The Patriots: Abigail And Martha

Cast of seven women. (two could be younger girls and one could be a male) About 8 or 9 minutes.

Excerpt:

PRUDENCE
What is a loyalist and what is a patriot?
HESTER
Prudence, dear, don’t be interrupting!
ABIGAIL
No! That is a very good question, Prudence. You should ask it if you don’t know. What about you, Temperance? Do you know the answer?
TEMPERANCE
Well, I do know that our family are patriots. I know that loyalists are on the other side.
PRUDENCE
Are they like…the enemy?
TEMPERANCE
They are loyal to the King. We want to be free from the King.
ABIGAIL
Do you know why we want our freedom?
TEMPERANCE
Because the King makes us pay high taxes? And because we want to worship in the way we feel is right, and not have the King tell us how to worship?
MARTHA
Those are good answers, Temperance. Mr. Adams, and my husband are both God fearing men, who want us to establish our own government. We want to start our own nation, and not be under the rule of King George. This is not going to be easy…and we are going to have to fight for it.
PRUDENCE
My friend told me that some of the patriots are treating some of the loyalists bad.
WINIFRED
That is why I was hesitant to speak. I am afraid that my family may be fearing our lives soon. My husband has been outspoken too often and now he is remaining silent. I am afraid that we may end up leaving here.
PRUDENCE
Where would you go?
WINIFRED
Back to England… up to Nova Scotia… I don’t know.
TEMPERANCE
If your husband changed to become a patriot, would you still be on his side?
WINIFRED
Of course. And that would certainly make things a lot easier. Well, perhaps nothing will come of all this talk.
ABIGAIL
Prepare yourself, Winifred. Times are changing and things are happening. John does keep me informed on the progress.
HESTER
You and John write often, don’t you?
ABIGAIL
I find letter writing is a major function of my existence during this time.
MARTHA
And have you heard from Mr. Adams of late?
ABIGAIL
I am so glad that you are all here today, because the most recent letter that came describes events that sound to be momentous and breathtaking… changing the course of history.
MARTHA
Oh! All of that talk has finally led to a good decision I hope!
ABIGAIL
I have a letter right here. Would you like to hear it? I will be happy to read it to you. (Reading the letter she just pulled from her dress or the desk) Dear Abigail,