Herstories (Musical) Full Text Script

Herstories

Musical

Writers: Tonya Holloway

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Editor's Note: This is the original script, as shared by the author.

Herstories

CAST OF CHARACTERS听

Her Folks: An acting ensemble of four women and two men.听

厂颁贰狈贰听

Strange and familiar lands of long ago. Time Betweenx the past and present.听

厂贰罢罢滨狈骋:听

The setting is a playing arena. Set pieces are minimal and suggestive, leaving room for the imagination of the audience. Props should enhance the actor's play yet remain magically simple.听

ACT ONE

AT RISE:听

WIND howls in the blackout. As LIGHTS fade up, the WIND cross fades into OPENNING MUISIC. Spotlights reveal the WOMEN standing throughout the stage, their scarves blowing. They speak The Dedication.听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

To our mothers and grandmothers, aunts the women who stood before us.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

Telling us about where they came from. and great aunts. To all They worried about us.听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

What they saw...听

奥翱惭础狈#4听

Did...听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

And imagined.听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

They let us know they stood for us.听

础尝尝听

Talking.听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

They combed our hair...听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

Rocked us to sleep,听

奥翱惭础狈#4听

Sang to us, told us tales of then...听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

And now-听

础尝尝听

And tomorrow.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

They hoped for us and showed us the way.听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

They cared.听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

They cared.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

They cared.听

奥翱惭础狈#4听

They cared.听

MUSIC fades.

奥翱惭础狈#2听

Five, ten, fifteen, twenty...听

WOMAN#2 counts off the Hide-n-Seek call, WOMEN 1, 3 and 4 jump in various hiding positions. They are giddy like little girls.

奥翱惭础狈#2听

Ready or not, here I come!听

The WOMEN freeze. MUSIC UNDERSCORES MAN#1 AS HE ENTERS.

惭础狈#1听

Her Stories. A collection of African-American folklore where females are personified as...听

The WOMEN move in ways that represent the characters MAN#1 list.

faries, mermaids, witches and animals. Tales that are sunny and magical, and frightening ones as well.听

One of the WOMEN shakes a tamborine, signaling the start of a song. SHE starts a melody. The other WOMEN join with hand-clapping.

SONG AND DANCE - HIGH TOE STEPPIN'

奥翱惭础狈#1听

There's gonna be a meetin' amoung the cripple-legged women and the frolickin' men will all be there.听

(The cast stops the song. The WOMEN are tickled by the mentioning of "men". The song resumes.)听

They got a cake that's bigger, than the foot of Sally Singer and the fiddler player he'll be there. Get down you high toe steppin' people, get down I say! Get down you high toe steppin' people, nuttin' but a heap'a gonna pay.听

The CAST underscors MAN#2 with humming. HE CROSSES DS.

惭础狈#2听

During the Plantation Era, the Black woman was the keeper of the household. At supper,that's dinner to you folks, she might think of a riddle to amuse her children such as the tale of ole' Buh Rabby. Oh he's a slick fellow, yes he is. But in this light- hearted tale, a little girl gets him mighty close to the rabbit's trap! Welcome, to Her Stories.听

The song resumes as each actor EXITS the stage. Lights fade. SONG segways听into MUSIC CUE #1. Lights FADE IN on BUH RABBY and LITTLE GIRL.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl was always home. Her mama had her go down, pick some peas in the garden.听

MAMA and LITTLE GIRL ENTERS.听

惭础惭础听

Now I must go to market, take my vegetables every day.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Mama told her.听

惭础惭础听

Today, you mind the house and garden. Couple days from now, you can come along.听

LITTLE GIRL听

I'll mind everything, I will.听

MAMA kisses LITTLE GIRL and EXITS.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Says Little Girl. But soon as Mama was gone, Buh Rabby comes by.听

(BUH RABBY ENTERS. HE slicks his ears and shimmys his tail.)听

Big, stand-up ears, white puffy tail. Says the Rabbit...听

BUH RABBY听

Little Girl, I see you are picking peas.听

LITTLE GIRL听

I sure am.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Says Little Girl.听

LITTLE GIRL听

Mama told me to.听

BUH RABBY听

I saw yo mama going out, she greeted me.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Said Buh Rabby.听

BUH RABBY听

Says to me, "Tell Little Girl to let you in for some peas."听

LITTLE GIRL听

All right, if Mama said so.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl said. She opened the gate and let Buh Rabby in.听

(BUH RABBY begins to eat up and down the row.)听

Buh Rabby ate a whole row of sweet, tender peas in a minute. Him, stand-up ears, tail, big ole feet. Says...听

BUH RABBY听

Let me out now.听

BUH RABBY rubs his belly. LITTLE GIRL opens gate. BUH RABBY looks around for signs of trouble. When the coast is clear, HE puts back on the charm, but in a haste.

BUH RABBY听

Bye now!听

LITTLE GIRL听

Bye Mr. Rabby.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

We told you he was slick. Mama came home from market, asked Little Girl how she was doing.听

LITTLE GIRL听

I let Buh Rabby in like you told him to tell me to.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl said to her mama.听

惭础惭础听

Well, I never saw him to tell, and I never said anything to that pesty Buh Rabby.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Her mama told her.听

惭础惭础听

If he comes back tomorrow, you let him in the garden, but don't let him out. When your Daddy comes home, he'll help you take care of Buh Rabby.听

MAMA EXITS.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Next day, Buh Rabby hopped on over.听

BUH RABBY听

Hey there, Little Girl.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He said.听

BUH RABBY听

I come for to visit the garden.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl stayed quiet. She opened the gate and Buh Rabby hopped inside.听

(BUH RABBY ENTERS the garden.)听

White puff tail, big feet, flippity-flop he goes. Little Girl locked the gate behind Buh Rabby. (LITTLE GIRL closes the gate. SHE picks up a bucket of snap peas, sits and starts snapping peas.)听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Puff tail up and down the sweet-pea row, ears just waving. Buh Rabby stayed all day.听

(Takes out a hanky and wipes mouth, head and neck)听

Then, way late, he dragged his full-belly self to the gate. It was almost time for Little Girl's daddy to come home from his labor, too. But that rabbit didn't know a thing. Buh Rabby called Little Girl, hollered at her.听

BUH RABBY stretches.听

BUH RABBY听

Girl! Turn me loose now. I'm all finished here.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl told him...听

LITTLE GIRL听

I am busy Buh Rabby. I hasn't no time right now to turn you loose.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

So Buh Rabby sat down to wait. He didn't like waiting, but what was he going to do? After a while, he says, real polite...听

BUH RABBY听

Little Girl, I must leave right now. Let me out. Please.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She tells him...听

LITTLE GIRL听

Buh Rabby, can't you see I'm fixing these sweet peas for my mama?听

I can't be bothered with you!听

DADDY ENTERS.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl's Daddy came home right then. He saw what was in the garden besides Little Girl. Buh Rabby, that's what. All ears, puff tail, and big feet.听

顿础顿顿驰听

What are you doing in there?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Asked the daddy. Buh Rabby tells him...听

BUH RABBY (STUTTERS)听

Little Girl let me in here sir.听

顿础顿顿驰听

Commere, I got something for you better than them pea pods.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Daddy told Buh Rabby. Buh Rabby hopped to the gate, flippity-flop. Little Girl and her daddy grabbed him by the ears.听

(LITTLE GIRL and DADDY grab BUH RABBY and move hin CS.)听

They stuffed him in a gunnysack and hung him in the wild honey locust. Up and down its trunk and branches, that tree had thorns as long as a man's finger.听

LITTLE GIRL听

Ole Buh Rabby is high-strung and prickled!听

DADDY and LITTLE GIRL EXITS.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl told her daddy. Her daddy went away in the woods to cut some switches; going to smart Buh Rabby for sure. (WOLF ENTERS.)听But Wolf came along, heard Buh Rabby coughing in the gunnysack. Said...听

奥翱尝贵听

That you, Rabby? What you doing in there?听

BUH RABBY听

Oh...听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Said Buh Rabby, thinking fast.听

BUH RABBY听

I'm on my way to Heaven for Little Girl. You want to come along?听

奥翱尝贵听

Yes indeed!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Said the wolf.听

BUH RABBY听

Then open my sack and come on in.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Buh Rabby told him. So big ole Wolf did it...听

BUH RABBY听

You first.听

奥翱尝贵听

Oh, thank you.听

BUH RABBY听

You're welcome.听

WOLF unties sack and rolls it down. BUH RABBY jumps out, holding the sack for WOLF.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He jumped in. Buh Rabby jumped out, tied the wolf in the gunnysack.听

奥翱尝贵听

贬别测1听

BUH RABBY EXITS.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Hollered Wolf. But Buh Rabby was gone, even before he started, fast as he could get.听

(LITTLE GIRL and DADDY ENTERS)听

Little Girl and her daddy came back. She gave the sack a once-over, said...听

LITTLE GIRL听

You're no rabbit in there. Wolf, what are doing?听

奥翱尝贵听

I'm a-go to Heaven for you , Little Girl, like Buh Rabby say I do if I go in here.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl giggled, and her daddy smiled.听

顿础顿顿驰听

Now I'm a-going to finish this and it won't be Heaven you'll get.听

DADDY runs his hand up the switch, getting ready for the whupping.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

With that, he switched Wolf's hide about ten-sting times.听

奥翱尝贵听

翱飞-辞飞-辞飞!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Wolf hollered. Daddy said...听

顿础顿顿驰听

When you see a gunnysack again, Wolf, you better take care!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Little Girl told Wolf...听

LITTLE GIRL听

And you make sure Buh Rabby won't hide a trick in it too.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Anybody see that Little Girl at the market, tell her, I go around the bend. I see a fence to mend. On it is hung my story end.

TRANSITIONAL DANCE. MUSIC underscores STORYTELLER.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

First told by elderly women in southwestern Virginny,generations before the Civil War, Miz Hattie Gets Some Company has a gentle (MORE) wise humor that's befitting a story about a little old lonely woman who gets some unexpecting company, both good and bad.听

HATTIE ENTERS sweeping.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Once upon time, when dogs barked rhyme, there was Miz Hattie.听

Miz Hattie lived all along in the piney woods. It was alright for her in the spring when trees bloomed and flowers covered the ground.听

(HATTIE CROSSES to HER chair and rocks.)听

Then, she'd sit on her porch, rocking in her rocking chair. Feeling at peace with herself, she'd murmur...听

MIZ 贬础罢罢滨贰听

The whole bright world is here for me to look on.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Life was good to her in summer when the sunshine warmed the pines.听

It was even better in the fall when all was ripe.听

(HATTIE Slips on a shawl. SHE grabs a basket and loads it with corn and taters from the garden.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Hattie was busy then getting her corn and taters and pumpkins in, and her wood for the cold weather. But when winter came with heavy snows, the pine trees rocked, and the wind howled so. "Woo- oho! Woo-hooo!听

HATTIE leans back as if the wind prevents HER from moving.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Went the wind, hauling snow all around the house and down the chimney. It made Hattie feel low and very down in her mind.听

贬础罢罢滨贰听

Wish I had me somebody close.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She whispered.听

MIZ 贬础罢罢滨贰听

Maybe a child, or a sister. I'm about as lonesome as a biscuit without some gravy.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Miz Hattie had other bothers too. Hawks and minks and foxes stole her chickens.听

(the SOUNDS of chicken rattling outside )听

Rats and mice gnawed her corn and taters.听

MIZ 贬础罢罢滨贰听

The varmints are about starving me out of my house and home.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She complained to the woods. She was afraid of the rats and mice.听

Especially the mice.听

Two MICE scrambble behind HER, enjoying their mischief.

MICE DANCE

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

They were smart enough to know. They'd watch her from their holes in the cabin logs, and then they'd scoot out and run right across her feet. She hollered...听

贬础罢罢滨贰听

Mercy me!听

HATTIE runs to HER bed and shivers.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

And gathered her skirts up. Then the mice would fairly snicker at her.听

(The MICE slap claws. They run, flip and scamper in and out of corners. )听

Oh yes! They tripped her and jumped out at her. They hid in the cornmeal bag and leaped out when she stuck her hand in. One cold night, bad went to worse with a swirl of sparks in the fireplace. A whole squeak of mice started up playing hide-and-seek in the sugar听bowl and tag around the bread box. They took flying leaps and landed on the bedcovers. They did mouse springs right on top of poor Miz Hattie's head. Hattie gave a mice had heard before. Loud as the wind, MIZ HATTIE Oh mercy sakes! Lord, help me!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

The door flew open.听

(Door flings open SOUND EFFECT)听

Right there stood the Lord himself, come all the way down to help Miz Hattie.听

(HATTIE slowly bows.)听

She found herself out of bed and sitting on her stool. She knew who it was and sat, bowed down for a moment, awed and respectful. She couldn't help staring.听

(After a moment, HATTIE sneaks a peak at GOD, marveling at HIS size.)听

Seemed he was inside and outside all at once. She could see the moon and stars through his head and shoulders. He didn't say a word to her at first. He pulled off one of his gloves and threw it on the floor.听

(A white ball rolls SC.)听

And that glove, lo! It started to squirm and wiggle, yes, it did! Hattie couldn't believe her eyes.听

MIZ 贬础罢罢滨贰听

Lord, is your glove a-moving there?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Gently, he told her, "I believe it be, Miz Hattie."

MIZ 贬础罢罢滨贰听

Whatever you say has to be.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She answered. Sure enough, she saw the thumb of the glove turn into a tail. And the fingers turned into four legs. The gaunlet became a head. In no time, the glove had changed into a creature that stretched itself and worked its claws. It sniffed at the mouse tracks.听

(CAT/MICE DANCE)听

By-and-by, the creature sprang at one of the bad little skeezicks that poked its head too far out of its hole. Bless it be, the creature caught the mouse. With a fatal bite, it laid the mouse at Miz Hattie's听feet. Showing her what it could do for her. Miz Hattie took up the creature, that cat, what it was.听

(CAT nestles HIS head in HATTIE's lap.)听

Held it in her arms and stroked it and nuzzled it some. The cat was so pleased, it hunched down in her lap and made a warm, purring sound deep inside itself. Yes, and cats have been purring ever since. This first cat made the noise so much that Miz Hattie started calling it...听

贬础罢罢滨贰听

Purralee.听

(HATTIE sets a saucer of milk out for CAT.)听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Well, Miz Hattie had forgot all about the Lord standing there, she was so happy. And when she remembered to thank him, she looked up only to find the door closed. There was nobody there. She thought she'd dreamed the whole thing. She did not! After then, every time Miz Hattie hollarded...听

MIZ 贬础罢罢滨贰听

Purralee, Purralee!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

The cat came running to her and rubbed itself against her legs.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

And that's how the cat came to be. You must always watch out for them, for they're made of Jesus' glove. And it's plain unlucky to harm them. Still, cats came here well after other creatures, and so they should behave themselves. But they never do. They think cream and meat were made for them, and the softest cushion, too, like Miz Hattie's lap. But she was happy now, dear Miz Hattie was. She had some company at last. So be it, bow bended, don't you know. My story's ended.听

WOMAN#2 and #3 ENTER with MAN#1, forming a circle CS chanting.听

SONG - ENGINE, ENGINE NUMBER NINE.

One WOMAN pushes the other down. The scene freezes. Man#1 steps DS.听

惭础狈#1听

This classic Creole tale is said to have had original roots in India, extending all the way to Africa and into the New World. The tale of two sisters, one good and one the lesser. A spin on sibling rivalry, Good Blanche, Bad Rose and the Talking Eggs teaches the virtues of kindness and generosity and the dangers of greed.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

There were two daughters.听

(The DAUGHTERS ENTER)听

The good Blanche and bad Rose. (MAMA ENTERS) Their mama loved bad Rose best because Rose was her spitting image. Mama made good Blanche do all the housework,听

(MAMA hands BLANCHE a broom.)听

while bad Rose did nothing but rock back and forth in her rocking chair.听

SONG - STICKS AND STONES

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

One day, Mama sent Blanche out with a bucket to get her cold, fresh water.听

(MAMA hands HER a bucket )听

Blanche did as she was told.听

(OLD WOMAN ENTERS.)听

At the well, she saw an old woman. The woman said...听

OLD WOMAN听

My little one, little one, give me some water. I am so thirsty.听

叠尝础狈颁贬贰听

Yes, Auntie.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Said Blanche, kindly.听

叠尝础狈颁贬贰听

Here is plenty of fresh water for you.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She filled the bucket and gave some water to the old woman.听

OLD WOMAN听

Ahhhhhh.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Sighed the woman, after she drank two cupfuls.听

OLD WOMAN听

Thank you my little one, little one. You are such a good girl, bless you heart.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Then Blanch refilled the bucket and carried the heavy load all the way home without spilling any of the fresh water.听

BLANCHE ENTERS the house. She soon runs out, scared of MAMA and ROSE who ENTERS.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Not long after this the mother acted so mean toward her that Blanche ran away, deep into the woods. Hidden in the trees, she went here and there, crying and wringing her hands. She was all alone and afraid to go home. She didn't know what to do.听

(OLD WOMAN ENTERS)听

Suddenly, she saw the old woman walking in front of her.听

OLD WOMAN听

Little one, little one, why are you crying?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

The old woman asked Blanche.听

OLD WOMAN听

What hurts you?听

叠尝础狈颁贬贰听

Oh, Auntie, my mama hit me. I'm afraid to go home.听

OLD WOMAN听

Well, come with me, then. I'll give you some supper and a bed to sleep in. But you mustn't laugh at what you will see.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She and Blanche walked hand in hand, on through the woods. Thorney bushes opened before them and then closed behind them. Farther along, Blanche saw two axes fighting in midair. That's strange, she thought but she said nothing. As she and the old woman walked on, Blanche saw two arms without bodies, with fists, punching.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Next, she saw two heads bumping each other. Blanche was shocked and confused, but she kept quiet-for they had reached the woman's cabin.听

OLD WOMAN听

Make a fire, little one, little one, we'll cook our supper.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

The old woman sat down by the fire and took off her head. She placed it on her knees and combed her hair. How very weird! thought Blanche. This must be a magic place. But she didn't say a word about it. The old woman put her head back on. She gave Blanche a large bone to put on the fire for their supper. Blanche carefully put the bone in a pot over the fire. At once, the pot was full of good meat to eat. Next, the woman gave Blanche one grain of rice to pound. Soon, the bucket was full of rice. After they ate supper, the old woman said...听

OLD WOMAN听

Little one, little one, scratch my back.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Blanche did as she was told and cut her hand to bleeding. The woman's back was made of broken glass. And when she saw Blanche's hand covered in blood, the old woman blew on it. The hand healed. Blanche had a good night's sleep. At daybreak, the old woman told her...听

OLD WOMAN听

Go home now, little one, little one. You are such a good girl, I will give you a present of my talking eggs. In the chicken house, take all the eggs that say, Take me. Leave the ones that say, Don't take me. And when you are on the way home, throw the eggs behind you to break them.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Blanche did as she was told and broke the eggs behind her as she went. Diamonds came out of the eggs. Then gold came, and a beautiful basket full of fine dresses.听

(BLANCHE scoops up the treasures and EXITS.)听

When Blanche got home, she filled the house with riches. (BLANCHE shows the gifts.)听

Her mama was very glad to see her. The next day, Mama said to Rose...听

惭础惭础听

Go to the woods, meet the old woman. You must have finer dresses than Blanche.听

ROSE tips out the house and EXITS, RE-ENTERING the woods. SHE meets the OLD WOMAN.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Rose went to the woods, and all happened as had happened to Blanche.听

(OLD WOMAN leads ROSE to HER home.)听

But when Rose saw the axes, the arms, and the heads fighting, she laughed. When the old woman took her head off and set it down on her knees, Rose had to hold her sides, she laughed so hard. And she made fun of everything she saw. The following day, the old woman said to Rose...听

OLD WOMAN听

I can't send you home with nothing Rose, so good. Go to the chicken house. Take Take me. following day, the old even though you are not only the eggs that say, Take me.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Rose went to the chicken house. Some of the eggs began shouting:听

Take me!, Others yelled, Don't take me!, over and over.听

搁翱厂贰听

So you all say.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Rose said.听

搁翱厂贰听

But you don't fool me. I'm taking you who say, Don't take me.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

As she walked away, Rose broke eggs. Out of them a huge lot of snakes, toads and frogs, which ran after her. Whips came and they whipped Rose.听

(ROSE EXITS, running home.)听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She ran, hollering for her mama.听

搁翱厂贰听

Mama, mama, help me!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She cried. At home, she was too frightened and tired out to speak.听Mama saw the ground beasts and the whips. She was furious.听

惭础惭础听

Get out of here Rose, and take those awful things with you. Go live in the woods.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She sent Rose away like a dog. And Rose went, taking her troubles with her.听

STORYTELLER does a small jig, proud of his story.听

ACT TWO听

厂贰罢罢滨狈骋:听

AT RISE:听

SCENE 1听

Same playing area.听

Lights FADE UP on MAN performing a Juba step dance in a pool of light.JUBA/WARRIOR DANCE His movements slow down as he starts to speak, using the patting of his chest/legs to underscore.听

惭础狈#2听

Originated in West Africa, the Juba dance was performed by slaves during gatherings when no rhythm instruments were allowed. The sounds were also used to communicate hidden messages. Sounds of freedom!听

(MAN breaks into a high toe step then resumes a steady rhythm.)听

惭础狈#2听

Later in the mid-19th century, music and lyrics were added. It is said to have indirectly influenced the developement of American tap.听

(MAN ATTEMPTS TO TAP DANCE.)

惭础狈#2听

I can't do that.听

(MAN#2 spins around.)听

MAN#1 (YELLS)听

AW shucks! They fixin' to tell somebody off in the juba circle!听

(MAN#2 calls all dancers to the circle. The ENSEMBLE run to their position in high spirits. JUBA SONG begins.)听

CALLER (SING)听

Juba dis and juba dat.听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

Jubba dis and juba dat.听

CALLER (CALLER)听

Juba gone skin the yella cat.听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

Juba gone skin the yella cat.听

CALLER (SING)听

You sift the meal and ya givmme the husk,听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

You sift the meal and ya givmme the husk,听

You bake the bread and ya gimme the crust.听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

You bake the bread and ya gimme the crust.听

CALLER (SING)听

You raise the meat and ya gimme the skin.听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

You raise the meat and ya gimme the skin.听

CALLER (SING)听

And that's the way my toubles begin.听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

And that's the way my toubles begin.听

CALLER (SING)听

Juba dis and juba dat.听

ENSEMBLE (RESPOND)听

Juba dis and juba dat.听

SING (SING)听

Juba gone skin the yellow cat.听

ENSEMBLE dispurse except for cast of Malindy.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Once upon a time, when geese were pigs, and turkeys danced the barnyard jigs, there lived a child, Malindy. (ENTERS MALINDY) She just loved to sing and dance. Everywhere she went, she sang about it.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

I'm going to get me some milk from the moo-moo-cow.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

And she would sway this way and that, to and fro. One time, Malindy had her pail full of warm milk right from the cow, and she was going home along the fence line.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

I'm going home to supper, I've got my milk pail by my side!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She said. Just then, she tripped on a rough place on the path.听

(MALINDY falls)听

The pail spilled milk all over the ground and all over Malindy, too. Malindy sat there weeping, staring at that rickety-crickety fence and singing...听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

Oh, boo-oho, poor me. Now Papa will punish me. And I get no supper too. Boo-hoo-hoo!听

ENTERS DEVIL.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Something came along on the topmost rail of the fence. It was fuzzy-furry all over. It had a long tail.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

You, baboon!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Malindy said sniffling.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

What are you doing way out here?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Baboon didn't say anything because it wasn't any.听

(SHE incircles the DEVIL.)听

Malindy saw then that what she thought was an animal had a pitchfork.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

I know.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She said.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

You're a devil!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She started blubbering hard again, but she wasn't crying over her spilt milk, no she wasn't.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

Now, now. Don't take on so. I wouldn't hurt you.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

At that, Malindy stopped crying.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

You're a tiny fellow.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She said. For the devil looked to be the size of a slender salamander.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

They call me Little Devil. But I know how to change.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He grew to giant size, blotting out the trees.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

Goodness! You are truely something aweful!听

顿贰痴滨尝听

That I am.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Said Little Devil.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

But listen, I'm just starting out with devilment. This is my first case with a child. And I want to help you.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

I'm listening.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

I'll restore your milk to its pail for a price.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

Will you dry my dress off too? My mama will spank me for getting my dress all dirty.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

I can do that. But first, you must promise to give me your soul when you pass beyond this earth.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

But I want to stay here a long time.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

How long?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Malindy thought about it. She wanted to be as old as her mama someday.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

Twenty-nine years!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

And she did a little dance.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

I can do that for you, Malindy. I'll restore your milk and fix your dress like new. I'll give you twenty-nine years, and at the end of that time, you will give me your soul.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

It's a deal!听

顿贰痴滨尝听

Let's dance!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

And they did.听

SONG - I AM WHAT I AM

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Right then, the pail stood upright. It was full of warm milk. And poof! Malindy's dresss was dry and looked brand-new.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

奥丑辞辞-飞丑别别!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Shouted Malindy. She did a twirling dance in her sandals as Little Devil spun her just so.听

(MALINDY and DEVIL EXIT)听

Well, the time went by and by. Soon, the twenty-nine years had gone. Malindy was grown now, with children of her own. She'd forgot all about Little Devil, such a good time she'd had.听

(MALIDY ENTERS)听

One morning, there was a commotion in the air around her.听

Everything turned black and red and all bright day. A loud voice hollored...听

顿贰痴滨尝听

I'm going to come after you. I'm coming after you. Right now!听

DEVIL ENTERS听

And lo and behold, there was Little Devil standing before her, looking just like himself.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

I remember you, no bigger than a minute. How you doing?听

顿贰痴滨尝听

Doing all right. But I come for your soul. You promised.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

I remember, I did. Wait a minute, I'll get it for you.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She turned her back to him. Tore off the sole of her shoe. Turned around and gave her sole to him.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

This it?听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

Sure is.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

I thought it would be bigger.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

That's it.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

So the ugly little devil had to take her sole to his master. He didn't know any better, too.听

(DEVIL solemly EXITS.)听

And Malindy? Well, she went dancing along through life. So did her many children. They all lived happily ever after.听

惭础尝滨狈顿驰听

See, because the devil can get your sole but one time. After that, he has to quit. That's all.听

MALINDY EXITS.

An African drum echoes in BLACKOUT. Lights up on the shadows of CAT WOMAN and SAMUEL. She seduces him under her spell as WOMAN 1 recites the poem.

BOO HAG DANCE

奥翱惭础狈#1听

Boo hag comin to get me. Oh, no, she wont leave me alone, Cuz I done kilt my lawful lady, set her spirit out there to roam. Now she gon use her hoodoo on me, send me to the place of the bones.听

(Lights fade on WOMAN 1 and rises on STORYTELLER.)听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

How do you rid yourself of someone coming between you and your sweet-heart? Summon the power of the wickedest conjure woman, west of the Mississippi River, forty miles south of New Orleans, home to some of the scariest voodoo and conjur women around. This is the story of Lonna and Cat Woman. Pretty Polly was to marry young Samuel from way up the road.听

(SAMUEL and POLLY ENTER arm in arm. POLLY carries a bouquet of flowers.)听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

But there was a girl name of Lonna, (LONNA ENTERS) said that Samuel belonged to her.听

LONNA CROSSES to THEM. SHE knocks the flowers from POLLY. SAMUEL picks up the flowers and hands them back to POLLY as they walk away.

She said Polly had tricked him, and she was going to get him back.听

POLLY looks back at LONNA and smiles.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She went to the conjure woman named Cat Woman.听

STORYTELLER jumps in audience's face.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Fear her! Woman had money to burn. She had the power. Are you getting this chile? Yes mam', I'm on it. Everybody knew about her, and most stayed away from her. For her life depended on something all of us have but few of us will sell.听

SONG AND DANCE - THE CONJURE WOMAN

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Lonna had got the word that Cat Woman would help her. But first, Lonna had to give Cat Woman a suck of her blood.

(CAT WOMAN says simultaneously with Storyteller "suck of blood..." )听

Cat Woman, she of the albino skin, was a her-vampire. And she fooled Lonna, said she needed her blood to make the charm against pretty Polly most powerful.听

CAT WOMAN ENTERS. SHE slinks to a frightened LONNA.

CAT WOMAN听

It won't be much Lonna girl.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She forced her sharp teeth into Lonna's neck and sucked her fill.听I'm telling you true. Afterward, Lonna felt weak, dragging her legs as limp as a dishrag. And Cat Woman hadn't even taken some money. She'd told Lonna to buy some food with it and fill her belly.听

CAT WOMAN听

When they lay away that Polly girl,听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Murmured Cat Woman.听

CAT WOMAN听

You come back for a charm. It will bring your Samuel closer to you than a sick puppy to a warm fire.听

CAT WOMAN laughs. STORYTELLER shivers. CAT WOMAN EXITS.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

They say the sound of her laughter came off a breath that had no life to it. Only death and darkness. (LONNA CROSSES to a chair and plops down. SHE lifts her feet on an ottoman.)听

When Lonna got home, she lay down at once and could hardly lift her head. But she was satisfied.听

(SAMUEL carries POLLY and lays HER on the bed.)听

Soon pretty Polly grew sick and tired, and took to bed. The rumor was that Polly wouldn't ever have old bones in her body. (SAMUEL paces. The DOCTOR ENTERS.)听

Young Samuel was frantic over Polly. The doctor came to look at her. He said there was nothing he could see. (The DOCTOR EXITS.)听

From then on, Samuel knew the worst. He knew that Lonna had put a spell on Polly.听

(SAMUEL EXITS.)听

Samuel went to the city to find the conjure woman Lonna had gone to. He would pay for a better spell than Lonna's. Word about the her vampire Cat Woman was on the street.听

(SAMUEL ENTERS. CAT WOMAN appears.)听

Samuel found out where she lived. She opened the door just as he was about to knock. She had on a white turban and a white gown. Her face was covered in rice powder, to hide its foul-smelling rot. Samuel felt his flesh creep. Said the her-vampire's arms moved like bird's wings opening and shutting on a warm day. Her nails would sheathe and unsheathe like a cat's claws.听

SAMUEL听

But it was her eyes. They bulged out at you, like wet-shiny, like marble.听

CAT WOMAN听

I know why you come here, but I want to hear you say it.听

SAMUEL shows HER a picture of POLLY.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Then Samuel told her about pretty Polly's poor state of health.听

CAT WOMAN听

My price for saving her is a suck of your young blood. Are you willing to pay the price?听

SAMUEL听

You can get as much blood as you want from the slaughterhouse.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He told her.听

CAT WOMAN听

I want it strong and fresh from young veins!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She grinned at him. It was then Samuel saw her pointed cat's teeth.听

SAMUEL听

I was most hypnotized.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He was to say. She walked him, her arms around his chest. He felt her teeth break the skin on his neck, and sink in. She seemed to purr then as she sucked his blood. After she drank her fill, she told him...听

CAT WOMAN听

Your girl will be well by the time you get I can spell her whenever I want. (SAMUEL stumbles away.)听You will come back here many times to give forget. home. Just remember, me more blood. Don't听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Samuel barely made it home. But he found Polly sitting in a chair and eating everything in sight. Meantime, Lonna seemed to be drying up into an old hag.听

(LONNA ENTERS.)听

So she dragged herself to Cat Woman's door. She fussed at Cat Woman for not taking care of her. She got sassy with her-vampire! Cat Woman grabbed her and shook her like a wet rag. Lonna fainted. Cat Woman thought she'd broken her neck. She lost her head, sent for the him-vampire.听

(CAT WOMAN EXITS with LONNA.)听

Between them, they carried Lonna to the canal to dump her. A po-lice happened by, and saw them. The him-vampire took off. Other po-lice couldn't catch him. They managed to hold onto Cat Woman. She went to jail and was given no bail out. The the story ended just about the way you'd expect. Lonna got well, but she never tried any more nonsense over pretty Polly. Pretty Polly went on courting her Samuel. And the her-vampire, Cat Woman? In the end, she stayed in jail so long she had no way to get blood. She died of course. People said it was foolish to mess with a poison weed. Said just to pull it up and throw it in the sun, and let the roots die. Cat Woman, the her-vampire, was sent back to the Bad she come from. And good riddance.听

STORYTELLER breaks into SONG - ROCK-N-ROBIN

CAST joins for song and dance. This segways into the next story.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Woman and Man Started Even. A moral tale of equality. A fight between man and woman that still ensues to this day. Who's the better? And oh how the devil loves to upset the balance when human beings allow him to enter their lives. The Tennessee tale poses this question: Who really holds that special power?听

(MAN and WOMAN ENTERS)听

God created Woman and Man. He made their house and all its doors. When Woman and Man talked together, they said the same number of words. When they fought, they also came out even.听

(THEY arm wrestle.)听

Woman was as strong as Man, don't you know. She couldn't win over him and he couldn't beat Just level. her. That was the way it was.听

MAN听

I have to see God about this.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Said Man.听

MAN听

I'm getting weary with having a woman around that I can't even whip in a game of arm wrestling.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

So Man carried himself up to Heaven. And there, he found him, great God.听

MAN听

My dear God. I come to you because you are the most, and I need help. Please, will you give me strength to win over Woman? If you make me harder and tougher, I will keep everything in place on Earth, including that woman. She thinks she's so smart and so mighty.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Well all right then, said God. I like a man that knows what he wants. Now here, I give you more strength than Woman. So Man is stronger. And he hurried home to tell Woman.听

MAN听

I been up in Heaven. God given me more strength, and now I'm the best, and I am over you with more strength than you will ever have.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Woman was upset.听

WOMAN听

I'm going to see about this.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She waited a whole day, getting her mind in hand. Then she went up to Heaven.听

WOMAN听

My God, I come here to get me my strength that I had one time.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

You still got the strength you had one time, says God. Its just that Man has got some more than you.

WOMAN听

Well, why is that Lord?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

She asked the great God. Well, because he came up here and asked for some more, and I gave it to him.

WOMAN听

But can you give me some more, too? Or take away what you given him, so we'll be even again?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

I can't take back what I have given, said the Lord. You'll just have to get along with Man being the strongest. So Woman went on her journey home. She was steaming mad at the great God.听

(The DEVIL ENTERS.)听

Which is the way the devil finds how to get into someone's life.听

And he was standing next to Woman, smilling at her. She told the devil all that happened. He says to her, devil says...听

顿贰痴滨尝听

This is how you do better than Man. You climb upstairs again.听

Ask God for the keys hanging by the left pearly gate. Bring them to me, and I'll let you know what comes next.听

The DEVIL hides.

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

So Woman does it. She goes back up there. What is it you want with me this time? God says. Getting a little tired of her听busting in on him.听

WOMAN听

Great God, you the big head of Heaven and Earth and all the stars.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

What is it that's on your mind, Woman? God asks. He's getting irritated now.听

WOMAN听

Please, give me those keys hanging by the left pearly gate.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Well, take them, God says. And kindly leave me alone! So Woman takes them and gets on down the stairs as fast as she can. There's the devil, waiting on the bottom step.听

顿贰痴滨尝听

Those are some power keys you got there. Take them home and lock the door to the kitchen. Lock the door to the bedroom. Lock the children's room, too.听

WOMAN听

Why do you want me to do these things, locking up everywhere?听

顿贰痴滨尝听

Because, first lockup, Man always got his stomach on his mind.听

Always wanting to eat up everything. Second lockup, Man has to have his sleep and gets upset when he don't have it. Third lockup, Man听can't stand to be seperated from his baby children. He has care about his name going on through the next generation.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

So Woman hurries home. When Man comes in from his chores, she's waiting for him. Rocking on the porch and singing songs, one after the other. Man sees that the doors are locked up tight when they are supposed to be open wide.听

MAN听

Hey!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He storms up and tries to get through. It takes all his strength, but he can't open those doors.听

MAN听

Who locked up? Where'd you get some keys to lock up everything?听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Woman says...听

WOMAN听

God gave them over to me.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Man goes up to God, tells God what Woman said. Yes well, she asked, and I gave, said God. And that fallen angel of mine, the devil, he showed her how to use them.

MAN听

Well, give me some keys so I can get the doors open. God, don't let her have it over me!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

No, sorry, Man, can't do it, said the Lord. What I give over, I don't take back, you know that. Just go ask Woman to open the doors, if you have to have them open. Well, Man did that. But he couldn't sway Woman. Only way she would unlock the doors is when he did what she wanted.听

MAN听

I got a plan.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

He said to Woman one day.听

MAN听

Let's us each take an equal part. You give me two of those keys, and I'll give you half my strength. How's that?听

WO听

Hmmmm.听

(MUSIC begins to play)听

I have to think about it.听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Woman is thinking and thinking when the devil is there rocking with her.听

SONG - I GOT A PLAN

顿贰痴滨尝听

Woman, if I were you, I'd tell Man no. Let him have his strength, and you keep all the keys. And if one time you feel you might give in, remember this: When horseflies worry the horse, the horse is happy to have its hairy tail to swish them off his hide!听

厂罢翱搁驰罢贰尝尝贰搁听

Woman kept her keys. She wouldn't trade for Man's strength. So that's the way it is. Man is strong. But its Woman who has the power.听

WIND howels. Pools of light fade in as WOMEN begin to speak.

础尝尝听

I was a child...听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

Who listened closely to grown up women talking. I never forgot how they looked when they talked.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

How they moved their hands and gestured with their arms.听

础尝尝听

When I was a child...听

奥翱惭础狈#4听

I heard stories told by women. They were gentle reminders about natures's power, ourselves in the world, where we came from, who we were.听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

Mothers, talkers, those tale tellers, and about whom tales are told.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

They let us know they stood for us.听

础尝尝听

Talking.听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

They combed our hair...听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

Rocked, you, to sleep,听

奥翱惭础狈#4听

Sang to us, told us tales of then...听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

And now-听

础尝尝听

And tomorrow.听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

They worried about us.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

They hoped for us and showed us the way.听

奥翱惭础狈#3听

I care.听

奥翱惭础狈#1听

I care.听

奥翱惭础狈#2听

I care.听

奥翱惭础狈#4听

I care.听

础尝尝听

These are the legacies of Herstories.听

SONG - ALL I HAVE TO DO

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Show Guides

Monologues from Plays

Scenes from Plays

Theatre Characters

Audition Songs

Playwrights & Composers

星空娱乐官网 Distance Learning Hub

Teaching or learning remotely? Here are some of our favorite resources to help maximize theatre e-learning and enjoyment.

Find:

Herstories

Musical

Writers: Tonya Holloway

Auditions & Jobs

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