by Gina Macdonald

Created on: December 14, 2008

A Meeting of the Minds

SCENE ONE:

The stage is black, and as a trumpet sounds, a spotlight illuminates a kneeling female figure in the middle of the stage. Towering over her is a male figure with a tall hat, and as he places a crown on her head, she slowly gets up and turns towards the audience. The male figure backs away into the dark, leaving her standing alone. As she lifts both arms towards the ceiling, the spotlight gradually dims, leaving the stage in pure darkness.

Another spotlight gradually illuminates a table and four chairs in the middle of the stage. Sitting on three of the four chairs are three women dressed in the attire of her era. At each place setting are an empty tea cup, saucer and plate. The atmosphere is of an informal tea party.

MARIE ANTOINETTE: I say, just let them eat cake.

ELIZABETH I: But they have no bread, Marie, how would they have cake?

MARIE (questioningly): Well, we can provide the cake. Can't we?

MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS (condescending): How would you be able to provide the cake? Your royal treasury is almost bankrupt. Or don't your financers tell you these things?

MARIE (lightly): Oh, I'm sure they do Actually, I do recall them saying something about it once, as I was buying these darling slippers. Would you like to see? They're blue, and they have the nicest little beads lining the

VICTORIA OF ENGLAND (as she comes in with a tea set and a platter of sandwiches. Sets the sandwiches and tea set in the middle of the table, picks up the kettle and proceeds to pour tea for the women.): We don't care about your slippers. Neither do the poor peasants, I daresay. Marie, do stop spending money on you and help those poor people!

MARIE (childlike): But the slippers

MARY (takes a sip of tea, and sighs): Can't you see that we will never get through to her? Let's talk about something else. I'm sure she'll get beheaded one day, God permit.

ELIZABETH (purposefully): Why don't we discuss the state of affairs between England and France? Mary, your Catholicism will be the death of you one day. And I swear I will be the instigator of that death.

MARY: Elizabeth, you just don't see that your stupid Protestantism is not the way to the Lord. I suggest you do a rosary or three as penance for your sins.

ELIZABETH (as she reaches for a sandwich): Victoria, these sandwiches look delightful. (VICTORIA smiles) Mary, you know I do not pray the rosary. You will never gain the crown of England. Give up now, before something bad happens.

VICTORIA: What's all this about something

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