Frank Levy © ‘99 Christmas on the Bayou #
Adrien Rouquette among the Choctaws

Act I. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker, in a parlor setting with Christmas tree, writing notes. Walt Whitman enters at R but Old Chahta-Ima does not notice him. Whitman clears his throat and Chahta-Ima looks up...
Walt Whitman- clearing throat Father Rouquette?
Old Chahta-Ima- startled What’s that? Is someone there?
Walt Whitman- Father Rouquette?
Old Chahta-Ima- Yes, yes! I am Adrien Rouquette trying weakly to get up and greet his guest And you must be Mister Walter Whitman from the newspaper. Won’t you please sit down?
Walt Whitman- touching Chahta-Ima’s arm Please, Father Rouquette, you don’t have to stand! I can interview you right here. By the way, happy holidays to you!
Old Chahta-Ima- Fine, young man, fine. Sit then. Sit right here and do your worst! I have heard great things about your work. And I wish you a very happy and holy holiday season as well.
Walt Whitman- At the newspaper?
Old Chahta-Ima- Well, there, certainly, but your poetry is what I was talking about, my boy, YOUR POETRY! You are a genius, young man. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Though LORD KNOWS they will! laughing/coughing geniuses have a ...problem with others understanding their motives...I SHOULD KNOW....coughing.... quoting from Whitman’s poetry ”I SING the body electric!”... wonderful stuff, simply wonderful!
Walt Whitman- You honor me, Sir. I have admired your poetry, as well.
Old Chahta-Ima- Why thank you. Thank you very much. Now then! What shall you sing about me?
Walt Whitman- opening his notebook, getting out pencil, getting ready to take notes I’d like to know about your time with the Choctaws, Father Rouquette.
Old Chahta-Ima- Choctaws?..CHOCTAWS? To begin with, young man, the people with whom I shared my life and my faith are called CHAHTAS! CHAH-TAS! no ock! Not Choctaws, CHAHTAS!
Walt Whitman- Chahtas?
Old Chahta-Ima- Now you have it. And, IF we are going to talk about my time among them, I am not Father Rouquette, I am ....
They Both say at the same time- ...Chahta-Ima!
Old Chahta-Ima- laughing Yes, exactly, so you already know a little about me?
Walt Whitman- Indeed I do, Chahta-Ima. I know your name is an honor the Choc...Chahtas! bestowed on you. I know that it means, “Like a.... Chahta.” I also know that you lived among the tribes in St. Tammany Parish, north of New Orleans, for twenty-seven years.
Old Chahta-Ima- 27 years, eh? Is that what you think? chuckling more like sixty! Well, it would be 27 if you only counted between when I celebrated my first Mass near Lacombe in 1859 and when I finally came here, for a little rest, in 1886. But, young man, My family, the Rouquettes and the Cousins, had holdings in St. Tammany long before 1859. I was born in a house at 423 Royal Street in the French Quarter in 1813 right enough, but from almost my first days, I was often sent across the lake to the bayou country as a young gentleman to spend time with my relatives and the Chahta peoples. Why I can recall like it was yesterday, playing that wild stick-ball game those Chahtas played, called Racquette, mobs of children on either side, whacking away at the ball. As I recall, I was always in the middle of the action...lights fade DR and come up at C, stage is bare with forest backdrop in place. .A MOB of shouting kids, divided into two teams R and L, enter and converge at C on a mimed ball with mimed sticks flailing away at both ball and one another. Boy Chahta-Ima enters at L, dressed REALLY WELL and observes the chaos...
Boy Chahta-Ima- Okay now, here I come! the mob surges L toward him and he backs away from it in fear
Boy Chahta-Ima- Okay now, here I REALLY come! he does not move...the mob then swarms off at UR Okay now, here I come he does not move.

blackout

Act II. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Christmas tree. Walt Whitman is sitting to his right ...
Walt Whitman- So, you were accepted among the Native Peoples even as a little boy?
Old Chahta-Ima- Welllllllllllll, not exactly. Sure, I was right in the middle of all their games as a boy, but it was in 1859, when I first came across with Bishop Blenc, that I really got to know the people. I was the Bishop’s secretary, you know, but he graciously and cheerfully allowed me to begin my missionary work among the Chahta peoples....lights fade DR and come up at C & L. Forest backdrop is still in place but Chapel Shack is onstage at R, Bishop, Chahta-Ima, and 3 Nuns enter at L...the 3 Nuns walk alike and move as one...
Bishop- Adrien Rouquette, you have got to be the biggest NUT CASE in the history of New Orleans! If you had to be among savage peoples I see NO reason why you couldn’t choose from the large numbers savages we have right in the French Quarter! And NOW! Now of all times! To leave me to enter ....the wilderness!....with the Christmas service at the Cathedral only a few weeks off!
Chahta-Ima- But, Bishop!
Sister Mary Francis- Don’t you interrupt the Bishop, young man!
Sister Mary Margaret- Manners, please, Father Rouquette!
Sister Mary Claire- Have you no regard for the Bishop’s feelings!
All 3 Nuns- The Bishop has better things to do than waste his time in the wilderness!
Chahta-Ima- But, Bishop!
Bishop- I am afraid that indicating each nun in turn, who curtsies Sister Mary Francis, Sister Mary Margaret and Sister Mary Claire are right, Adrien. I have given my permission for you to VISIT these people for a few days, JUST A VISIT. You are most definitely NOT assigned to do missionary work here and you most definitely MUST be back in the city SOON to help me plan and celebrate Christmas at the Cathedral. AM I UNDERSTOOD? he leans forward for emphasis and the 3 Nuns mimic this
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Bishop, I understand.
Bishop- Besides, you have no place to stay and nowhere to have services. You certainly won’t last long out here swatting a mosquito without shelter or a chapel!
All 3 Nuns- You have no place to stay and nowhere to have services. You certainly won’t last long out here swatting a mosquito without shelter or a chapel!
Chahta-Ima- Yes, BISHOP, I understand ignoring the 3 Nuns. But my family on this side of Lake Pontchartrain and the Native People will care for me well enough.
Bishop- Ha! What will you do? Give them beads like the Pilgrims did two hundred years ago?
All 3 Nuns- Ha!
Chahta-Ima- Look! Here are some of my family now!
Felix and Dominique enter at R and OR to Chahta-Ima. Delphine and RF enter right behind but remain bunched at R
Felix- Adrien! taking his hand Welcome to the North Shore! Welcome, Bishop, Sisters. Thank you for taking such good care of our brother.
Dominique- Hello, my brother, it is good to have you back.
Chahta-Ima- Is something bothering Delphine, Felix? And her sisters?
Felix- My wife does not like the idea of you associating with the savages, little brother, as you well know! We live over here but we do not live among the savages! She and her sisters were willing to come to greet you, Chahta-Ima waves to them and they wave FRIGIDLY back but they in no way wish to encourage your actions. They think you are the biggest NUT CASE in the history of New Orleans.
RF- they do business all at once- ...he will ruin everything...the value of our land will go through the floor...those nasty savages.....I refuse to talk with him....I refuse to go any farther.....He is such a loser.....
Delphine- holding up her hand and they are SILENT Girls! We have kept our promise. We need go no farther!
Chahta-Ima- Bishop, Sisters, this is my oldest brother, Felix. He and his wife Delphine own most of the land on this side of the lake. This is my brother, Dominique, who is a poet...
Dominique- ...A poet who has been assigned by the family to keep you company...to watch over you... while you camp here among the savages.
Chahta-Ima- Why thank you, Dominique! I shall greatly appreciate your companionship.
Dominique- Well, it should give me something to write about anyway.
Chahta-Ima- And ...over there...indicating the women...are Delphine, Felix’s wife she curtsies, and her sisters, the Cousins they curtsy They, like you, do not approve of my visit here.
Bishop- Smart women!
All 3 Nuns- The Bishop has better things to do than waste his time in the wilderness! Native People begin to shyly enter from R and L peering at Chahta-Ima and his companions
Delphine- indicating displeasure Let’s go, girls. Our time will come! they exit UR
Felix- hustling to catch up with his wife I think I’d better go too. You take care of him, Dominique!
Dominique- Don’t worry!
Felix rushes off at UR Chief and his wife enter at Far R, bowing and indicating that the shack is for Chahta-Ima
Bishop- So, it looks like you have a place to stay, but no chapel!
All 3 Nuns- Nooooooo chapel! they giggle
Bishop- Besides, even if you had a chapel, who would come to services out here in the middle of nowhere?
Chahta-Ima- silently going over to look at the building, then shaking hands with the Chief and his wife, thanking them, then a longer look at the building, THEN a longer look at the Bishop and Nuns who are watching him So, I need a chapel, eh? they all nod. He considers a moment then pulls off the cross he is wearing around his neck and climbs to the top of the little building and sets the cross above the door shouting TADAAA!
Bishop- irritated You will still need a congregation, Adrien. Where will you get that?
All 3 Nuns- Where will you get that?
more and more Native People enter from all directions ESPECIALLY Monhohe, Kanhohe, Oushola, Hashilli, Shanafila and Hanan who enter from the same direction as the Chief and stand by him and his wife. They are shy and silent. They stare at the new people...
Chahta-Ima- Oh...I’ll find somebody.

blackout

Act III. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Walt Whitman- So, you learned to speak the Chahta language as a little boy?
Old Chahta-Ima- Welllllllllllll, not exactly. I had to get to know them first. My brother, Dominique and I used all sorts of clever strategies to gain their confidence. They soon warmed to us. They even honored my brother with a tribal name....lights fade DR and come up at C & L.
Chahta-Ima is at C trying to get Chahtas to take beads, which a few do, Monhohe, Kanhohe, Oushola, Hashilli, Shanafila and Hanan are there ...Dominique squats at R, unimpressed
Chahta-Ima- to Dominique I really think they’re starting to trust me.
Dominique- They seem to like the beads.
Chahta-Ima- I mean it. I can really feel their trust. jumping up My friends...speaking loudly facing DC startling & frightening Chahtas who JUMP back as he goes on... I am sorry that I did not learn your language when I was a boy, but now I feel we are really getting to know each other! he suddenly turns and they panic anew... We’re going to get along Fine....he sees them cowering Oh,...sorry.
Dominique- mocking him I really think they’re starting to truuuuust meeeee. laughs
Monhohe- Aba anumpa yimmi shookbo loosah? getting no answer after waiting for answer business, Chahta-Ima starts to reply several times but STOPS each time he commands those standing near...Aba anumpa yimmi shookbo loosah! Hashilli, Oushola, Shanafila and Hanan rush off R
Chahta-Ima- to Kanhohe What is he saying, Kanhohe?
Dominique- It’s probably some great honor they want to give us!
Kanhohe- He says to you...
Oushola- arriving from R with Hanan carrying black blanket along with laughing Hashilli and Shanafila ...Aba anumpa yimmi shookbo loosah!
All those who entered with blanket- Aba anumpa yimmi shookbo loosah!
Chahta-Ima- to Kanhohe What are they saying?
Kanhohe- They say to you...
Oushola- taking blanket from Hanan, kneeling Aba anumpa yimmi shookbo loosah! trying to give blanket to Chahta-Ima but Dominique takes it instead and wraps himself in it
Dominique- I knew it! Must be some incredible honor, my brother. And I am the man to whom they have given it. It probably stands for trust ....and safety....and peace between tribes.....
Monhohe- points at Dominique Shookbo Loosah!
Dominique- stands and points to himself Shookbo Loosah?
Monhohe- nods and points at Dominique Shookbo Loosah!
Dominique- stands proud and points to himself Shookbo Loosah! Will you listen to that? I have a Choctaw name! Shookboooooooo Loooooooooosah! laughing as Native Peoples also laugh
Hashilli- Shookbo Loosah? gestures that he should follow her off R and he does as Hanan scampers after, carrying whatever he had carried the blanket on...
Kanhohe- She takes him to introduce him to village with Chahta name.
Chahta-Ima- to Kanhohe What DOES the name mean, Kanhohe? You are my translator.
Kanhohe- They say Shookbo Loosah because...
Monhohe- ...because we thought you should have the blanket.
Chahta-Ima- You speak English! Then why didn’t you...
Monhohe- I speak your language but trying teach YOU to speak Chahta.
Chahta-Ima- But what were you saying? What honor have you given my brother?
Monhohe- When I ask Aba anumpa yimmi shookbo loosah? I ask, gospel man in black, do you want this old black blanket we have? It is bad color but you look like you like black., so good chance to get rid of blanket and also make you happy.
Chahta-Ima- So, Shookbo Loosah means...
Kanhohe- ...means Man in black blanket!
Chahta-Ima- Man in black blanket! laughing That would break my brother’s heart. I think I’ll just let him keep the blanket and not tell him that it’s just... a blanket.
Monhohe- Maybe good idea.
Kanhohe- Good idea.
Hanan returns from L with two bowls on same flat woven traylike thing he brought blanket on, presenting them to Oushola
Oushola- to Chahta-Ima, having a little trouble clearing her throat... Sir, I am princess Oushola, daughter of Chief Wellee. I am called bird singer of my people...we...like you, and wish to offer you a taste of sagamite our best food.
Chahta-Ima- I am honored! Thank you so much! she gives him sagamite in a bowl and he makes a big deal of tasting it and it’s AWFUL...He fakes liking it and turns to Kanhohe, whispering What IS sagamite?
Kanhohe- It is traditional Chahta recipe of grits.... and soap. Chahta-Ima gags
Monhohe- You like?
Oushola- offering him a bowl of liquid Bowl of cafe?
Chahta-Ima- ummmmmmm well....of course! Thank you! taking it but turning to Kanhohe before drinking What is cafe?
Kanhohe- Coffee.
Chahta-Ima- as if praying Thank you, Lord! He drinks gratefully, smiles and nods
Dominique- returning with giggling others from L, feeling really important I am Shookbo Loosah!
Chahta-Ima- You sure are! all but Dominique laugh
Oushola- You are both welcome among our people her voice trails off, weak she is held up by Hashilli
Hashilli- she is also weak Our bird singer is not well.
Hanan- coughs
Monhohe- So many settlers. They make our water dirty. Our people get sick.
Kanhohe- And our trees, they cut them down. And sometimes, some of the settlers... do cruel things to our people.
Monhohe- to Kanhohe Help them back to the village. Kanhohe nods and helps the three off R
Chahta-Ima- standing I will look into this!
Dominique- also standing WE will look into this! And our brother, Felix, too!
Chahta-Ima- turning to Manhohe and Kanhohe Please, my friends, tell us what these people are doing to you...

blackout

Act IV. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Old Chahta-Ima- answering a question...I don’t KNOW exactly how many. Those three young ones, including Oushola, their princess, the bird singer, were the first I saw get sick. And, as I’m about to tell you, it got a lot worse before it got better.
Walt Whitman- So, your arrival made things worse for the Chahtas?
Old Chahta-Ima- frowning I don’t think anyone could honestly say that. I believe that the bad things would have happened whether I was there or not.
Walt Whitman- Did the Native People get sicker right away?
Old Chahta-Ima- Not immediately, but pretty soon. I had to deal with that myself, you know. But getting sick wasn’t the Chahta People’s only problem, let me tell you! lights fade DR and come up at UR where Delphine and the RF’s are sitting as if at a rectangular table for six having tea and lights up also at L where Felix, Chahta-Ima and Dominique are sitting in three chairs in a semi-circle facing the audience miming drinking coffee together.
Dominique- So, we all agree then?
Chahta-Ima- We MUST agree. This is not about us. It is about these people who will be doomed to suffer if we don’t help them.
Felix- And it has to be us?
Chahta-Ima- We own the land, my brother, this is the last place for hundreds of miles that offers these people any chance at all!
Delphine- We own the land, my sisters! This is the last place left to the Cousins since the Civil War. If our children are to grow up in St. Tammany safe and secure, we must protect their property! They will be doomed to suffer if we don’t help them.
RF-1- It’s not as thought we hate the Choctaws! But neither are they OUR responsibility. Nobody allows people to just move onto their land and start living there!
RF-2- AND acting like it was theirs in the first place! The nerve!
Chahta-Ima- We all share this place as one; not as landowners but as fellow human beings. As the Bible says, “He who cares for the least of my brethren... cares for me.”
Felix- I don’t know.
RF-3- The Bible says, “He who cares for the least of my brethren... cares for me.” Certainly our own children are in that group. It would be wrong not to care for our families.
Dominique- What’s not to know? Sometimes we simply must do the right thing.
RF-4- The law is clearly on our side. All we have to do is ask for government help and these people will all be evicted.
Felix- There is just one problem.
RF-5- They will be better off anyway! The government has a place for them in the Oklahoma Territory. They will be well cared for WELL AWAY from US!
Chahta-Ima- What problem?
Delphine- There is just one problem.
Dominique- What problem?
ALL RF’s- What problem?
Felix- Delphine.
Delphine- Felix.
RF-1- You said you could deal with your husband.
RF-2- He’s not a Cousin. The land really isn’t his anyway.
RF-3- We have an OBLIGATION to serve our children!
Dominique- She is only a woman, man! What problem is that?
Chahta-Ima- Don’t be silly, Dominique, Felix is right. The land was hers to begin with. You must convince her, Felix. Or do whatever is necessary that we may end up doing the right thing in God’s eyes!
RF-4- You must convince her, Delphine!
RF-5- Or do whatever is necessary that we may end up doing the right thing in God’s eyes!
Delphine- First we get control of our land, then we talk to the people who are interested in buying it!
Naomi Tallow and Settlers have just entered UL as best fits the set...they are having a meeting at same time as the other two groups with their words crossing over one another...
Naomi Tallow- over crowd buzz from settlers All right let’s quiet down here!
Settler-1- What’s this meeting about, Naomi?
Settler-2- Yeah! Do we get the land or not?
Settler-3- Yeah! I got kids to feed!
Settler-4- We’re all pretty tired of living out of wagons!
Naomi Tallow- over crowd buzz Let’s quiet down! That’s better. Listen, folks, that’s exactly why we’re here today.
Settler-5- I need land!
Settler-6- My children need food!
Naomi Tallow- I know that. I know that.! My children are hungry, too! I believe that we can buy land from the Cousin family and get around this Felix Rouquette through his wife and her sisters.
Settler-7- Can we farm the land?
Naomi Tallow- I am going to make a deal with the Cousins.
Settler-8- My people don’t want to farm. We want to clear cut the timber.
Settler-9- Timber, yes! We want to cut the trees.
Naomi Tallow- I know! I know! Now listen, here is my plan: I will tell Delphine Rouquette that we wish to farm all of the land we buy. You all say the same when you are asked. Once it is in our hands, the law says we can do with it as we want. But we must ALL SAY that we intend to use the land carefully. Do I have a deal? all nod Can I have a show of hands? Raise your hand if you agree to promise to work together to get control of this property..... for all of our children and for their futures! every hand goes up, then lights are off on settlers
Delphine- Here is my plan: I will tell Naomi Tallow that they must farm all of the land they buy. If she agrees, I will sign the act of sale myself for my family’s property! My brother need not know. He might lose those silly Choctaws, but the land will be cared for if they just farm it. That should please the old fool well enough. Do I have a deal? all nod Can I have a show of hands? Raise your hand if you agree to promise to work together to get control of this property..... for all of our children and for their futures! every hand goes up, then lights are off on RF’s
ul and ur is dark but still lit at DL ...DR lights go UP as native peoples enter and some lie down ill while others care for them...
Dominique- So, what’s it going to be?
Chahta-Ima- Think, my brother, God is watching!
Felix- I know! I know! Now listen, here is my plan: I won’t sell any land right now. We must use this land carefully, I agree. And I promise to protect the Choctaws as best I can. Delphine doesn’t have to know. I just won’t talk with her about it. What can she do alone, eh? Do I have a deal? all nod Can I have a show of hands? Raise your hand if you agree to promise to work together for all of God’s children and for their futures! every hand goes up as Nompashtika and Chief XL to where the Rouquettes are sitting, Chahta-Ima notices them first and rises and crosses to them, as they bow
Chahta-Ima- Stand please, Chief Wellee and Lady Nompashtika. I am no one to kneel before.
Chief- Since you have come here, you have been very kind to us. But now we need your help.
Chahta-Ima- Anything within my powers, Chief.
Many, many of our people are ill with white man’s sickness. We cannot make them well. They will die, Chahta-Ima.
Chahta-Ima- Chahta-Ima? You call ME that?
Chief- Yes, you ARE Chahta-Ima.
Dominique- Now you have a Chahta name, too, Adrien.
Felix- I hope it’s better than yours!
Nompashtika- It means Like a Chahta. We think of you as one of us, Chahta-Ima. And now we beg for your help.
Chahta-Ima- Let us go see. they all XR to sick people where Oushola weakly notices them, and others do illness business
Oushola- reaching up Will you save us, Chahta-Ima?
Kanhohe- Our bird singer is very weak, Chahta-Ima.
Monhohe- She will not live, Chahta-Ima.
Oushola- whispering Please not for me! Please make the children well, and their mothers!
Nompashtika- There is nothing more we can do, Chahta-Ima. Our people are dying.
Chief- Nothing we can do.
Dominique- These people have malaria! That can be treated, Adrien.
Felix- All we need is quinine! But who has that around here?
Chahta-Ima- I know exactly who has quinine! The Bishop’s secretary has to know things like that! The US Navy has quinine! And Admiral Farragut is a friend of the Bishop! turning to Chahtas I will go the the city and I tell you now: I WILL BE BACK WITH YOUR MEDICINE! Come on, help me get the boat ready! the brothers XL
Felix- as they walk off At least the land ought to be safe now.

blackout

Act V. New Orleans
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Walt Whitman- Was there any trouble getting in to see Admiral Farragut once you crossed the lake?
Old Chahta-Ima- Seeing the Admiral? No, no problem at all, GREAT GUY! There WAS one tiny little problem though...before I actually got IN to see the Admiral....
lights fade DR and come up at L, Bishop and three Nuns are DL in Admiral’s outer office as Chahta-Ima arrives from R
Sister Mary Francis- Here he comes, Bishop!
Sister Mary Margaret- Here he comes, Bishop!
Sister Mary Claire- Here he comes, Bishop...
All 3 Nuns- ...Just as you said!
Bishop- XR past Nuns to Chahta-Ima Thank you, sisters. Well, well, don’t tell me. No, No, No...DON’T TELL ME! I KNOW the name....
Chahta-Ima- kneeling Bishop! I...I, I can explain....
Sister Mary Francis- Don’t you interrupt the Bishop, young man!
Sister Mary Margaret- Manners, please, Father Rouquette!
Sister Mary Claire- Have you no regard for the Bishop’s feelings?...
Bishop- ...EXPLAIN? Explain what? I tell you you can VISIT the savages and YOU move in with them! I tell you that I NEED YOU HERE for Christmas services and you VANISH! Here I sit, day after day...
All 3 Nuns- ...THERE he sits!
Bishop- Here I sit, day after day...
All 3 Nuns- ...day after day!
Bishop- Here I sit, looking out the window...WAITING for my secretary...Where’s Adrien? Wheeeeeeeere’s Adrien?...
Chahta-Ima- ...Bishop!...the three Nuns all point at him at once to shush him
Bishop- But noooooooooooo Adrien. And thennnnnnnnnn Adrien finally comes.....and these three excellent sisters....sisters curtsy.....come to me with news that you are here! In the city! But NOT to see me.....no, no! You are here to see the Admiral, not the Bishop...the ADMIRAL....and then these three excellent sisters....sisters curtsy....tell me you are going right back across the lake. Just because I call you a nut case, Adrien, does not mean you have to prove me right.
Chahta-Ima- The Chahtas are dying, Bishop.
Bishop- Huh?
Chahta-Ima- Malaria. It seems the entry of white people into their lives has brought the Chahtas all sorts of surprises, the latest is illness beyond their imagination.
Bishop- Adrien, Malaria is not our fault, nor is it our problem.
Chahta-Ima- “He who cares for the least of my brethren cares for me.”
Bishop- pausing, stopped cold, thinking...They need Quinine!
All 3 Nuns- Quinine!
Chahta-Ima- to the Bishop Duh! then to the Nuns Duh!
Captain- enters from far L The Admiral is free now, who is next?
Bishop- Father Rouquette, I believe that would be you.
Admiral- enters from far L What is this out here, Sunday services? I’m a busy man. If these people are collecting for charity, Captain, PLEASE be so kind as to tell them that the United States Navy is PRETTY BUSY RIGHT NOW DEFENDING THEIR FREEDOM!
Captain- clearing his throat The United States Navy is pretty busy....
Bishop- I think you’d better hear him out, Admiral.
Admiral- noticing the Bishop for the first time Ah, Bishop! So sorry! What can I do for you?
Bishop- Adrien?
Chahta-Ima- The Chahta People of the North Shore...seeing the Admiral does not understand who he is talking about .the INDIANS......are dying of malaria. I have promised to help them.
Admiral- Well, you need quinine then.
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Sir.
Admiral- Captain, get a crew with appropriate supplies, then take this man back across the lake and do whatever he asks. Report back to me on your return. Am I clear?
Captain- Yes, Sir.he exits L
Admiral- to Bishop and Chahta-Ima Will that do?
BOTH Reply- Oh yes!
Admiral- Glad to be of service. Too many times our government has made promises to these people only to break them. Never fear. Your savages will get their medicine. Good day, ladies and gentlemen. he exits L
Captain- returning with crew who line up at L Okay men get the boat ready tonight and we sail at first light
GC-2- Would that be about the same time as sunrise, Sir? the men laugh
Captain- Very funny, Lieutenant.
GC-2- I just don’t see why we need to go all the way across the lake to bring medicine to a bunch of stinking...
Captain- ...THAT WILL BE QUITE ENOUGH, Lieutenant! he stares at each of the GC’s in turn
GC-1- No problem here, Sir.
GC-2- I’m fine.
GC-3- Wonderful idea. Great day for a trip.
GC-4- I’m glad to be going to help them out, Sir.
Captain- Okay. Belay all the opinions and let’s get cracking! to Chahta-Ima we’ll meet you at the dock ....at sunrise, Sir...GC’s all exit L
3 Nuns whisper to Bishop
Bishop- Adrien, We....I am letting you go back to the North Shore to care for those people. BUT you are THEN to return immediately to me in time for Christmas services AM I MAKING MYSELF CLEAR?.
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Bishop. Thank you, Bishop.
Bishop- Don’t make me go back across that lake to get you.
All 3 Nuns- The Bishop has better things to do than waste his time in the wilderness!
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Bishop. I mean no, Bishop. I mean thank you, Bishop.
Bishop- dismissive gesture Just go.
All 3 Nuns- Just go!

blackout

Act VI. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Walt Whitman- Did you reach the Chahtas before it was too late?
Old Chahta-Ima- Yes, we did. The beautiful bird singer and her people were spared that time.
Walt Whitman- What do you mean, “that time?”
Old Chahta-Ima- frowning Too often we don’t treat people well who are different from us. It is a sad thing in this country. It was around this time that I began to see for myself that those so-called savages had better answers most of the time than we did....lights fade DR and come up at C where ill NA’s are being cared for similar to before with GC’s moving about dispensing the quinine....
Chahta-Ima- At L This way, Captain.
Captain- XR past Chahta-Ima, bowing to Nompashtika We come to make your people well.
Nompashtika- bowing My people are ill from the white man. It is right that the white man should make them well. My name is Nompashtika, wife of the chief and speaker for my tribe. The Chahta people thank you and your admiral for your goodness to us.
Chief- Please make our children well.
Manhohe- Our princess, the Bird Singer, is dying.
Kanhohe- She is barely breathing.
Captain- Take care of her, Sailor.
GC-1- Yes, Sir. Right away, Sir.
Chahta-Ima- to Chef This is quinine. It is medicine that will cure your people. Don’t worry.
Dominique- to Oushola We’re here for you, Princess. Everything is going to be fine.
Oushola- weak, whispering Chahta-Ima, you are a good man. The Great Spirit will thank you for caring for his children.
NA-10- caring for Oushola Shhhhhhhh.....Quiet now, Princess. Drink your medicine so you can return to sing for our people.
GC-2- giving quinine to a sick NA harshly Here you go, drink this!
Captain- LIEUTENANT!
GC-2- Sir?
Captain- These are sick people, Lieutenant. Treat them well.
GC-2- Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir.
GC-4- to NA-1, kindly, Take this. Easy now. There you go.
NA-1- Thank you, white soldier. May there always be peace among our peoples.
Oushola- still SO weak Chahta-Ima, are my people all cared for?
Hashilli- Hush, Princess. You must save your strength. You are still very ill.
Shanafila- Oh, Princess, they are taking good care. Do not tire yourself!
GC-3- calling out More quinine over here! other GC’s bring it
Hashilli- sobbing Get well, Princess! We could not imagine the forest without your sweet songs.
Chahta-Ima- Do hush, Little Bird Singer. You are all in good hands now.
NA-2- Thank you, Chahta-Ima for me and for our Princess.
NA-3- May the Great Spirit always show you the way through the darkest woods, Chahta-Ima.
NA-4- And you, Shookbo Loosah. Thank you.
NA-5- Yes, Shookbo Loosah, thank you.
Dominique- Gosh, and I didn’t even do anything!
Chahta-Ima- You treat them well, Dominique. Any fool can see that.
NA-6- Thank you both, for all of our people. Someday perhaps I can repay you.
NA-7- I will give you all of my sagamite!
Chahta-Ima- laughing Do you good, Dominique, some soap in that mouth of yours!
NA-8- You wish sagamite, too, Chahta-Ima?
NA-9- Yes, Sagamite for Chahta-Ima!
Dominique- Wonderful idea! Soap-grits for everybody!
all laugh
Naomi Tallow- enters at UL with Settlers L of her You sent for us, Captain?
Settler-1- Are you here to give us protection?
Settler-2- Can we buy the land we were promised now?
Settler-3- Yeah! We’re American citizens! Help us out!
Settler-4- Just give us a fair chance is all we ask!
Naomi Tallow- Captain, we won’t abuse the privilege of farming here. Let us get started.
Settler-5- We want fair treatment!
Settler-6- Who is the navy here for anyway?
Naomi Tallow- We pay the taxes to support you. It’s only fair to let us get to work.
Settler-7- We can’t pay taxes if we can’t farm the land! Give us a chance!
Settler-8- Think about our children!
Settler-9- We’re living in wagons for crying out loud!
Chahta-Ima- Nobody is trying to deny you your rights.
Captain- Take it easy here, people!
Dominique- to Chahta-Ima We can’t let people who we don’t trust use the land!
Chahta-Ima- There is no need for all this anger.
Settler-6- Easy for YOU to say when you have a roof over your head!
Captain- You people all have good points. I am not here to judge who is right. I am here to help the sick and keep the peace. I called you here to warn you that, if the peace is broken, the United States Navy WILL get involved. That is my message. All right men, let’s go. they exit L past the settlers
Nompashtika- calling to them Thank you, Admiral Farragut Men. May the Great Spirit bless you!
Chief- Thank you for the lives of our people!
Naomi Tallow- Well, our children have lives, too. This problem is NOT just going to sail away. Come on, folks! they exit UL
Manhohe- kneeling to Chahta-Ima. It is clear that you truly care for our people, Chahta-Ima. I would protect you and your home with my life.
Kanhohe- I, too, will watch over you for the rest of my days, Chahta-Ima.
Chahta-Ima- You honor me unfairly, my friends. It is God working through me who is helping you.
Dominique- He sure seems to work better through you than through me!
Chahta-Ima- gently You must first give him a chance, my brother.
Oushola- sitting up So, your God has made my people well?
NA-10- Princess, please be still!
Oushola- Answer, me, Chahta-Ima.
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Oushola, we believe that our God watches over us and cares for us. We believe that those who believe in him will join him in heaven in the next life.
Oushola- I could go to this...heaven?
Chahta-Ima- Yes, of course, Bird Singer.
Oushola- Are white people also in this heaven where I would go?
Chahta-Ima- Yes, little one, of course.
Oushola- Then I do not wish to go to this...heaven. White people have not treated the Chahtas well!
Chahta-Ima- You have a point there, Oushola, but heaven is only for good people. Nobody bad will be there. God made heaven, so it is a perfect place.
Oushola- And you, from the big town across the lake, come here to tell me of this heaven?
Chahta-Ima- Yes, little one.
Oushola- But, Chahta-Ima, God made the country where WE live. White men made the town where YOU live. Who would YOU SAY did better?
Chahta-Ima- I say I need you on MY SIDE the next time the Bishop comes around.

blackout

Act VII. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Walt Whitman- Sounds to me like you were making some progress.
Old Chahta-Ima- Yes, indeed, at least for a while. laughing Matter of fact, that was about the time Dominique and I discovered we were not the only ones who had trouble understanding the Chahta language.
Walt Whitman- More people came from New Orleans?
Old Chahta-Ima- More people came, but they weeeeeeeeeren’t ...exactly from New Orleans..lights fade DR and come up at C Visiting French Nuns are attempting to communicate with the Chahta’s by offering them beads....
VN-1- offering beads to Monhohe Comment vous appelez-vous, Monseur?
Monhohe- Huh?
VN-2- offering beads to Kanhohe Enchanté de faire votre connaissance!
Kanhohe- to Monhohe These must be some new kind of white people!
VN-4- offering beads to Oushola Je suis de Paris!
Oushola- Maybe we should offer them more black blankets?
VN-5- offering beads to Hanan J’aime bueaucoup votre pays!
Hanan- taking beads Ummmmmmmm, Thank you, Ma’am. getting nervous at all the attention I...I, I’ll go get the blankets! runs off DR
Shanafila- speaking really slowly to the Nuns Do you speak any English? the Nuns look at each other and murmur, wondering what she is saying...
Hashilli- Parlez-vous anglais? I je ne parle qu’un peu francais!
All the Nuns- Oh, oui! Oui! Um... yes, Yes, we speak English!
VN-1- But only a little. to Hashilli Your French is very good.
VN-2- Oui, Yes, good!
VN-4- Yes, good.
VN-5- Bon! Good!
Hashilli- Merci, thank you. Father Rouquette has been teaching me.
VN-1- to Monhohe What I said to you in French was asking you your name.
Monhohe- Slowly, as if new to him, takes her hand, My name is Monhohe. I am a leader of my tribe.
VN-2- to Kanhohe What I said was, “I am delighted to meet you.”
Kanhohe- taking her hand Nice to meet you, too.
VN-4- to Oushola I told you that I am from Paris.
Oushola- Is that near Balbancha?
VN-4- What is Balbancha?
Hashilli- Balbancha is thinking L’Autre Cote du Lac!..... The other side of the Lake. Nuns laugh
VN-5- Bon! Good! Yes, we are from far FAR across the lake! Nuns laugh again
Hanan- returns from R with four black blankets followed by all the NA’s who are laughing Shookbo Loosah!
All the NA’s- Shookbo Loosah! more NA laughter as Nuns take Blankets thinking they are special
Oushola- Here we go again!
three little Nuns enter from DL
Sister Mary Francis- Sisters, we have been waiting at the boat for over an hour!
Sister Mary Margaret- Manners, please, Sisters! The Bishop is waiting.
Sister Mary Claire- We must cast off before the wind changes!
VN-5- Is not the Bishop going to join us on our visit among the Native Peoples?
All 3 Nuns- The Bishop has better things to do than waste his time in the wilderness!
Chahta-Ima, Felix and Dominique enter from UR
Chahta-Ima- I hear we have some new Shookbo Loosahs visiting today!
Felix- Hanan told us they’re from all the waaaaaaaay.... across the Lake. brothers laugh
Dominique- Hey, I thought my title was something special!
Oushola- You are our real Shookbo Loosah! laughing I think these ladies are leaving now anyway.
Dominique- Good!
Chahta-Ima- Well, the least we can do is see them off. to Dominique Come on, ORIGINAL Shookbo Loosah. Chahta-Ima leads the way as all exit L
All 3 Nuns- And the Bishop has ordered YOU to come back with us as well, Father Rouquette!
Dominique- Have a nice trip, Chahta-Ima!
Chahta-Ima- Thanks a lot, Shookbo Loosah. they are now ALL OFF
Naomi Tallow- followed by all the grumbling Settlers enters at UL and waits, looking around nervously, then speaking to the murmuring Settlers Quiet down, you! Do you fools want to ruin the deal at the last second?
Delphine- alone, enters at UR and walks up to Naomi but does not speak at first
Naomi Tallow- You came alone?
Delphine- VERY nervous Yes!
Naomi Tallow- We have the money. Do you have our deed to the land in Lacombe?
Delphine- I am doing this for my children.
Naomi Tallow- You are doing the right thing.
Delphine- You promise you will only farm this piece of land?
Naomi Tallow- Absolutely! Delphine hands her the deed, they both sign it and Naomi gives Delphine money
Delphine- You must move in before Adrien returns to his chapel on the property!
Naomi Tallow- Honey, consider us MOVED! Settlers cheer

blackout

Act VIII. Bayou Lacombe & New Orleans
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Old Chahta-Ima- So, I went back with the sisters to see the Bishop.
Walt Whitman- You just got on the boat right then?
Old Chahta-Ima- Yes, I did. I had no other choice. He DID send for me, you know.
Walt Whitman- But wasn’t that when your land was violated?
Old Chahta-Ima- Many things happened that day, to be sure. But FIRST I saw the Bishop.....lights fade DR and come up at Bishop’s parlor, L...
Bishop- Adrien Rouquette, you have got to be the biggest NUT CASE in the history of New Orleans!
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Bishop.
Sister Mary Francis- The Bishop TOLD YOU to come right back
Sister Mary Claire- The Bishop TOLD YOU he didn’t want to have to go get you across the lake.
Sister Mary Margaret- The Bishop had to send US to make you return.
Chahta-Ima- But, Bishop...
Bishop- ...I don’t want to hear it!
All 3 Nuns- He doesn’t want to hear it! they mime talking as lights dim, but NOT off, DL and lights up at Chapel where NA’s are lounging far DR and doing NA business as Delphine and RF’s leading Naomi and Settlers arrive from UR and swarm all around the Chapel...
Delphine- standing in front of the chapel, addressing the settlers This is now YOUR property. We pray that you use it wisely. My sisters and I hereby leave it in your hands.
RF-1- You are all now our neighbors.
RF-2- We welcome you to this wonderful place to live.
RF-4- If there is anything we can do to help you, please let us know.
RF-5- We pray you do the right thing with our land.
Delphine- Come on, Girls! they exit L
Naomi Tallow- Here we are, folks! ALL OURS! Welcome to our new home! Settlers cheer and begin to get ready to work on the land, NA’s start to notice them especially Monhohe and Kanhohe
Monhohe- This looks like trouble. You’d better get the Chief and Nompashtika.
Kanhohe- You’re right. I don’t like the looks of this. he exits at DR
Oushola- Hanan, go with him and let me know as soon as the Chief is on his way!
Hanan- Yes, Ma’am. he exits DR
Shanafila- Chahta-Ima’s chapel is in danger!
Hashilli- WE are in danger!
Monhohe- Come, my people, we have to protect the Chapel! NA’s XL to just R of Chapel
Naomi Tallow- It’s our property now, folks. Let’s all dig in and get this land cleared so we can plant some crops!
Settler-1- Right you are, Naomi!
Settler-2- These trees need to go!
Settler-3- ‘Bout time we got started!
Naomi Tallow- How’s about a little tune to work by, Johnny?
Fiddler- strikes up a happy tune
Settler-4- That’s the ticket!
Settler-5- doing a little dance Cutting down trees is just like dancing!
Settler-6- We can chop right along with the music! chopping sounds from booth match ax swinging
Naomi Tallow- seeing NA’s, turning to Fiddler and Settlers Hold it! HOLD IT! to NA’s What do YOU want?
Settler-7- Yeah, get off our land!
Settler-8- You people belong on the reservation!
Settler-9- We bought this land all right and proper! It’s ours! IT’S OURS NOW!
NA-1- This land belongs to Chahta-Ima!
NA-2- Mister Felix is away or he would stop this!
NA-3- Shookbo Loosah is with the Chief!
Oushola- We must stop them!
NA-4- Oushola, Hashilli & NA’s 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 get between Settlers and Chapel, blocking it with their bodies We protect Chahta-Ima’s chapel!
Hashilli- We will not allow you to ruin Chahta-Ima’s home!
NA-5- We will die first!
NA-6- Chahta-Ima is our friend!
NA-7- Do not destroy our forest and our homes!
NA-8- Please! We must live in peace!
Hanan- enters shouting The Chief and Nompashtika are coming with Shookbo Loosah!
NA-9- The Chief is coming!
NA-10- Shookbo Loosah will save us! He will not let them destroy the forest! addressing the Settlers, trying to reason with them, speaking to them as if they were children Chahta-Ima stays here. He is a white man like you. You destroy the place of your own people.
Chief- enters from DR with Nompashtika and Dominique What means this?
Nompashtika- marveling Do white people destroy what belongs to other white people?
there is shouting on both sides
Dominique- Wait! Quiet, everyone! Naomi hands him the deed & he examines it then hands it back to her There is truth on both sides here. Delphine has sold this parcel of land to the Settlers. It is theirs to use as they wish.
Oushola and Hashilli- What can we do?
Dominique- About this piece of land...we can do nothing. We will be breaking the law if we interfere with these people. Rest, my friends. We must rest until my brother returns to sort this out.
lights dim at R, partially dim at C, settlers mime and UP at DL
Bishop- So, here’s the deal: You will go back to your little chapel, gather your goods, and be on your way back here in two days. And that is final! No more time. No more Chahta-Ima! IS THAT CLEAR?
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Bishop. kneeling and kissing his ring
Bishop- Now go! Christmas services are only three days away!
All 3 Nuns- Go!
Chahta-Ima- Yes, Bishop. exits UL
Captain- entering with GC from DL The Admiral sent us to you, Bishop.
Bishop- Yes, Captain. I need to borrow you and your crew to take me across the lake to...make SURE someone keeps his promise.
Captain- The admiral has put us under your orders, Sir.
All 3 Nuns- They’re all yours, Bishop!
Captain- Ready, Men?
GC-2- Another visit to the savages, Sir?
Captain- Watch your mouth, Lieutenant!
GC-1- I’m with you, Sir. We’ll get the Bishop where he needs to go! We won’t let you down!
GC-4- Nobody gonna stop US, Sir.
Captain- Good enough! Let’s go then!
Bishop- leaving at L with Captain and GC Ummmmmmmmm, Sisters, I think you’d better accompany us as well. sisters look at each other, shrug, and exit L as lights fade and fiddler plays again as chopping continues.

Act IX. Bayou Lacombe
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Walt Whitman- They cleared your own family’s land while you were away. That must have broken your heart!
Old Chahta-Ima- I knew nothing about it until I walked right onto the spot..lights fade DR and come up at C & L.
Chahta-Ima arrives at DL and crosses L to new backdrop of hewn trees and chapel is GONE. He falls to the ground stunned as NA’s enter from UL, UR and DR and silently surround him. Oushola puts a hand on one shoulder and Manhohe puts a hand on the other as Chahta-Ima THEN notices them and stands, a little embarrassed...
Chahta-Ima- My trees! My beautiful trees! then a long pause while he is more depressed Was anyone hurt?
Manhohe- We are all hurt by deeds like this, Chahta-Ima.
Oushola- But none of our people were injured, Chahta-Ima.
Kanhohe- We worry more for you, our friend, to lose this place you loved so much.
Chahta-Ima- I am thankful to the good Lord that no one was actually harmed. But still, I can never live here again.
Bishop, 3 Nuns and Gunboat Crew with Captain have arrived DL.
Bishop- Wait back at the boat. I shall fetch Father Rouquette allllll by myself. We will NOT be long! They exit DL & he crosses R but stops when he sees what is unfolding, he stops, watches and listens, unseen...
Oushola- We will find you a new place!
Kanhohe- With a new cabin for your chapel!
Manhohe- Yes, Chahta-Ima, we will build it for you!
Shanafila- You saved our lives! You are one of us.
Chahta-Ima- standing My dear friends, you don’t understand. I cannot live here or anywhere else on this side of the lake any more. My Bishop has called me home. I came back only to pack my things.
Hashilli- You must return to the other side of the lake?
Chahta-Ima- sad smile L’Autre Cote du Lac.
Oushola- How will I learn about heaven, Chahta-Ima?
Hanan- You promised we would sing for Christmas!
Hashilli- Who will be my teacher if you go?
NA-10- Chahta-Ima, please stay. It was your people who did this. Do not go back to live with a town full of them! Stay with us. The Chahtas will care for you always!
Chief Wellee- enters from DR with Nompashtika What is this? What are my people talking about?
Nompashtika- Are you not happy here with us?
Chahta-Ima- Of course I am happy with you! It has nothing to do with that. My Bishop has called me back to the city. I care for you dearly and will pray for you always.
Kanhohe- But, Chahta-Ima you bring light to us in the darkness. You are our teacher.
Chahta-Ima- I must go.
Oushola- Does not YOUR BOOK say, “He who cares for the least of my brethren cares for me?”
Manhohe- You are our only hope. If you go, we cannot survive.
Chahta-Ima- My book does say that. But I am afraid that my Bishop does not always say that.
Dominique- entering from DR with Felix, Delphine and RF’s Adrien, I just heard. These people will die without your help! I cannot carry on your work if you leave.
Chahta-Ima- I have no choice.
Felix- Listen, I just met with the settlers and my family gestures to indicate wife and her sisters. This parcel of land is all Delphine sold.
Delphine- Yes, we didn’t sell all of the land. Just this one piece.
RF-1- It is all we plan to sell. We had no idea they would destroy your home and your precious oak and pine trees.
RF-2- The Settlers have agreed to clear timber from this piece only.
RF-4- The rest of the Parish will be left as it is for now.
RF-5- But it won’t stay that way if you leave!
Nompashtika- You always told us that the trees were your real chapels. We know of a place not far where the pines and oaks reach to the sky. It is called Chinchuba.
Naomi Tallow- enters from UR with Settlers
Chief Wellee- My wife speaks well, Chahta-Ima. We will build you a place there and you will stay with us. The oaks of Chinchuba have stood for hundreds of years. It is a safe place. No harm will ever come there.
Naomi Tallow- We did not know that this particular piece of land was so special to you. Our families only want to farm and harvest timber here to make a living just like anybody else. But if you leave, who will keep the peace?
S-7- This is all the land we need for now.
S-9- Sure, for now we’re fine.
Dominique- But tomorrow is another day. And with you gone there can be no peace here for long.
Felix- Dominique is right.
Chahta-Ima- I have no choice.
Captain- enters with Nuns and GC’s behind him Xing to Bishop Bishop? We were beginning to worry, Sir. GC’s and Nuns murmur agreement as the Bishop holds up his hand to silence them, but it’s too late
Dominique- Bishop? The Bishop is here?
Felix- I thought you just left him in New Orleans.
as the Bishop moves R
Chahta-Ima- I don’t blame him for not trusting me. turning to Bishop, kneeling and kissing his ring, I only have to get my things, Bishop, I was saying a few goodbyes.
as Settlers, NA’s and all the Rouquette’s try at once to tell the Bishop to let him stay....the Bishop takes Chahta-Ima’s hand and causes him to stand as he raises his other hand for silence AND GETS IT...
Bishop- And the King shall say unto them, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew, Chapter 25. I had to come all the way out here to learn what it meant. Adrien.....I mean, Chahta-Ima, I was a fool.
GC-2- to Bishop Is everything all right, Sir?
Captain- We’re ready to cast off, Sir.
Bishop- I don’t think that will be necessary, Captain.
All GC’s- Huh?
ALL 3 Nuns- Huh?
Bishop- We’re all staying.
ALL 3 Nuns- But, Bishop!
Bishop- We have to stay! How else will we build a new chapel under the trees at a place called... Chinchuba?
ALL 3 Nuns- A Chapel?
Bishop- Sure. We have to have a chapel? Where ELSE would the new permanent missionary to St. Tammany Parish have his Christmas services?
all cheer

Act X. Kildara, Christmas Day
DR is lighted. Old Chahta-Ima is sitting in a rocker in a parlor setting with Walt Whitman sitting to his right ...
Old Chahta-Ima- Any more questions, young man?
Walt Whitman- You left St. Tammany better than you found it. And you encouraged peace and harmony among all those different people. That is a great thing. Oh! I forgot to ask, how WAS that first Christmas service at Chinchuba? I thought the Bishop had better things to do than waste his time in the wilderness.
Old Chahta-Ima- chuckling You know, they still call it Chinchuba, but I called it Kildara... my own little joke, after a famous vacation place for wealthy people not far from there. That first service was the most moving experience of my entire life. The Chahtas seeing a Christmas service for the first time, so reverent, so respectful, the Bishop, the Settlers, Delphine’s family, even the naval officers EVERYONE THERE sharing a moment of peace. I can still remember it as if I was there this very moment....he rises and Walt follows him toward C as lights fade DR and come up at C & L on full cast massed in groups facing Kildara Chapel UR as Chahta-Ima delivers the Christmas sermon.

Chahta-Ima- addressing everyone from the steps of his new chapel at Kildara...
My friends, today, this Christmas morning, we share a chapel. I am not talking about this fine building, begun by the wise and wonderful Chahta People and finished by these generous settlers. I am talking about God’s chapel. A far wiser person than I he gets Oushola to stand once told me, “Men made the town, BUT.God made the country “ I have decided to take this wise person’s advice. Our Christmas chapel this year has as its spires these beautiful pine trees, as its sanctuary, these noble oaks. The Bishop has generously offered to leave some of his own staff here to spend time with the wise Chahta Peoples and learn from their gentle wisdom. He indicates three figures hunched facing upstage in black blankets at UC, they are the 3 Nuns wrapped like Shookbo Loosah, they rise as one and turn to face DC as they stand by Chahta-Ima.
All NA’s- Shookbo Loosah!
All 3 Nuns- had been facing upstage in black blankets, stand, turn to audience and say Chahta-Ima has better things to do than waste his time in the city!
Chahta-Ima- helping Hanan to rise May we all take inspiration from this moment, shared by all of us in peace... and hope... in God’s own chapel, as we lift up our voices in song. Fiddler begins Silent Night as Recording swells over it and Hanan leads all as they sing.

blackout