CHARACTERS

Jon Dissenter, promoted in the army due to competence. Of British descent. Bitter.

Aaron The Every Man, of indeterminate origin. He believes some of the party line, but has his doubts.

Pieter Raised in the Dutch Reform Church, Afrikaans/English mix, Rina’s brother.

Rina Jon’s wife, Afrikaans/English mix. Currently on maternity leave.

Esmée Rina and Jon’s black maid, often looks after Jaco. She feels at ease with them and loves Jaco like her own baby.

Jaco Infant son of Jon and Rina.

NOTES

A small, intimate setting is best; the walls should feel as though they include the audience in the room. Two rooms are visible on stage, the living room and the kitchen. The kitchen, SL, should consist of fridge, stove, counters, etc. A bar and three stools, facing the audience, is DS and prominent. SR, the living room has seating for at least 3 people. The front door enters onto this room. The television sits DS, facing away from the audience. Layout should suggest that the television is visible from the bar.

The television casts flickering blue/white light into the room. This is most visible at low light. Noises left to the discretion of the director, and should be provided for both the news program, and the rugby game. Noises should be softened during speech, and only raised when relevant, ie. a change in program.

The Narrator’s text should appear in written form at some point before the performance, be it in the programs or projected on stage. This text provides important context for the play, and its delivery should allow the audience, who may be unfamiliar with South African history, to internalize the information given.