Actual dialogue

Narrator 1: Much-Afraid stared at him in bewilderment.

Much-Afraid: Make my feet like hinds' feet. . . How is that possible? And what would the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Love say to the presence of a wretched little cripple with an ugly face and a twisted mouth, if nothing blemished and imperfect may dwell there?

Shepherd: It is true that you would have to be changed before you could live on the High Places, but if you are willing to go with me, I promise to hlep you develop hinds' feet. Up there on the mountains, as you get near the real High places, the air is fresh and invigorating. It strengthens the whole body and there are streams with wonderful healing properties, so that those who bathe in them find all their blemishes and disfigurements washed away.

Narrator 2: The Shepherd told her of another thing that would have to be changed.

Shepherd: Not only would I have to make your feet like hinds' feet, but you would have to receive another name, for it would be impossible for a Much-Afraid to enter the Kingdom of Love. Are you willing to be changed completely, Much-Afraid?

Narrator 2: She nodded her head and then said very earnestly

Much Afraid: Yes, I am.


Do I need to say here that we are very upset? We knew S.'s drama instructor wanted to do a religious play this spring rather than Shakespeare for a second year in a row. We were okay with that although we would definitely have preferred Shakespeare.

What we were not aware of is that the instructor adapted the play herself. The script reads like a narrative, doesn't it? I am assuming the narrators and the "characters" who do nothing more than say their allegorical names and provide some stage direction in their dialogue have been written into the script so that there will be a part for every student in this "life changing" production.

Here's some more from the script:

Narrator 2: For hours poor Much-Afraid lay sleepless on her bed.

Much-Afraid: The thorn in her heart was throbbing and aching in a manner she could scarcely bear.

Narrator 1: Suddenly she sat up alarmed.

Much-Afraid: The Shepherd came and called me as he promised, but I didn't go to him or give any answer. Suppose he has gone and left me behind!

L. thinks he should drop the class. I certainly think we could put the time to better use, but I hate for S. to quit simply because we don't like the play. Grrrr. And even C., who used to work for a drama production company, had heard this one was highly regarded!