Remembrance+Day+2011

Black = Mrs. Higgi Purple = KIM! >:D Red= Claire :D Dark blue = Valerian light blue=Amber!!!!! Green= Zophia Pink= Kelsey

The final play: (The play opens in a plain room, on a bed, or bench Canadian brother and sister)**//Sister and Brother Narrator: Canada, British Columbia, Chilliwack 1917 World War One//****Brother**: Remember when the war was supposed to be over? Father was going off to fight; he said he'd just be back in a month or two. Remember his smile?**Sister**: Yes. Three years ago and it is clear as day. Johnnie, don't go.**Brother**: Don't go where?**Sister**: You know. Off to fight.**Brother**: You know I have to go off to the war. It isn't my choice, I am a conscript. If I had a choice, I'd never leave my big sister//. Prepares to leave//. Bye sister. Tell mother I love her. Make sure she eats her portion of the rations. I know she is skipping meals.**Sister**: Come back soon. Write a lot. Please (//hug//)**//Brother: Walks away//**
 * Sister ** : Just be okay (//exits//)

(Germany, Hutteung. Table and chairs)**//Sister and brother narrator: Germany, Hutteung, 1917 World War One//****Sister**: Brother, you're back! You’re back! (embraces brother) The army finally gave you a break! Mother will be so surprised! She just went to the ration station now! **Brother**: Yes, I am home for four days.**Sister**: Just four days Karl! Come on, can't you stay a little longer?**Brother**: (Smiles or laughs?) I wish that were possible. I was lucky to get this long. Some haven't even got a day to come back to their families. We were just close by on our way to EEPS.**Sister**: Oh, so much has happened. I finished school. I am going to become a nurse.**Brother**: My sister a nurse. (//face darkens//) But you don't want to do that. There are terrible things that happen on the battle field. You are too young for that Addie.**Sister**: (a small smile) Come on, I am old enough now. I am 18. Now listen, in a few minutes mother will be here. She's just at the rationing station, giving the extra eggs and potatoes that we had. We get our sugar and tea ration today, too!**Brother**: Is that all you're eating? Just eggs and potatoes?**Sister**: Yes, there's nothing else that we can eat anyway, we aren't going to kill any cows or chickens for food. We need them for their eggs and milk.**Brother**: Well, it is better than what we're eating at the army.**Sister**: What's that?**Brother**: Bread and water for the last few days.**Sister**: You need something to eat! Come, let me get you something to eat! //Exit//

Both Narrators: Canada, British Columbia, Chilliwack, 1917 Separated scene // Brother: writing a letter with other soldiers around // // Sister: reading the letter at home // **Brother:** July 1, 1917. Dear Jessie:I'm glad that mother is eating at the rations have gotten better. You are getting some butter now! Finally, some good news on your side. However, I have only bad news on my side. I am trying to make this letter a good one, for we are on the move to fight the Germans, near a place called EEPS, so I will not be able to write. The fellows I am with are a good crew, from all over Canada. Ronnie Timms is the youngest of us. Just barely 17. None of them have seen our Rocky Mountains out west though. I hope they will, one day. They are anxious to begin fighting…me, not so much. I question how peace can come from men shooting at each other. We are dug in deep where we are, but when we start moving again, we will have to pack light so we can move fast. I wish you all the best. Give mother my love. Pray for me Jessie. Love, John*******Sister**: July 5, 1917. Dear Johnnie,I hope this reaches you. I love you. I miss you so much. I will take your advice. I have started helping people…everyone is affected by this war. Here is my first step. There is a little girl down the street named Mary-Anne. Everyone calls her Annie. Annie likes to draw, and she is nine, all ready so full of life and talent. She had her appendix removed recently. I hope that I can do something to help her ease the pain or at least distract her from it. I had an idea. I decided to set up a neighbour donation of sugar rations. We all donated our weekly amount and were able to give her some goodies when she came back from the hospital…poor thing. It feels good to be able to do something. I have decided to work in the hospital! I am happier than I've felt since the war started. I am going to help and feel all the happier for it. This will be my life until the war is over. I will spread happiness-as much as I can in this terrible war. Be safe my brother,Jessica

Both narrators Germany, Hutteung 1917) (lights on)**Brother**: Addie, my hearing is not so good now.**Sister**: What has happened?**Brother**: The guns in the trenches Addie. I am going deaf.**Sister**: Oh, I didn’t know. So many things…your nightmares, no food, little supplies, and now this. Even if you survive the war, there is so much more you will have to live with.**Brother**: Yes. I am just thankful I haven’t had to shoot anyone…..yet. Oh, it is time to go!**Sister**: Be careful. (//Hugs//) I am leaving for my nurses training in the morning. I don’t want to be treating you at all, do you hear? //Waves, exit.//*******//Both sisters are reading. Brother Narrators take turns with each sentence.//**C**: Dear sister…**G:** Today as my battalion was scouting an area near EEPS…**C**: I came across beautiful fields outside a small town called Flanders…**G**: The sun was just coming up and I left my squad to take a closer look…**C**: There were poppies everywhere! Poppies on the hillside…**G**: Poppies winding around bushes…**C**: Poppies growing along the banks of a small stream…**G**: The air was sweet…**C**: There were larks playing on the wind…**Both**: I did not see him until we were close together… // Both soldiers raise guns. Blackout. Both soldiers exit the stage. // ********* **John McCrae**: (//Walks on holding notebook, sits down, writes, scribbles in notebook…move to microphone)// It is peaceful here. All the poppies. All the crosses (//shakes head//), but all the poppies…**German Sister**: Hello. (sits down) It is so beautiful here. You know, I remember this day. There was so many who died, every life so precious. Now they just lie under the poppies, such a pretty scene for all the death.**John McCrae**: Yes… (//writing//)The poppies lay row on row, No, not that…__In Flanders field the poppies blow____between the crosses row on row.__…Oh, I like that**German Sister**: What are you doing, Doctor McCrae?**JM:** Trying to write something…a poem…to help me remember this place…my friend is here, somewhere…under one of these crosses…Sister: Oh....**JM:**__That mark out place; (//look up//) and in the sky____the larks, still bravely singing, fly____scarce heard amidst the guns below.__**Canadian Brother**: (//enters//) I like that. I remember fighting in it. If it wasn't for Adeline here I'd be part of the dead, just lying in these fields...so many…young Ronnie…he had just started his life…**JM**: (write, scratch out)__We are the dead. Short days ago____We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.____Loved and were loved, and now we liein Flanders fields.__**Brother**: I just remember how bad it was, lying there for a full day and night with the wound on my shoulder…watching others take up the fight…someone even picked up my gun…because I could not use it…**JM**:__Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.__ __ If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields __ ************************ Poem read without interruption in French, PP in English on screen. Bow
 * // Brother and sister are at the table eating. //** (Someone behind stage calls an alarm "blackout")**Sister**: Come Brother, get into the cellar. **Brother**: How often does this happen?**Sister**: Quite a bit. The bombers come over from England and we must turn out all the lights to eliminate targets for the bombs. Can you hear them? They are far away, it is safe to turn the lights back on now.
 * Sister ** : It is a peaceful place here, this field of poppies. It will be an honour to those who died to rest here.**JM:**

This black isn't Mrs. Higgi. It is the final work on the play. Just doing black so it is easy to see. (The play opens in a plain room, on a bed, or bench Canadian brother and sister)

Sister and Brother Narrator: Canada, British Columbia, Chilliwack 1917 World War One

Brother: Remember when the war was supposed to be over? Father was going off to fight; he said he'd just be back in a month or two. Remember his smile?

Sister: Yes. Three years ago and it is clear as day. Johnnie, don't go.

Brother: Don't go where?

Sister: You know. Off to fight.

Brother: Jessie, I wish I had a choice.

Sister: There's always a choice.

Brother: You know I have to go off to the war. It isn't my choice. If I had a choice, I'd never leave my big sister.

Sister (nods head) I need to talk, we've been apart to much lately. I'm worried for mother. She isn't herself since father left. All mother seems to do is sit. I know you don't hear her in your room, but my walls are thin. She cries a lot, too much.

Brother: I see the look in her eyes. It got worse when the Canadians started dying, back in 1915. Much worse. She started getting that vacant look in her eyes. (Pause) Try to take care of her. Do your best. Please. For my sake. (Clasp hands, hugs, need something emotional))

(Germany, Hutteung. In a simple entrance)

Sister and brother narrator: Germany, Hutteung, 1917 World War One

Sister: Brother, you're back! Your back! The army finally gave you a break! Mom will be so surprised! She just went to the ration station now! She’s just getting a few potatoes.(embraces brother)

Sister: So do you have to go back?

Brother: Yes, in a few days’ time, four days to be exact

Sister: Just four days! Come on, can't you stay a little longer?

Brother: (Smiles or laughs?) I wish that were possible. I was lucky to get this long. Some haven't even got a day to come back to their families.

Sister: Oh, so much has happened. I finished school. I am going to become a nurse.

Brother: My sister a nurse. (face darkens) But you don't want to do that. There are terrible things that happen on the battle field. I've been lucky. Well, that isn't true. I was drafted into this hopeless war. All of these wars...such a waste of life. Sometimes I think I should just let myself die. It would be better than taking so many lives.

Sister: Don't talk that way brother. Don't even dare to think that way. Please, I can't lose you. I hope you know just how much you mean to me Karl. Please don't ruin our time here. You're in Hutteung for but four days. Please Karl.

Brother: You’re right Addie. (A deep pause)

Sister: (a small smile) Come on; don't call me Addie you fool. My name is Adeline.

Brother: If you want me to call you Adeline, you’re going to have to catch me Addie...

Sister: Seriously? You are such a child, at the age of 19 three years younger than me and you still want to play tag...

(Run of the scene)

--=---

Sister and Brother narrator: Canada, British Columbia, Chilliwack, 1917, World War One

Brother: Bye sister. Tell mother I love her.

Sister: Come back soon. Meet father. Write a lot. Please (hug)

Brother: Oh Jessie...I'm going to miss you so much. And of course mother too. Tell her I know why she couldn't say goodbye. Take good care of her. We're in a small town; you know that means you'll have help with the neighbors. Mother had many friends. Make sure she eats her portion of the rations. I know she is skipping meals.

Sister: Just be okay ( hug)

Brother: Walks away

(Come through back door, walk down aisle, walk back and forth through “street”, people in back ground)

Sister and brother narrator: Germany, Hutteung, 1917 World War One

Sister: Karl, I think I know what I need to do. Science is easy. I can be a nurse. For everyone you have to... (swallow) hurt, I can save a life. I can. I know I can.

Brother: Look, even now I see images of the war, in my dreams, in my head. The nurses have it worse. They see what happens after the battle. Do you think you can stomach a man screaming in agony, with bullets all through his body, Adeline?

Sister: This is something I have to do. Look in my eyes. You are forced to fight, I have the choice to save.

(Walk out of scene, well there gone Griffin? change to a dinner table and chairs)

Sister: (sets table)

Brother: (Paces)

Sister: Karl, stop pacing.

Brother: You sound like mother

Sister: In a few minutes mother will be here. She's just at the rationing station, giving the extra eggs and potatoes that we had. We get our sugar ration today, too!

Brother: Is that all you're eating? Just eggs and potatoes?

Sister: Yes, there's nothing else that we can eat anyway, we aren't going to kill any cows or chickens for food. We need them for their eggs and milk.

Brother: Well, it is better than what we're eating at the army.

Sister: What's that?

Brother: Bread and water.

Sister: You need something to eat! Come, let me get you something to eat!

Sister and brother narrator at the same time: 5 hours later.

(We start out in a darkened room with a bed, perhaps a night table or lamp)

Sister: (Tiptoe into the room.)

Brother: (Shakes in bed. Pops up, reaches for gun, not there)

Sister: It's just me, (rushes to bedside, grabs hand) its okay. Please, calm down. Brother, it's just me. I love you. Relax. Shh...It's only me.

Brother: What...who are you? Addie? (sigh) Adeline. I'm sorry, did I scare you.

Sister: Yes. Yes you did. Please, brother, don't let yourself think like this. The war is going to be over soon. But when it's over, you need to let all of the memories go. Please, understand, I know it is difficult. I see how bad things are. Brother, please don't keep all the pain.

Brother: Oh Adeline, please help. Just understand how hard it is. All those memories. They come in my dreams. One year of war.

Sister: (Nod head)

Brother: I don't want to fight. I can’t, I can’t.

Sister: We both know you don't have a choice. But how it affects you, how it changes you, that is your choice.

Brother: Oh sister, Adeline, as always, your right. Just do one thing for me, okay?

Sister: Okay

Brother: Don't be a nurse. I don't want you to see what battle does.

Sister: I have to. This is just something I need to do. I have to help.

Brother: There are other things for women to do, away from death.

Sister: Not for me. I do know a little English, but freeing up a telephone booth so another man can go fight and die isn't helping. It isn't what I need to do.

Brother: You could be a yeoman.

Sister: You know I have to do this. Just, relax. Please, go to sleep. You need your rest.

Brother: Addie, I have to go in just three days. That isn't enough time.

Sister: I know Karl, I know.(Walk out of scene)

(Canada, Two beds, brother ,sister) Both Narrators: Canada, British Columbia, Chilliwack, 1917 Brother:

Dear Jessie:

July 1

I'm glad that mother is eating. Finally, some good on your side. However, I have only bad news on my side. I am trying to make this letter a good one, for we are on the move to fight Germany, so I will not be able to write. I wish you all the best. I just hope you know how much I love you little Jessie. You are my sister, my twin, and there will always be a part in my heart for you. I am afraid, that in battle, I don't think I will have anyone to watch my back. The bunk mates of mine are cruel. They ripped up my letter from you. I am even more afraid I might not make it out. I love you and mother. Please tell her. If you respond right away, I might get the letter. I wish you the best. I know you have a lot of dreams, and if these are the last words I ever say to you, I want them to be I love you and Follow your dreams.

I love you and mother.

John

Dear Johnnie,

July 5,

I hope this reaches you. I love you. I miss you so much. I will take your advice. I am going to help people, help people in the war. I won't fight. I will save lives. I am starting small. Well, really not. I've joined the nurses. I will be going to Italy to help. Italy! Not only can I save lives, but I can see the world. Who knows, mabye there is somewhere where life is still happy. If I find that place I will work to spread joy. Here is my first step. There is a little girl down the street named Mary-Anne. Everyone calls her Annie. Annie likes to draw, and she is nine, all ready so full of life and talent. She had her appendix removed recently. I hope that I can do something to help her ease the pain or at least distact her from it. I had an idea. I decided to set up a neighbor donation of sugar rations. I think it must have felt better to give then to get. I am happier than I've felt since the war started. I am going to help and feel all the happier for it. This will be my life until the war is over. I will spread happiness-as much as I can in this terrible war.

I love you

Jessica

Both narrators Germany, Hutteung 1917)

(Someone behind stage calls an alarm "blackout")

Sister: Come Brother, mother, get into the cellar. Brother: How often does this happen? Sister: Quite a bit (lights on)

(Let's do a little nurse set up. Mabye a bench with white sheets, a tray, and then something that looks like surgical tools. Have her cleaning them or something. That can ocuppy the adiunces eyes. Just set up what we can)

Sister:

Dear Journal,

July, 10 1917

I feel full filled. It is difficult. In all honesty, it is terrible. There was a man beyond saving today. He died in my arms. But for that one man there were 7 I saved. It finally feels like I'm helping. It isn't easy. It isn't fun. The thing is, it is right. I remember a mere boy, tiny for his age. I remember how his face twisted in agony. I saw the bullet wound in his arm, and I made him better. All I can think is that he is someone's brother, someone's son. I hope that if anything happens to my brother, there will be help. I will work hard, and pray for my brother's safety. I've hear a little news; there is a lot of fighting going on. Canadians against the Germans. I know everyone hates them, calls them the Huns and says they eat babies, but I hope they have our rules. "If one is hurt, you help. If they are beyond help, you hold their hand, and don't let them die alone." Those were the words of our instructor, Maria. I hold them almost as close to my heart as I hold memories of my brother. This is the news from the war:

Canadians are fighting journeys. Everyone is at risk. I am unable to recieve any letters from the soldiers, really meaning my brother and father.

( Canadian Brother, Germany. Battle of Flanders. We can have a divider between the two and then move it for the battle. Mabye we use a drum or something to make a war sound effect, because we're short on money)

Brother:

April 9/ 1917

The sounds of battle are terrible. Please, God, let me survive this. (Sound effects, move fight, shoot) This is terrible. I'm going to die. ( movement, get shot.)

Soldier: (Shoot John and hide)

(Lie there, German sister comes, use stretcher to move him, scene change, hospital)

German Sister: You're lucky. It was only a suface wound

Canadian Brother: Thank you

G Sister: You're welcome, (grab hand, squeeze it)

C Brother: You know, I keep thinking I'm lucky. But if I was lucky I wouldn't just be surviving, I'd be thriving,

G Sister: You survived the second a battle of Flanders. The way the world is going, that is the best you can hope for.

C Brother: The battle of Flanders. Oh I bet my sister is going to panic.

G Sister: She's back at home?

C Brother: No, she's working as a nurse in Italy. We`ve changed so much. I guess, the war will stay with us long after it`s gone.

G Sister: Yes, it will.

(Clear it, set up for Flanders Fields)

(Crosses, other props set up. )

John McCrae: (Walks on holding notebook, sits down, writes, scribbles off)

It is peacful here. Sort of eiree. All the poppies.

German Sister: Hello. (sits down) It is so beautiful here. You know, I remember this day. There was so many who died, every life so precious. Now they just lie under the poppies, such a pretty scene for all the death

John McCrae: Thank you.

The poppies lay row on row, No, not that.

In Flanders field the poppies blow

between the crosses row on row.

Oh, I like that

German Sister: What are you doing,Doctor McCrae?

JM: Trying to write something

Sister: Oh....

John:

They mark out place; and in the sky

the larks, still bravely singing, fly

scarce heard admist the guns below.

Canadian Brother: Hi. I like that. I remember fighting in it. If it wasn't for Adeline I'd be part of the dead, just lying in these fields...

John McCrea: (write, scratch out)

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow.

We loved and were loved, and now we lie

in Flander's fields.

Brother: I just remember how bad it was. I felt as if I would never sleep again. After I was shot, I saw this torch. I think it let me survive, until Adeline saved me.

Sister: It would have taken days before someone could die from that surface wound-

John McCrae:

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields

=__// Everything that was here is now at the bottom. //__= =// German Brother: Karl German sister Adeline Nickname Addie //= =// Canadian Brother John Nickname Johnie Canadian Sister Jessica nickname Jessie //= =//__ Mrs. Higgi, before you print if you do there is an idea that would need clearing with you __//= =__//** UNDERNEATH THE LINES OPEN PLAY **//__= = I've cut some stuff. Will do a little editing. = = ========================================================================= = Brother://Remember when the war was supposed to be over? Father was going off to fight, he said he'd just be back in a month or two. Remember his lopsided smile?// //Sister: Yes. Three years ago and it is clear as day. Johnie, don't go.// //Brother: Don't go where?// //Sister: You know. Off to fight.// //Brother, Little Jessie, I wish I had a choice.// //Sister: There's always a choice, and don't call me little. I'm only a few minutes younger than you.// //Brother: You know I have to go off to the war. It isn't my choice.If I had a choice, I'd never leave my twin.// //Sister **(nods head)** I need to talk, we've been apart to much lately. I'm worried for mother. She isn't herself since father left. All mother seems to do is sit. I know you don't hear her in your room, but my walls are thin. She cries a lot, too much.// //Brother: I see the look in her eyes. It got worse when the Canadians started dying, back in 1915. Much worse. She started getting that vacant look in her eyes. (pause)// Try to take care of her. Do your best. Please. For my sake. **(Clasp Hands)** - //** (Germany, Hutteung . In a sparen entrance) **// //** (Run of the sceen) **// --=--- // Brother: Bye sister. Tell mother I love her. // // Sister: Come back soon. Meet father. Write a lot. Please **(hug)** // // Brother: Oh Jessie...I'm going to miss you so much. And of course mother too. Tell her I know why she couldn't say goodbye. Take good care of her. We're in a small town; you know that means you'll have help with the neighbors. Mother had many friends.Make sure she eats her portion of the rations. I know she is skipping meals. // // Sister: Just be okay **( hug)** // //Brother: Walks away// // --- // //** (Walking through the house) **// //** (Walk out of scene, well there gone change to a dinner table) **//
 * (The play opens in a plain room, on a bed, or bench Canadian brother and sister) **
 * Sister: Brother, you're back! Mom will be so surprised! She just went to the ration station now! (embraces brother) **
 * Sister: So do you have to go back? **
 * Brother: Yes, in a few days time, well four days **
 * Sister: Just four days! Come on, can't you stay a little longer? **
 * Brother: (//Smiles or laughs)// I wish that were possible. I was lucky to get this long. Some haven't even got a day to come back to their families. Hopefully father will be able to come home soon, as well. **
 * Sister: Oh, so much has happened. I finished school. I going to become a nurse. **
 * Brother: My little sister a nurse. //(face darkens)// But you don't want to do that. There are terrible things that happen on the battle field. I've been lucky. Well, that isn't true. I was drafted into this hopeless war. All of these wars...such a waste of life. Sometimes I think I should just let myself die. It would be better than taking so many lives. **
 * Sister: Don't talk that way brother. Don't even dare to think that way. Please, I can't lose you. I hope you know just how much you mean to me Karl. Please don't ruin our time here. You're in Hutteung for but four days. Please Karl. **
 * Brother: Your right Addie.(//A deep pause)// **
 * Sister: //(a small smile)// Come on, don't call me Addie you fool.My name is Adeline. **
 * Brother: If you want me to call you Adeline, your going to have to catch me Addie... **
 * Sister: Seriously? You are such a child, three years older than me and you still want to play tag.. **
 * Sister: Karl, I think I know what I need to do. Science is easy. I can be a nurse. For everyone you have to...(swallow) hurt, I can save a life. I can. I know I can. **
 * Brother: Look, even now I see images of the war, in my dreams, in my head. The nurses have it worse. They see what happens after the battle. Do you think you can stomach a man screaming in agony, with bullets all through his body, Adeline? **
 * Sister: This is something I have to do. Look in my eyes. You are forced to fight, I have the choice to save. Yes I can save lives, and I will. **
 * Brother: Well as usual, there's no point in stopping you from making your own decision. **
 * Sister: **//** (sets table) **//
 * Brother: **//** (Paces) **//
 * Sister: Karl, stop pacing. **
 * Brother: You sound like my mother **
 * Sister: In a few minutes your mother **** will be here. **
 * She's just at the rationing station, giving the extra eggs and potatoes that we had. We get our sugar ration today, too! **
 * Brother: Is that all you're eating? Just eggs and potatoes? **
 * Sister: Yes, there's nothing else that we can eat anyway, we aren't going to kill any cows or chickens for food. We need them for their eggs and milk. **
 * Brother: Well, it is better than what we're eating. **
 * Sister: What's that? **
 * Brother: Bread and water. **
 * Sister: You need something to eat! Come, let me get you something to eat! **

//** Sister and brother narrator at the same time: 5 hours later. **// // - // // --- // //** (Canada, Two beds, brother ,sister) **//
 * (We start out in a darkened room with a bed, perhaps a night table or lamp) **
 * Sister: //(Tiptoe into the room. )// **
 * Brother: //(Shakes in bed. Pops up, reaches for gun, not there)// **
 * Sister: It's just me, //(rushes to bedside, grabs hand)// It's okay. Please, calm down. Brother, it's just me. I love you. Relax. Shh...It's only me. **
 * Brother: What...who are you? Addie? //(sigh)// Adeline. **
 * Brother: I'm sorry, did I scare you. **
 * Sister: Yes. Yes you did. Please, brother, don't let yourself think like this. The war is going to be over soon. It will be over. But when it's gone, you need to let it go. Please, understand, I know it is difficult. I see how bad things are. Please, just try to let go. Maybe you can take this time let it go. Brother, just please don't keep this. **
 * Brother: Oh Adeline, please help. Just understand how hard it is. All the memories. They come in my dreams. Three years of war. **
 * Sister: //(Nod head)// **
 * Brother: I don't want to fight. I can't. I just can't. **
 * Sister: We both know you don't have a choice. But how it affects, you how it changes, you, that is your choice. **
 * Brother: Oh sister, little Adeline, as always, your right. Just do one thing for me, okay? **
 * Sister: Okay **
 * Brother: Don't be a nurse. I don't want you to see what battle does. **
 * Sister: I have to. This is just something I need to do. I have to help. **
 * Brother: There are other things for women to do, away from death. **
 * Sister: Not for me. I do know a little English, but freeing up a telephone booth so another man can go fight and die isn't helping. It isn't what I need to do. **
 * Brother: You could be a yeoman. **
 * Sister: You know I have to do this. Just, relax. Please, go to sleep. You need your rest. **
 * Brother: Addie, I have to go in just three days. That isn't enough time. **
 * Sister: I know Karl, I know.(//Walk out of scene)// **
 * Brother: **

// July 1 // // I'm glad that mother is eating. Finally, some good on your side. However, I have only bad news on my side. I am trying to make this letter a good one, for we are on the move to fight Germany, so I will not be able to write. I wish you all the best. I just hope you know how much I love you little Jessie. You are my sister, my twin, and there will always be a part in my heart for you. I am afraid, that in battle, I don't think I will have anyone to watch my back. The bunk mates of mine are cruel. They ripped up my letter from you. I am even more afraid I might not make it out. I love you and mother. Please tell her. If you respond right away, I might get the letter. I wish you the best. I know you have a lot of dreams, and if these are the last words I ever say to you, I want them to be I love you and Follow your dreams. // // I love you and mother. // // John //
 * Dear Jessie: **

// Dear Johnie, // // July 5, // // I hope this reaches you. I love you. I miss you so much. I will take your advice. I am going to help people, help people in the war. I won't fight. I will save lives. I am starting small. Well, really not. I've joined the nurses. I will be going to Italy to help. Italy! Not only can I save lives, but I can see the world. Who knows, mabye there is somewhere where life is still happy. If I find that place I will work to spread joy. Here is my first step. There is a little girl down the street named Mary-Anne. Everyone calls her Annie. Annie likes to draw, and she is nine, all ready so full of life and talent. She had her appendix removed recently. It is amazing that she is up and about already. I hope that Ican do something to help her ease the pain or at least distact her from it. I had an idea. I decided to set up a neighbor donation of sugar rations. I think it must have felt better to give then to get. I am happier than I've felt since the war started. I am going to help and feel all the happier for it. This will be my life until the war is over. I will spread happiness-as much as I can in this terrible war. // // I love you // // Jessica // // - //
 * (Germany, Hutteung) **
 * (Someone behind stage calls an alarm) **
 * Sister: Come brother **
 * Brother: Adeline? **
 * (run) **
 * (All lights out) **
 * Brother: So dark.. **
 * Sister: It's okay **
 * (add 10 seconds, lights back on) **

-- // Sister: // // Dear Journal, // // July, 10 1917 //
 * // (Let's do a little nurse set up. Mabye a bench with white sheets, a tray, and then something that looks like surgical tools. Have her cleaning them or something. That can ocuppy the adiunces eyes. Just set up what we can) //**

// I feel fullfilled. It is difficult. In all honesty, it is terrible. There was a man beyond saving today. He died in my arms. But for that one man there were 7 I saved. It finaly feels like I'm helping. It isn't easy. It isn't fun. The thing is, it is right. I remember a mere boy, tiny for his age. I remember how his face twisted in agony. I saw the bullet wound in his arm, and I made him better. All I can think is that he is someone's brother, someone's son. I hope that if anything happens to my brother, there will be help. I will work hard, and pray for my brother's safety. I've hear a little news, there is a lot of fighting going on. Canadians against the Germans. I know everyone hates them, calls them the Huns and says they eat babies, but I hope they have our rules. "If one is hurt, you help. If they are beyond help, you hold their hand, and don't let them die alone." Those were the words of our instructor, Maria. I hold them almost as close to my heart as I hold memories of my brother. This is the news from the war: // // Canadians are fighting journeys. Everyone is at risk. I am unable to recieve any letters from the soldiers, really meaning my brother and father. // - //** ( Canadian Brother, Germany. Battle of Flanders. We can have a divider between the two and then move it for the battle. Mabye we use a drum or something to make a war sound effect, because we're short on money) **// //** (Lie there, German sister comes, use stretcher to move him, scene change, hospital) **//
 * Brother: **
 * April 9/ 1917 **
 * The sounds of battle are terrible. Please, God, let me survive this. (Sound effects, move fight, shoot) This is terrible. I'm going to die. ( movement, get shot.) **
 * Soldier: //(Shoot John and hide)// **
 * German Sister: You're lucky. It was only a suface wound **
 * Canadian Brother: Thank you **
 * G Sister: You're welcome, //(grab hand, squeeze it)// **
 * C Brother: You know, I keep thinking I'm lucky. But if I was lucky I wouldn't just be surviving, I'd be thriving, **
 * G Sister: You survived the second a battle of Flanders. The way the world is going, that is the best you can hope for. **
 * C Brother: The battle of Flanders. Oh I bet my sister is going to panic. **
 * G Sister: She's back at home? **
 * C Brother: No, she's working as a nurse in Italy. We`ve changed so much. I guess, the war will stay with us long after it`s gone. **
 * G Sister: Yes, it will. **

//** (Clear it, set up for Flanders Fields) **//

(Crosses, other props set up. )

John McCrae: (Walks on holding notebook, sits down, writes, scribbles off) It is peacful here. Sort of eiree. All the poppies. German Sister: Hello. (sits down) It is so beautiful here. You know, I remember this day. There was so many who died, every life so precious. Now they just lie under the poppies, such a //pretty// scene for all the death John McCrae: Thank you. //The poppies lay row on row,// No, not that. //In Flanders field the poppies blow// //between the crosses row on row.// Oh, I like that German Sister: What are you doing,Doctor McCrae? JM: Trying to write something Sister: Oh.... John: // They mark out place; and in the sky // // the larks, still bravely singing, fly // // scarce heard admist the guns below. // Canadian Brother: Hi. I like that. I remember fighting in it. If it wasn't for Adeline I'd be part of the dead, just lying in these fields... John McCrea: (write, scratch out) // We are the dead. Short days ago // // We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. // // We loved and were loved, and now we lie // // in Flander's fields. // Brother: I just remember how bad it was. I felt as if I would never sleep again. After I was shot, I saw this torch. I think it let me survive, until Adeline saved me. Sister: It would have taken days before someone could die from that surface wound- John McCrae:

//Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throw// //The torch; be yours to hold it high.// //If ye break faith with us who die// //We shall not sleep, though poppies grow// //In Flanders fields// //-//

I'm not really seeing anything to change. . . other than maybe the spelling for some words, but a REALLY good job! Thanks =// If it works out we can start the play off with a speech. That can have any war stories. //= =//__** THE SECOND BATTLE OF FLANDERS WAS ON 11 JULY TO NOVEMBER 11. WE CAN HAVE MY CHANGE THE DATES ON THE JOURNAL, AND IT IS IN THE SAME YEAR AS I'VE WRITTEN IT IN, SO THE FIRST SCENE IS OKAY, ABOUT THE WAR NEEDING TO BE OVER. I'LL CHANGE, IT THEN WE CAN HAVE THE ACTUAL BATTLE OF FLANDERS. **__//= = Nice idea done there. What is left is three scenes of Germany+writing what were going to do for the Flanders Fields thing with the German sister, and Canadian Brother. :) Unless you don't want to do it. Ps. Since we have narrators, Germany is in bold, and any action comands for the actors are italic. Vice versa for Canada. =

= We have to tie into the McCrae thing, that's why I was setting it up so we would have the battle in Flanders, so we can just have the nurse taking the canadian soldier and then go straight into the Flanders field poem thing. = = I made a mistake. Flanders is in the First World War. It all works now. = =^Are we doing Flanders Fields in English/French alternating? Because I haven't been at the last few Drama meeting because of tutoring and Mrs. Higgi got me to do the French version. Also, are we acting out Flanders Fields with John McCrae or just reading the poem? = = John McCrae, but I think after we read the poem, and I know we have a slideshow to go with it. = = Okay thanks :) =

. (I was just wondering, in the war in Germany at least, people who were running away from the war, would take lodging from farming families for work on their farm. . . could we add that or not?)( Great IDEA, I wrote a scene in Germany, the rest is yours. You can add, or suggest edits to what I've written too.)

How to begin? Play - "During the War" To answer the question: What was it like during the war...both for a Canadian away from home and a family in the middle of war-torn Europe
 * From the laying of wreaths?
 * From a choral reading? Stand up from spot in gym and move towards the front?
 * Battle scene? (yup. we chose to do this)

Characters: Canadian Family - Mother, Father, Sister, Brother...brother goes to war...Narrator (male) reads the brother's part (female) reads the sister's part...she can sign up for the medic corps

German Family - as above...Narrator (female) reads the sister's part (male) reads younger brother's part

Canadian Brother and German sister end up in Flanders Fields with Dr. McRae...act out the beginnings of Flander Fields Poem, which they help him write.

Narrators then read the poem (English and French). Slideshow of some of the things in the poem.

__**The Play:**__ Dr. John McCray: Valerian (Our scene opens with Mother and son in the kitchen) Canadian Mother: John dear, did you sign up for the army today? John: Yes mother (What is this? Is this suppossed to be the begining) (no it was just an example) our sean should open with the son leaving and saying good bye to his sister. ( agreed) I was thinking that maybe we should just skip the 'philisophical' conversations, because that can be somewhat harder, and that maybe we could have it where people are writing journals and those lead into somewhat short scenes, where yes we can have dialogue, but we need to keep the flow going fairly quickly to keep the attention of the audience, so keep the pace quick. For example we could have readers behind perhaps the backdrops reading the journal entries so people can actually hear the main point of the play. // Fitting some journals in would be a good idea. However being philisophical or heartwarming we might as well just go ahead because people seem to come in bored, so trying to hard to make it fast paced might be useless, but we shouldn't go super slow either. //
 * Here are the characters: **
 * Canidian Solider: Jett Narater for Jett: Mark **
 * Canadian Sister: Claire Narater for Claire: Savannah **
 * German Mother: (We need to do this because if there's a family in Canada, there needs to be a family that is Germany too. I was thinking that because we don't want to really put them in a bad light, we could perhaps make them opposing to the Nazi movement, because I can somewhat get a testimony that can somewhat help write that part, so it won't be as much of a deterence. You guys can think of who can be those german people are, because I'm not sure who's all wanting to do these things.) (but we do not havea canadian mother and there is not enoff peopl) ** //The thing is, if we have a Canadian family, you have to have a German family. In fact, having a German family would be more important, because the Germans were more directly affected by the war. So if we have to decide between a Canadian family and a German family, we really should pick a German one// We don't have a mom or dad on either side. this is all about the brother and sister teams The nurse is the sister. Don't have "little" ones either.
 * German little brother/sister: **
 * German nurse: Kim Narater for Kim: Amber **
 * German brother: Riely **
 * Solider who shoots **** Canidian Solider: Sara **

I have an idea of how we could start the play. We could have a member of the drama club, mabye someone who is really involved in planning but isn't acting, or a narator to intoroduce it. They could say something along the lines of "We decided to make a play to show that the soldiers weren't the only ones who suffered during the war. There were families, medics, and children who grew up knowing nothing but war. There were mothers whose sons were torn away, women who saw the horrible results of war. Then there were Germans who weren't Nazis, suffering just as much." PS. This could be used to catch people's attention, + to give set up time. Feel free to shoot down. I guess I should check the idea with Mrs. H, but I needed somewhere to write it down, plus I want to see if it appeals to anyone. ya, we could have someone write a speech about life for the canadian and german families as an opener then do the play or we could have the person saying the speech while we do it. OK I'll seehat Mrs. Higgi thinks. Unless we are the only ones who likes the idea. ( We could put the story about the girl and the candy rations in this) But we should start a script for the actual play. I don't think I'm going to be able to contribute on saturday. ps. I'm holding my baby brother so if there id any mistakes, I'm using 1 finger. :D does everyone else like our idea?

Got a sounds good from Mrs. Higgi

--- Since Claire,Valerian, and I seem to be the only contributions since Thursday, I'm just going to put out a few ideas.
 * //__ We haven't even started the play. __//**

I sat down with my dad, who teaches history and is in the Canadian forces and found a bit of a time period, and an actual battle where the play can be set. Whether or not we use it, it is **something**. a little side note, in the war, the mothers, or wives of the soldiers usually were in bad health, and became sick quite easily. . . I was thinking of putting that in the story. // Setting: // // The First World War, 1917. The first world war was supposed to be over on December 25th 1914. It started August fourth. On October 8th 1915 the first Canadian soldier was shot. // // The Canadian family can be around here. Hereish. (it can be in Chilliwack because didn't we have an army base in Garrison around that time?) Probably. // // The German family can be in Dusseldorf Hutteung (My great grandfather was in the battle of Flanders, so I was thinking that we could involve my grandmother's story, being that I just was talking to her on Saturday. (That's why I didn't write anything then) so I'll let you guys do the Canadian family, and I'll take care of the German family, using my grandma's war story if you guys don't mind.) Use a version of the story, but keep it during the FIRST WORLD WAR or try to get permission from Mrs. Higgi to tell the story. Or something of that sort // //The battle that leads into Flander's Field can be the battle of VIMY RIDGE// ** --- **
 * In the first World War they said the Germans were Huns and they ate babies. **
 * Since we don't have a German father mabye he was drafted into war.....this isn't making the family evil though **
 * Do we want to give the family NAMES????? **
 * Here, working names, can cut them if we want later. **