The Crying Tree

A full-length play By Peter Gunter

Peter Gunter

1501 Gordon Avenue Charlottesville, VA 22903 434 326-6797 petergunter2@gmail.com

1

Cast of Characters

1808 2018

Thomas Mann Randolph: Son in law of Thomas Jefferson, mid 50s, planter from Albemarle County, Virginia.

David Frommer, libertarian pundit for the Free Enterprise Institute, mid 50s.

Martha Jefferson Randolph : Daughter of Thomas Jefferson, wife of Thomas Mann Randolph, late 40s.

Violet Frommer, wife of David Frommer, novelist, early 50s.

Ann Cary Randolph, daughter of Thomas Mann Randolph and Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18. Grand daughter of Thomas Jefferson.

Cynthia Frommer, daughter of David and Violet Frommer, lawyer, Congressional staffer, mid 20s.

Charles Bankhead, young Virginia gentleman, engaged to Ann Cary Randolph, mid 20s.

Brad Baker, Congressional Chief of Staff, early 30s.

Dr. John Bankhead, plantation owner and father of Charles Bankhead, 60. Friend of Thomas Jefferson.

Morris Johnson, Senior fellow at the Free Enterprise Institute and famed libertarian pundit, 60s.

Cato, enslaved man on the Bankhead plantation, late 20s.

Carter Grooms, African American lawyer running for Congress, 30s. Engaged to Cynthia Frommer.

Sukey, enslaved woman on the Bankhead plantation, late 20s.

Sharon Grooms, Carter’s sister, professor of political science at Georgetown University, mid 30s.

Casting note: The roles that appear beside each other in the cast list above should be played by the same actor. Costume note: Scenes have been written to provide time for actors to switch back and forth into modern and period dress. Staging notes: The stage consists of two main playing areas. The central area is the terrace, which should be situated upstage center. The secondary area is under the Crying Tree, and should be located downstage and to one side. When players are on the terrace looking at the crying tree, they should be looking out towards the audience to a location a few hundred yards away. When players are under the tree looking back to the house, they should also be looking out past the audience. Script note: For overlapping dialog, “/” indicates where the next line of dialog begins.

2

Act 1 Scene 1

The play begins on a May afternoon in 2018 on a backyard terrace of Fairview, an estate built in 1800 in Central Virginia. The back of the house is red brick with stately, white Doric columns. There are several antique porch chairs and tray tables on the terrace. VIOLET FROMMER brings out a tray of hors d’oeuvres and places them on the table. DAVID FROMMER enters from the driveway carrying a bag.

VIOLET

There you are.

DAVID Sorry. I had to drive into town. The wine store was closed.

VIOLET Why didn’t you just go to Kroger?

DAVID I wanted something nice.

VIOLET They have some decent labels. They even have a sommelier.

DAVID Really? A grocery store sommelier?

VIOLET Well, excuse me, Mister wine snob.

David removes the bottles from the bag and puts them on the drink tray. Violet takes a bottle and inspects the label.

VIOLET Whoa. Ninety dollars a bottle?

DAVID That’s right.

3

VIOLET

We’re supposed to be economizing.

DAVID I know, but I want something nice for Morris. He knows a lot about wine.

VIOLET Have you tried this amazing wine?

DAVID No.

VIOLET Then how do you know it’s worth 90 dollars a bottle? Violet begins to remove the price stickers.

DAVID The laws of supply and demand. What are you doing? VIOLET I’m removing the labels. DAVID Don’t do that. VIOLET Come on, David. It’s tacky. DAVID Just leave them on.

VIOLET Oh, my God. Why are you working so hard to impress Morris Johnson?

DAVID I’m trying to help Carter. Morris can deliver three independent votes for impeachment.

VIOLET Is that enough?

DAVID Apparently, Carter thinks so.

4

VIOLET And what does Morris want?

DAVID Nothing.

VIOLET That’ll be the day.

DAVID I know you’re not his biggest fan, but I need for everything to go smoothly tonight. We’re literally talking about the fate of the country.

VIOLET Mmm.

DAVID What?

VIOLET

I invited Sharon for dinner.

DAVID Vi.

VIOLET I know, but she called about the wedding, and I told her Carter would be here for dinner. We haven’t done anything to get to know his family. It would have been rude not to invite her.

DAVID Did you tell her Morris will be here?

VIOLET I might have.

DAVID Are you kidding? You know that Villanova’s faculty signed a petition preventing Morris from speaking on their campus.

VIOLET That doesn’t mean she was involved.

DAVID Of course she was. You know how far left she is. She makes Cynthia look like Barry Goldwater.

5

VIOLET

It will be fine.

DAVID It won’t be fine. You need to keep the women occupied.

VIOLET And how am I supposed to do that?

DAVID Steer the conversation away from politics.

VIOLET Steer it? Where?

DAVID Talk about the house. Morris loves anything to do with Jefferson.

VIOLET I can’t talk about the house all night.

VIOLET Okay. Bring up your novel. Morris loves to talk history.

VIOLET Does that include slavery?

DAVID I thought your novel was a romance.

VIOLET Partly.

DAVID Then talk about that part—or talk about the wedding.

VIOLET Fine. I’ll talk about the wedding.

(Pause) You know, David. We’ve never really talked about Carter, and the marriage.

DAVID Carter? Winning a congressional seat at age 32? How impressive is that?

6

VIOLET You know what I mean.

DAVID What? That he’s black? I don’t even notice that now. Where are they anyway?

VIOLET (Points to a distant spot)

Down there. By the tree.

DAVID It’s six o’clock.

(Calling out and waving his arms) Cynthia! Carter! Hey!

VIOLET They can’t hear you. Give them a little time to themselves. They haven’t been getting much sleep lately.

David’s phone buzzes. He looks at it.

DAVID Shit. Morris is here. Remember. I need your A game tonight.

VIOLET Excuse me.

DAVID Just be gracious, and keep the women out of our hair. VIOLET Keep the women--

MORRIS (Offstage)

--Hello.

MORRIS JOHNSON enters from the side of the house. Morris is in his late 60s. He is a solidly built, imposing man.

DAVID

Well, there he is. Hi, Morris. You found us.

7

MORRIS I heard voices so I came around the house. Look at this view. David, Violet, your new home is stupendous.

VIOLET (Over doing it with a southern lilt) Why, thank you, Morris. That’s so kind of you to say so.

DAVID Let me get you something to drink. I happen to have a Burgundy here you might like.

MORRIS That sounds good.

David goes to the bar and opens one of the bottles of wine he bought.

VIOLET

Morris, how was the drive from Washington?

MORRIS Not bad, for rush hour. This really is a lovely setting.

VIOLET Why, Morris, did you know that this part of the house was designed by Thomas Jefferson?

MORRIS Is that right? Designed by Jefferson himself?

VIOLET Yes. Jefferson’s granddaughter married the owner’s son. We restored some of the brickwork and even the patio furnishings. MORRIS Oh. This is marvelous. I had no idea.

Morris goes up to one of the columns and strokes it vertically. David and Violet exchange a look. David brings Morris a glass of wine, holding the bottle in the other hand so Morris can see the price tag.

DAVID

Here’s your wine, Morris.

8

MORRIS Thank you.

David hands the glass to Morris, who doesn’t notice the price on the bottle.

VIOLET

I better check the dinner. Excuse me.

Violet exits.

DAVID Well, cheers.

MORRIS Cheers.

DAVID Look, Morris, I’m kind of on pins and needles here. What did Frank say?

MORRIS Well, as I told you, they’re going to discuss your article at Monday’s board meeting.

DAVID All I was doing was arguing for a little bipartisanship.

MORRIS I know, but Richard Steele was apoplectic.

DAVID So they’re going to fire me?

MORRIS Not necessarily. DAVID What do they want me to do? MORRIS I suggested a show of good faith.

DAVID What? A retraction?

MORRIS We’re past that now.

9

DAVID

That’s it then?

MORRIS Not at all. In fact, the outcome of this dinner tonight could be just the thing you need. DAVID What outcome are they expecting? MORRIS They want this impeachment to go through, but they’re afraid of the Democratic backlash. They want to secure votes against the Cortez bill.

DAVID The Cortez bill? I thought single-payer was a non-starter.

MORRIS Apparently, there’s some momentum.

DAVID Okay.

MORRIS Carter seems like a very reasonable young man. As his father in law, your opinion should carry some weight. And your daughter is on his staff, isn’t she?

DAVID Yes, but our politics have diverged.

MORRIS Blood is thicker than water. DAVID Sure. So what do you think of the Burgundy?

MORRIS It’s respectable … Although I’ve found it to be overpriced. I hope you didn’t pay more than 20 dollars a bottle. DAVID Oh no. I think it was 17 or 18.

David goes back to the bar table where he begins surreptitiously removing the price tags from the bottles. Violet enters with SHARON GROOMS and

10

BRAD DAVIS. Sharon is in her mid-thirties and is African American. Brad is white, early thirties and holds his cellphone to his ear. VIOLET

The rest of our guests have arrived. Morris, I believe you know Brad, Carter’s chief of staff.

Brad pockets his phone.

MORRIS Hello, Brad.

BRAD Morris, this is a real pleasure.

MORRIS For me too.

VIOLET And this is Carter’s sister, Sharon. Sharon, this is Morris Johnson.

SHARON Hi.

MORRIS Hello, Sharon . You must be very proud of your brother.

SHARON I am.

They shake hands. VIOLET Morris is a colleague of David’s at FEI. SHARON Yes. I know. VIOLET And Sharon teaches history.

MORRIS Oh, really. Where?-- SHARON Villan/ ova.

11

DAVID

Sharon, what would you like to drink?

SHARON Oh. White wine, please.

DAVID Brad?

Brad takes out his phone and dials.

BRAD Scotch, if you have it.

VIOLET

Oh, yes.

DAVID I’ll get it. Vi, you just keep on … you know.

David exits to the house.

MORRIS What a great place to have a wedding.

SHARON Oh. Will you be there?

MORRIS I wouldn’t miss it.

SHARON Mmm.

BRAD It’s really going to be quite a shindig.

VIOLET Yes. There are about 300 on the guest list so far. Carter and Cynthia have made so many, uh, friends on the campaign trail, and in Congress.

David enters with the drinks.

DAVID Here we go.

12

David gives Sharon her wine and Brad his scotch.

DAVID How about a toast everyone?

BRAD Yes. How about to reform in Washington.

MORRIS I’ll drink to that. As Jefferson said, “a government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.”

BRAD Cheers.

SHARON Actually, Jefferson never said that.

MORRIS I believe it’s well documented.

SHARON The false attribution to Jefferson was traced back to Ronald Reagan’s 1976 primary campaign.

DAVID Okay, then let’s try another Jefferson quote. See if this works: “I never considered a difference in politics as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”

BRAD Hear hear. To friendship and politics.

DAVID Cheers.

The three men and Sharon clink their glasses and drink. The lights go down on the terrace, and up at the Crying Tree. CYNTHIA FROMMER is 25, white, energetic and attractive. CARTER GROOMS is 32, handsome and African American. Carter is lying on his back, on top of his blazer, looking up at the sky. Cynthia has her eyes shut and sways back and forth in time to music she’s hearing through ear buds.

13

CARTER Wow. I can’t get over how massive this tree is. The trunk must be ten feet thick.

CYNTHIA (Removes an ear bud)

What? CARTER (Loudly)

This tree. It’s insane.

CYNTHIA Yeah. It’s really old. CARTER What are you listening to?

CYNTHIA The playlist.

CARTER I thought it was settled.

CYNTHIA Brad says we need some more oldies. What do you think of this?

Cynthia hands Carter an earbud. He places it in his ear.

It’s Nat King Cole.

CARTER I know. I sang this in high school.

CYNTHIA What are you talking about?

CARTER It’s from the musical Brigadoon. I was the lead.

CYNTHIA Ha.

CARTER I’m serious.

14

CYNTHIA Doesn’t Brigadoon take place in Scotland?

CARTER Yeah. I wore a kilt and everything.

CYNTHIA Bullshit.

CARTER The auditions were closed, but I figured, hell, if white folks can appropriate jazz and blues, I can appropriate show tunes. I killed the audition.

CYNTHIA Okay. That seals it. You’ve got to sing this at the wedding.

CARTER You want the video to go viral? I’m trying to get re-elected.

CYNTHIA So own it. Singing in public worked for Obama.

CARTER He could get away with it. He had Michele.

Cynthia reacts. You know what I mean. Hey, let’s dance.

CYNTHIA What? Now?

CARTER Come on. Show me your moves.

CYNTHIA My moves? I don’t think you can handle my moves.

They dance formally, listening to the music on the ear buds. Carter spins her and the cord gets tangled around her neck. He spins her back. They get to the end of the stage, and then Carter pulls Cynthia away quickly.

Whoa! What the fuck?

15

CYNTHIA Careful.

CARTER What’s this huge hole?

CYNTHIA Sorry. I forgot it was here. It’s a grave.

CARTER Why is there an open grave here?

CYNTHIA It’s a dig. Some archeologists were here.

CARTER Did they find anything?

CYNTHIA Yes. Some bones.

CARTER Whose bones?

CYNTHIA A slave. Mom’s trying to find out who he was. She’s trying to work it into her novel.

CARTER Any more graves around here?

CYNTHIA Probably lots.

CARTER We should get back.

CYNTHIA Just another minute. I don’t want to make small talk with that asshole.

CARTER That asshole can help get an impeachment vote.

CYNTHIA I wonder what he’s going to ask for.

16

CARTER Whatever it is, just leave it up to Brad.

CYNTHIA You can’t cave on the tax increase.

CARTER You need to follow our lead tonight. I mean it. Let Brad run the show. There’s been enough friction between you two lately.

CYNTHIA Because you should be writing legislation. Not spending five hours a day in the call center.

CARTER That’s the job.

CYNTHIA But—

CARTER --You’ve registered your opinion. Now let’s get this over with as soon as possible. I want to get back to town before midnight.

CYNTHIA We’re staying here tonight.

CARTER I’ve got an early schedule tomorrow.

CYNTHIA We can get leave early. I brought your travel bag and your grey suit.

CARTER Fine. Do your parents have a guest room?

CYNTHIA They have like four guest rooms, and no, we’re staying in the same room together.

CARTER All the same, I’d feel better staying in a guest room.

CYNTHIA We’re engaged. Anyway, they should be proud to have a U.S. Congressman fucking their daughter.

17

CARTER Jesus, Cynthia.

CYNTHIA Don’t be weird about this. My parents are cool.

CARTER So were the parents in “Get Out.”

CYNTHIA I’m not letting you sleep in another bed.

CARTER Okay.

(Looking down in the grave) Just so I don’t end up in the “sunken place.”

CYNTHIA (Looking up at the house)

Isn’t that Sharon?

CARTER What?

CYNTHIA That’s Sharon up there. On the terrace.

CARTER Oh, no. Did you invite her?

CYNTHIA No. It was probably Mom.

CARTER We better get back up there.

CYNTHIA Why?

CARTER Because Sharon hates Morris even more than you do.

CYNTHIA Okay.

18

CARTER Hurry, Cynthia. I’m relying on you to keep things on track. You need to keep Sharon away from Morris. Come on.

They exit.

Act 1

Scene 2 It is the Spring of 1808. The terrace appears much like it does in 2010. DR. JOHN BANKHEAD, MARTHA JEFFERSON RANDOLPH, and THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH are seated. MARTHA

Oh, Doctor Bankhead. The view is quite marvelous.

JOHN I have taken Mister Jefferson’s recommendation and cleared the slope to the gate, excepting the Poplar. We now refer to the homestead as Fairview.

THOMAS Bravo. It is truly a fair view.

JOHN Please send my felicitations to your esteemed father. I am sure he is ready to return to his beloved Monticello.

MARTHA Yes. He has come to despise the quagmire of Washington.

JOHN Where is Ann?

19

MARTHA She is waiting for Charles under the Poplar. Do you see her?

JOHN Oh. Yes. There she is.

MARTHA They said their goodbyes under the tree and vowed it would be the scene of their reunion.

JOHN Ah. Then it is a salutary gesture for a happy future together. I trust Charles will find her there soon.

THOMAS

I wondered if Charles received my letter.

JOHN Your letter?

THOMAS I wanted to know if the terms of the dowry were satisfactory.

JOHN I’m certain they are. Charles has been quite preoccupied with the harvest since his return from the militia.

THOMAS So I have his assurance that he would never sell the estate or any of the servants?

JOHN Of course. Now that you are here he can give you his promise directly.

THOMAS Very well. I don’t suppose there is any wine available?

JOHN My apologies, sir, I am expecting tea momentarily.

THOMAS Hot tea?

JOHN I can send for spring water if you prefer.

THOMAS Please. Don’t trouble yourself. Tea will be fine.

20

JOHN

I apologize. As a Methodist, I am pledged to abstain from spirits before sundown.

THOMAS Please, do not apologize. I understand entirely, sir, and I commend you for your dedication.

MARTHA Doctor Bankhead, we are looking forward to attending the Methodist service with you tomorrow.

JOHN I hope you don’t find it too unfamiliar. MARTHA I should think not. We are all Christians.

THOMAS I have great respect for the Methodists. I believe the growth of these new churches will give us the public will to pass the bill this year.

JOHN Then you plan to introduce another abolition bill in the assembly?

THOMAS Indeed. I will count on your vote once again.

JOHN I don’t wish to presume, but it’s my fervent hope that your daughter, Ann, will find a home in the church.

MARTHA Certainly, if Charles wishes it.

JOHN The church has been a great comfort to Charles since his return from the militia.

THOMAS Was he wounded?

JOHN Not physically. But he has suffered a disaffection, a deadening of the spirit, due to the, uh, tedium of the military.

21

THOMAS But his spirit is revived now, you say?

JOHN Yes. Quite nearly. Ah, here is the tea.

SUKEY, an enslaved woman in her 20s, enters carrying a tea service. MARTHA

Sukey, it is good to see you.

SUKEY Yes, Ma’am. Thank you, Ma’am.

MARTHA I hope Cato is well.

SUKEY Yes, Ma’am.

THOMAS Where is Cato? I was expecting him to meet our carriage.

JOHN He’s helping with the harvest.

THOMAS Using your butler as a field hand?

JOHN We had no choice. The Winter wheat is late. Some of it is spoiled.

THOMAS Are the seeds brittle?

JOHN No. Under nourished. It is curious. I would show it to you and ask your opinion, when you are rested. I have brought up a sheaf to the garden.

THOMAS I would see it now.

JOHN Then let us proceed.

22

THOMAS Yes. Please.

MARTHA Do go without me. I know so little of wheat.

JOHN Very well.

John and Thomas exit to the garden. MARTHA

Sukey, you have been greatly missed. Since you left us, there is always some crisis at Monticello. I shudder to think of the disarray that awaits our return.

SUKEY Thank you, Ma’am. Pardon me, Ma’am, but I want to ask you …

MARTHA Yes, Sukey. Proceed.

SUKEY It’s not an easy thing.

MARTHA Please speak freely.

SUKEY I wanted to know if you and Mister Randolph would bring me and Cato back with you to Monticello.

MARTHA Are you asking us to purchase the two of you?

SUKEY No, Ma’am. Just lease us back for a few weeks. We could help prepare for the wedding.

MARTHA It was a great sacrifice to allow you to leave and marry Cato. Are you not happy here with the Bankheads?

SUKEY Oh, Missus Randolph. It’s the overseer. I believe he wants to use the whip on Cato, and Cato is mortal afraid of the whip. It would just be for a few weeks, until the harvests are done.

23

MARTHA Have you spoken to Doctor Bankhead?

SUKEY Mister Charles has taken charge of the harvest, and I don’t want to make trouble between him and Doctor Bankhead.

MARTHA Why should there be trouble? Charles wouldn’t allow Cato to be whipped.

SUKEY Yes, Ma’am, but Mister Charles hasn’t been himself since he come back from the patrollers. Begging your pardon, but he’s taken to the drink.

MARTHA I see.

SUKEY Will you speak to Doctor Bankhead?

MARTHA Yes, Sukey. In the meantime, let’s keep this between ourselves. And please don’t approach Mister Randolph. He’s very concerned with our finances now. I must find the best way to justify the extra expense of keeping two more servants.

SUKEY Yes, Ma’am. Thank you, Ma’am.

MARTHA (Sipping her tea)

Oh, this tea. It’s dreadful. SUKEY It’s bitterroot, Ma’am. MARTHA This damned embargo. Excuse me. I believe I will join the gentlemen.

Martha exits to the garden. Sukey adjusts the tea service. Cato enters from the other side of the terrace.

SUKEY

Cato, what are you doing up here?

24

CATO Did you get that ham?

SUKEY No. I didn’t get no ham. We’re not runnin’. I asked Missus Randolph to take us back with her.

CATO The Bankheads won’t release me.

SUKEY They will if Mister Randolph asks them.

CATO Why would he help?

SUKEY He wants to free the slaves. I hear him talkin’ about it all the time.

CATO And that’s all it is. Talk. Now you got to got ahold of that ham.

SUKEY Stop it. I’m not runnin’.

CATO Then I’ll go alone. I’ll send for you in a year or so, after I get set up in Ohio.

SUKEY They got double patrols on every road north and west. You won’t make it out of the county.

CATO I’ll take Master Charles’ pistol.

SUKEY Then they’ll kill you for sure. Please. Now listen to me. I asked Missus Randolph to lease us for the month. We’ll stay until that overseer is gone. You got 200 dollars put aside. We’re halfway there. And we’ll keep on saving, bit by bit. Please Cato. You want that house in Ohio? You want our children to breathe free air?

CATO You know I want it more than anything on this Earth.

SUKEY Then please, Cato. Give me one day.

25

CATO

One day then. SUKEY

Good. Now you get back out to that field and stay away from that overseer.

Cato exits. Sukey watches him go. Lights down on the terrace. Lights up on the Crying Tree. ANN CARY RANDOLPH, 17, stands under the tree. She’s a spirited, but proper young lady, dressed in a high-waisted, white gown. CHARLES BANKHEAD enters. He is handsome and carries himself in dress and manner as a young landed gentleman, although he is slightly drunk. Charles quietly enters behind Ann and kisses her on the cheek. ANN

Charles!

Ann embraces Charles. They kiss.

CHARLES My lovely Ann. At last. You’re here.

ANN Yes. I thought you’d forgotten.

CHARLES

Forgotten our reunion under this tree. The very thought has sustained me for the entire year.

ANN Why did you never write? I was so worried. We heard reports of slave insurrections.

CHARLES No. It was mostly tedium. All that matters is that we’re together again.

ANN Yes. At last. Under our tree. I love it here.

CHARLES Yes, it is a happy place.

26

ANN Remember when we were children? Just over there, you found a bird that had fallen out of its nest. Cato built a box. We made a nest in the box and nursed the bird back to health. Do you remember?

CHARLES It seems like a hundred years ago now.

ANN And then last year, when we said goodbye, you looked so handsome in your uniform. I thought you were so brave. CHARLES looks away. Why Charles, my darling, what is it?

Charles recovers and smiles broadly.

CHARLES I remember you were just a bare stick of a girl, always following us about, and then one summer, the bare stick had blossomed. And now you look so fetching in that dress. Come here and kiss me again.

Ann and Charles embrace and kiss. Charles clings to Ann.

ANN

Charles, our parents can see us from the terrace.

CHARLES Of course. Forgive me. Charles releases her.

ANN Charles, you smell of rum.

CHARLES Oh? Well, I’ve been celebrating. Seeing you again.

ANN You should at have replied to father’s letter.

CHARLES His letter?

27

ANN About the dowry.

CHARLES Oh, that.

ANN Certainly, it’s a simple matter to assure him you would never sell the house or servants.

CHARLES Not so simple really. Not when field hands are fetching upwards of a thousand dollars in South Carolina.

ANN Please, Charles, you know Father’s feelings on the matter.

CHARLES --Yes, yes. He’ll free the slaves. A Moses for the African.

ANN Do you not believe it is the right thing to do?

CHARLES Yes, but the right thing is not always the practical, or even the possible, thing.

ANN Please, you must give your promise to father. Otherwise, he will end the engagement.

CHARLES But everything is arranged.

ANN No, Charles. Mother remains your fervent champion, but Father has doubts now.

CHARLES Doubts about what?

ANN Father is concerned that you have been ill affected by your service in the militia.

CHARLES Ill affected? How?

ANN There have been stories of brutalities and indecencies. He wonders if your character may have been sullied.

28

CHARLES

Do you think my character is sullied?

ANN No. But your silence has led him to the worst assumptions. That is why during our visit you must act with utmost probity and deference.

CHARLES But of course, my darling. I will be the perfect Virginia gentleman.

ANN Just be the perfect gentlemen. Until Virginia outlaws slavery, Father prefers the attitudes of the north.

CHARLES Yes, my dearest, on this subject, I will only remain your devoted slave.

ANN Please don’t jest--

CHARLES --And speaking of slave …

Charles removes a spyglass from his jacket and looks off into the distance.

CHARLES

Damn my eyes.

ANN What are you gazing upon?

CHARLES Where the devil is Cato?

ANN Isn’t he working at the house?

CHARLES No. Neither is he working in the field. ANN Cato? In the field?

29

CHARLES Pardon me, Ann. I must attend to this. Please return to the house. I will see you at supper.

Charles exits. Ann looks after him.

Act 1 Scene 3

It is 2010 on the terrace. The action resumes about an hour later. Sharon ushers Carter out on the terrace from the house.

SHARON

For real?!

CARTER You need to stay out of this.

SHARON Have I said anything?

CARTER Not yet. You’ve shown unusual restraint.

SHARON That’s not restraint. That’s pent up rage.

CARTER Whatever it is, keep it up for another hour or two. I’m working here.

SHARON I’m not coming to the wedding, not if Morris Johnson is there.

CARTER The man can help impeach Trump.

SHARON The man helped elect Trump. I’m telling you, Carter. Morris Johnson will use you and spit you out.

30

CARTER Aren’t you being a little over dramatic?

SHARON Have you read the IQ Factor?

CARTER I know the book. I also know you wouldn’t let him speak at your campus.

SHARON Have you ever listened to the man?

CARTER Don’t you think your students should decide for themselves? I thought this country was founded on free speech.

SHARON Yeah. Free speech. Not hate speech.

CARTER This is why no one can talk to each other any more.

SHARON No one can talk to each other because these people are masters of disinformation.

CARTER Then you listen and you respond. Isn’t that what you teach, professor? Civil discourse? SHARON Civil discourse? You think this man is civil--

Morris, Brad and David enter, engaged in conversation. Sharon “puts on” a bright smile. Cynthia and Violet follow.

MORRIS

--If you allowed a free market to exist for healthcare, you’d see prices go down dramatically. All you need to do is remove government meddling.

CYNTHIA Meddling?

Brad makes a hand across his neck, urging Cynthia to back off.

31

MORRIS I know we’re on different points on the spectrum. You believe that the federal government can solve most social problems. We believe that individuals should be allowed to make more of their own decisions. But we both believe that the current president has been detrimental to the Republic.

CARTER Do we? Because so far the president has been fulfilling your agenda nicely, hasn’t he?

MORRIS There are also an entire host of issues where we don’t agree with the president-- immigration, protectionism, abortion rights--

CARTER But your donors don’t seem to mind as long as he continues to keep down taxes and regulations.

MORRIS Libertarians offer a big tent. Even David and I don’t agree on everything. But we both agree that the President has exacerbated the economic divide in this country.

CARTER Then why haven’t you publicly rebuked him?

MORRIS Trump is a symptom of a deeper problem. You can’t have a vital nation where the educated and powerful physically remove themselves from the larger community. Where the wealthy no longer feel obligated to fight our wars. And that’s one reason I’m so impressed with you, Carter. I’d like to thank you for your service. In Congress and in Iraq. CARTER Thank you, Morris. But frankly, one of the reasons I ran for Congress is because of the mistakes we made in Iraq. MORRIS Yes. The point is we need more people like you. And we need people who are well off in this country to step out of their bubbles and get involved with people who are less well off. We need personal sacrifice based on individual freedoms. Not sacrifice demanded from the government in the form of taxes.

CARTER I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not sure we can overcome this national divide, not to mention the federal deficit, by asking rich people to show a little charity.

32

BRAD Gentlemen, if I may, let’s not lose our focus. Morris, how can you help us with the impeachment vote?

MORRIS Well, I can speak for the three independent representatives, but they’re going to need something.

CARTER I’m not voting against the tax increase.

MORRIS They’re not asking you to.

CARTER No?

BRAD Then what do they want, Morris?

MORRIS They’ll want you to vote against the Cortez bill.

BRAD Really? That’s all?

CYNTHIA No, way. You can’t do that.

Brad shoots Cynthia a look.

CARTER Cynthia, hold on.

VIOLET What’s the Cortez bill?

DAVID It’s a universal health care program.

CARTER I tell you what. Morris, Brad and I will discuss this and get back to you later tonight.

MORRIS Very well.

33

CYNTHIA If you dislike Trump so badly, why are you even talking about trading votes?

MORRIS We feel that there are even greater dangers to the country.

CYNTHIA Dangers? Like helping sick people?

Brad shoots another look at Cynthia.

DAVID Hey, Violet, I promised Morris you would tell him about your novel.

MORRIS Yes. David tells me you’re writing a historical novel?

VIOLET That’s right. About the Bankheads and Jeffersons.

CARTER We saw the grave down there. You’re doing research on the slaves who lived here?

VIOLET Yes. Sharon has been helping me with the history.

SHARON I haven’t really done anything.

VIOLET Yes. You have. The slave narratives you recommended have been extremely helpful.

MORRIS What’s the title of your novel?

VIOLET The working title is The Crying Tree.

MORRIS The Crying Tree. Interesting.

DAVID Do you see the big Poplar down there?

MORRIS Yes. It’s a remarkable tree.

34

DAVID

It’s over 300 years old. The realtor said it had been known for years as the Crying Tree. Supposedly, that’s where the young women said goodbye to the their beaus before the young men went off to war.

MORRIS Imagine. Two hundred years ago, Jefferson might have stood on this very spot. What I wouldn’t give to have a conversation with that remarkable man.

CYNTHIA I’d ask him how he could he say all men are created equal and then own slaves.

MORRIS Actually, Jefferson was a great proponent of emancipation.

CYNTHIA Really? Then why didn’t he free his slaves?

MORRIS He believed that emancipating slaves should be part of a democratic process.

SHARON So Thomas Jefferson kept his slaves out of a commitment to democracy?

MORRIS He was against the federal government imposing abolition.

SHARON There were other slave owners at the time who freed their slaves.

MORRIS Jefferson abhorred slavery. He thought it was a crime against humanity.

SHARON He also believed they were racially inferior.

DAVID I don’t know about that.

SHARON He called them “as incapable as children.”

MORRIS Sharon, you seem to be a great expert on Jefferson. Did you say you taught at Villanova?

35

DAVID Hey, who would like some more/ wine?

SHARON That’s right.

BRAD I’ll have some.

MORRIS You’re probably aware that I was prevented from speaking on your campus. SHARON I am.

MORRIS There was an official letter in the Washington Post written by some of your faculty members. That phrase “incapable as children” was also quoted in it.

SHARON I know. I helped draft that letter.

CYNTHIA What did the letter say?

MORRIS

The author, or authors, compared the observations that Jefferson made about race in his book Notes on the State of Virginia with one of the chapters in my book, The IQ Factor.

SHARON

That’s right.

MORRIS You know, Sharon, I tried to speak to someone on campus. In fact, I left several messages with the dean of the history department.

SHARON I wouldn’t know about that. DAVID Vi, didn’t you want to show Carter that, uh, thing? VIOLET What thing, dear?

36

DAVID You know, the, uh--

VIOLET The family album?

DAVID That’s it. Yeah. The album. We’ve got lots of pictures of Cynthia. I’ll go get it.

(David exits)

MORRIS Sharon, I only wanted the chance to explain that the IQ Factor is about class issues, not race.

SHARON

I understand the argument, but it’s hard to accept when you correlate race with low IQ. MORRIS

Actually, I make no correlations between race and IQ. The book is about how differences in intelligence levels have created class divisions in this country.

SHARON Yes, but you also say that blacks routinely score 15 fewer points on IQ tests than whites, and that intelligence is passed on genetically.

MORRIS

No. I said that it’s a heritable quality. That doesn’t mean the difference between the two races is genetic.

David returns with the album, holding it up.

DAVID I found the/ album.

SHARON Then it has to be environmental influences.

DAVID

Uh-oh.

MORRIS I make no claims about how race determines intelligence. All I did was examine how intelligence affects poverty.

39

VIOLET What about morality? That’s a type of intelligence, isn’t it? I mean, look at Hitler. I’m sure he would score off the charts on an IQ test.

MORRIS Actually, most psychometricians believe Hitler wasn’t that intelligent.

VIOLET No? Hitler wasn’t smart?

MORRIS Hitler’s IQ is estimated to be somewhere around 120. That’s better than average, but it’s certainly not phenomenal.

SHARON Do you know what Hitler was really smart about? Racial /scapegoating.

CARTER Hold on. Did Hitler actually take an IQ test?

MORRIS No, they’re basing it on his writings and speeches.

CARTER So you can measure IQ just by the way somebody talks?

MORRIS It’s not only about speech patterns. It’s problem solving and pattern-recognition ability.

CARTER Interesting. So what’s my IQ?

MORRIS It’s not a parlor game.

CARTER Just ballpark it. I won’t be offended if you think it’s low.

MORRIS Okay, if I had to guess, I would say about 128.

CARTER 128? VIOLET That’s good, Carter. You’re smarter than Hitler.

40

MORRIS

Yes. 128 is a high score. But these are just averages. You have to remember. Each of us is a distinct individual. Look, I don’t want to spoil the party with this. To tell you the truth, it’s been a somewhat painful experience. I’ve had people tell me they agree with me in private and then denounce me publicly. Not to mention the hate mail. It’s really astounding to me that people can be so cold.

VIOLET Oh, yes. People can be so cold. They’ll hurt you and desert you.

MORRIS Yes. That’s right.

VIOLET They’ll take your soul if you let them.

MORRIS That’s well put. They will take your soul.

VIOLET Well, don’t you let them.

DAVID Okay, everybody. I think it’s time for some good old American apple pie. MORRIS That’s sounds very refreshing.

DAVID If we could all just go back into the dining room now, that would be great.

Morris, Violet, David, Brad and Cynthia exit to kitchen. Carter, Cynthia and Sharon remain.

CYNTHIA

Sharon, I want to apologize for Morris being here.

SHARON No need. I understand. Excuse me.

Sharon exits inside the house.

CYNTHIA I’m so embarrassed.

41

CARTER Don’t be. She knew what she was getting into.

CYNTHIA Look, Carter, you can’t do this deal. This means single-payer may actually have a chance.

CARTER Brad’s right. It’s a non-starter. We’re lucky to have what’s left of Obamacare.

CYNTHIA Because both parties are addicted to donations from big pharma, HMOs, and the AMA.

CARTER You’re preaching to the choir.

Brad enters.

BRAD Hey, we got dessert inside.

CARTER I’ll be there in a minute.

BRAD This is better than I thought. Morris has even guaranteed us a hundred thousand dollars in donations.

CYNTHIA A hundred thousand? From where?

BRAD It’s PAC money.

CARTER Which PAC?

BRAD The I.J.

CYNTHIA The Institute for Justice? Are you kidding? That’s the Koch brothers.

CARTER Is that right?

42

BRAD They contribute to both parties now.

CYNTHIA Why do you think Morris is acting as proxy for three Reps? He controls their purse strings.

BRAD So what? Impeachment has to remain our priority right now.

CYNTHIA If we could get just 20 votes for the Cortez bill this year--

BRAD Forget the Cortez bill. The Democratic leadership will never get behind it.

CYNTHIA Not unless people like Carter don’t stand up.

BRAD Got it. Now Carter has to decide. Maybe you could get him some coffee in the meantime.

CYNTHIA For real? The coffee errand? He doesn’t even ask the interns to get coffee.

BRAD The interns don’t question my authority.

CYNTHIA I question the money we accept.

BRAD It’s the same thing.

CARTER Cynthia. Please. Don’t argue. I actually could use some coffee.

CYNTHIA Okay. Fine.

Cynthia exits.

BRAD You don’t have to accept the PAC money, but we need to cut a deal here.

43

CARTER Do you think single payer has a chance?

BRAD Maybe some day, but it’s not worth losing the impeachment vote. You better than anyone should know what could happen in Iran. CARTER I need some time with this.

BRAD We don’t have time. Paul Ryan’s COS told me they’re massing troops on the Afghanistan border.

CARTER Yeah? Why haven’t I heard about this?

BRAD It’s classified.

CARTER And maybe he’s feeding it to you.

BRAD You know what this president is capable of. He’ll do anything to avoid being indicted.

Brad puts his arm on Carter’s back as if to lead him inside. Carter backs away.

CARTER

Give me a minute.

BRAD Morris won’t hang around all night. There’s no time for navel gazing here.

Brad tries to usher Carter inside by putting his arm around his back. Carter pushes his arm away.

CARTER

Brad, you need to back off. BRAD

What’s the problem?

CARTER First of all, don’t tell me about the downside of war.

44

BRAD

I understand. I’m just trying to do the right thing.

CARTER So am I. That’s why I need a few minutes. Now excuse me.

Carter walks offstage. BRAD

Carter, where are you going? I apologize. Come back. Please. …. What the hell?

Cynthia enters.

CYNTHIA Brad, where’s Carter?

BRAD Out there. On a walkabout.

CYNTHIA What happened?

BRAD He needs time “to think.”

CYNTHIA You can’t pressure him like this.

BRAD Go get him. I’ll talk to Morris and stall for time.

CYNTHIA This deal is all wrong—

BRAD Stop. It is what it is. Now get him back here.

CYNTHIA Okay. You’re the boss.

BRAD Exactly.

Cynthia exits. Brad looks after her. Lights down.

45

Act 1 Scene 4

It is 1808, around noontime on the second day of the Randolphs’ visit to Fairview. Thomas and Martha Randolph sit on the terrace. Thomas is reading a newspaper of the period. Martha works on embroidery and hums. Thomas tries to concentrate on his paper, but is distracted by Martha’s humming.

THOMAS

Martha.

MARTHA Yes, Thomas? … I’m sorry. Was I disturbing your reading?

THOMAS You must be very fond of that hymn.

MARTHA Yes. I thought it was very pleasant to sing in church.

THOMAS You enjoyed the service then?

MARTHA Yes. Did you not?

THOMAS It was very spirited.

MARTHA Did you not think it was instructive?

THOMAS Yes. To a degree. What did you make of his citation of Ephesians?

MARTHA Do you disagree with the sentiment?

THOMAS No. I just found it curious.

46

MARTHA Ah. Here is Doctor Bankhead. You should ask him.

John enters.

JOHN Mister and Missus Randolph, the afternoon sun is almost upon us. Perhaps you would be more comfortable inside.

MARTHA We are enjoying the lovely weather and view.

JOHN Very well. I am glad to see you at repose. It is good to rest on the Sabbath.

THOMAS Except for your harvest teams, I see.

JOHN Yes. Our overseer insisted.

THOMAS It will be hot work today.

JOHN Yes … I wanted to ask you your impression of the church service.

MARTHA We found it very uplifting. But Thomas had a question about the homily. The quotation from Ephesians, wasn’t it, Thomas?

JOHN Which verse? You will have to remind me.

THOMAS Eternal freedom is greater than earthly freedom.

JOHN That is one of our basic tenets, that heaven is a place that is far better than this world of sin. A paradise if you will.

THOMAS Yes, that is a happy thought. I just wonder how it is to be interpreted by the enslaved.

JOHN

47

If they do their duty, then they will find a place in heaven.

THOMAS Quite so. But the bible also provides examples of earthly freedom, does it not? I am thinking of how the Book of Exodus, for example, would incent a slave to find freedom in this life.

JOHN Yes, I see your point. The bible has many other examples of servitude. The Israelites themselves kept servants.

THOMAS Yes, as you say, the bible offers various examples of slavery. But I wonder which of these ancient examples should we use as models for our modern lives?

MARTHA Oh, Thomas. I’m sure Doctor Bankhead is not interested in a theological discussion.

JOHN Actually, Missus Randolph, I have given a good amount of thought concerning the rightness of our peculiar institution. And I have found our pastor to be very enlightening on the subject. His viewpoint is as follows: You may have corrupt masters, but it doesn’t follow that the institution of slavery is inherently corrupt. Similarly, a man may abuse his wife, but it does not necessarily follow that the institution of marriage in inherently corrupt.

THOMAS So you now consider the institution of slavery to be benevolent?

JOHN I consider it to be part of a divine order.

THOMAS A divine order that deprives people of their liberty?

JOHN Perhaps. But there are people and then there are people.

THOMAS I’m not sure I take your meaning, sir.

JOHN Our servants have become our servants because they are not people like us.

THOMAS

48

As a doctor, you must know that their dark skin is but a superficial difference.

JOHN It is the marker of deeper divides.

THOMAS Such as?

JOHN Such as those observed by your esteemed father-in-law in his Notes on the state of Virginia. To wit: They sweat more profusely allowing them to work more. They require less sleep. Their grief is but transient. They do not possess the same depth of feeling as we do.

THOMAS My father-in-law employed the word “notes” in the title because these are only casual observations.

JOHN True, but I have observed similar characteristics.

THOMAS And you, as a man of science, have studied these differences, scientifically?

JOHN I admit my observations are not exactly thorough. I’m sorry, Mister Randolph, but I prefer to leave the judgment of this matter to the will of God. And now I beg you to excuse me. I must attend to the medical needs of one of the servants.

MARTHA Yes. You should be off, Doctor Bankhead.

JOHN Yes. It is important business. Good day.

John Bankhead exits.

THOMAS Yes. Important business. Off to deliver another slave baby.

MARTHA Thomas! I think you were quite rude to Doctor Bankhead.

THOMAS

49

Rude? Now I understand the appeal of his church. Now that their preachers have gained legal status, they fill their coffers by appealing to slave owners. In return, the slave owners pay to mollify their guilt.

MARTHA Thomas. That is a very cynical viewpoint.

THOMAS How can I not be cynical when I find theology and science so happily aligned with financial interests?

MARTHA We all profit from slave labor.

THOMAS But we don’t justify the practice with false science.

MARTHA Very well, but can you please let the matter drop while we are guests in Doctor Bankhead’s home?

THOMAS But this new theology is destroying our hopes to end slavery.

MARTHA I am simply thinking of Ann.

THOMAS I am thinking of her as well. Can we allow her to marry into a family with these religious beliefs?

MARTHA Charles Bankhead is a fine young gentleman.

THOMAS Who shares his father’s newfound theology, which would explain the son’s hesitance in writing about the dowry.

MARTHA Did he not promise never to sell the estate or the servants?

THOMAS Yes, that is an easy pledge.

MARTHA

50

Please Thomas. Ann is almost 18. And she has four unmarried sisters. I have spent too much time on this engagement to jeopardize it now with your political ambitions.

THOMAS My political ambitions?

MARTHA Ann adores Charles. Let’s leave it at that.

Sukey enters

SUKEY Pardon me. May I bring you more tea?

THOMAS Tea. Do you not have any spirits?

SUKEY I’m sorry. Doctor Bankhead doesn’t let—

THOMAS --Yes. We know. He doesn’t serve spirits before supper. Perhaps I can find something in the cellar myself.

SUKEY Yes, sir.

Thomas exits.

SUKEY Ma’am, did you speak to Mister Randolph?

MARTHA I have not, Sukey.

SUKEY Please, Ma’am. I’ve heard more talk about Cato.

MARTHA Yes, Sukey. I will be sure to mention it later today.

Ann enters.

SUKEY Ma’am, please. Aren’t you planning on leaving tomorrow?

51

MARTHA That will be all, Sukey.

SUKEY Yes’m.

Sukey pauses uncertainly, then exits.

ANN Mother, have you seen Charles?

MARTHA I believe he is inspecting the harvest.

ANN He was to meet me here at noon.

MARTHA I’m sure he will turn up.

ANN I passed father in the hallway. He seemed cross about something.

MARTHA It is just one of his moods.

ANN Does father have some sort of objection to the engagement?

MARTHA No, Ann. Nothing of substance.

ANN Then would you please tell father to treat Charles as if he were not on trial?

MARTHA Yes, dear.

ANN Good. I am going to look for him.

MARTHA Ann, perhaps you should take a rest now. I thought it might be nice for you to have time alone with Charles tonight.

ANN

52

I will see him at supper, will I not?

MARTHA Yes, and afterwards perhaps. You should have a chance to discuss your life together in a more, well, intimate manner, away from the interruptions of other family members.

ANN Are you suggesting I visit with Charles after hours without a chaperone?

MARTHA Charles is a gentleman. And this will be your last chance to see him before the wedding. There should be no doubt in your mind that you are suitably matched. You don’t have any doubts, do you?

ANN I confess that Charles seems somewhat altered since I saw him last.

MARTHA Altered, how?

ANN He drinks, and he hides it from his father. I think it is from his time in the militia.

MARTHA Have you confided this to your father?

ANN No. Should I?

MARTHA No, dear. I believe that Charles is simply over stimulated.

ANN Yes. That is what Charles said himself.

MARTHA So you must do your best to help calm his nerves. It will be one of your duties as a wife.

ANN Yes, mother.

MARTHA Go on then. Take your nap.

ANN

53

Yes, mother.

Ann looks at her mother curiously then exits. Martha resumes her embroidery. Lights down on the terrace. Lights up on the crying tree. Cato is sitting by the tree, sharpening a sickle. Charles enters. He is carrying a leather bag. He sips from a small corked bottle. He is drunk.

CHARLES

Hello, Cato.

CATO Mister Charles.

CATO stands up.

CHARLES How many hours do you think we spent under this tree when we were boys?

CATO I reckon I couldn’t say.

CHARLES Do you remember the time my kite was caught in the tree?

CATO Yes, sir.

CHARLES I asked you to climb the tree and fetch it. I did not think you could do it. But you climbed it, and I was quite amazed at your bravery. Then, somehow, I climbed up there too. And there we were together, the two of us straddling those high branches. We could see for miles. Do you remember?

CATO Yes, sir. I do.

CHARLES Look up there--how high we were. It frightens me now. How did we do it, Cato?

CATO I reckon we could do it again.

CHARLES

54

No. Some things we can only do as children.

CATO Yes, sir.

CHARLES (Pause)

Cato, I want you to gather your team and get back to work.

CATO But I told you, Mister Charles. The men can work into the night if they break for the noon heat.

CHARLES I’m sorry, Cato. Mr. Yancey doesn’t agree. He says that stopping in the middle of the day sets a poor example for the other teams.

CATO Mister Yancey has been saying them things because my team harvested more wheat then his team.

CHARLES So Mr. Yancey doesn’t know his business?

CATO The more he uses the whip, the more his teams look for ways to slow the harvest. He’s just slowing us down too.

CHARLES You need to work through the day.

CATO Please, Mister Charles, the hands know their business. Let them break for the noon heat.

CHARLES I’ve made my decision. That’s why I brought this.

CHARLES opens the bag and removes a bullwhip.

CATO Are you going to use that on me, Mister Charles?

CHARLES No, Cato. I brought this whip for you to use—on your team.

CATO

55

No, Mister Charles.

CHARLES It is a difficult thing, but it’s something to which you can become accustomed.

CATO Please don’t ask me, Mister Charles.

CHARLES Enough of this. Now you fetch those field hands. And you show them this whip.

CATO Begging your pardon, Mister Charles, you’ve taken to drink this morning, and you’re not yourself under the drink.

CHARLES My drink is no business of yours. Now you take this whip like I told you.

CATO I cannot.

CHARLES You mean you will not. CATO Yes, sir.

CHARLES “No, sir. Yes, sir.” You think you’re fooling me with that act. CATO No, Mister Charles. CHARLES I’ve seen the truth. I’ve seen the remains of three militiamen at the hands of a gang of runaways. Not just killed, but hacked to bits. So don’t pretend that you’re too good or too Godly. I know that what you’d really like to do is cut our throats while we sleep.

CATO But that’s not true.

CHARLES No?

CATO

56

I can’t use the whip. My mother died by the whip.

CHARLES You’re lying still. You never knew your mother.

CATO I knew her. At the old place, my mama took a cup of biscuit flour from the kitchen. Master stripped her and commenced to whipping her. We were all begging him to stop. Master told me to give her ten lashes or he would give her twenty. So I whipped her. Ten lashes. While he poured salt on her back. Two days later she died. They say that’s when I stopped talking.

CHARLES Stopped talking. You were a mute. I taught you to speak.

CATO No. Mister Charles. I talked before. I talked again after I came here. And I promised myself I would serve you. Serve you the best way I was able. And you and Doctor Bankhead been decent, letting me save up money to buy our freedom.

CHARLES Yes. My father has been very liberal in allowing you to receive these payments. But I will be in charge of the books soon. And if you cannot follow my instructions to the letter, I promise you, you will forfeit that money. And don’t think about running off. They’ve got double patrols in the country. With hounds. You won’t get five miles. CATO Please, Mr. Charles. You know the doctor don’t abide whipping house servants.

CHARLES You’re a field hand now, and I will not ask you again. You take this whip and do what you have to do.

CATO

Them hands will be back to work soon. I’ll have them clear an extra two acres.

CHARLES Enough. Stop! I said no more breaks for these lazy niggers. I’ve been doing some calculations, and I figure you’ve already cost me five entire days of labor.

CATO Yes, sir. And how many days of labor have you cost me?

CHARLES

57

(Pause) What did you say? What did you just say to me? Goddamnit, there will be hell to pay for your insolence. You stay there. You stay right there. I will return with Mister Yancey. He will remove the skin from your back.

Charles exits. Cato picks up the whip and practices a slow whipping motion. After a moment, Cato drops the whip and exits. Lights down. End of Act 1.

Act 2 Scene 1

It is 2018, about 20 minutes later. David and Cynthia arrive from the yard. Violet enters from the house. She is now drinking coffee from a mug.

VIOLET

What’s going on with Carter?

CYNTHIA He’s down by the tree.

VIOLET Doing what?

CYNTHIA He wants some time to think.

VIOLET Would you please bring him back? Morris won’t leave until he speaks to him.

CYNTHIA Dad, can’t you convince Morris that they should vote for impeachment because it’s the right thing?

DAVID FEI’s position is that we can’t afford a trillion dollar entitlement program.

58

CYNTHIA Every other developed country believes that health care is a right.

DAVID Maybe so. But I don’t deal with health care at the institute.

CYNTHIA I guess you don’t deal with racism either.

DAVID Morris wrote the IQ Factor 20 years ago and no one pays any attention to it any more.

CYNTHIA The Neo-Nazis were quoting him in Charlottesville. How can you even work with a man like that?

DAVID The institute gives me an international platform.

CYNTHIA Then why don’t you use it?

DAVID I use it all the time. But I have to pick my battles.

CYNTHIA Come on, Dad. How much are they paying you?

DAVID That happens to be none of your business.

CYNTHIA What? Three hundred thousand a year, with speaking fees?

DAVID Whatever it is, it helped pay off your college and law school loans.

CYNTHIA That’s your argument? To implicate me? I’d rather live in a country that didn’t force you to rack up thousands in student loan debt.

DAVID I agree. The one percent should be paying more.

CYNTHIA

59

How about the two or three percent? That’s about where you fit in now, isn’t it?

VIOLET Just stop. The two of you. Cynthia, go back and look for Carter again. Morris is not going to leave until he gets back, and we all want Morris to leave.

CYNTHIA Okay.

Cynthia exits.

DAVID Remember how difficult she was at 13.

VIOLET Yes.

DAVID I miss that kid.

VIOLET She still idolizes you.

DAVID Hardly.

VIOLET David, what’s going on? Why did you invite Morris here? And don’t tell me it was to help Carter.

DAVID (Pause)

Okay. Here it is. The board was upset about the CFPD editorial.

VIOLET CFP what?

DAVID The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I said that Republicans should support it.

VIOLET What’s wrong with that?

DAVID Apparently, bi-partisanship is a dirty word these days. Morris went to bat for me. He’s doing me a huge favor.

60

VIOLET So you were almost fired? And now Morris will save your job if Carter comes out against single payer?

DAVID Not necessarily. He just wants our help tonight.

VIOLET That fucker.

DAVID He’s a decent guy.

VIOLET He’s horrible.

DAVID Yes. On the IQ stuff, but he’s done solid work in other areas.

VIOLET What areas? The only point I half agreed with all night was about rich people living in bubbles.

DAVID We don’t live in a bubble.

VIOLET I go to the club, Whole Foods and my book group. The only people of color we see these days are the gardeners, maid and caterers.

DAVID So you don’t like it here?

VIOLET Of course I like it. I like it … And I don’t.

DAVID Look. We deserve this.

VIOLET We deserve this? So we’re “entitled?”

DAVID Okay. Yes. Goddamnit. We’re entitled. We’ve worked hard.

VIOLET

61

Has it been that hard? I mean really. Think about it. How much of this is white privilege?

DAVID Oh, please. “White privilege?”

VIOLET Yes. College tuition paid. Inheritance. Job opportunities. Compared to what other people go through, a lot of this was handed to us.

DAVID I get it now. That’s why you invited Sharon here tonight. And don’t tell me it was just being polite.

VIOLET I was being polite, but yes, I think she offers a valuable perspective.

DAVID Perspective? You read a few slave narratives and now suddenly you’re stricken with white guilt?

VIOLET Maybe. And maybe YOU should read a few slave narratives.

DAVID I’ll just wait for your novel to come out.

VIOLET Don’t be an ass.

DAVID I’ve read slave narratives. I’m aware of the history.

VIOLET There are unmarked graves all around this place. There were crimes committed here. It’s real to me now.

DAVID It’s real to you? Congratulations. Why don’t we just donate the place as a home for welfare queens.

VIOLET “Welfare queens?”

DAVID I’m being satirical.

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VIOLET Are you? Because “welfare queen” is another racist dog whistle, created by people like Morris Johnson.

DAVID Okay. I get it.

VIOLET Do you?

DAVID Yes. Could you just try not to be so sanctimonious.

VIOLET Yeah. I’ll try not to be sanctimonious if you try not to say stupid shit.

DAVID So what exactly would you have me do?

VIOLET Go back into real journalism.

DAVID You may not have noticed, but print media is dying.

VIOLET There are still jobs out there.

DAVID Yeah. Out there. We’d have to move.

VIOLET You can freelance.

DAVID And make what? A fifth of what I make now?

VIOLET I can teach.

DAVID As an adjunct?

VIOLET Yes. And we’d really economize this time.

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DAVID Do you know what that means?

VIOLET Sure. We could eat out less. And we could give up the club.

DAVID We’d also have to let go of the landscaper.

VIOLET Okay.

DAVID You’re going to mow 20 acres every two weeks? Because I sure don’t want to.

VIOLET Okay. Maybe it’s too much. We could sell the house.

DAVID I’m not selling the house and I’m not quitting my job. There are problems with the FEI, but I can work for change within the institute.

VIOLET That’s your line?

DAVID I have an international platform. I have power.

VIOLET And you’ll have mixed-race grandchildren some day. Is this the world you want to bring them into?

DAVID Well, whether I want to or not, this is the world.

VIOLET You’re going to tell that to Carter and Cynthia?

DAVID Yeah. If they can’t deal with it, maybe they shouldn’t get married …Where the hell is Carter? I wish he’d get his ass back up here.

Violet stares at David. David stares off into the distance. Lights down.

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Act 2 Scene 2

1808. The following dawn on the Fairview terrace. Charles and Ann enter from the field. Charles carries a folded blanket.

CHARLES

My darling, the sun is above the horizon.

ANN There’s a chill in the air. Hold me.

Charles embraces her.

CHARLES The servants are already about. ANN Mother will be up as well.

CHARLES My angel, we should hurry inside, or she’ll be angry with you.

ANN No. I don’t believe she will.

CHARLES What would you tell her?

ANN The truth.

CHARLES You would tell her we have lain together tonight? Outside? In the garden?

ANN If she asks. I have no secrets from Mother.

CHARLES And your father?

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ANN That is another matter.

CHARLES You father doesn’t like me. Does he?

ANN Father will come to know you as I do. He will see the goodness in you.

CHARLES How can he see it when I do not see it myself?

ANN No. You are good. You are yourself again.

CHARLES Perhaps.

ANN You have not taken a drink all night.

CHARLES No. You have banished all the demons from my mind.

ANN You must remain strong when I leave.

CHARLES Yes. I must. I will try.

ANN Charles, what happened in the slave patrols that caused you to drink?

CHARLES (Pause)

It is a difficult thing to speak of.

ANN Perhaps speaking of it will make it less difficult.

CHARLES It is not for your ears.

ANN If we are to be man and wife, we must be able to share such things.

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CHARLES Let me just say that one of my tasks was applying the lash. After a few months, I was able to perform this duty without minding the cries. ANN You were under orders, and now you’re done with the militia. You will forget all that. You can resume life as it was. CHARLES Yesterday, I ordered Cato to use the whip on the field hands. He refused and I promised to have him whipped by Mister Yancey.

ANN Did you have him whipped?

CHARLES No. I couldn’t locate Mister Yancey. Once I’d returned to the house, I began to reflect on my actions. I hate this business.

ANN Father hates it as well. Tell him what you have experienced in the militia. He will lend a sympathetic ear.

CHARLES I will, but first I must find Cato and be reconciled with him. He’s much more than a servant to me.

ANN He should be part of the household again.

CHARLES Yes. I will make this right.

Charles exits. Ann gets up and dances around the terrace, doing a waltz with an imaginary partner. Martha enters.

MARTHA

You have not been to bed.

ANN No, mother.

MARTHA You must be tired.

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ANN No. Not a bit.

MARTHA All the same, you should try to get some rest.

ANN The most wonderful thing has happened.

MARTHA Yes, dear. You may tell me after you have gotten some rest.

ANN But, mother, I am a woman now.

MARTHA Certainly. You are almost 18. Where is Sukey? There is no breakfast.

ANN Did you hear me?

MARTHA Yes, dear.

ANN Did you not take my meaning?

MARTHA Ah, there is your father. Ann, it would be best for you to go to bed.

ANN Yes, mother. Good morning, Father.

As Thomas enters the room, Ann exits.

THOMAS Good morning.

Thomas sits down. THOMAS

She is up early.

MARTHA Yes.

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THOMAS Is there no breakfast?

MARTHA Apparently not.

Sukey enters. She is out of breath.

THOMAS Sukey, where is Doctor Bankhead? Has he been called away?

SUKEY I don’t know, sir.

MARTHA Why is there no breakfast prepared?

SUKEY I’m sorry, Ma’am, but I’ve been up all night.

JOHN Are you ill?

SUKEY No, sir. It’s Cato. He’s gone missing.

THOMAS This is alarming news. Do you know why he would abandon his duties?

SUKEY Yes, sir. He was threatened with the whip.

(To Martha) It’s what I was saying to you the other day, Ma’am. Cato is mortal afraid of the whip.

MARTHA Yes, Sukey.

THOMAS Pardon me, Sukey. You have already spoken of this to Missus Randolph?

SUKEY Yes, sir. I asked Missus Randolph if you could purchase Cato and me back to Monticello.

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MARTHA That is true. Thomas, I was going to bring it up with you today.

SUKEY Yes, sir. It’s because of Mister Yancey, sir. He’s awful free with the whip.

THOMAS

Yancey. Do you mean Miles Yancey?

SUKEY Yes. That is the man.

THOMAS Miles Yancey has a terrible reputation in Albemarle County.

SUKEY Mister Randolph, please. If Cato has run off, please don’t let them whip him.

THOMAS I will do what I can. First we must make every effort to locate Cato and return him peaceably.

SUKEY Yes, sir.

MARTHA In the meanwhile, you should return to your chores.

SUKEY Yes, ma’am. Thank you. I’ll attend to your breakfast.

Sukey exits.

THOMAS Sukey asked if we could lease her and Cato? And you didn’t think to mention it to me?

MARTHA Yes, Thomas, I was going to ask you. But frankly, I didn’t wish to excite your prejudice against Charles as Anne’s suitor.

THOMAS Excite my prejudice?

A distant cry is heard, and then shouts. What was that?

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Thomas looks off in the distance.

THOMAS

There seems to be some activity at the end of the field.

MARTHA Where?

THOMAS There. By the tree ... Oh.

MARTHA What is it, Thomas? Your eyesight is more acute than mine.

THOMAS … Martha, let’s return indoors.

MARTHA What’s the matter? Has someone been hurt?

THOMAS I’ll tell you once we are inside.

Ann enters from the house.

ANN I heard shouting. What is happening?

THOMAS

Martha, escort Ann inside.

ANN Father, what is it?

Everyone looks at the same point in the distance. Why are they gathering by the tree? … Oh. Dear God. John enters.

THOMAS Dr. Bankhead, who is that? What has happened?

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JOHN Mr. Randolph, I am trying to determine that. For now, would you please escort your family into the parlor?

Thomas, Ann and Martha exit. Charles enters. Charles, who has done this?

CHARLES The militia found Cato twenty miles north on the Fredricksburg road. He gave them chase.

JOHN And now they have hanged him?

CHARLES He was already dead. They hanged him as an example for the other slaves.

JOHN This is an outrage.

CHARLES Yes, but it was that, or his head on a stake.

JOHN Where is the leader of the militia? I will have him court martialed.

CHARLES Father, stop. I know the man.

JOHN And you have not spoken to him?

CHARLES Yes. We cannot take him down. Otherwise we will not collect the state payment.

JOHN Of course we will receive payment. They had no business shooting him down.

CHARLES But they didn’t shoot him. Cato shot himself.

JOHN I don’t believe it.

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CHARLES They have my discharged pistol to prove it.

JOHN Then it was under duress, provoked by the militia bungling their task.

CHARLES There is no repayment for suicides. Unless he is allowed to hang there for five days, the Captain will file an accurate report.

JOHN I don’t understand. Cato seemed perfectly content. We gave him every liberty. Why would he run away?

CHARLES I suppose the field work was too much for him.

JOHN This is unspeakable. In full view of our guests. I will have a word with the officer.

CHARLES Don’t do it, father. I am well acquainted with the Captain. Offend him and we will lose the state money.

JOHN But it is barbaric. It is completely immoral.

CHARLES It is 300 dollars.

John and Charles continue to stare across the field. Lights down.

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Act 2 Scene 3

2018. Lights up on the crying tree, where Carter is gently swinging on the swing and sipping from the Bourbon bottle. The rope creaks as he swings. He sings the fifties standard, “It’s Almost Like Being in Love.” CARTER (Singing)

What a day this has been. What a rare mood I’m in. Why it’s almost like being in love. There’s a smile on my face For the whole human race. Why it’s almost like being in love.

Carter gets up from the swing and stands up to address an imaginary audience.

My fellow Americans. I am proud to be your Democratic candidate. And as your Democratic Congressman, I swear I will never lie to you, so let me honestly explain how I will serve each and every one of you good Democrats. First of all, I promise to work tirelessly on your behalf. Every morning, I will leave my Congressional chambers, cross the street, and enter a call center where I will spend four to five hours every day on the phone begging you for money. To my health insurance friends, I promise I’ll spend 15 percent of our GDP on healthcare, giving you half of that money back in pure profit, all the while maintaining the least efficient healthcare system in the developed world. To my Wall Street friends, I’ll keep defunding education so you can fill in the gaps with extortionate student loans. You can also write your own regulations. And when the next financial crisis rolls around, I’ll make sure the taxpayers bail you out again. For Halliburton and all you other multinationals, I’ll keep funding two never ending wars, dozens of unnecessary military bases, and all the arms payments and defense contracts you can handle. All this and more I promise to you, my people, because I care for you. For the few of you good liberal Democrats I may have left out, the 99 percent or so, here’s what I have to say to you--go fuck yourselves.

Carter holds up two middle fingers to his imaginary crowd. After a moment, Cynthia and Sharon enter. CYNTHIA

Carter?

CARTER

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Ladies. CYNTHIA

Are you okay?

CARTER I’m fine.

CYNTHIA Did you make up your mind?

CARTER Nope.

CYNTHIA Come on back. We can still get the impeachment votes without giving up Cortez.

SHARON Carter, let me drive you home.

CARTER You want to drive me home?

SHARON Back to D.C., on my way to the airport. You don’t need this.

CYNTHIA (To Sharon)

You don’t see how important this is?

SHARON Not really. No.

CYNTHIA There’s a real chance for change now. And this Cortez bill could be the beginning.

SHARON You think Democratic Socialism is going to change anything for African Americans?

CYNTHIA Yes. This is a chance to form a broad coalition, white and black.

SHARON Well, excuse me if I’m not so optimistic. This country has had lots of government hand outs and they usually go to white people.

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CYNTHIA Really? Social security?

SHARON Social security excluded 70 percent of blacks. Western land grants only went to whites. Same for the GI bill. You won’t get socialism in this country until you end racism.

CYNTHIA So how’s Carter supposed to end racism?

SHARON Carter knows.

CYNTHIA Carter knows what?

CARTER Sharon wants me to introduce a reparations bill.

CYNTHIA Reparations? That has even less of a chance of passing universal health care.

SHARON So start the conversation. Let voters know that you can’t systematically terrorize and plunder a people for 400 years and then say the victims are not entitled to anything.

CYNTHIA I agree. I do, but Carter has limited political capital.

SHARON How can I expect you to understand—the daughter of the best friend of the most influential racist in the country?

CYNTHIA My father doesn’t agree with Morris Johnson.

SHARON You could have fooled me. He was pretty quiet in there while we were discussing Morris’ book.

CYNTHIA He’s trying to help Carter.

SHARON Is he?

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Brad enters.

BRAD Hello, Carter.

CARTER Brad.

BRAD (To Cynthia)

You were supposed to bring him back.

CARTER Is Morris gone?

BRAD No. Not yet. Listen, Carter. I want you to hear you the latest tweet from the executive office.

CARTER Sure. These are always good for a laugh.

BRAD This one’s not so funny.

Brad reads from his phone. Satellite images show that Iran is assembling their nuclear arsenal. You can’t negotiate loser peace treaties with demagargs. He meant “demagogue.” It’s time to act. Now.

CYNTHIA What satellite images?

CARTER It’s bullshit, right?

BRAD Of course it is. But he’s serious about some kind of military action. And if that happens, we’ll never get a vote to impeach.

CYNTHIA You’re going to give in to Morris because of a tweet?

BRAD Cynthia, I want to talk to Carter. Alone.

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CYNTHIA This is their MO.

BRAD Please. Go back and don’t talk to Morris with anything even vaguely political.

CYNTHIA Can’t we review other options?

BRAD I’m not running a debate team here.

CARTER Brad’s right. Go back to Morris, and make nice.

CYNTHIA But—

CARTER This isn’t working, Cynthia.

CYNTHIA What do you mean it’s not working?

CARTER It means go now, or you’re fired.

CYNTHIA (Pause)

Okay.

Cynthia exits. Sharon stares at Carter.

CARTER (To Sharon)

Do you have something to say?

SHARON No. Not a thing, Mister Congressman.

Sharon exits.

BRAD We’ve got to get this vote done next week.

CARTER

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Okay. But let’s look at some alternatives to voting against single payer. BRAD

Then we’ll have to talk about taxes.

CARTER Sure. Whatever. Let’s talk about taxes.

Lights down.

Act 2 Scene 3

1808. The morning of the third day of the visit. Thomas Mann Randolph writes a letter. As he writes, he mouths the words and gestures silently with great intensity. Martha enters.

MARTHA

Thomas, how could you?

Thomas continues to write furiously.

MARTHA Thomas!

THOMAS (Not looking up)

Yes, Martha.

MARTHA Doctor Bankhead has informed me that you’ve rescinded the dowry.

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THOMAS That is correct.

MARTHA How could you do such a thing without consulting me?

THOMAS Because Charles Bankhead is not a suitable match for Ann.

MARTHA Charles simply made a terrible mistake. Do you know he is distraught?

THOMAS I know he is drunk.

MARTHA You are drunk.

THOMAS I have been drinking. There is a difference—and I have never been so clear headed.

MARTHA Why don’t you come indoors? This view here is no longer salutary.

THOMAS On the contrary, my dear. It strengthens my resolve.

MARTHA Your resolve to do what?

THOMAS I’m writing your father a letter. Before he leaves office, he must use his considerable influence to end this blot on the land.

MARTHA Thomas, how can he do it now?

THOMAS I have a plan. A plan that calls for gradual emancipation. All children born into slavery will be freed by the age of 17.

MARTHA Is that practical?

THOMAS

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We will have to make some sacrifices. After your father’s return, we will live a simpler life away from Monticello. MARTHA But we have made our home at Monticello. THOMAS Yes, which your father insists on running like a French hotel.

MARTHA But he cannot turn away guests. We have to maintain a reputation for hospitality.

THOMAS Yes, our famous southern hospitality, built on the backs of slaves.

ANN enters.

ANN Father, I must speak to you.

THOMAS Not now. I am busy. MARTHA Thomas, you should let her speak. THOMAS Very well then. Speak.

ANN Charles is not to blame for what happened to Cato.

THOMAS No? Who is to blame then?

ANN We are all to blame.

THOMAS He drove Cato to his death.

ANN Charles was desperate to save the harvest.

THOMAS

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He was drunk. He is drunk now.

ANN Because he is ashamed and distraught. At least he had the courage to tell me what he had done.

THOMAS Then he should have the courage to accept the consequences.

MARTHA Please, Thomas. Charles knows he made a terrible mistake. He is still a fine young man.

THOMAS He is corrupted.

ANN No, father.

THOMAS Yes, corrupted, like so many of our other fine young men. And how can they not be corrupted? How do our fine young men learn justice and industry when the example we set is to hold men in chains and steal their labor?

ANN Then we are all corrupted.

THOMAS Perhaps, which is why this abomination must end.

Thomas continues to write feverishly. ANN The wedding date is already set. THOMAS And now it is un-set.

ANN Father, you cannot stop me from marrying Charles.

THOMAS Can’t I?

ANN I must inform you, father, that Charles and I know each other as man and wife.

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THOMAS (Finally, looking up)

Know each other?

ANN Yes. As Adam knew Eve.

THOMAS What? … When?

ANN The night before last.

THOMAS What is this? Suddenly, I find myself in the midst of a farce.

Charles enters. He is unkempt, drunk and miserable.

THOMAS Ah! Right on cue. Enter the ardent young paramour.

CHARLES Sir, if I may—

THOMAS You may not. Martha I see your hand in this.

MARTHA Please, Thomas, understand. They love each other.

THOMAS And in this romantic comedy, love must always triumph, mustn’t it?

MARTHA Please, Thomas. Charles is here and wishes to speak to you. Let us reach an understanding.

THOMAS My apologies, but I will no longer play the part of the old fool. ANN Father, would you please speak to Charles? THOMAS Excuse me. I have a letter to write, and evidently I cannot write it here.

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Thomas gets up.

MARTHA Thomas, please.

THOMAS I said excuse me.

Thomas exits.

MARTHA He is overwrought. I will bring him back.

Martha exits to house.

CHARLES Your father loathes me. ANN You must write to him, Charles. Explain that you didn’t mean to occasion Cato’s death and that you believe in the injustice of slavery, just as he does. You believe slavery to be unjust, do you not?

CHARLES Yes. Unjust—and immutable.

ANN He will free his slaves, regardless.

CHARLES Do you think so? Do you think he intends to till his own fields and empty his own chamber pots and tell his pretty daughters that he can no longer give them new dresses and combs and watches? No. It is much easier to be angry at me.

ANN But you mourn Cato.

CHARLES Yes. I mourn, but I also know I was a fool to think I could treat Cato as anything but an inferior.

ANN No, Charles. You were just being humane.

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CHARLES I was cruel. Cruel to befriend him. Cruel to teach him to read and write. Cruel not to show him his place early in life. Had I not played my part from the beginning, he might have accepted his lashing with the resignation of the brute, and not try to escape with his dignity.

ANN That is the lesson you have learned from this tragic affair? That you should have been more cruel to Cato? You were right to be kind to him.

CHARLES No. You cannot be a kind slave owner. It is a contradiction in terms.

ANN I know this is hard for you now. But you will recover from this. You will be yourself again.

CHARLES Myself? Do you mean the boy you played with under the tree? No. I will never be that Charles again.

ANN Oh, Charles. I am sorry for you.

CHARLES Ann, please, let’s go to some quiet place. Where I can hold you.

ANN But we are preparing to leave.

CHARLES Just for a few minutes.

Charles holds her. Ann holds him, comforting him. Please, my darling. Let’s be away.

ANN I can’t, Charles. I’m sorry.

CHARLES Please.

Charles tries to kiss Ann.

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ANN No, Charles.

CHARLES I can’t bear the thought of losing you.

ANN You’re not losing me.

Charles tries to kiss her again. She resists.

ANN Charles, you’re drunk. Release me! Charles. Charles!

They struggle. Ann pushes Charles. Just as Martha enters, Charles pulls his hand back as if to strike her with the back of his hand. He slowly lowers his hand.

CHARLES

Oh, my darling. Please forgive me.

MARTHA What is happening here?

ANN I was only saying goodbye to Charles.

MARTHA Ann, go finish your packing.

Ann exits.

MARTHA Charles, do you wish to be married to my daughter?

CHARLES Yes, Ma’am. I do. More than anything. I must speak to Mister Randolph. MARTHA Let things settle for a while. I think patience now is the better course.

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CHARLES Yes, Ma’am, but I’d like to do something to make an amends, of sorts. I would like you to take Sukey back with you. MARTHA You wish to give Sukey back?

CHARLES Yes. To do with her what you will—if it is indeed your intention to free your slaves some day.

MARTHA And this is amenable to your father? After all, Sukey is his property.

CHARLES Yes, Ma’am. Perhaps you could tell Mister Randolph that, in this respect at least, I have tried to restore our family ties.

MARTHA Yes, I will tell him. I will also speak to my father, the President. He will fix the terms of a new dowry with Doctor Bankhead. CHARLES Thank you.

MARTHA Now go to your father. In times like these, youth must trust in the wisdom of their elders. And then we will all say goodbye, and try to forget this unpleasantness.

CHARLES Yes, Madam.

Charles exits. Martha watches him. Lights down on the terrace.

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Act 2 Scene 4

Lights up on the terrace. David and Morris are on one side of the terrace looking down the field at the crying tree.

MORRIS

Do you see them down there?

DAVID Yes. They’re walking back.

MORRIS They’ve taken quite a bit of time with this.

DAVID Do you think Carter will exchange votes?

MORRIS They will if they have any sense.

DAVID Is there anything else I can do, you know, to make my case with the board?

MORRIS Now that you mention it, there might be something.

DAVID Yes?

MORRIS The re-release of The IQ Factor is scheduled for next month. My plan is to form a panel representing the Institute. And I’d like you on that panel.

DAVID A panel? Defending The IQ Factor?

MORRIS Defending. Discussing. There will be speaking engagements across the country. I’m going to ask Dan and Terry to join us. It will be a road trip. Can you imagine the fun we’ll have?

DAVID Oh, yes, but you know, it’s not really my area of expertise.

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MORRIS

I’ve included a few new chapters on economic solutions, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to get up to speed. I’ll send you an advanced copy of the new edition. It will go a long way in assuring the board.

DAVID Okay.

MORRIS I can understand that defending my book could be problematic for you now, given your family circumstances.

DAVID Yes. There is that.

MORRIS I know there’s a lot of pressure to seem “politically correct” these days, but between us, has the IQ gap ever been more glaringly apparent? After all, look at Africa. DAVID Well, there are political and social factors there— MORRIS Colonialism? South Africa is only first-world country on the continent. And why? European influence. Really, David, can you name one first-rate black scientist or mathematician?

DAVID Morris, I know you’ve also made these arguments about women.

MORRIS I know we can’t discuss this with the ladies present, but do you doubt it? Has there ever been a woman that you could call a genius?

DAVID Well, actually, uh …

Brad and Carter enter from the field.

MORRIS Welcome back.

BRAD Sorry for the delay, Morris. And thanks for giving Carter and me a little time to put our heads together.

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MORRIS

Not at all. I’m sure we can arrive at some mutually satisfactory agreement.

BRAD Yes, let’s do this while we have some …

Violet enters from the kitchen. Cynthia and Sharon follow her. Brad rolls his eyes.

… privacy.

DAVID Vi, could you give us a minute?

VIOLET Oh, don’t let us get in your way. We ladies will just sit over here and talk about the wedding.

MORRIS Look, everyone, I’d like to apologize if I’ve caused any discord here tonight.

VIOLET Well, Morris, politics can be very divisive. Now you men do what you need to do. I mean, it’s not like you’re discussing state secrets, is it? So you just go right ahead.

MORRIS Very well.

The men take their seats on one side of the patio, while the women remain standing, eyeing the men like hawks. Brad glances over at the women uncomfortably.

BRAD

Okay, so again, sorry for the delay, Morris. Carter and I just needed a little time to get on the same page with this.

MORRIS Of course. I understand. None of this is to be entered into lightly.

BRAD So here’s the thing. If the Cortez bill gets introduced in the house this year, Carter will vote against it. How will that do?

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MORRIS I see. I can certainly take that back to the congressmen. The thing is, the bill probably may not get out of committee until the Spring.

CARTER If that’s the case, I want to reserve the right to vote with the party.

BRAD But only if the party takes it up, and that’s extremely unlikely at this point.

MORRIS Okay. That’s a start.

BRAD We’re also willing to give up some other votes, say, on maintaining the current capital gains rate. Would that be enough for the congressmen?

MORRIS It might be. But perhaps we could sweeten the pot for me.

BRAD What do you suggest?

MORRIS I was just talking to David about this. I’m going on a book tour in a few weeks to introduce the re-release of the IQ Factor. Perhaps Carter would be interested in joining a panel discussion of the book.

SHARON Seriously? The men ignore her.

CARTER How many panels are we talking about?

MORRIS I’d say a half dozen or so. College campuses mostly. Who knows. Maybe I’ll try Vanderbilt again.

SHARON Over my dead body.

CARTER (Again, ignoring Sharon, directing his response to Morris)

I don’t see how it can hurt to talk.

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SHARON

It hurts because appearing on stage legitimizes him and his book.

CARTER (Still not acknowledging Sharon, but taking her point)

Morris, I would be free to question the book, wouldn’t I?

MORRIS Of course, within reason. We don’t have to get diverted by the spurious racial issues. The new edition of the book makes it clear that we’re dealing with class, not race.

SHARON New bottle. Old wine.

MORRIS Actually, Carter, I’ve added a chapter about solutions to economic inequality, including a section on Guaranteed Income. Would that interest you?

CARTER Guaranteed income? What’s that?

MORRIS Guaranteed income, as the name suggests, would guarantee every citizen a minimum payment of say, ten thousand dollars a year. It’s a very controversial program. Some have called it socialism.

CYNTHIA Socialism? Hardly.

BRAD Cynthia, do you mind?

CYNTHIA Their plan is to replace all social spending including Medicare and social security. Guaranteed income is just another right-wing scheme to cut taxes for the wealthy.

BRAD Can we go inside?

CARTER Morris, is that true?

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MORRIS It would replace most entitlement programs. The cost would zero out, while we believe it would cause the indigent to spend the money more responsibly. Why don’t I send you a copy of my book and you can judge for yourself?

SHARON Did I warn you about this or not?

CARTER Thank you for your concern, big sister, but this is what government is all about. Finding middle ground.

SHARON What middle ground? This is how they keep pushing the middle ground further and further to the right.

BRAD With all due respect, we’re working here to impeach Donald Trump and restore democracy. Do you agree with that?

SHARON This is what they’ve been doing for the past 40 years. They use confusion and chaos to destroy democracy.

BRAD Sharon, I know you’re upset with Morris’ book, but this is a different situation.

SHARON It’s no different at all. Do you think the race baiting is just an accident? Getting you to sit on stage with him just hides the fact that it’s the same strategy they’ve been using for four centuries--divide by race so they can conquer by class.

CARTER Okay, that’s enough. I think you’ve made your point.

SHARON Have I? Because don’t think for a second that the Morris won’t own you, just like he owns David.

DAVID Excuse me. Nobody owns me.

SHARON So you can say whatever you think at the Free Enterprise Institute?

93

DAVID Yes. Of course.

SHARON And you completely agree with the IQ Factor?

DAVID Yes. Much of it.

MORRIS Much of it?

DAVID Yeah.

MORRIS What parts don’t you agree with?

DAVID Actually, I do have a problem with some of the chapters.

MORRIS Which chapters are those?

DAVID The ones that deal with race.

MORRIS You’ve told me you admired the book.

DAVID Yes. I did.

MORRIS Under the circumstances, I can understand this sudden show of political correctness.

DAVID I’m not being politically correct.

MORRIS Then which is it? Do you agree with the book or not?

DAVID I agree with some of the book, but I also agree with some of your critics who found problems with your test data.

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MORRIS They didn’t understand the regression studies. That’s why you need to reread the book and familiarize yourself with the math.

DAVID I understand how the statistics work. When you take all the environmental influences into account--the economic conditions, the access to education, the stresses of poverty—the 15 point disparity is negligible.

MORRIS Stresses of poverty? It’s a question of science. Objective science.

DAVID Science? But you haven’t responded to any of the challenges from real scientists.

MORRIS Real scientists?

DAVID Your background is economics, not biology or neurobiology.

MORRIS Clearly you don’t seem to want to understand the book at all.

DAVID I’m sorry, Morris, I’ve read the book and the responses carefully, and I have to conclude that the IQ Factor is just poor science, and probably, as I come to think of it, much worse than that.

MORRIS Much worse? What’s that supposed to mean?

DAVID Well—

MORRIS Well, what?

SHARON If I may, it means you’ve legitimized racist dogma to give you and other powerful white people political and financial advantages.

MORRIS Really, David, is that what you’re saying?

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DAVID Yeah. I guess it is.

MORRIS Clearly you don’t seem to want to understand the book at all, or the core values of the Institute. And that’s not just my opinion.

DAVID Well, you have your opinions, and I have mine, namely that the IQ Factor is an 800-page piece of racist crap.

MORRIS (Pause)

Well, you’ve certainly left me with no choice but to recommend your dismissal to the board.

DAVID That won’t be necessary. You can have my resignation right now.

MORRIS (Pause)

Very well. I’ll let them know.

DAVID Good. Thank you.

BRAD Look, Morris. About the impeachment vote--

MORRIS I think we’ve covered enough ground for one evening. I should get going.

BRAD I think we can still come to an understanding—

MORRIS Perhaps. Call me at the office.

BRAD Definitely. First thing Monday.

MORRIS Violet, thank you for a lovely evening. You really do have a beautiful home.

VIOLET Thank you, Morris.

96

Morris exits.

SHARON

I should get back too.

VIOLET Sharon, don’t go. I was hoping you’d stay with us tonight.

SHARON Thanks, but I’ve got an early morning flight. I’ve got to teach a class tomorrow—on the Reconstruction.

VIOLET Well, thank you for coming.

SHARON I wouldn’t have missed this. Oh. And I can’t wait for the wedding.

Sharon hugs everyone except Brad, who fumes quietly. When Sharon gets to Carter, she gives him an affectionate pat (or slap) on the face.

See you, Brother.

CARTER Yeah. Take care, Sis.

Sharon exits.

CYNTHIA Way to go, Dad.

David reacts emotionally.

BRAD Yeah. Way to go.

CYNTHIA Somebody had to tell Morris off.

BRAD It was indulgent.

CYNTHIA Indulgent? Dad just gave up his job.

97

BRAD

Is that worth two more years of Trump?

CARTER I’ll call each the three Reps tomorrow. We should try negotiating with them directly.

BRAD Not if we don’t get Morris.

VIOLET David, why don’t you help me straighten up?

DAVID Sure.

Violet and David exit.

BRAD Look, Carter. I want you to call Morris first thing tomorrow morning. You need to apologize for what happened here.

CARTER Apologize?

BRAD We can still salvage this. But you have to be clear. We’ve got to give him the Cortez vote with no conditions.

CYNTHIA No way.

BRAD Cynthia, enough already.

CYNTHIA If the Democratic party wants to remain viable—

BRAD Yeah. The Democratic party. Not Democratic Socialist.

CYNTHIA As long as the party is controlled by big money—

98

BRAD Okay. That’s it. It’s her or me. Either she goes or I go.

CYNTHIA This is why they didn’t want Sanders--

CARTER Cynthia, that’s enough. Your fired.

CYNTHIA What? You’re firing me?

CARTER Yeah.

CYNTHIA Carter, please. I know I step out of line sometimes, but --

CARTER Brad’s right. It’s not working. There’s going to be a lot of changes.

BRAD Finally!

CARTER And the first change is I’m not going into the call center anymore.

BRAD What? CARTER I’m done with the call center. BRAD Where do you plan to go? You can’t raise money in chambers.

CARTER I know. We’re going to raise money on the website. Small donations only.

BRAD We’re only getting $500 a week—at most. You have to raise a hundred grand this week. We’re already on thin ice with the DNC.

CARTER I know. That’s why I’m leaving the party.

99

BRAD You’re leaving the party? As an independent?

CARTER As a Democratic Socialist.

BRAD I hope you’re joking.

CARTER No. No joke.

BRAD Okay. Don’t do anything crazy now. This has been a stressful night. Why don’t you sleep on it and we’ll talk in the morning.

CARTER I won’t change my mind.

BRAD Well, I can’t be a part of that.

CARTER Like you said, it’s been a stressful evening. Sleep on it and we’ll talk in the morning.

BRAD I’m not working for someone who calls himself a socialist. It’s political suicide.

CARTER Okay, I understand. On Monday, you can say goodbye to the staff.

BRAD You mean MY staff. Do you think they’re going to stay now?

CARTER I guess we’ll find out.

BRAD Yeah. I guess we will.

CARTER Okay. See you Monday.

Brad pauses for a minute.

100

BRAD Okay. Fuck it.

Brad exits.

CYNTHIA

You just fired Brad.

CARTER I’d say he quit.

CYNTHIA So what are you going to do without a Chief of Staff?

CARTER I was wondering if you wanted the job.

CYNTHIA Okay. Yes.

CARTER It won’t be easy.

CYNTHIA I don’t think I can get you re-elected.

CARTER Probably not.

CYNTHIA We should decide which of the staffers you want to keep and call them as soon as possible.

CARTER Sounds reasonable.

CYNTHIA And we’ll need to map out our communications plan. Tonight.

CARTER You mean now?

CYNTHIA It will just take an hour or two.

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CARTER Could you make some coffee first?

CYNTHIA Coffee? … I would love to make some coffee.

Carter and Cynthia exit into the house. Lights down on the terrace. Lights come up on Sukey who kneels under the crying tree. She is in extreme emotional distress.

SUKEY Cato, I don’t blame you, honey. You’re the best man I ever knew.

Thomas enters. Sukey wipes her eyes but remains kneeling.

THOMAS

Sukey, please leave this place and return with us.

SUKEY No. My place is here with Cato.

THOMAS Doctor Bankhead has been very generous in allowing you to come with us. You may not have this opportunity again.

SUKEY

Please, Mister Randolph, tell Doctor Bankhead to end this.

THOMAS I have spoken to Doctor Bankhead. I’m afraid the matter is settled.

SUKEY I swear to God I’ll work for you like I never worked before. Please, Mister Randolph. Please pay him to cut Cato down now and bury him decent.

THOMAS I’m sorry, Sukey. There is nothing to be done now. But I promise you I will do everything in my power to end this terrible institution.

SUKEY Mister Randolph, do you believe we are all brothers and sisters?

THOMAS Yes. I believe we are all equal in God’s eyes.

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SUKEY

What about your eyes, Mister Randolph? Don’t you see him hanging there?

THOMAS (Not looking up) Sukey, please. Come from this place. SUKEY You would never let them do this to a brother, or a child or any body you cared for. Aren’t we the same enough to stop this?!

Sukey shuts her eyes and cries silently. Thomas looks at her for a few moments, then exits. The light remains up on Sukey who continues to kneel under the tree. The lights come up on the terrace. Violet enters with a drink and sits down. She coexists with Sukey on the stage in their two separate periods, taking no notice of each other. Violet stares out at the view. After a moment, Carter enters on the terrace.

VIOLET

Hello, Carter.

CARTER Violet, I want to thank you for the dinner tonight.

VIOLET Of course.

CARTER I’m sorry about David’s job.

VIOLET Don’t be. This is a good thing for him. For us both.

CARTER So what are you going to do?

CYNTHIA We’ll move back into town. David will freelance. I’ll find a teaching job.

CARTER You should get your novel published.

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VIOLET I don’t think I can find a publisher. It’s not very commercial.

CARTER What? No happy ending?

VIOLET Not if I stick to the facts.

CARTER Which are?

VIOLET

Charles Bankhead, who married Jefferson’s granddaughter, became notorious for getting drunk and for beating his wife. Not a great resume for a romantic lead.

CARTER What about Jefferson’s son-in-law?

VIOLET Thomas Mann Randolph. As governor he introduced three bills to end slavery but they were all defeated. He died an alcoholic, estranged from his family.

CARTER And your slave characters?

VIOLET I really don’t know how to do justice to the things that happened here. It’s hard to imagine.

CARTER I’m sure it is.

VIOLET (Pause)

Carter, I’m so very glad you and Cynthia found each other.

CARTER Thank you.

VIOLET I’ll tell you one thing. I’m going to miss this view.

Carter and Violet stare out at the night. Sukey raises her head, her face a contorted mask of suffering. She cries a long, soft, keening wail. Lights down. END OF PLAY.