Abandonment
Three-act play by Ruth Hanna Sachs
about White Rose resistance.
After years of grousing about the poor
quality of dramas available on the subject of German resistance in general, and
White Rose resistance in particular, Ruth was challenged to write a play that
would accurately - yet passionately - portray the group as they really were.
The result: Abandonment.
Although the play is book-ended by first and third acts that feature Willi
Graf's aloneness ~ hence the title ~ it is not "about" Willi Graf. The meat of
the play, indeed, a full half of the performance time, is dedicated to the
debate that took place in February 1943, a debate that both strengthened and
weakened the White Rose.
Strengthened, because those who were truly dedicated to resistance, to informed
dissent, left more determined than ever to bring down Hitler's regime. Weakened,
because the debate highlighted their differences and pointed to an eventual
dissolution of the group as it stood.
This debate is more relevant to 21st century America (and Western Europe) than
the leaflets they wrote. It raises questions that the best ethicists and
philosophers among us have difficulty answering.
What if any are the "absolutes" at stake when a government is dead wrong? Is it
all right to protest alongside people with whom we have deep differences on
other matters important to us? What role does / should religion play in our
politics? When is compromise acceptable, when is it not? What issues are so
compelling that we are willing to lay down our lives for them, and how can we
know we are right?
No easy answers for any of the above. It is our sincere hope that this play will
get students (and adults!) talking about things that matter.
Sixteen "named" players in all (plus undetermined number of "extras" - your
discretion): Nine adult males, six adult females, and one small child (no
speaking lines for the child).
The play includes a "Brecht-ian" scene that may be effective, depending on your
audience. The option for omitting it is included with each script.
$10 / script. Must order either 1 only for perusal, or minimum of 16 for cast
and director. (No script necessary for child's role.)
Royalties: $50 for first performance, $35 for each additional performance. No
percentage of ticket sales.
NOTE: ABOVE ROYALTY AGREEMENT APPLIES SOLELY TO PERFORMANCES AT HIGH SCHOOLS,
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, AND COMMUNITY THEATERS. ASK ABOUT AGREEMENT FOR
PROFESSIONAL THEATER COMPANIES.
Click here for standard information about
required rights and royalties agreement.
ISBN 0-9767183-9-1. Printed on acid-free paper. Comb bound.
Email or
write us for firm quote for your performances.
