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.
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.
ISBN 978-0-9767183-9-0 for print version. Printed on acid-free paper. Please contact us for pricing regarding print copies, as pricing depends on quantity ordered. Contact us as well for firm quote for your performances, or for standard information about required rights and royalties agreement.
ISBN 978-1-7376925-5-3 for digital version.
© 2007.
Sale price valid only through October 31, 2023.
Sales price of $22.50 valid only through 10/31/2023.