Rumors - Victoria Bui Characters: MARIA, a woman known in the town allegedly whisking away good husbands from good wives. THE JUDGE, the newcomer in town, duly just and virtuous. CAIA, a loving grandmother with a constantly burning fireplace in her home. IRENE, ASTRID, ELLISON, the grandchildren visiting their grandparents’ forest cottage. THE EXECUTIONER, loyal to the townspeople above all else. VILLAGERS, loyal to their own interests along with a status quo expected to be filled by all. Scene 1: The Judge and the Judged Enter MARIA, THE EXECUTIONER, and VILLAGERS. MARIA is led in by THE EXECUTIONER in chains, with VILLAGERS booing and jeering as she is bound to wooden stocks. MARIA: Please, please, I am not what you say I am! THE EXECUTIONER: As if there is a single person in this town who would deign to listen to you spreading your filth to the good people here. MARIA: Is that not for the Judge to decide? THE EXECUTIONER strikes MARIA. THE EXECUTIONER: Do not believe yourself to be so intelligent. Remember your place. THE JUDGE, entering: And I would expect you to assume yours. This trial is commencing. THE EXECUTIONER: I deeply apologize. Good citizens, I present to you the honorable judge who is presiding over this case. VILLAGERS: Finally, she will no longer tarnish our names. Look upon this! This, her crime, her wretchedness, and know! THE JUDGE: Know what? What is there to know? VILLAGER 1: She steals our children away when they are meant to be working! MARIA: So that I may teach them how to read . VILLAGER 2: Though she is wed, she has yet to bear any children. MARIA: If you saw my husband, you would not wish to tend to a potato with him, much less a child. VILLAGER 3: She is cursed to be barren as a result of her evil doings! VILLAGER 4: Our husbands do not even hear our voices when they see her.
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