked with fear and concern.)
DEALER Gentlemen, I’ll now start the bidding on
. this here fine specimen.
MAN 1 I’ll give you 500.
DEALER Sir, d’wishing to insult me? I’ll take no lessen
. 2,000. As you can see, he’s got all his teeth.
. Fine posture. Should be good enough for at least
. seven more years a’ hard labor.
MAN 1 2,000, then.
MAN 2 2,025.
MAN 3 2,050.
MAN 2 2,075.
MAN 1 (thinking) 2,100.
MAN 2 2,300.
DEALER (to MAN 1) I knows you a’wanting him.
. I’ve seen these’a here go for up to 3,000.
MAN 1 (carefully) 2,325.
(MAN 2 groans.)
DEALER Dat all?... (waiting) Sold then.
(MAN 1 goes to extreme stage right where the DEALER
pushes SLAVE MAN to MAN 1.)
SLAVE M (pleading) Sir, please, could y’alsa buy
. my wife?
. 3
MAN 1 Can’t. Paid too much for you as it is.
SLAVE M Please, sir! She’s very hard a’working.
(MAN 1 glances as DEALER pushes SLAVE WOMAN forward.)
MAN 1 She’s with child now! I don’t need that!
SLAVE M She make a mean shoofly pie.
MAN 1 I’ve got a cook. And I don’t need any more
. women workers. Now, no more about it.
. Come on, let’s go!
(SLAVE MAN looks back longingly at SLAVE WOMAN and sadly
shakes his head. SLAVE WOMAN begins to sob fitfully.
MAN 1 yanks SLAVE MAN forward to walk across the stage
to the other side and almost runs into JESSICA who enters
from STAGE RIGHT and begins to angle towards center stage.
JESSICA gives a startled cry and jumps away to avoid
touching the SLAVE.)
MAN 1 Most sorry, ma’am.
(SLAVE WOMAN sobs loudly, calling out husband’s name, Jonah.
DEALER pulls at SLAVE WOMAN to stand up straight.)
DEALER Now, look a’here, this’n has experience
. as a very fine cook.
(SLAVE WOMAN sobs louder. JESSICA takes note of this
and shakes her head, stopping to comment.)
JESSICA My, how they can carry on, so.
MAN 2 That’s why them types usually go for pretty
. cheap. I can’t be bothered with that, though.
(As scene continues, JESSICA nods her understanding
and begins to walk toward the door of her house [unlit].
Scene continues as DEALER addresses MAN 2’s concern.)
DEALER She’ll get over it. And you saw her husband,
. a fine specimen. This a’here child about to
. be born, will be a fine specimen too. Within
. ten year or so, you can turn ‘round and sell it.
MAN 3 I’ll give you 300, for her.
LIGHTS DIM.
. 4
. ACT 1 – SCENE 2
. STAGE LEFT
(This is not necessary to the plot, but great to set tone...
SLAVES enter and mime working while singing an African folk
song from the options below, or another one that you find.)
SONG 2 - AFRICAN FOLK SONG (choose one below or another)
. A “THREE AFRICAN FOLK SONGS”
. B “SHOSHLOZA”, or “ASIKA THALI”
. C “MANGWANI MPULELE”
. D UNKNOWN AFRICAN FOLK SONG - 1st song
(SLAVES stop singing when MAN 1 enters and they hear -
SOUND EFFECT: a few lashes of a whip -
MAN 1 coils up his whip and addresses the SLAVES.)
MAN 1 Get a’working! You know I hate’em African songs!
. If you need ‘a sing, it better be one of dem
. spiritual types!
SONG 3 - SPIRITUAL HYMN (choose one below)
. A “GO DOWN MOSES”
. B “SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT”
(Reluctantly at first, SLAVES begin to sing as they go
back to “work.” MAN 1 nods with a sullen satisfaction.
The singing becomes more impassioned as they continue.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 1 – SCENE 3
. CENTER STAGE
(JESSICA enters and is about to sit down. Seeing the door
to the study, she walks over and puts her hand to the door,
as if maybe it offers warmth and a heartbeat. Slowly,
she moves her hand toward the doorknob. Getting choked up
at the thought of entering, she decides to abandon
the exercise and returns and collapses into a chair,
fanning herself from the heat. Seeing the Bible next to her
on the side table, she places it into her lap to flip
through the pages. HUNTER enters boisterously
through the main doors and saunters in.)
HUNTER I have just come from a town counsel meeting-
. (seeing JESSICA with her Bible)
. Begging your pardon, Momma, didn’t mean
. to disturb your spiritual feeding.
JESSICA Supposing it’s more like – nibbling. It’s a 5
. mite bit hot to concentrate on anything,
. let alone walking about. So tell me now,
. how did the meeting go? (puts Bible down)
HUNTER Now, just where do I begin? You understand
. that our party is falling apart? The dismantling
. of the Whig party a few years ago, certainly
. didn’t help our cause. And now Stephen Douglas
. is stirring up the people. And what with the
. Kansas-Nebraska Act, this giving the rights
. for new settlers to vote on whether or not their
. state will be allowing slavery or not-
JESSICA I can’t understand why you must concern yourself
. to this degree. Just how in time and place will
. those decisions effect us over here in Kentucky?
HUNTER Shows you how little a woman can understand.
. It means everything, Momma. The entire balance
. of power, for one. And all their decisions effect
. our economy, and our rights to do what we believe
. is right in God’s eyes. You must remember,
. our country was founded on Christian principles!
JESSICA Well, when you say that, what does that even mean?
HUNTER What does it mean?! We’re founded on Christian
. principles and it needs to stay that way. People
. are going around using the Bible to say whatever
. they want - introducing unprincipled ideas -
JESSICA Couldn’t that be said from both sides?
HUNTER Oh my God!
JESSICA Hunter, we do not use the Lord’s name in vain
. in this house.
HUNTER Well then - oh my gosh!
JESSICA Why, you think dropping or changing a few letters
. will fool God? It surely don’t fool me.
HUNTER Sorry then, Momma.
JESSICA Don’t you sorry me. It’s God you are offending.
HUNTER Yes, Momma, I suppos’in you right. Now moving on,
. I’m a starving. Where is our tea?
JESSICA I thought I heard Cloe clattering around 6
. in the kitchen a minute ago.
HUNTER (yelling) Cloe! I say, where’s our tea!
. (waits, but only hears some dishes clattering)
. (to JESSICA) Why do you let her get away
. with her insubordination? This falls right into
. the thinking of the north? We as a nation
. are slowly losing the power and the freedom
. that we have? My granddaddy did not die against
. the Brits for nothing. Do what we’re able,
. we must hold on to our rights. That’s exactly why
. I am a thinking of going into politics.
JESSICA Campaigning and such? And what exactly -
. (There is a knock at the door.) Ah! Cloe!? Ahhh!
. I will get the door, Cloe! You stay busy
. with fixing our tea!
HUNTER Now really, Momma, you going to spoil her.
JESSICA And just when did you want to get your tea?
. (answers the door and motions for AVA to enter)
. Why, Miss Ava, how nice of you to drop by
. like this. We’re just fixing to have our tea.
AVA Hi, Miss Jessica. Oh, is it that time already?
. I do so apologize for coming unannounced.
JESSICA Come on in, now. We’d be honored to have you
. join us. We rarely have company – you know -
. since... (saddens a touch)
AVA That would be lovely, thank you.
JESSICA (yelling) Cloe, one more for tea!
(More clattering comes from the kitchen. JESSICA smiles
apologetically and motions AVA to enter.)
JESSICA It’s so hard to get good help these days.
. Well, why don’t we just sit down already?
(CLOE rushes out with a tea tray and has to maneuver around
HUNTER, JESSICA and AVA in order to place it onto the table.
JESSICA stops her as she picks up the tea to pour.)
JESSICA Cloe, the sandwiches?
(CLOE puts the teapot down, turns to go back to the kitchen.
HUNTER rolls his eyes and is itching to go after her.)
. 7
JESSICA Just leave her be, Hunter. That girl can’t
. do anything right without clear direction.
(The THREE sit down as CLOE rushes in to put the sandwich
platter onto the table, then nervously pours tea into the
cups. Reaching for one of the cups, she tips it over, but
quickly picks it up to fill. HUNTER rolls his eyes again.)
HUNTER Oh Lord!
(JESSICA gives HUNTER a very harsh reprimanding stare,
afraid to even look at AVA’S reaction, which is very humbly
solemn. JESSICA regains her composure before speaking.)
JESSICA Please, wait with – your – PRAYERS, Hunter.
. Cloe! You may now clean up the mess
. you undoubtedly created in the kitchen.
. And don’t forget our dessert now, you hear?
. (CLOE returns to the kitchen.)
. Now, if it please you, I will offer up
. the blessings for the food.
(HUNTER balks, and JESSICA sternly but patiently waits
until all heads to bow before praying.)
JESSICA Oh LORD... hallowed be Thy name... we humbly
. ask for Your blessings to be upon our food, and
. upon our home and country, and for wise decisions
. to be made for the benefit of our citizens. For
. all Your gracious provisions we are most thankful.
. In Your HOLY and PRECIOUS name, we pray. Amen.
HUNTER (raising his head with a roll of his eyes)
. Momma, your sermon within the prayer did not
. go unnoticed. Just beware, the Bible also
. teaches women not to be preachers.
JESSICA I’m no way pretending to be a preacher, son.
. I’m lecturing you as your momma, as I should.
. Especially in the absence of your father,
. God rest his soul. He desired for you to be
. a godly man, such as he was, always pursuing
. the will of God.
HUNTER And that is why I have, just now, finalized
. my decision to enter into politics.
JESSICA Now Hunter, you were always intending to take
. over your daddy’s law practice, and working
. to seek out justice.
. 8
HUNTER And at the very root of that - is politics - to
. more effectively establish the laws of this land.
JESSICA (seeing EVA’S discomfort) Oh well, what do
. us woman folk know about all that, I suppose?
(JESSICA waves off the conversation with a lighter air.
AVA smiles meekly as she nibbles at a sandwich.)
AVA There‘ve always been some sort of women trying
. to get the ear of the government. Even been some
. trying to run for office, even though women can’t
. vote - yet. Take Lucretia Mott, for instance,
. years ago, nominated at a convention to be
. Gerrit Smith’s vice-president – no less.
JESSICA Such strange ideas for a Pastor’s wife.
HUNTER I am shocked, naturally. Women should never be
. above men. (to AVA) And you, more than anyone,
. should know their place.
(AVA wonders at HUNTER’S brashness.)
JESSICA (sighing) Yes-yes. Now let us abstain from
. any more discussion on the suffragette movement.
. As you see, Hunter, here, gets all up in a tizzy.
HUNTER Hang it all, Momma, tizzies are for women.
JESSICA Riled up, then. But save it for the courtroom,
. mind you.
(CLOE enters with a tray of desserts. AVA smiles at CLOE.)
AVA (smiling) These sandwiches are quite delicious.
JESSICA Why, thank you. Now, please, whenever –
(This discussion is interrupted by an outside disturbance.
MEN start yelling like they’ve just hunted down and captured
a runway slave, mingled in with the sounds of whipping
and crying out. JESSICA and AVA cringe with wide-open eyes.
CLOE freezes in place, afraid to look at anybody directly.
HUNTER throws down his napkin and stands up.)
HUNTER If you’ll excuse me, I’m going see what this
. upheaval’s all about.
JESSICA Hunter, it might be too dangerous.
. 9
HUNTER Nonsense, Momma! Besides, someone may be in need
. of a good lawyer. (exiting)
JESSICA (nervously) My, how they grow up so quickly.
(The sounds from outside continue.)
AVA It really is a shame.
JESSICA Well, you can’t Molly-coddle them forever.
AVA Oh, that too. I was referring to the
. brutality that is shown to the slaves.
JESSICA Well, of course, I do abhor violence, even to
. animals. (notices CLOE still just standing there)
. Cloe, why are you just standing about?
. Perhaps our teacups need some refreshing.
(CLOE quickly puts the dessert tray down. Her nervous hands
cause the teapot to clatter as she tries to pour.)
JESSICA Cloe-child! Something be the matter?
CLOE S-sorry, missus.
AVA (to CLOE) It’s okay, dear. Here, I’ll take over.
(CLOE grabs the sandwich tray with a quick curtsy and
dashes out. The sounds from outside now subside.)
JESSICA I can’t have my guests serving themselves.
AVA She’s clearly rattled by what just occurred.
JESSICA Such an untimely interruption. And right
. near our property like that. But that should be
. no excuse for her laziness-
AVA -really, this is fine. I can take care of myself.
JESSICA I swear, that girl can be so useless sometimes.
. It just proves that those people are incapable
. of doing anything for themselves. They truly
. need our charity and instruction. Don’t even know
. why they bother to escape. How do they even
. think they are going to survive on their own?
. (noticing AVA) Are you one to spoil your slaves?
AVA Oh, we don’t have any.
. 10
JESSICA I declare, so how do you get anything done?
AVA At our house, I enlist the help of our children.
. They each have their chores. Well, speaking
. of enlisting help – I was hoping - that you
. might organize a luncheon for our church
. this coming Sunday.
JESSICA Why, I’d be honored. And since my husband’s
. passing, I find myself with some extra time
. on my hands. Is there any occasion behind it?
AVA We’re having a guest speaker deliver the sermon.
. Pastor Robertson, all the way from Ohio.
JESSICA Interesting. Those ideas that come from the north.
AVA Interesting – can be good... But –
. we must always remain open to the truth –
. whatever that is...
JESSICA Hm. As long as it’s supported by the Good Book.
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 1 – SCENE 4
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP gathers to worship, standing in rows to emulate pews.
PASTOR GORDON stands in the front of the people, but makes
sure he is facing the audience, as he conducts the singing.
GROUP sings with a traditional choral style.)
SONG 4 - “AMAZING GRACE”
GROUP (vs.1) Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
. That saved a wretch like me.
. I once was lost but now am found,
. Was blind, but now I see.
. (vs.2) T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
. And Grace, my fears relieved.
. How precious did that Grace appear
. The hour I first believed.
. (vs.1) Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
. That saved a wretch like me.
. I once was lost but now am found,
. Was blind, but now I see.
(As people are already there singing, JESSICA and AVA 11
slip into the “pews” by standing in line to join.
PASTOR GORDON now addresses his little congregation.)
PASTOR G Good morning, church.
PEOPLE Morning, Pastor.
PASTOR G Today we honored to have Pastor Henry Robertson
. to deliver our message. Please, let us give our
. guest speaker our wholehearted Southern welcome.
(Congregation clap politely as PASTOR GORDON sits down
and PASTOR ROBERTSON goes forward.)
PASTOR R Amazing grace! Grace - which was purchased for us
. by Christ, who offered up His life for us. It took
. His death - to buy our freedom from our sins.
. (PEOPLE nod their agreements)
. Amazing grace! JUST as soldiers of our
. blessed country have gone off to war,
. to graciously die for the citizens
. of these States. It took many deaths
. to secure our freedom from the Britains.
PEOPLE Yes. Amen!
PASTOR R Amazing grace! A declaration of independence.
PEOPLE Amen, amen!
PASTOR R We hold these Truths to be self-evident,
. that all men are created equal, that they
. are endowed, by their CREATOR, with certain
. unalienable rights, that among these are life,
. liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!—
PEOPLE Hallelujah! Amen!
(CONGREGATION falls quiet as ROBERTSON reads.)
PASTOR R In Galatians 3:26-29 we read, “For ye are all
. the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
. For as many of you as have been baptized
. into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither
. Jew nor Greek, there is neither SLAVE nor free,
. there is neither male nor FEMALE: for ye are all
. one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's,
. then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according
. to the promise.” We are all to be God-like.
. God makes no distinction.
. 12
(MAN 1 gets up to leave.)
PASTOR R Amazing grace! Which reaches out to all people.
. Amazing Grace! A man by the name of John Newton
. wrote that song. He himself had hit some very
. hard times; had been a renowned slave runner;
. who eventually became a pastor. He admits,
. he had been blind, but now he sees. His eyes
. were opened – to the horrors that is slavery.
(MAN & WOMAN 2 leave.)
PASTOR R John Newton saw that he had done wretched things,
. and that he was a sinner, no better than a slave,
. he saw his need of God’s saving grace.
(HUNTER grabs JESSICA’S arm to pull her out. PASTOR R mimes
preaching as they hold the conversation a bit to the side.)
JESSICA Hunter, you go on, now.
HUNTER What?!
JESSICA I gave my word that I would oversee this luncheon.
HUNTER Then you can see to it - that this preacher-man
. leaves just as soon as he’s a finished eating –
. and see to it that they never invite him back.
(HUNTER storms off as JESSICA slowly returns to her spot.)
PASTOR R Colossians 3:10-14 reads, “Seeing that ye have
. put off the old man with his deeds; And have
. put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge
. after the image of Him that created him:
. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew,
. circumcision nor uncircumcision,
. Barbarian, Scythian, SLAVE nor free:
. but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore,
. as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
. bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
. meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another,
. and forgiving one another, if any man have
. a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you,
. so also do ye. And above all these things
. put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
. The bond – of unity. Brethren, let us pray.
(MOST EVERYONE bows their heads.)
PASTOR R (praying) Oh Lord, bless our country 13
. with Your grace. May we sincerely seek
. your truths and practice them. Give us the honor
. and courage to do so. I sincerely pray
. that we might build together – not a nation
. that is set upon selfishly protecting
. their individual rights – but set upon
. unselfish love and grace – to build a truly
. united States. In this Lord we pray, Amen.
PEOPLE (muttering cautiously, some more than others)
. Amen.
(MORE PEOPLE exit from the group, leaving very few,
which include: JESSICA, AVA, PASTOR GORDON, PASTOR LANDON,
DOCTOR, DOCTOR’S WIFE, MAN 4.)
AVA (to JESSICA) You stayed!
JESSICA (to AVA) Looks like there will be no shortage
. of food for our luncheon.
(DOCTOR PARKER and ELIZABETH step up and nod.)
DR. P I suppose we needed to weed out the chafe.
AVA Good morning, Doctor Parker, Miss Elizabeth.
ELIZ Good morning, Miss Ava, Miss Jessica.
JESSICA (unsure) Yes, good morning to you both.
(PASTOR GORDON approaches and puts an arm around AVA.
PASTOR ROBERTSON joins the group, followed by LANDON.
DOCTOR PARKER turns to PASTOR ROBERTSON with a hearty
handshake.)
DR. P Wonderful timely message, Pastor Robertson.
. I wish you every success in your... (cryptically)
. recruitment venture for your seminary.
PASTOR R Thank you.
MAN 4 (joins in) Ha! Is that what you’re calling this?
PASTOR R (motions to PASTOR LANDON)
. And this here is Pastor Landon. Also involved
. with the seminary’s recruitment efforts.
(PASTOR LANDON nods his ‘how-do-you-do’ to the group.)
PASTOR R We have traveled here together, but we 14
. will be splitting up soon. We can cover
. more ground that way.
JESSICA And for which seminary is this regarding?
PASTOR R Lane Theological Seminary, in Cincinnati Ohio,
. ma’am. We are open to educating anyone,
. you understand?
DOCTOR P And how is Pastor Lyman Beecher doing?
. Is he still the seminary’s president?
PASTOR R He’s well, and retired - sitting back to enjoy
. the successes of all his children.
LANDON One of his daughters just published a novel
. that has been peeking the interests of the nation.
ELIZ Interesting. Is it something I’d enjoy?
LANDON Perhaps. It’s titled “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
MAN 4 I’ve heard of it. People say the abolitionists
. are using it for propaganda.
LANDON You could say that about the Christian’s use
. of the Bible. I’m not saying the novel is in any
. way the Bible, but the story is quite –
. truth-revealing. I know Harriet, the woman sure
. knows how to do a thorough research.
MAN 4 If I didn’t know better, it sounds like this
. woman’s trying to affect politics through
. her writing.
LANDON So what if she is?
MAN 4 So you also support the suffragette movement?
LANDON Besides being a fine Christian woman, Harriet
. Beecher Stowe is a fine novelist, who actually
. avoided the entire topic of slavery until the
. government dared to put the Fugitive Slave Law
. into effect.
ELIZ Why would that change her mind?
LANDON She was infuriated that the government dare
. infringe upon her rights to help a neighbor out.
MAN 4 You mean - to help a slave escape. 15
LANDON There are many injustices that you do not see.
MAN 4 What about justice for the owners? They pay
. good money for them? I’m just trying to see it
. from both sides now.
PASTOR R We certainly do need to be praying that both
. sides desire to see things – from both sides.
. But more importantly - we need to be
. seeing things from God’s eyes.
DR. P And for God’s wisdom and protection, as you both
. proceed from this place.
JESSICA In doing this, you fancy yourself as serving God?
PASTOR R Most certainly. What are you willing to do
. to serve God?
JESSICA (cautiously) I’m sure that I will continue
. to serve God however He directs me.
PASTOR G Miss Jessica, we were hoping you would use
. your home as a safe house. For slaves trying
. to make their way north.
JESSICA (shocked) You’re really asking me to aid an
. escaping slave?-
PASTOR R But your house is situated right on the edge
. of town. Nice and hidden by trees.
JESSICA I am a law-abiding citizen.
LANDON We are to obey our government as unto the Lord.
JESSICA (thinking of a way out) But, it’s – also very
. dangerous. Why, just the other day, they hunted
. down a slave, right next to my house. Just ask
. Ava, here. So you see, my house is not exactly
. as safe as one might expect.
LANDON There are ways to do this so you are not detected.
AVA The Quakers just north of here, will place candles
. in their windows to signify they are safe houses.
. When slaves see lights in the window, they know
. they can go there to be assisted in their efforts.
JESSICA Ava, you know my son. You saw him. 16
. He’d never approve, I’m most certain!
. I’m truly sorry, even though I mildly understand
. the plight of the slaves, I – I still do not know
. where I, myself, stand on this particular issue.
PASTOR R You believe that slavery is approved by God?
JESSICA The Bible gives instruction on slavery, so -
. I just assume that means it’s acceptable. However
. after your fine message this morning, there are
. a few points to ponder, most certainly.
. But I am still fearful of having runaways
. invading our land and doing what-not.
ELIZ Invading the land? They already here.
JESSICA They have nothing to their names, how else
. would they survive except to break our laws?
LANDON That is why they require our assistance,
. with good Christian guidance and charity,
. serving one another in love.
MAN 4 This morning’s message carried a wallop, for sure.
. Unfortunately, I don’t think we are all ready
. to hear those words yet.
LANDON Shouldn’t all Christians heed God’s words and make
. the necessary changes as soon as one hears? Or
. does God accept that we remain living in the
. deceptive comforts of our own sin while many
. people suffer on account that?
MAN 4 But their God-given rights are being challenged.
LANDON Their rights for what? Making people suffer?
PASTOR R Sadly, scripture has been taken out of context
. so that people can justify slavery.
JESSICA I would want to hear just one Bible verse
. that would say slavery is wrong, where it lays
. it out just as plain as black and white.
LANDON Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do unto others
. what you would have them do to you...
. for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
JESSICA I suppose there’s no arguing with that one.
PASTOR R We complained about living under the tyranny 17
. of Britain. How do you think these slaves feel?
. Would you gladly change places with them?
MAN 4 It’s a hopeless situation. The economy would
. suffer if plantations should suddenly have to
. pay their laborers.
LANDON And that makes it right?
MAN 4 I am merely saying, it is a situation.
PASTOR G God is in control, but the workers are few.
. When you feel led, you must ask not what God
. will do for you, but what you may do for God.
. God will not expect more from you
. than what you’re able to manage.
JESSICA Certainly food for thought. And now, what say you
. to some food for the body? Lunch is waiting.
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 1 – SCENE 5
. STAGE LEFT
(SLAVES now sing with spiritual style.)
SONG 5 - “AMAZING GRACE”
SLAVES (vs.3) Through many dangers, toils and snares
. I have already come;
. 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
. and Grace will lead me home.
. (vs.4) The Lord has promised good to me.
. His word my hope secures.
. He will my shield and portion be,
. As long as life endures.
. (vs.5) Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
. And mortal life shall cease,
. I shall possess within the veil,
. A life of joy and peace.
. (vs.6) When we've been here ten thousand years
. Bright shining as the sun.
. We've no less days to sing God's praise
. Than when we've first begun.
LIGHTS DIM.
. 18
. CENTER STAGE
(Luggage sits by the door. HUNTER is pacing the floor and pounces on
JESSICA as soon as she enters by the main doors.)
HUNTER Is that preacher-man gone?
JESSICA Pastor Robertson has moved on, yes.
HUNTER You know what I found when I came home?
. Cloe - just lounging on the settee.
JESSICA It is a day of rest. I suppose
HUNTER Don’t go all soft and supposing now, Momma.
. I have a good mind to send her off
. to a whipping house. Teach her to mind!
JESSICA Hunter, you know I don’t go for that. I don’t
. need no pastor telling me that I should be kind
. to my slaves. The Bible says that, clear enough.
HUNTER Well, right after we all stormed out of church,
. a few of us held our own meeting. The counsel
. has need of some good lawyers, you know,
. for presenting at debates and such. And with
. traveling pastors such as these, wandering about,
. trying to persuade us to release our slaves,
. the fear is that Abraham Lincoln will get in.
JESSICA I hear he’s a Kentucky man.
HUNTER You must understand, that man is a sympathizer
. to the slave.
(HUNTER marches over to the study door and freezes at
JESSICA’S plea.)
JESSICA You’re not going into your daddy’s study!
HUNTER Enough’s enough, Momma. I need some books
. from in there. By making this a sanctuary,
. you placing Daddy on a very high pedestal.
. (noticing JESSICA’S upset expression)
. You don’t need to come in here, but I’m
. a going in to get what I need.
(HUNTER opens the door and marches up to the bookshelf
to grab two books. Coming out, he closes the door again.
Meanwhile, JESSICA has noticed the luggage at the door.)
. 19
HUNTER There, you see, that wasn’t so bad.
JESSICA Why, your luggage’s packed!
HUNTER (puts books in bag) I told you, I’ve decided
. to go on the campaign trail. And we need to leave
. immediately. Time’s of the essence. A debate’s
. been scheduled, and it will take us everyday
. leading up to that for travel. Including today.
JESSICA Oh. Mind you be careful. When will you return?
HUNTER I reckon, not until we feel that places like
. Missouri will take our side in the vote.
. Bye Momma, I love you. You keep the household
. running as it should? Don’t want any misgivings.
(HUNTER lightly hugs JESSICA before leaving.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 1 – SCENE 6
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP sings the folk song with gusto.)
SONG 6 - “ARKANSAS TRAVELER”
GROUP (singing) I traveled out in Arkansas one day
. On a freight that took my breath away
. It went so slow the durn thing made me smile
. Took a month and seven days to run about a mile
. Oh it's fun to be a-ridin' trains
. I mean a freight that's always late
. In Arkansas there is no law
. against a freight that's late
. If the train's on time it's ahead of time
. That's why the freight is always late
. No extra fare to get you there where you wanna go
. I never want to take that trip again
. Everything that crawled could beat that train
. A snail that started with us in a race
. Beat us by about three weeks
. and easily won first place
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE 20
(JESSICA wanders the room restlessly, holding her Bible.
Going over to the lantern, she studies the scriptures very
closely, then continues pacing again. She is startled
when CLOE rushes into the room carrying another lantern.)
CLOE Missus! There’s a noise. Did y’hear it?
. Did y’hear? Jist outside d’house, now.
JESSICA More than likely a ‘coon-
(JESSICA takes the lantern from the side table and peers out
a “window” while looking out into the congregation. She
jumps at a thud noise, closer to the window by the door.)
CLOE That ain’t no ‘coon, missus.
JESSICA I heard it.
(JESSICA takes the lantern over to a side window to peer out
carefully. CLOE does the same at the window near the door.)
CLOE I sees a wagon wit – veg-ables, missus.
JESSICA At this time of night?
(There are more shuffling noises, then a light knocking
at the door. JESSICA and CLOE study each other, wondering
if they should answer. The light knocking comes again.
JESSICA walks over to the door.)
JESSICA Who’s there, please?
NOAH (voice) My name’s Noah, ma’am. I was told
. to go to a house on the edge of town –
JESSICA There are several houses by that description.
NOAH Yes ma’am, but yours being the only one with
. lights in the windows. I have a delivery for you.
(JESSICA opens the door and NOAH steps in.)
JESSICA From my son?
NOAH No, no I reckon not, ma’am, but it’s most urgent.
(JESSICA peers outside the door while NOAH quickly closes
the drapes to the window beside the door. CLOE has the mind
to do this at the other window/s.)
. 21
JESSICA Are those PEOPLE crawling out of your vegetables?
NOAH Ah, yes ma’am. Those would be “passengers”
. if you get my drift.
(JACKSON enters propping up DALIA as she struggles to walk.
AJANI follows shyly behind, carrying a tiny bundle.
NOAH quickly shuts the door behind them.)
JESSICA Oh, no, no, they – they can’t stay here.
(JACKSON looks questioningly at NOAH, worried for
the outcome. NOAH puts a calming hand out to JACKSON.)
NOAH Ma’am, we have no choice, understand, the woman’s
. very sick. She simply can’t continue in this
. condition. Please, you need to take them in-
JACKSON –Jist ‘til she kin git better, ma’am.
NOAH I will arrange for a hearse to come by –
JESSICA A hearse? You expecting her to live – or to die?
NOAH There’ll be a gentleman called Andrew, a coming by
. transporting coffins and bodies. We find that
. hiding the black folk in amongst such, well,
. people usually being scared enough not to be
. searching through these sorts of things.
JESSICA I see.
JACKSON Thank you, kindly.
JESSICA (sternly) It’s just a good thing my son
. isn’t here right now. He’d never go for this.
(NOAH turns to shake hands with JACKSON, nods to DALIA,
and takes the face of AJANI into his hands.)
NOAH You be good, son. Take good care of your mammy.
(NOAH quickly leaves. JACKSON holds out his hand to JESSICA
to shake.)
JACKSON We greatly thank you for your kindness.
(JESSICA is appalled at the affection just demonstrated,
and now tries to shy away from the hand, not prepared
to touch them just yet. CLOE finally steps forward.)
. 22
CLOE Where do we put ‘em, missus?
JESSICA Oh, ah, ahhh, I can’t think of where-
CLOE How about in da study –
JESSICA No!
CLOE Where else, den, ma’am? If we sneak ‘em outside
. to da shed, day could be seen by somebody.
. We’d be in so much troubles.
. (JESSICA is still motionless, thinking.)
. Got to be da study, missus. Quick like,
. come dis way, den.
(CLOE leads JACKSON, DALIA and AJANI into the study.
JACKSON gently helps DALIA to lie down on the floor.)
CLOE I’ll be getting you some spare blankets,
. dats we all have. And some bread as you must a
. all be hungry. And mighten you need to relieve
. yourself - I gits you a chamber pot. Missus,
. I takes the spare chamber pot now. They can’t
. be a running to the outhouse now. Someone kin
. just a see ‘em dat way.
JACKSON Maybe we be a bother for some water, too?
CLOE Yes ‘em, I’ll gets some water. (to JESSICA)
. You be a’right, missus. Don’t you worry none.
JESSICA Oh my, what sort of hostess am I?
JACKSON This all very wonderful, ma’am, we thank you.
. Very much. Very much, indeed.
JESSICA Yes-yes, you’re welcome. I – I will come -
. check on you in the morning.
(CLOE ushers JESSICA out of the study entrance where
she has been frozen. JESSICA is slightly amazed at CLOE.)
CLOE You get some rest now, missus. I’s a take keer
. of everything.
JESSICA (still in shock) Thank you, Cloe.
(CLOE balks as she has never been thanked by JESSICA.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. 23
. ACT 2 – SCENE 1
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP stands in their “pew” lines again and sings
a hymn in traditional style.)
SONG 7 - “IF MY PEOPLE’S HEARTS ARE HUMBLED”
GROUP (vs.1) If My people's hearts are humbled,
. If they pray and seek My face;
. If they turn away from evil,
. I will not withhold My grace.
. I will hear their prayers from heaven;
. I will pardon every sin.
. If My people's hearts are humbled,
. I will surely heal their land.
. (vs.2) Then My eyes will see their sorrow,
. Then My ears will hear their plea,
. If My people's hearts are humbled,
. I will set their nation free.
. If My people's hearts are humbled,
. If they pray and seek my face;
. If they turn away from evil,
. I will not withhold My grace.
PASTOR G So as we go from here, let us keep in mind,
. Galatians 5:14 which says, “For all the law
. is fulfilled in one word, even in this;
. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
. So who is our neighbor? The British?
. They have learned a lesson in humility.
. The Irish? The Scottish? The French?
(PEOPLE chuckle and nudge each other.)
PASTOR G The Italian? (PEOPLE frown a bit at this one)
. Or does God mean the entire world?
(PEOPLE sit very still and silent, waiting to see if this
PASTOR dares to tread the same road as the last pastor.)
PASTOR G Let us allow God to guide us in this matter.
. May it be God who settles this matter
. in our hearts, and this matter that presses
. down on us as a nation. How can we extend
. this good will to those around the world
. if we cannot extend this to the very one
. sitting right next to us?...
. May you all have a blessed week.
. 24
(A few PEOPLE utter an “amen” as they all get up to go.)
MAN 1 (approaching) Pastor, if I didn’t know better,
. I’d think you were trying to sneak in
. some of that northern philosophy, right there.
(PASTOR GORDON chuckles cheerfully while shaking hands
with MAN 1. MAN 3 and his WIFE approaches JESSICA.)
MAN 3 Miss Jessica. I hear your son has gone
. on the campaign trail with a few of our men.
JESSICA Yes, indeed.
WIFE Then you must be so proud. Such a fine young man.
(JESSICA smiles meekly as the couple moves on. AVA sees
JESSICA’S silent fret and approaches, cautious that
no one else can hear, but WIFE lurks close by to listen in.)
AVA Are you all right, Miss Jessica?
JESSICA Miss Ava, I don’t know what to do.
AVA Whatever is the matter?
JESSICA Some – “passengers” – were delivered yesterday.
. You know... (looks gravely for understanding)
AVA Oh! My! Well, that’s – wonderful – that -
. you could accommodate at such short notice.
JESSICA I simply had no choice. I’d like them to leave
. as soon as possible. But one of them is
. very, very ill, you see? She needs to feel
. well-enough before they are able to move on.
AVA Oh, dear. Let me think.
(AVA looks around for DOCTOR PARKER and waves him over.
WIFE tries to get closer to the conversation.)
AVA Dr. Parker, Miss Jessica is talking about some
. illness – being taken on. She should be at home –
. with this issue - should she not?
. Before things go terribly wrong?
WIFE (suspiciously) Miss Jessica, I thought your
. family doctor was Doctor Stevenson?
DR. P Oh, I’m sure he’ll understand, naturally, 25
. as this matter requires immediate attention.
. (to JESSICA) You get to your house, then.
. I’ll be pretty much right behind you.
. Go on, then.
AVA And I shall be praying for full recovery, Jessica.
. We can’t have one of our own, sick, now can we?
(WIFE is very suspicious but shrugs it off and joins MAN 3.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 2 – SCENE 2
. STAGE LEFT
(SLAVES sing in a spiritual style.)
SONG 8 - “HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW”
SLAVES (vs.1) Why should I feel discouraged,
. why should the shadows come,
. Why should my heart be lonely,
. and long for heav’n and home,
. When Jesus is my portion?
. My constant Friend is He:
. (chorus) His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me;
. His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me.
. (Refrain) I sing because I’m happy,
. I sing because I’m free,
. For His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me.
. (vs.2) “Let not your heart be troubled,”
. His tender word I hear,
. And resting on His goodness,
. I lose my doubts and fears;
. Though by the path He leadeth,
. but one step I may see;
. (chorus) His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me;
. His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE 26
(JACKSON joins in with the group, then ends with a solo.
If not a musical, JACKSON can just sing part of this song.)
JACKSON (continuing) Whenever I am tempted,
. whenever clouds arise,
. When songs give place to sighing,
. when hope within me dies,
. I draw the closer to Him,
. from care He sets me free;
. His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me;
. His eye is on the sparrow,
. and I know He watches me.
(JESSICA enters at the front door to hear JACKSON singing
his heart out in praise. CLOE lounges on the settee
and bolts up at seeing JESSICA.)
JESSICA Church service was a little shorter than usual.
CLOE I git the lunch ready now, missus.
(JACKSON stops singing. JESSICA wonders at the silence.
Cautiously she approaches the study door, wondering if
she should enter. She lightly taps at the door and enters.)
JACKSON Yes, ma’am?
JESSICA I heard you singing.
JACKSON I apologize. I should really be mo’ quiet-like.
JESSICA (totally amazed and confused) Are you a believer?
JACKSON Yes, ma’am. For many years now.
JESSICA How? How ever did you hear the word of God?
JACKSON I knowed a slave who could read and had himself
. a Bible. Well, not the whole thing, just the
. New Testament, like. (reciting) “It was for
. freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep
. standing firm and do not be subject again
. to a yoke of slavery.”
JESSICA The New Testament tells the slave to
. “be obedient to them that are your masters
. according to the flesh, with fear and trembling,
. in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.”
. 27
JACKSON Yes’m. Work as unto the Lord.
JESSICA But you escaped. You’re a running away, and so,
. you’re not in obedience.
JACKSON No ma’am. I’d been set free. I went north
. to earn up ‘nough money to buy my wife and child
. out of slavery.
JESSICA Then, you’re all free? So why’re you all sneaking
. around like this?
JACKSON Well, Ma’am, I still sees danger. Dere’s
. slave hunters out a looking for any negro –
. free or not – and day’s jist take ‘em and
. sell ‘em - or hang ‘em if day’s angry enough.
JESSICA Ah, um, let me not interrupt your time of worship.
. I’ll see how Cloe is getting on with lunch.
. (starts to go) Did you want to borrow my Bible?
JACKSON Oh, I can’t read, ma’am.
JESSICA How do you know these scriptures?
JACKSON I just hear’d, and ‘membered ‘em.
JESSICA I see. You must have an excellent memory then.
. Well...
(JESSICA stands there not knowing what else to say
when there’s a knock at the door. She leaves abruptly,
shutting the door behind her.)
JESSICA I’ll answer the door, Cloe. (answering)
. Why, Doctor Parker, please come in.
(DOCTOR PARKER enters carrying his case.)
DR. P And how are you doing, Miss Jessica?
JESSICA Just fine, you do understand though that-
(CLOE bursts into the room carrying a tray of food,
and quickly curtsies at the sight of DOCTOR PARKER.)
DR. P Hello there, ma’am, how are you feeling?
CLOE (tongue-tied) I-I be fine, mas’r.
DR. P You sure now? Could you be a dear, 28
. then, and fix up some tea?
(CLOE dashes back into the kitchen still carrying the tray.)
JESSICA She’ll be doing that. Now, I’m a hoping you
. understood the real predicament.
DR. P Yes indeed. I caught the drift. Now show me
. where they’re at.
(JESSICA leads DOCTOR PARKER into the study, but remains
standing at the doorway to watch. DOCTOR PARKER puts
his case onto the desk and looks around, then touches
the face and forehead of AJANI.)
DR. P How are you, there, son? You feeling okay, then?
. (AJANI nods shyly.) Good. Mighty good.
. Then we ask your daddy, there. (to JACKSON)
. How are you feeling, sir?
JACKSON Tired, but I feel better once you see to my wife.
(JACKSON moves away as the DOCTOR takes his place beside
DALIA. AJANI shows interest and moves as close as he dares.
DOCTOR PARKER picks up DALIA’S wrist and feels her pulse.
As DOCTOR PARKER speaks, it’s like he is teaching AJANI,
who laps up every word.)
DR. P Her heartbeat is very slow. (picks up an eyelid)
. Eyes and skin have a yellowish tint. It can’t be.
JACKSON What is it, mas’r?
DR. P (pulls her chin down to look into mouth) Ah yes,
. see here, a white coating on the tongue, right in
. the middle, complete with a swollen red border.
JESSICA Is that bad?
DR. P It looks like the yellow fever.
JESSICA Yellow fever! Oh no! Is there another outbreak?
(AJANI has wandered over to the desk to look at the case.)
DR. P Not that I’m aware. But we’ll just exercise the
. necessary precautions. Some suspect that insects
. may be the culprits who spread the disease. But,
. we just don’t know enough about that yet.
. Well now, let me see what to give her.
. 29
(DOCTOR PARKER sees AJANI by his kit, and pauses with
mouth opened. JACKSON is worried.)
JACKSON Ajani, you mustn’t mess wit dat.
DR. P Ajani? That his name? That’s a mighty nice name.
. Say Ajani, you kin help now by very carefully
. bringing me that kit. There’s a boy.
(AJANI carefully brings the kit to DOCTOR PARKER, then
watches closely as DOCTOR PARKER opens it and looks through,
motioning to the different vials.)
DR. P See here, now. We have a few things that
. we’ve learned from the Europeans, as well as
. the natives.
JESSICA My doctor would be opposed to such. Why aren’t
. you using the traditional medicine?
DR. P You’re referring to Calomel?
JESSICA While my husband suffered with heart issues,
. he was prescribed calomel.
DR. P I only use it when my patients insist it is
. all they want. But from my experience,
. any time a patient has used Calomel, those
. patients - die. (noticing JESSICA’S concern)
. I believe more research ought to be done on that.
JACKSON You won’t use it on her, then?
(JESSICA quietly dabs her eyes as DOCTOR PARKER continues.)
DR. P I know Homeopathy is frowned upon in most circles.
. But I practice what seems to work. There are
. many camps. Conventional medicine is based on
. the Four Humors. Some say everything is based
. on one disease, others divide them into categories
. like hot and cold, acid and alkaline...
. Some will only look at spirituality, and others
. only at the scientific. I have seen some of these
. medicines work, as well as the power of prayer.
JACKSON Prayer does not always cure, but does always help.
DR. P Amen, brother. Amen. Now - back to business.
(DOCTOR PARKER shows the different vials to AJANI.)
. 30
DR. P See here, Ajani, there is a whole lot
. of botanical medicines and concoctions
. to use for different symptoms. Aromatics are used
. as a diffusible stimulant, healing the stomach
. and body. Balsamic is a mild healing stimulant.
. We have Cephalic to cure the head ache.
JESSICA Oh, why you bother telling him for? What possible
. impression could he take from all this?
DR. P Even dogs will respond to kind voices.
. Continuing on. Chologogue to purge the bile.
. This here’s Febrifuge, to cure fevers.
(AJANI gives a quick hopeful glance at DOCTOR PARKER.)
DR. P Ah, see, this a’here boy is far more intelligent
. than any ol’ dog. So, THIS with a Restorative.
. Well, we’re not really sure if we are treating
. the actual disease, or just the symptoms,
. but at least we can get your momma to feel better
. so she can rest - and THEN get better,
. is my theory.
(CLOE enters with the tea tray.)
JESSICA Here comes the tea.
DR. P And just in time. Thank you, dear. Now, every
. half hour, you need to put in a touch of this
. a’here concoction into some tea and get her to
. drink it. We will mix up some Eupatorium,
. for the headache and the fever, and a touch
. of Cornus to quicken her heart rate.
(DOCTOR PARKER pours then mixes a tiny bit of the powders
into the teacup then adds the tea. Stirring it, he looks
at CLOE and JACKSON to make sure they’re watching, then
hands the cup to JACKSON who helps DALIA drink from it.)
DR. P (to AJANI) Now, young man, do you want to help
. your momma get better? (AJANI nods)
. When your daddy needs some time to rest,
. it would be most helpful if you would take
. a wet cloth to dab her forehead. This will help
. cool her down some. There’s a good lad.
. And, as dehydration is most dangerous at this here
. stage, also get her to drink plenty of water,
. and eat mixed and varied foods. And getting her
. to move around just a bit won’t do her any harm.
. 31
(DOCTOR PARKER packs up his kit and leaves the two vials
behind. CLOE leaves to bring them to the kitchen.)
JESSICA You sure about that, doctor?
DR. P From what I have observed, when there’s an entire
. family, all sick, it’s the ailing woman who rushes
. to the aid of her helpless husband and her
. precious children that recovers the fastest.
JESSICA That there’s most interesting.
JACKSON Will she be okay?
DR. P (gently) Make sure you say your prayers.
. If she pulls through, she will always be more
. susceptible to catching this again...
. Just make sure you say your prayers for sure.
(JACKSON gets up to follow DOCTOR PARKER, but stops at the
study’s doorway. JESSICA sees DOCTOR PARKER to the door.)
JESSICA Ah, what do I owe you?
DR. P Nothing at all, Miss Jessica. Consider this
. my contribution to the cause.
JESSICA That is most generous. Thank you.
(As DOCTOR PARKER exits, JESSICA breaks down crying.
JACKSON stares awkwardly, wondering if they should do
anything. JESSICA turns and sees JACKSON’S intent gaze.)
JACKSON Ah, I fix things, ma’am.
JESSICA Pardon?
JACKSON I kin fix anything. Please, ma’am,
. I wish to earn our keep.
JESSICA Oh, I see. Yes, I’m supposing I can find a few
. things around here to be fixed, that’s for sure.
. Thank you – ah – sorry, I don’t know your names.
. Except for... Ajani?
JACKSON Yes’m. My name’s Jackson, and my wife’s Dalia.
JESSICA Dalia? It’s a lovely name. Well ah, I know there
. are several people at our church already praying
. for – Dalia’s full recovery.
. 32
(JESSICA falls into a chair and breaks down crying again.
CLOE comes from the kitchen with a bowl of water and a rag.
Seeing JESSICA, CLOE stops to wonder then looks at JACKSON.)
CLOE What happened here?
(JACKSON shrugs helplessly to defend his actions.)
CLOE Missus, please. She be bettah.-They be moving on.
JESSICA (noticing her audience and wiping her eyes)
. Oh, it’s not – that. I’m just a wondering –
. we had all been praying for a full recovery -
. what if we had a different doctor for when
. my husband was sick? Maybe with different
. medicine – and a different approach to things –
. he would of made a full recovery, and not - died.
(JESSICA sobs again. CLOE and JACKSON look at each other
with some understanding now.)
JACKSON You was a praying, and I know’d God a hear’d you.
. These things are always in the Lord God’s hands.
. It was a good ‘n blessed thing for your husband –
. to go be with our Lord up there in paradise.
. For us down here, sometimes, God allows these
. things to happen – so we learn to rest on Him mo’.
. Sometimes – it’s so we be a strong witness
. for our Lord who gives us da strength.
(JESSICA looks up at JACKSON with an understanding nod...
then looks at CLOE and the tray that she is holding.
CLOE remembers her task and brings the tray to JACKSON.)
CLOE This a here for your wife’s head.
JACKSON Thanks you. Ma’am, I hope yous feel bettah now.
. And if you thinks of anything - I’s can fix it.
(JACKSON bows slightly and goes back into the study and
closes the door.)
JESSICA Jackson made mention that he fixes things, so
. if you can think of anything to be fixed,
. you can bring it on over to him.
CLOE Oh, I kin think of things.
. (calling to JACKSON)
. I’ll empty da chamber pot, and then find
. sum-thing for you to be a fixing!
. 33
JESSICA I do declare, Cloe, I didn’t realize
. you were so clever. You’ve been
. a knowing just what to do without
. any instruction ever since.
. (seeing the odd look from CLOE)
. I suppose that sounded very stupid.
. I - meant it as a compliment.
CLOE (unsure) Ah, fine, thank you, missus.
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 2 – SCENE 3
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP of MEN gather to sing the American folk song.
You could have a few people square dance.)
SONG 9 - “DIXIE” (American penny whistle)
GROUP Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton,
. Old times there are not forgotten,
. Look away, look away, look away Dixie Land.
. But if you want to drive 'way sorrow
. Come and hear this song tomorrow
. Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land
. (Chorus) I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray!
. In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
. to live and die in Dixie.
. Away, away, away down south in Dixie.
. Away, away, away down south in Dixie
. There's buckwheat cakes and Injun batter,
. Makes you fat or a little fatter;
. Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land
. Then hoe it down and scratch your gravel,
. To Dixie's Land I'm bound to travel,
. Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land
. (Chorus) I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray! Hooray!
. In Dixie Land I'll take my stand
. to live and die in Dixie.
. Away, away, away down south in Dixie.
. Away, away, away down south in Dixie
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE 34
(CLOE carries a chair to the study door when there is
pounding at the door. Not knowing what to do, she sets the
chair down in front of the door and makes sure it is closed.
The pounding persists and JESSICA comes out fretting.
Meanwhile in the darkened study, the THREE quickly
put all blankets into the fireplace then hide inside.)
JESSICA What is going on here? Who is it?
CLOE I’s not sure, missus.
JESSICA Ah, (calling out) Who’s there, please?
WILLIAM (voice) William Berrit, ma’am. Let me in.
JESSICA I – I don’t know who you are.
WILLIAM Let me in, or I will break this door in.
. Sure as you’re born, I’ll do it.
(JESSICA looks at CLOE nervously, who shrugs.)
JESSICA What do we do?
(WILLIAM begins to throw his body weight against the door.
JESSICA steps toward the study door, but CLOE shakes
her head, then they both go to unlock the main door.)
JESSICA Hold back, sir, we’ll be opening the door.
WILLIAM (pushes his way in) On the lookout for runaways.
JESSICA Runaways?
WILLIAM Runaway slaves, ma’am.
JESSICA We - don’t have any of THOSE here.
WILLIAM We just caught a hearse driver on the way up this
. road. We’ve been suspecting him for some time.
. I realize there’re people who die, but they don’t
. always have to be lugged around from one place to
. another. And around these here parts people just
. seem to be a falling off a’ turnip trucks.
JESSICA Turnip trucks?
WILLIAM They hide themselves in wagons pulling vegetables.
(While WILLIAM goes into the kitchen, there is a sneeze 35
from the study. WILLIAM comes out to looks at JESSICA
with suspicion. JESSICA feigns a weak coughing fit.
WILLIAM walks toward the study door and looks at the chair.)
WILLIAM What’s this doing here?
JESSICA Oh, that um, ah, just leads to my late husband’s
. study. I – I don’t go in there ever. I don’t
. like anybody going in there, you understand.
(WILLIAM gruffly moves the chair and swoops into the study.
JESSICA and CLOE are very worried and are expecting
the worst. WILLIAM looks around, not seeing anybody.
Realizing WILLIAM hasn’t discovered anything, JESSICA
cautiously peeks into the doorway.)
WILLIAM Smells funny in here.
JESSICA Yes, as I said, my husband just died –
WILLIAM In here?
JESSICA This is where I’d find him.
WILLIAM (approaches JESSICA) So you are available, then?
JESSICA Pardon? Oh, ah, well – no –
WILLIAM Why are you so nervous?
CLOE Missus, it’s time ta make da medicine.
WILLIAM (stops) Medicine for what?
CLOE Doctor jist here. As’ Missus suspect, it be
. da Yella Fever.
(CLOE quickly rushes to wet a handkerchief and put it
to JESSICA’S forehead)
JESSICA I – I need to sit – sit down, for a spell.
WILLIAM (backing away) Why didn’t you say so
. in the first place you got Yellow Fever?
JESSICA You didn’t give us much – of a chance. You see.
. I apologize. Please, you can search the rest
. of the house, if need be, and then, if you
. don’t mind, seeing yourself out. (coughs again)
WILLIAM I’ve seen enough. I’ll be looking in your 36
. sheds, though.
(WILLIAM storms outside. JESSICA and CLOE sigh cautiously.
JESSICA takes the handkerchief from CLOE’S hands to dab her
forehead with more fervency then looks at CLOE intently.)
JESSICA That was mighty close.
CLOE I didn’t lie, missus.
JESSICA Nor did I.
CLOE Didn’t a‘cuse you of sich either, missus.
JESSICA That’s right. Every bit was the truth, just,
. not in exact order. And THEY (motioning to study)
. all ARE legitimately free.
CLOE He wouldn’t’a never believed.
JESSICA I suspected so. Now, let’s go see whatever
. did happen to them. (JESSICA and CLOE
. cautiously enter the study and call out)
. Jackson?-Jackson! The man’s gone. It’s safe now.
(JACKSON and AJANI peek out from the fireplace, then help
DALIA out with the blankets to remake the “bed” for her.)
JESSICA You all fit inside that fireplace?
JACKSON It’s a big ‘nough fireplace, ma’am.
JESSICA I reckon it is. This here used to be
. the kitchen. When we built on the extra rooms,
. we changed some things around some.
. (lightening up as she tells the story)
. When my husband claimed this to be his
. study, he immediately changed the look
. of that fireplace. Said he didn’t much like
. the look of it, the way it was so big – and all.
. Said it looked like it would one day
. just swallow him up whole.
CLOE (very seriously) Well, certainly swallowed
. up SOMEONE now, and that’s fo’ sure ‘nough.
(They all are silent for a moment, then break out into
nervous laughter, but quickly stifle their giggles.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 2 – SCENE 4 37
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP sings the American folk song.)
SONG 10 - “MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME”
GROUP (singing) The sun shines bright
. in the old Kentucky home
. 'Tis summer, the people are gay;
. The corn top's ripe
. and the meadow's in the bloom,
. While the birds make music all the day;
. The young folks roll on the little cabin floor,
. All merry, all happy, and bright,
. By'n by hard times comes a-knocking at the door,
. Then my old Kentucky home, good night!
. (chorus) Weep no more, my lady,
. Oh weep no more today!
. We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
. For the old Kentucky home far away.
. They hunt no more for the 'possum and the coon,
. On meadow, the hill and the shore,
. They sing no more by the glimmer of the moon,
. On the bench by that old cabin door;
. The day goes by like a shadow o'er the heart,
. With sorrow where all was delight;
. The time has come when the people have to part,
. Then my old Kentucky home, good night!
. (chorus) Weep no more, my lady,
. Oh weep no more today!
. We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
. For the old Kentucky home far away.
. The head must bow and the back will have to bend,
. Wherever the people may go;
. A few more days and the trouble all will end
. In the field where sugar-canes may grow;
. A few more days for to tote the weary load,
. No matter, 'twill never be light,
. A few more days till we totter on the road,
. Then my old Kentucky home, good night!
. (chorus) Weep no more, my lady,
. Oh weep no more today!
. We will sing one song for the old Kentucky home,
. For the old Kentucky home far away.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE 38
(JESSICA stands by a window, gazing out, when CLOE comes
from the kitchen with a teacup and walks toward the study.
JESSICA steps in front of her.)
JESSICA I’ll take that in to them, Cloe. You have
. enough things to do, besides.
CLOE Ah, why... thank you, missus.
(JESSICA enters the study to find AJANI holding a wet cloth
to DALIA’S head, and JACKSON fixing the leg of the chair.
AJANI jumps up to carefully take the teacup from JESSICA.)
JESSICA Is your momma looking any better?
DALIA (weakly) Answer the lady, Ajani.
AJANI A mite bit.
JESSICA This is hopeful. (to DALIA)
. It’s nice to finally hear your voice.
JACKSON Yes’m, it is!
(JESSICA turns to watch JACKSON work on her chair.
He has taken off his long sleeved shirt, so part of his back
is exposed through the undershirt. JESSICA’S eyes
catch sight of the scars on his shoulders and she can’t
stop herself from feeling shocked and commenting.)
JESSICA So many scars!
JACKSON Yes’m.
JESSICA Sorry.
JACKSON Sorry ‘bout what, ma’am?
JESSICA Um, tell me something, was it not difficult
. to trust in a God who allowed you to be born
. into slavery, and such brutality?
JACKSON I’d say, I didn’t have much choice.
JESSICA Pardon?
JACKSON For the likes of us, there’s no other hope.
(JESSICA sits down as JACKSON goes into explanation.
. 39
JACKSON Besides, God didn’t put me into slavery,
. man did that. And when I figure things couldn’t
. get any worse, I think on how God came to earth,
. died and paid the full price for me, to set my
. soul free from the slavery of sin – even though
. I don’t deserve that. So I put my faith in Him
. and I choose to be a bondslave to God. No matter
. how bad things get, I knowed I’m free in Christ.
. He’s the kindest, most loving Master. We’ve ALL
. been bought and paid for by His blood.
JESSICA Yes, I am beginning to see many verses in
. a new light. “For God so loved the WORLD-“
. In other words, - everybody.
JACKSON It goes both ways, ma’am. You was a slave,
. no better than me.
JESSICA (nerve is struck) “For ALL have sinned.”
JACKSON And Jesus set you free. But have you chosen
. to go and serve? Are you a bondslave?
. Have you fully dedicated yourself to being
. a slave to righteousness no matter the price?
JESSICA You should be a preacher, Mister Jackson.
. You certainly have a way with the Word.
JACKSON I’m a thinking I needs to know how to read.
JESSICA I reckon you could learn. I could teach you.
JACKSON Mighty a generous offer, ma’am. But, it take
. some time, I suspect.
JESSICA I suspect.
JACKSON Dalia is slowly getting better.
. Slow on the mend, that’s for sure.
. The power of healing prayer. But did
. I overhear’d that man jist say - they did
. catch dat hearse driver who was a’coming for us?
JESSICA Yes.
JACKSON I need to find a new way to go on. I’m a thinking
. I’ll leave tonight after dark.
JESSICA But that’d be dangerous.
JACKSON I be alone. I been this route a’fore. Once 40
. I find a transport, I’d be back quick like.
. No one dat suspicious of a slave heading SOUTH.
JESSICA I suppose not. I’ll – tell Cloe to pack you
. something to eat. And – then some -
. (looks at JACKSON’S feet) Shoes!
JACKSON Oh, I’s got shoes – them over yonder.
. I’s jist a saving ‘em.
(JESSICA looks around for the shoes. Finding them,
she carefully picks one up to show a huge hole,
then quickly puts them down.)
JESSICA So, well, I’ll see about that food.
(JESSICA turns to exit, but pauses to look at AJANI’S bare
feet. Looking around, she doesn’t see any shoes for him.
JACKSON finishes leveling the chair leg and sets it aside
to go to DALIA, who tries to sit up a bit.)
JACKSON Now, you a sure you can go on in a day or two?
DALIA I’s sure. You see me! Here, help me up,
. ‘n take me for a walk. (playfully chiding)
. I hear’d dat doctor say. Even in my state.
(JACKSON helps DALIA stand and props her up as they
walk around the room once or twice while talking.)
JACKSON Then you hear’d my plan on leaving tonight –
. look for another way to go on.
DALIA For sure. I know’s you’ll be careful. I know’s
. God be with you.
JACKSON (noticing AJANI’S worried look)
. Look a here, Ajani, your momma kin walk an’ talk.
. Ajani’s been taking mighty good care of you.
DALIA I know’d. He did mighty good –
(JACKSON sees that DALIA’S strength is done, so he sets
her down again on the mat, then sits next to AJANI.
JESSICA suddenly appears with a pair of shoes.)
JACKSON He certainly did help.
JESSICA Ah, see here, these were my husband’s.
. He has no need for them anymore.
. 41
(JESSICA quickly sets the shoes down quickly
and leaves.)
JACKSON Thank you... ahh, hm.
. (smiles, then looks at AJANI)
. Ajani, as you hear’d, I’d be going tonight.
. You take care of Mammy.
. And, if anything’s to happen,
. you ‘member the song I’d teached you –
. the one that was teached to me by the old white
. carpenter-man. Peg Leg Joe, ‘member?
. Da song dat tells you - keep following
. da Tennessee River to da Ohio River,
. and keep a lookout for little pictures
. of da peg leg foot. Look for ‘em
. on the old dead trees - dat take you
. the way up North. And use da stars, ‘member,
. the stars dat look like a drinking gourd?
. A drinking cup with da long crooked handle?
. It’s all told in dis here song.
. Just so’s you’ll ‘member –
. you sing it with me now.
(JACKSON waits for AJANI to sit beside him.)
. ACT 2 – SCENE 5
. CENTER STAGE
(JACKSON begins to sing, with GROUP joining in.)
SONG 11 - “FOLLOW THE DRINKING GOURD”
JACKSON (singing vs.1) When the Sun comes back
. And the first quail calls
. (AJANI joins in singing.)
. Follow the Drinking Gourd.
. For the old man is a-waiting
. for to carry you to freedom
. If you follow the Drinking Gourd.
(As SLAVES on STAGE LEFT continue to sing the song,
JACKSON hugs and kisses DALIA and AJANI,
then collects a tiny bundle. On the way out,
JESSICA motions for JACKSON not to use the main door,
but the kitchen door. CLOE gives him a bundle of food
to take with him. Both JESSICA and CLOE wave goodbye.
Song continues.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. STAGE LEFT 42
(Slaves continue singing.)
SLAVES (singing) The riverbank makes a very good road.
. The dead trees will show you the way.
. Left foot, peg foot, traveling on,
. Follow the Drinking Gourd.
. The river ends between two hills
. Follow the Drinking Gourd.
. There's another river on the other side
. Follow the Drinking Gourd.
. When the great big river meets the little river
. Follow the Drinking Gourd.
. For the old man is a-waiting
. for to carry you to freedom
. If you follow the drinking gourd.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE
(JESSICA sits pouring over her Bible.)
JESSICA Why, that is most interesting... Hmmm...
(CLOE walks past her to bring a teacup to the study. When
CLOE opens the door, JESSICA looks up and catches sight of
AJANI sitting on the floor, hugging his legs, rocking back
and forth, bored, and sad. JESSICA goes to a cabinet and
pulls out a tin, which she takes tentatively to the study.)
DALIA (looking up) Morning, ma’am.
JESSICA Good morning, Dalia. You’re looking much better.
DALIA Most certainly it’s thanks to you and our Lord.
. (to CLOE) You think you can help me take a walk?
(CLOE helps DALIA stand up and then walk toward the door.)
JESSICA Probably more the Lord, than me, most certainly.
CLOE Come, let’s git you into fresher air.
DALIA Do you think it’s safe?
CLOE Just be a short time. Curtains remain closed.
(As CLOE walks DALIA into the main room, 43
JESSICA enters the study and looks down at AJANI
with a mix of tenderness and uncertainty.)
JESSICA Ajani, I have here, something for you.
. It used to be my son’s. But he is beyond
. playing with these here toys.
. I’d like for you to have them.
. (holds out tin to AJANI who sits still and
. and stares up at her with anger in his eyes)
. Please, don’t feel things that way.
AJANI The white folks think they can tell us
. how to feel, now?
JESSICA That’s not what I meant. I – I sincerely wish
. I could apologize to you on behalf of all
. white folk. For all the bad ever done to you.
AJANI That don’t take it away.
JESSICA No. I reckon not. But the Bible tells us
. to forgive.
ANJANI What if I’s don’t want to forgive?!
JESSICA This would turn to anger and then bitterness.
. And from my experience, you don’t hurt anybody –
. but yourself, and those you love. Understand?
. By not forgiving the white people, you are
. giving them the power.
AJANI I ain’t giving them no power!
JESSICA But you are. Your anger only hurts you.
. And then you only become - just like
. the whites - who hate the blacks.
. You’d become a black who hates the whites.
. You see? Like your daddy, you should
. live as a free man.
AJANI You want me to be free?
JESSICA (pause) Yes, I certainly do. And I hope
. you can learn to trust. Trust God.
. And trust white folks.
AJANI Which ones can I be trusting?
. I’d never know.
JESSICA I – I surely don’t know. I’ll tell you 44
. something. Which white folks should I be
. trusting? Sadly, there’s evil in the world,
. doesn’t matter the color. In every color, there
. are the good and the bad. Everybody struggles
. to love. I’m – suspecting we are more alike than
. we think. And– (looking at the tin in her hands)
. I’m suspecting that all little boys like to play
. with toys. (puts the tin in front of AJANI)
AJANI I wants to be a doctor when I’m grow’d up.
. (JESSICA remains quiet) Don’t ya think I can?
JESSICA (watching CLOE get DALIA back to her mat)
. Ahhh, well, let’s see how you continue to
. care for your momma, now. That was a fair bit
. of exercise she just had there.
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 3 – SCENE 1
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP sings the American folk song with gusto.)
SONG 12 - “OLD MAN TUCKER” (example)
GROUP (singing) Old Dan Tucker's a fine old man,
. Washed his face in a frying pan,
. Combed his hair with a wagon wheel,
. Died of toothache in his heel.
. [chorus] Get out the way for old Dan Tucker,
. He's too late to have his supper,
. Pot's on the fire and dinner's cooking
. But Old Dan Tucker's just standin' there lookin'.
. Old Dan Tucker he come to town,
. Riding on a billygoat, leading a hound,
. Hound dog bark and the billygoat jump,
. Throwed Dan Tucker on top of a stump.
. [repeat chorus]
. I come to town the other night,
. To hear the noise and see the fight
. The people, they was running around
. Cryin' Old Dan Tucker's come to town.
. [repeat chorus, second time with these words...]
. Get out the way for old Dan Tucker,
. He's too late to have his supper,
. Get out the way for old Dan Tucker,
. He's too late to have his supper!
. 45
(GROUP forms a CROWD and makes a ruckus as a few MEN
drag out JACKSON, whose hands are tied behind his back.
AVA drags JESSICA up to the edge of the crowd.)
AVA Just as I told you, Jessica. Is that him?
JESSICA What am I to do?
AVA Whatever you do, I pray you stand firm.
(JESSICA and AVA cower in the background while a very
loose trial preceding begins. SLAVE DEALER steps forward
and gruffly repositions JACKSON.)
DEALER We captured this here slave as he was lurking
. behind some house. The question is, do we
. give him a whipping and sell him down south,
. or do we just hang him now?
(MAN 2 pushes WIFE 2 forward with a gruff nod.)
WIFE 2 That! – That is the man.
DEALER What now?
WIFE 2 That man – he raped me.
DEALER He did what now? Then all the more reason
. to hang him.
(CROWD gets riled up again with agreement.)
MAN 4 Wait! Don’t you figure you need more proof
. than that?
MAN 2 Your not going to believe the testimony of
. the lady? She swears it’s true.
WIFE 2 I swear.
MAN 1 (to MAN 4) See? We do have the sworn testimony
. of the victim.
MAN 4 Wait, what says the man?
MAN 1 Court of law don’t allow the negro to testify,
. so why should we? He’d only claim innocence
. anyway.
WOMAN 1 And I saw him sneaking about the other day.
. 46
DEALER Okay then. (to WIFE 2) And one more time,
. you’re for certain this is the man?
WIFE 2 It is. I’m a certain he did rape me.
MAN 2 There now, you see? We should just lynch him
. right now.
MAN 4 Wait, hold on now, here comes the judge.
JUDGE I heard all about it. This here the criminal?
. (MAN 1 nods) And this be the victim? (MAN 1 nods)
. (to WOMAN 1) What’s your complete statement,
. ma’am? Give me all the details you remember.
WIFE 2 (thinking hard) Yesterday afternoon, while
. my husband was out a working, that man snuck
. right into my house, and he raped me.
JESSICA Ah?! Begging your pardon, but that’s an
. outright lie.
DEALER We have eye witness and testimony!
JESSICA But I can testify that this is not true.
WIFE 2 (to JESSICA) You calling me a liar?!
(CROWD stops to look at JESSICA, who then decides to
step forward. JESSICA tries to be brave and think fast.)
JESSICA Now WHEN did you say this exactly happen?
WIFE 2 Yesterday afternoon!
JESSICA Well, there, you see? He was at my house
. in the afternoon and the evening.
. The entire day, right through the evening!
JUDGE He’s your slave?
JESSICA (carefully) He’s been working for me, yes.
DEALER You sure you just don’t want me making a profit?
JUDGE What was he doing on someone else’s property?
. That alone is suspicious activity.
JESSICA I – I sent him – on an errand.
DEALER What sort of errand? 47
JESSICA What business is this of yours?
JUDGE Well, now that we’re in a trial, it’s everybody’s
. business.
JESSICA (thinking) He’s a carpenter. He’s been fixing
. things for me around my estate, and this - takes
. supplies and wood. Dead trees are to be found –
. for building things.
DEALER Where are your papers for him?
JESSICA That is the thing, right now, my son is
. in Missouri, helping them decide on things,
. so he was not around to do any such paperwork.
(CROWD agrees with, “That’s right, he is in Missouri
trying to help the situation,” “Taking care a things,” etc.)
MAN 1 Can’t be taking their property, now.
MAN 2 He should still be punished.
JESSICA For what? This is an outrage. You would
. pervert justice and punish an innocent man?
JUDGE All right then. Unsubstantial evidence,
. unfortunately. This hearing’s adjourned.
. (to JESSICA) Mind, you better get your paperwork
. in order real soon, Miss Jessica.
DEALER And we’ll be watching you real close, like.
JESSICA Please untie him.
DEALER Sure you can trust him?
(DEALER begrudgingly unties JACKSON and the CROWD slowly
dissipates. Once they are alone, JESSICA looks at JACKSON.)
JESSICA (sighing, to AVA) Now what?!
AVA Pray. And God will provide.
(While JACKSON follows JESSICA to the house, AVA stays
and bows her head, singing the song. Other ABOLOTIONISTS
who weren’t involved in the fiasco join in singing.)
. ACT 3 – SCENE 2 48
. STAGE RIGHT
(GROUP of abolitionists sing the traditional hymn.)
SONG 13 - “BE STILL, MY SOUL”
GROUP (singing)
. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
. Leave to thy God to order and provide;
. In every change He faithful will remain.
. Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
. Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
. To guide the future as He has the past.
. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
. All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
. Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
. His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
. And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
. Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
. Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
. Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
. From His own fulness all He takes away.
. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
. When we shall be forever with the Lord,
. When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
. Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
. Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
. All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
LIGHTS DIM.
. CENTER STAGE
(JACKSON hugs his son and wife while JESSICA paces.
CLOE enters and stands there wondering what to do.)
CLOE What you need me to do now, missus?
JESSICA Pray.
CLOE I ain’t never learn how, missus.
(JESSICA pauses to study CLOE.)
JESSICA I don’t think it much matters how you do it, 49
. only IF you do it. Jesus, our High Priest,
. is able to interpret groanings too deep for words.
. I’m quite certain, He could understand pretty much
. anything.
CLOE (looking up sincerely) Ohhh Looorrrds, I groan.
. I groan deep, and I groan hard. Oh Looord! Amen!
JESSICA Ah... amen, Cloe... Thank you.
(JESSICA has to look away with a brief smile, yet still
close to tears. When there is a knock at the door,
CLOE nods and rushes answers the door cautiously.
Seeing that it is AVA, CLOE opens the door wide
to let her in, but AVA is followed by LANDON.)
CLOE Miss Ava’s here, missus. And... ohhh!...
JESSICA It’s all right, Cloe. This here’s Mister Landon,
. ah, Pastor Landon, as I recollect.
LANDON Howdy, ma’am.
JESSICA How- how-dy. What’s this now?
AVA Answer to prayer!
(CLOE looks alert, curious if it was her prayer answered.)
LANDON I have finished my, ah, recruiting. I’m afraid
. our desires in this venture were quite zealous,
. and therefore, seemingly pointless. But,
. obviously, God had me here for other reasons.
AVA God sometimes works in mysterious ways.
JESSICA And still, it remains mysterious to me.
LANDON Oh, ah, yes, I’m journeying back to Ohio,
. back to the seminary. Classes will be starting up
. again soon.
AVA Pastor Landon here has agreed to take this group
. up north with him. The, ah, “passengers.”
(JESSICA goes to the study and waves JACKSON, DALIA
and AJANI out.)
JESSICA Our prayers have been answered. God has provided
. you with a transport up north. To Ohio.
. 50
(JACKSON, DALIA and AJANI timidly step out into the
main room.)
JACKSON Ohio?
LANDON Cincinnati, yes. I teach at a seminary there.
. You are welcome to stay with us. But of course,
. you can chose to continue further north if you
. so desire.
(JESSICA notices JACKSON’S apprehension.)
JESSICA You can trust this man. He’s a pastor,
. and certainly one who is an instrument of God,
. all in the effort - of freedom – at any price.
JACKSON What if we’d be stopped? What do we say?
JESSICA Could we draw up papers? What if I were to
. buy them first. (quickly calms their shock)
. Now-now – just hear me out. I realize slaves
. can go as high as three thousand dollars each.
. But I’d just like to do this real honest like.
. Lets just say, if I would – buy you three -
. from yourselves – for a dollar – that’s about
. all I can afford right now. And then
. Pastor Landon here, buys them from me –
. for a dollar each-
LANDON Just on principle I don’t like that idea at all.
. I’ve always said - I would never own a slave.
JACKSON (catching on) Think of it as buying our freedom.
JESSICA And I only say a dollar, because I do not want
. to have to lie if I am ever questioned by anybody.
. But you’d be buying their freedom, even though
. they are already free.
LANDON In Christ, you mean.
JACKSON That, and, we are free. I gots all the papers.
. Not, that it means much down here. Or even
. up north sometimes.
JESSICA There are those who will kidnap illegally.
LANDON Such a crazy world! Well, if it is to secure
. the freedom that they already have, I suppose
. I can agree to this.
. 51
JESSICA And since you’re so good with the written word,
. if you can write out all these papers?
(JESSICA goes to the end table drawer and pulls out paper,
inkwell and a writing quill. While LANDON sits and writes
a few notes, JESSICA sees CLOE standing to the side.
JESSICA quickly turns back to LANDON.)
JESSICA And whilest you are at it, Pastor Landon,
. please write out a note that says you bought Cloe.
. (turning to CLOE) Cloe, you’ll be going
. with them too.
CLOE What? No missus. I stays here.
JESSICA But Cloe, I want you to be free.
CLOE Den just sets me free, but let me stays here
. wid you.
JESSICA Why’d you want to stay here?
CLOE Missus, I don’t ever know’d nothing else.
. Please lets me stay here.
JESSICA But if I set you free, I can’t afford to pay you
. none. Or at least, not much, I can’t.
. (struggling to look at CLOE’S pleading gaze)
. And even if I could pay you, most stores around
. here would refuse to even serve you. Times may
. change one day, but for now, unfortunately,
. this is – just not a place for you.
CLOE Just what we do, I can. I don’t know nothing
. else. I don’t even need no papers.
AVA It would still be wise to have papers, Cloe,
. just to keep. What if Miss Jessica were to die.
. Mister Hunter could then sell you.
JESSICA She’s right, you know, you need them papers
. anyway. But I’d be honored if you stayed with me
. and worked for your keep. And a little more
. as I can afford.
(While LANDON writes out the papers, JESSICA looks around.)
JESSICA I should have gone through our stuff –
. found some more shoes and clothing for you all–
DALIA It’s all right den, you done plenty. 52
. More dan you knows.
(LANDON finishes writing out four papers.
LANDON keeps the three, and gives one to JESSICA,
who gives it over to CLOE.)
JESSICA Mind you keep this in a safe place.
CLOE Thank you, missus.
. (to JACKSON, DALIA and AJANI)
. I’ll be a’groaning for you.
DALIA Thank you, Miss Cloe. Thank you, oh so much,
. Miss Jessica.
JESSICA Oh, go on now. I – want to thank YOU all.
JACKSON For what?
JESSICA Life lessons. Lessons from God. Putting things
. of the soul into the things of life.
LANDON We should get a move on.
(AVA and LANDON leave with JACKSON helping DALIA out.
JESSICA almost touches JACKSON’S shoulder but doesn’t quite.
JESSICA notices that AJANI sees this. AJANI scowls
and begins to walk out. JESSICA gets AJANI’S attention.)
JESSICA Ajani.
(AJANI stops, his back to her. JESSICA kneels down
beside him. AJANI slowly turns to face her.)
JESSICA Ajani, I just want to tell you... you’re smart,
. you’re very smart, like your daddy... And
. I believe you’ll make a fine doctor, some day.
(AJANI puts his hand out to shake, almost like a dare.
JESSICA starts to put her hand out, and pauses.
Breaking down, JESSICA gives AJANI a tender embrace,
so her face is toward the congregation.)
JESSICA A very fine doctor, you hear?
(AJANI throws her a little smile and leaves.
JESSICA pulls out her handkerchief to wipe her eyes dry.)
LIGHTS DIM.
. ACT 3 - SCENE 3 53
. STAGE RIGHT
(SLAVES sing solemnly, then ending with more joy and hope.)
SONG 14 - “STEAL AWAY HOME”
SLAVES (singing, building it up slowly)
. Steal Away. Steal Away.
. Steal Away. Steal Away to Jesus.
. Steal Away. Steal Away home.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. Steal Away. Steal Away.
. Steal Away. Steal Away to Jesus.
. Steal Away. (steal home) Steal Away home.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. My Lord, my Lord, He calls me. (calls me)
. He calls me by the thunder. (thunder)
. The trumpet sounds way down in my sanctified soul.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. Green trees are bending. (are bending)
. Sinners stand a-tembling. (a-trembling)
. The trumpet sounds within my soul.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. Steal Away. (in the midnight hour)
. Steal Away. (when you need some power)
. Steal Away.(when you heart is heavy)
. Steal Away to Jesus. (steal away to jesus)
. Steal Away. (steal away home)
. Steal Away home. (haven't got long)
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. My Lord , he calls me. (calls me)
. I can hear him calling me by the lightning.
. (lightnin') The trumpet sounds within my soul.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. (its gonna be over after while)
. Steal away to Jesus. (oh)
. Steal away. Steal Away Home
. Steal Away to Jesus.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. I haven't got long to stay here.
. (hallelujah steal away)
. I haven't got long to stay here
LIGHTS DIM.
. 54
. CENTER STAGE
(HUNTER enters and drops his bags.)
HUNTER Cloe! I’m back. I expect something to eat
. in ten minutes.
(CLOE rushes out, with JESSICA following.)
JESSICA Hunter, you will no longer order her about
. like that.
HUNTER I can, if I want.
JESSICA I set her free.
HUNTER Come again?
JESSICA I set her free. She had her chance to leave.
. Now she chose to stay here and work for her keep.
HUNTER You remember, I am the sole executor of this
. here estate. This ain’t a decision you can make.
JESSICA Well, she wasn’t part of the estate when your
. daddy died. (smiles reassuringly to CLOE)
. She was legally given to me before that point,
. as a present, so I fully had the rights to make
. that decision. So unless you decide to hire her,
. she works for me.
HUNTER What is this world coming to?
CLOE I still gets you a square meal, mas’r.
(CLOE exits to the kitchen.)
JESSICA Did your campaigning in Missouri not go
. according to your wishes?
HUNTER It was difficult enough just in Kentucky.
. Most of the representatives in our legislature
. support the Union. Unbelievable! The issue
. right now is, if Lincoln gets himself elected,
. we fear this’ll lead to Civil War. Kentucky’s
. in such a position. So Magoffin’s trying to
. convince the representatives that we should
. remain neutral, even though he would love for us
. to join the Confederacy – but then we’d lose
. our northern market.
. 55
JESSICA I thought you didn’t care for them up north?
HUNTER Our economy can’t afford to lose either market,
. north or south. And I can’t see how to please
. everybody.
JESSICA I see we are in for a long road ahead.
HUNTER A long road indeed, if people like you keep
. freeing their slaves. I say, it’s women who
. started up all this mess, when they were taught
. to read and write, and next they’ll be wanting
. to vote and own property. And then what?
. Next the Negroes will learn to read and write?
. What you suppose’ll happen?
JESSICA I suppose there’ll be more educated people
. in the world.
HUNTER How can a woman even understand all this?
JESSICA Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do unto others
. what you would have them do to you,
. for this - sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
(HUNTER stands up to pace methodically, not wanting
to resign too quickly.)
HUNTER But we are to be content in the
. condition to which we find ourselves.
JESSICA Hunter, would you be content as a slave,
. who is whipped for any frivolous matter?
. Would you be content with being a woman
. who is told at every turn that she cannot
. think for herself? You can’t even be content
. when any white folk disagree with your opinions!
(HUNTER stops pacing and glares at JESSICA.)
JESSICA I love you, Hunter. We are all just going to have
. to learn to get along, and accept each other for
. the differences that we are able to contribute.
. I’m talking about the grander picture, here.
. God puts the leaders in place, and tells us
. to respect our government and pray for them.
. Do you part, and be content. I’m not saying
. which one is right or wrong at the moment,
. but political parties need each other –
. for accountability-
. 56
HUNTER I object-
JESSICA This’s not a court of law, my son. It is not
. to argue to win at any price. The purpose here
. is to decide for ourselves. To live by
. truth and love, or live by fear and hate.
. But do not inflict your decisions onto me and
. others – or you have done away with your
. precious democracy. And without a respectful ear
. to listen, where is your faith in the freedom
. of speech and personal rights? I just pray
. that you open your eyes and your heart. I pray
. that this here NATION opens its eyes and heart.
. Or I believe - oh, I believe - there are
. bigger struggles yet to come.
(As the lights dim, one light is left over CLOE as
she folds her hands in prayer.)
CLOE Ooooooh Looorrrd, I groan to Thee, oh, how
. I groan to Thee, Lord.
LIGHTS DIM.
SONG 15 - FINALE: (both styles are combined, all actors
. should intermingle in unity, promoting equality)
. “HE REIGNS”,
. “HIGHER GROUND” or “COLORED PEOPLE”