SILHOUETTE of KECKLEY - Scenes 1-2

The following scenes are a rough draft of a current project that is not yet finished and subject to change.  The project is for a playwriting class and is an adaptation of Elizabeth Keckley's memoir " Behind the Scenes: 30 Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House." Enjoy!

Elizabeth Keckley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Keckley

THE SILHOUETTE OF ELIZABETH KECKLEY

__________________________________________

A Play in Two Acts

by

Rebecca Wright

based on the memoir "Behind the Scenes" by Elizabeth Keckley

SETTING:  This play takes place in 1868 at the time Elizabeth Keckley published her book, Behind the Scenes: 30 Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House, but the story ranges her life from 1818-1907   The words of the narrator, MRS. KECKLEY, come straight from her book, while a second actress will play LIZZIE on stage with the four other actors playing the rest of the characters.  The production will feature shadow performances behind screens: one large square screen up center stage and two more narrow screens to the right and left. Exit/entrance points should be made available on the sides of the screens so actors can emerge from the shadows to the performance area.  A small desk is stage right and a rocking chair, small table and chaise are stage left.

ACT ONE

Scene 1

(MRS.KECKLEY's voice is heard as the stage stays dark.  The person of Elizabeth Keckley will be shown as a silhouette in various stages on screen and so can be played by various actresses for representation.  The monologue should be continuous as the images change.)

MRS. KECKLEY (V.O.)

I have often been asked to write my life, as those who know me know that it has been an eventful one.

(The SR screen lights to reveal the frozen silhouette of a young LIZZY Hobbs (later Keckley)

My life, so full of romance, may sound like a dream to the matter-of-fact reader,

(The CS screen lights up on a frozen scene of an modiste LIZZIE working on a dress of a LADY.  The SR young Lizzie begins to move, dipping into a curtsy.)

nevertheless everything I have written is strictly true; much has been omitted, but nothing has been exaggerated.

(The SL screen lights up to reveal a frozen silhouette of author LIZZIE reading her book.  The silhouettes on the CS screen come to life as the LADY primps and modiste LIZZIE helps with the dress.  The SR screen goes dark.)

In writing as I have done, I am well aware that I have invited criticism; but before the critic judges harshly, let my explanation be carefully read and weighed.

(The SR screen reveals the frozen image of a southern GENTLEMAN.  He stays frozen as author LIZZIE on the SL screen begins to move, turning her pages, writing in her book.  The LADY in the CS screen leaves and it goes dark.)

I have kind, true-hearted friends in the South as well as in the North,

(The LADY enters the SR screen and the gentleman comes to life as he offers her his arm.)

and I would not wound those Southern friends by sweeping condemnation, simply because I was once a slave.

(The silhouette of author LIZZIE turns to look at the CS as it lights up on a frozen scene of young woman LIZZIE being pointed by a MAN.)

And yet a wrong was inflicted upon me;

(Author LIZZIE slumps as her screen goes dark.  The GENTLEMAN and LADY turn to look at the CS screen then turn away as their screen goes dark.)

a cruel custom deprived me of my liberty, and since I was robbed of my dearest right, I would not have been human had I not rebelled against the robbery.

(The SL screen lights up on the frozen silhouette of a SOLDIER from the Revolutionary war.  The SR screen goes dark.  Young woman LIZZIE comes to life and the MAN orders her to go do something.  She leaves and he straightens his jacket before the screen goes dark.)

When the war of the Revolution established the independence of the American colonies,

(The SR screen lights up to reveal the frozen silhouette of a male SLAVE, hands in fists lifted to the sky, chains linking manacles at on his wrists.  The SOLDIER begins to march then aims his gun and fires.)

an evil was perpetuated, slavery was more firmly established; and since the evil had been planted, it must pass through certain stages before it could be eradicated.

(In slow motion the SOLDIER is shot and begins to stagger as his screen goes black.  The SLAVE's hands drop and bends to work the fields.  The SC lights up, empty.  During the next few words, the silhouette of young woman LIZZIE walks in and faces stage left.  From that direction a MAN enters and they stare at each other before he raises his arm as if to strike her.  The image freezes.)

In fact, we give but little thought to the plant of evil

(The SR screen goes dark.)

until it grows to such monstrous proportions that it overshadows important interests;

(The CS screen lights up to reveal the frozen silhouette of young woman LIZZIE sitting on the floor, cradling her pain.)

then the efforts to destroy it become earnest. As one of the victims of slavery I drank of the bitter water.

(The frozen silhouette of the GENTLEMAN and LADY appear once more on the SR screen.  Young Lizzie struggles to her feet.)

I was a feeble instrument in God's hands, and through me and the enslaved millions of my race, a solemn truth was thrown to the surface,

(The GENTLEMAN and LADY turn to look at the CS screen.  The LADY leaves the SR screen and enters the CS screen to help steady young woman LIZZIE.)

and what is better still, it was recognized as a truth by those who give force to moral laws.

(The SL screen lights up to reveal the classic silhouette of Abraham Lincoln with his top hat.  The GENTLEMAN leaves the SR screen and it goes black before he reappears in the CS screen.  He hands LIZZIE a paper then gives a slight bow before escorting the LADY away.)

An act may be wrong, but unless the ruling power recognizes the wrong, it is useless to hope for a correction of it. Principles may be right, but they are not established within an hour.

(The silhouette of LIZZIE grows tall and proud, and head held high, she walks stage right as the SR screen lights up, empty.  As LIZZIE walks off the CS screen, MRS. KECKLEY'S silhouette walks into the light of the SR screen and turns to face stage left.  She freezes as the silhouette of Abraham Lincoln turns to face stage right and tips his hat to her.  His screen darkens.)

The masses are slow to reason, and each principle, to acquire moral force, must come to us from the fire of the crucible. 

(The silhouette of MRS. KECKLEY stays frozen during a moment of silence before the CS screen lights up to reveal the silhouette of MARY TODD LINCOLN reading a book.  She is frozen at first but the she turns the page then drops the book, swooning.)

MARY

Robert!  Oh, Robert!  Oh my... Robert!

ROBERT

(Rushing into the CS screen's scene)

What is it mother?

MARY

What has she done?  Why would she do such a thing?

ROBERT

Who, mother?  Elizabeth?

MARY

Don't speak her name in my presence!  She's turn against me.  Turn against all of us.  Oh.  Robert.

ROBERT

What has she done, mother?

MARY

That book.  That book she has written.  Oh Robert.  I'm ruined. 

(ROBERT picks up the book and looks at it.)

My most dear friend has betrayed me.

ROBERT

What did she write?

MARY

Everything!  Willie.  Your father.  My... my... everything!... Oh. Oh, why?  Why would she... how could she... that... that... colored historian!

(Lights down except for the SR screen featuring Mrs. Keckley's silhouette.)

Robert Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln

Scene 2

(MRS. KECKLEY's silhouette comes to life and she walks out from the shadows onto the stage, coming downstage right and entering the role as narrator as the screen goes dark.)

MRS. KECKLEY

My life has been an eventful one. I was born a slave--was the child of slave parents--therefore I came upon the earth free in God-like thought, but fettered in action. My birthplace was Dinwiddie Court-House, in Virginia. My recollections of childhood are distinct, perhaps for the reason that many stirring incidents are associated with that period.

(The original silhouette of young LIZZIE appears, frozen in place as the CS screen lights up.)

I must have been four years old when I first began to remember; at least, I cannot now recall anything occurring previous to

this period. My master was Col. A. Burwell, was somewhat unsettled in his business affairs, and while living at Hampton Sidney College, Prince Edward County, Va., Mrs. Burwell gave birth to a daughter, a sweet, black-eyed baby, my earliest and fondest pet.

(A LADY enters the image on the CS screen and hands young LIZZIE a bundled baby.)

To take care of this baby was my first duty. True, I was but a child myself--only four years old--but then I had been raised in a hardy school--had been taught to rely upon myself, and to prepare myself to render assistance to others. The lesson was not a bitter one, for I was too young to indulge in philosophy. The baby was named Elizabeth, and it was pleasant to me to be assigned a duty in connection with it, for the discharge of that

duty transferred me from the rude cabin to the household of my master.

(Young LIZZIE cuddles the baby and walks off as        the screen goes dark.)

My old mistress encouraged me in rocking the cradle, by telling me that if I would watch over the baby well, keep the flies out of its face, and not let it cry, I should be its little maid. I began to rock the cradle most industriously, when lo! out pitched little pet on the floor. I instantly cried out, "Oh! the baby is on the floor;" and, not knowing what to do, I seized the fire-shovel in my perplexity, and was trying to shovel up my tender charge!

(MRS. KECKLEY chuckles at the memory then grows        solemn.)

When my mistress called to me to let the child alone, and then ordered that I be taken out and lashed for my carelessness. The blows were not administered with a light hand, I assure you, and doubtless the severity of the lashing has made me remember the incident so well. This was the first time I was punished in this cruel way, but not the last.

(The SL screen lights up on the silhouette of          LIZZIE'S MOTHER.)

I was my mother's only child, which made her love for me all the stronger. I did not know much of my father.

(The SR screen lights up on the silhouette of          LIZZIE'S FATHER

He delighted to call me his "Little Lizzie."  But he was the slave of another man, and when Mr. Burwell told my father that he must go with him to the West, where he had determined to make his future home, the announcement fell upon the little circle in that rude-log cabin like a thunderbolt.

(LIZZIE's MOTHER and FATHER turn to face each other and rush toward each other off screen as their screens go dark.)

I can remember the scene as if it were but yesterday;--how my father cried out against the cruel separation; his last kiss; his wild straining of my mother to his bosom; the solemn prayer to Heaven; the tears and sobs--the fearful anguish of broken hearts. The last kiss, the last good-by; and he, my father, was gone, gone forever. My father and mother never met again in this world.

              (Beat.)

When I was about seven years old I witnessed, for the first time, the sale of a human being. Master had just purchased his hogs for the winter, for which he was unable to pay in full. To escape from his embarrassment it was necessary to sell one of the slaves. Little Joe, the son of the cook, was selected

as the victim. His mother was ordered to dress him up in his Sunday clothes, and send him to the house. He came in with a bright face, was placed in the scales, and was sold, like the hogs, at so much per pound. His mother was kept in ignorance of the transaction, but her suspicions were aroused. When her son started for Petersburgh in the wagon, the truth began to dawn upon her mind, and she pleaded piteously that her boy should not be taken from her; but master quieted her by telling her that he was simply going to town with the wagon, and would be back in

the morning. Morning came, but little Joe did not return to his mother. Morning after morning passed, and the mother went down to the grave without ever seeing her child again.

(Beat.)

I must pass rapidly over the stirring events of my early life. When I was about fourteen years old I went to live with my master's eldest son, a Presbyterian minister. His salary was small, and he was burdened with a helpless wife, a girl that he had married in the humble walks of life. I was their only servant, and a gracious loan at that. From the very first I did the work of three servants, and yet I was scolded and regarded with distrust. The years passed slowly, and I continued to serve them, and at the same time grew into strong, healthy womanhood.

(The CS lights up to reveal the silhouette of          young woman LIZZIE.)

I was nearly eighteen when we removed from Virginia to Hillsboro', North Carolina, where young Mr. Burwell took charge of a church. Mr. Bingham, a hard, cruel man, the village schoolmaster, was a member of my young master's church, and he

was a frequent visitor to the parsonage. She whom I called mistress seemed to be desirous to wreak vengeance on me for something, and Bingham became her ready tool. It was Saturday evening, and while I was bending over the bed, watching the baby that I had just hushed into slumber, Mr. Bingham came to the door and asked me to go with him to his study. Wondering what he meant by his strange request, I followed him,

(LIZZIE turns around as MR. BINGHAM'S silhouette        joins her onscreen.)

and when we had entered the study he closed the door, and in his blunt way remarked-

MR. BINGHAM

Lizzie, I am going to flog you.

MRS. KECKLEY

I was thunderstruck, and tried to think if I had

been remiss in anything. I could not recollect of doing anything to deserve punishment, and with surprise exclaimed-

LIZZIE

Whip me, Mr. Bingham! what for?

MR. BINGHAM

No matter, I am going to whip you, so take down your dress this instant.

MRS. KECKLEY

Recollect, I was eighteen years of age, was a woman fully developed, and yet this man coolly bade me take down my dress. I drew myself up proudly, firmly, and said-

LIZZIE

No, Mr. Bingham, I won't take down my dress and you won't whip me unless you prove the stronger.  Nobody has a right to whip me but my own master, and nobody shall do so if I can prevent it.

MRS. KECKLEY

My words seemed to exasperate him. He seized a rope, caught me roughly, and tried to tie me.

(The silhouettes of LIZZIE and MR. BINGHAM struggle. and enact the scene as Mrs. Keckley describes it.)

I resisted with all my strength, but he was the stronger of the two, and after a hard struggle succeeded in binding my hands and tearing my dress from my back. Then he picked up a rawhide,

and began to ply it freely over my shoulders. With steady hand and practised eye he would raise the instrument of torture, nerve himself for a blow, and with fearful force the rawhide descended upon the quivering flesh.

(The struggle gradually moves off screen as MRS. KECKLEY speaks and it eventually goes dark goes dark.)

It cut the skin, raised great welts, and the warm blood trickled down my back. Oh God! I can feel the torture now--the terrible,

excruciating agony of those moments. I did not scream; I was too proud to let my tormentor know what I was suffering. I closed my lips firmly, that not even a groan might escape from them, and I stood like a statue while the keen lash cut deep into my flesh.

(LIZZIE enters, her dress torn and bloody.)

As soon as I was released, stunned with pain, bruised and bleeding, I went home and rushed into the presence of the pastor and his wife, wildly exclaiming-

LIZZIE

Master Robert, why did you let Mr. Bingham flog me?

(The SR screen lights up on the silhouette of MR. BURWELL facing stage right.  He turns to face LIZZIE.

What have I done that I should be so punished?"

MR. BURWELL

Go away.  Do not bother me.

LIZZIE

What have I done? I will know why I have been flogged

MRS. KECKLEY

I saw his cheeks flush with anger, but I did not move. He rose to his feet, and on my refusing to go without an explanation, seized a chair, struck me, and felled me to the floor.

(MR. BURWELL's silhouette moves savagely to represent the act and LIZZIE falls as if struck hard.  She then struggles to her feet and exits.)

I rose, bewildered, almost dead with pain, crept to my room, dressed my bruised arms and back as best I could, and then lay down, but not to sleep. No, I could not sleep, for I

was suffering mental as well as bodily torture. My spirit rebelled against the unjustness that had been inflicted upon me, and though I tried to smother my anger and to forgive those who had been so cruel to me, it was impossible. It seems that Mr. Bingham had pledged himself to Mrs. Burwell to subdue what he called my "stubborn pride." On Friday following the

Saturday on which I was so savagely beaten, Mr. Bingham again directed me come to his study. On entering the room I found him prepared with a new rope and a new cowhide. I told him that I

was ready to die, but that he could not conquer me. In struggling with him I bit his finger severely, when he seized a heavy stick and beat me with it in a shameful manner. Again I went home sore and bleeding, but with pride as strong and defiant as ever. The following Thursday Mr. Bingham again tried to conquer me, but in vain. We struggled, and he struck me many savage blows.

(LIZZIE enters from the stage left screen and stumbles center stage as if escaping a fight, one again torn and bleeding.  She turns to face the SL screen as it lights up to reveal the silhouette of MR. BINGHAM.)

As I stood bleeding before him, nearly exhausted with his efforts, he burst into tears, and declared that it would be a sin to beat me any more.

(MR. BINGHAM breaks and his knees hit the floor and he pleads forgiveness.)

My suffering at last subdued his hard heart; he asked my forgiveness, and afterwards was an altered man.  He was never known to strike one of his servants from that day forward.

(The SR screen lights up once more on MR. BURWELL as the SL screen goes dark.  LIZZIE turns, defensive, to face the silhouette of her master.)

Mr. Burwell, he who preached the love of Heaven, who glorified the precepts and examples of Christ, who expounded the Holy Scriptures Sabbath after Sabbath from the pulpit, when Mr. Bingham refused to whip me any more, was urged by his wife to punish me himself. I fought him, but he proved the strongest.

I was so badly bruised that I was unable to leave my bed

for five days. I will not dwell upon the bitter anguish of these hours, for even the thought of them now makes me shudder.

(LIZZIE turns, beaten but not broken, head held high, to face the audience.)

These revolting scenes created a great sensation at the time, were the talk of the town and neighborhood, and I flatter myself that the actions of those who had conspired against me were not viewed in a light to reflect much credit upon them.

(LIZZIE lets a slight, triumphant smile touch her expression as she collect herself with dignity and exits proudly.)

The savage efforts to subdue my pride were not the only things that brought me suffering and deep mortification during my residence at Hillsboro'. I was regarded as fair-looking for one of my race, and for four years a white man--I spare the world his name--had base designs upon me. I do not care to dwell upon this subject, for it is one that is fraught with pain. Suffice it to say, that he persecuted me for four years, and I--I--became a mother. The child of which he was the father was the only child that I ever brought into the world.

(Beat.)

The years passed and brought many changes to me, but on these I will not dwell, as I wish to hasten to the most interesting part of my story. My troubles in North Carolina were brought to an end by my unexpected return to Virginia, where I lived with Mr. Garland, who had married Miss Anne Burwell, one of my old master's daughters.

              (The frozen silhouette of MR. GARLAND lights up on                the SL screen.)

His life was not a prosperous one. The necessities of the family were so great, that it was proposed to place my mother out at service. The idea was shocking to me. My mother, my poor aged mother, go among strangers to toil for a living! I would rather work my fingers to the bone, bend over my sewing till the film of blindness gathered in my eyes; nay, even beg from street to street. I told Mr. Garland so, and he gave me permission to see what I could do. I was fortunate in obtaining work, and in a short time I had acquired something of a reputation as a seamstress and dress-maker. The best ladies in St. Louis were my patrons, and when my reputation was once established I never lacked for orders. With my needle I kept bread in the mouths of seventeen persons for two years and five months.

(During the next few lines, LIZZIE enters from stage right as the SR screen lights up to reveal the silhouette of MR. KECKLEY.  He removes his hat and gives her a slight bow.  She stares at him, amused.)

About this time Mr. Keckley, whom I had met in Virginia, and learned to regard with more than friendship, came to St. Louis. He sought my hand in marriage, and for a long time I refused to consider his proposal; for I could not bear the thought of bringing children into slavery.

(LIZZIE shakes her head and turns to MR. GARLAND, who emerges from the screen while emerged in his financial record book.)

LIZZIE

Master Garland, I want to buy my freedom.  And my son's.

MR. GARLAND

No.

LIZZIE

(Taken aback.)

Why should my son be held in slavery? He came into the world through no will of mine, and yet, God only knows how I love him. The Anglo-Saxon blood as well as the African flows in his veins. By the laws of God and nature, as interpreted by man, one-half of my boy is free.

(Now MR. GARLAND is taken aback.)

I insist on knowing what price I must pay for myself and my son.

MR. GARLAND

(Thrusting his hand into a pocket and withdrawing a silver quarter dollar, he offers it to LIZZIE.)

Lizzie, I have told you often not to trouble me with such a question. If you really wish to leave me, take this: it will pay the passage of yourself and boy on the ferry-boat, and when you are on the other side of the river you will be free. It is the cheapest way that I know of to accomplish what you desire.

LIZZIE

(Looks at MR. GARLAND, astonished.)

No!  I don't want to be free like that.  If that was my wish I wouldn't have troubled you with asking.  I can cross the river any day, as you well know, and

have frequently done so, but will never leave you in such a manner. By the laws of the land I am your slave--you are my master, and I will only be free by such means as the laws of the country provide.

MR. GARLAND

(Looking pleased, then calculating.)

Okay, Lizzie.  You've served my family faithfully.  You deserve your freedom.  I will take... $1200 for you and the boy.

LIZZIE

(Turns, triumphant, and the SR screen lights up once more with the silhouette of MR. KECKLEY.  MR. GARLAND exits.)

Yes!  I will marry you!

(LIZZIE rushes off stage right and into the image on the SR screen.  She throws her arms around MR. KECKLEY and they kiss as the screen goes dark.)

Please feel free to comment on the scenes - feedback is welcome!