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JOHN PRESTON SUTHERLAND

"who made the happy sunshine where these grew"

they are dedicated

by

HIS WIFE.

      DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
    • Suke Dury (of the class known as "po' white trash").
    • Drent Dury (her nephew).
    • Judge Page .
    • Dr. Calhoun Payne .
    • Carol Payne (his daughter).
    • Sal Hankers .
    • Zep Poon , Negro.
    • Milly , Negro.

PO' WHITE TRASH

Was first produced by Henry Woodruff, — for whom the part of "Drent Dury" was written, — at the Bijou Theatre, Boston, at a special matinee, given on March 25, 1897. On this occasion, Mr. Woodruff appeared as " Drent "; Miss Minnie Dupree as " Carol "; Miss Maud Hosford as " Suke "; Mr. Eugene Ormonde as " Judge Page "; Mr. Joseph Brennen as " Dr. Payne "; Mr. William B. Smith as " Zep "; Miss Rachel Noah as " Sal "; and Miss Mabel Dixey as " Milly ."

The play was again given by Mr. Woodruff, at the Lyceum Theatre, New York, on April 22, 1898. Mr. Woodruff again appeared as " Drent " and Miss Hosford as " Suke "; the " Sal " was Miss Ina Hammer; the " Carol ," Miss Jessie Mackaye; the " Dr. Payne ," Mr. Eugene Jepson; the " Judge Page ," Mr. Geo. Fullerton; the " Milly ," Miss Helen Lowell; the " Zep ," Mr. John Bunny.

The play was used professionally by Mr. Daniel Frawley, on his Western tour of the season of 1898 – 99. " Drent " was then played by Mr. Alfred Hickman.

The place is Georgia. The period is the present. The scene is the exterior of Suke Dury's cabin, on the edge of Oloochee Swamp. The time is late afternoon of a mid-July day.

The scene is a dilapidated cabin exterior. The cabin is set at an angle, R. 4. It is of logs, with a clay chimney; a single window with a broken shutter, half open. In front of it, a rude platform-like piazza. A rude bench on stage; in front of it, toward R. 2. A banjo is lying on the bench. The stage is covered with a whitish-yellow cloth, representing bare sand. The back drop a stretch of flat sand, dotted with clumps of coarse green grass; here and there, a tall, dead, fire-blackened tree. At L. 3, a mast-like, blackened tree-trunk, draped heavily with moss. Behind it, there is a narrow path, apparently ending with the swamp. From L. of stage, extending into wings, a thick matted undergrowth of lush, green, swamp-like bushes and plants, growing taller as they join wings. The light is hot, intense, yellow sunlight; almost from rise of curtain, however, the light begins to soften toward dusk; first growing red, then lilac, then clear violet-purple, then dark purple, etc. In front of cabin piazza, R. 3, a small iron pot, full of red coals and with a branding iron stuck down into it. Curtain music, "Swanee River." When curtain rises, Zep Poon is soundly asleep under tree, L. 3. He is a burly negro, intensely black; in cotton-checked shirt, open at neck; cotton overalls, brogans, above which his naked black ankles show. Beside him is his broad-brimmed, tattered straw hat. In the silence the locusts are heard, intermittently shrilling. After a second or two, Zep snores heavily, once or twice, and turns on his side, without waking; then snores again. Enter Sal Hankers, from road behind cabin, R. back. She is dressed in gaudy, cheap calico; her dress being apparently her only garment. Her face and hair are of a uniform clay-color. She carries her sun-bonnet dangling from its string on her arm. As she comes down, she glances indifferently at Zep. She seats herself leisurely on bench, R. She takes from her pocket a snuff-box and a stick, and dips the stick into the box, afterward rubbing it on her teeth. After a pause .
Sal .

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars.

( There is again silence. Sal fans herself and wipes her face upon her apron. The locusts shrill again and Zep snores .)
Sal .

Note: Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 26 chars.

( Suke Dury opens door of cabin, and stands framed in it. She is of Sal's type, but much more vivid. Her hair is of deep red. She has a rope in her hand, whose broken ends she is knotting together .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 167 chars.

Sal .
( R. )

Note: Contains 55 words in 4 sentences using 300 chars.

Suke .
( Comes down C. )

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 155 chars.

Sal .

Note: Contains 33 words in 2 sentences using 184 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 92 words in 5 sentences using 444 chars.

Sal .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

Sal .

Note: Contains 31 words in 5 sentences using 137 chars.

Suke .
( C. )

Note: Contains 57 words in 10 sentences using 254 chars.

Sal .
( R. )

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 67 words in 4 sentences using 312 chars.

Sal .

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars.

Sal .
( Rises and ties on bonnet very deliberately .)

Note: Contains 88 words in 7 sentences using 442 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 78 chars.

Sal .

Note: Contains 74 words in 7 sentences using 328 chars.

( Sal turns to exit as she came, behind cabin, R. back; she comes violently into contact with Milly, who is just entering. Suke turns at the collision and Milly's noisy exclamations. Milly is a very black young negress, neatly dressed, and wearing a notably pretty and fashionable hat .)
Milly .

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars.

( Exit Suke into cabin .)
Sal .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 62 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 36 words in 8 sentences using 202 chars.

Zep .
( Striking out viciously .)

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

Milly .
( Dodging blow .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars.

Zep .
( Struggling to his feet and bowing and ducking obsequiously, with flourishes of his hat .)

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 117 chars.

Zep .
( Dazed .)

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 109 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars.

Zep .

Note: Contains 13 words in 4 sentences using 70 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 153 chars.

Zep .

Note: Contains 38 words in 5 sentences using 186 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 59 words in 2 sentences using 284 chars.

Zep .
( Mechanically echoing her ecstatic tone .)

Note: Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 159 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 149 chars.

Zep .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 194 chars.

( Suke enters from cabin and stands looking out toward the swamp, shading her eyes with her hand .)
Zep .

Note: Contains 11 words in 4 sentences using 63 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

( There is a pause of a second .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

( Another pause; a soft, flute-like tremulo whistle comes faintly from the direction of the swamp .)
Milly .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

( Milly tosses her head and moves toward back L. )
Zep .
( With a flourishing bow .)

Note: Contains 45 words in 3 sentences using 221 chars.

Milly .
( Turning .)

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 127 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 117 chars.

Milly .
( With a mock curtsey .)

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 156 chars.

Milly .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

( Dr. Payne enters from behind cabin, R. lack. He is fat and jovial; he carries his saddle-bags across his arm .)
Dr. P.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 106 chars.

( Exit Milly, bridling, L. back. Dr. P. seats himself on bench, puffing and blowing; tosses down his saddle-bags; fans himself with Panama hat. Zep approaches him, bowing and scraping .)
Dr. P.

Note: Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 180 chars.

Zep .

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 99 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 101 chars.

Zep .

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 96 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 201 chars.

Zep .

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 84 chars.

( Exit Zep behind cabin, back R. )
Dr. P.

Note: Contains 32 words in 6 sentences using 167 chars.

( Suke enters from cabin .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 68 chars.

( Rises in wrath and begins to pick up his saddle-bags .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 74 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 74 words in 7 sentences using 396 chars.

( Drent enters. He is dressed in ragged brown jean trousers, a dull blue shirt, open at the throat, and a ragged hat. He carries a shot-gun. A dilapidated game-bag is slung across him. He moves listlessly and is pale .)
Dr. P.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

( Suke goes down to meet Drent. Under pretense of taking off his game-bag to examine it for game, she caresses him, with awkward tenderness .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 129 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 141 chars.

Drent .
( To Suke .)

Note: Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 156 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 96 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 7 words in 3 sentences using 31 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 68 words in 10 sentences using 315 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 237 words in 15 sentences using 1205 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 23 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 213 words in 22 sentences using 999 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

( Dr. Payne wipes his eyes surreptitiously, and blows his nose ostentatiously. Drent takes up his banjo and idly strums as he talks, some bars of "My Old Kentucky Home." Dr. Payne sways and beats time to it, unconsciously; stopping himself whenever he remembers it, with evident irritation; but occasionally, despite himself, humming a word or two of the song in a grumbling bass .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 55 words in 2 sentences using 282 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 141 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 175 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars.

Drent
( sings, lightly and idly, but with searching pathos, the words:

Note: Contains 73 words in 2 sentences using 326 chars.

Dr. P.
( Who has listened with much emotion .)

Note: Contains 62 words in 8 sentences using 319 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 62 words in 3 sentences using 293 chars.

Drent .
( Rising to his feet .)

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 170 chars.

Dr. P.
( After a pause, impetuously gripping his hand .)

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars.

( He staggers dizzily for a moment, with his hand to his heart .)
Dr. P.
( Throwing his arm around Drent .)

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Drent .
( Releasing himself and laughing confusedly .)

Note: Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 133 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 106 words in 17 sentences using 523 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 127 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 74 chars.

Dr. P.

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars.

( He bustles out, behind cabin, R. back. It is now soft, violet dusk. A few great bright stars shine, back, above the sandy levels. From the swamp there comes, eerie and minor, the long, shivering cry of the night owl. Drent picks upon his banjo again, with a listless, tired sigh. He softly hums "Lorena," "picking" a light accompaniment. After a few seconds pause, enter Suke from cabin, the branding iron in her hand .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 109 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 103 chars.

( Carol Payne enters from the swamp-path, L. 3. Suke sees her and straightens up fiercely .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 54 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

( Drent springs to his feet, snatching off his hat .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars.

( He unconsciously presses his hand against his heart. Exit Suke into cabin, after a long unfriendly stare at Carol .)
Carol .
( Crosses R. toward bench .)

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 130 chars.

Carol .
( Seating herself on bench .)

Note: Contains 29 words in 1 sentence using 134 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 48 words in 2 sentences using 211 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 115 chars.

( He catches up his banjo as if in a trance, his eyes fixed passionately on her face, and bursts into the song —
[Drent.]

Note: Contains 55 words in 2 sentences using 242 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 134 words in 11 sentences using 636 chars.

( Carol crosses L. She speaks timidly and bewilderedly .)
Carol .

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 88 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 173 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 29 words in 5 sentences using 140 chars.

( He throws down his banjo and buries his face in his bent arm, against the piazza-post .)
Carol .

Note: Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 173 chars.

( As she moves toward the swamp-path, Drent suddenly starts erect; and after listening a second, leaps tigerishly toward her .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

( She starts in terror into the swamp path. Drent leaps into it ahead of her; and flings her, very roughly, far toward centre of stage. He is hidden from sight in the wings. Carol bursts into a passion of terrified crying, holding her arm where Drent clutched it .)
Carol .

Note: Contains 25 words in 8 sentences using 98 chars.

( Enter Judge Page from back R.; an erect, strikingly handsome and dignified man of forty-five. Carol, with a cry of joyful relief, flings herself into his arms .)
Carol .

Note: Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 50 chars.

Judge .
( Soothing her .)

Note: Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 119 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

( Drent enters from swamp-path. He is ghastly pale. He limps painfully and has his hand tightly pressed against his leg, just above the knee .)
Carol .

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 86 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 35 words in 5 sentences using 152 chars.

Carol .
( Springing from the Judge's arm .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 137 chars.

( She puts her hands upon his shoulders, and impulsively leans her cheek to his .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 26 words in 7 sentences using 142 chars.

Carol .

Note: Contains 17 words in 5 sentences using 75 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

Drent .
( Limps painfully across to R. and takes the branding iron from the pot .)

Note: Contains 44 words in 7 sentences using 187 chars.

( Suke rushes in from cabin .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 36 words in 8 sentences using 157 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 65 words in 8 sentences using 302 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 45 words in 7 sentences using 236 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 59 words in 2 sentences using 280 chars.

( Drent comes from behind the cabin. A blood-stained bandage is bound about his knee. He stands listening .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 170 words in 10 sentences using 857 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 11 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 146 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

Suke .
( Tears paper from the bosom of her gown .)

Note: Contains 85 words in 4 sentences using 405 chars.

Drent .
( Comes behind her and snatches the paper from her hand .)

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars.

Drent .
( Puts the paper into the fire-pot, ramming it down with the branding-iron .)

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 85 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

( Suke springs at him, tigress-like: he faces her imperiously; she shrinks before his look .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 93 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 75 chars.

Drent .

Note: Contains 75 words in 20 sentences using 370 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

Judge .

Note: Contains 33 words in 7 sentences using 180 chars.

Suke .

Note: Contains 39 words in 15 sentences using 197 chars.

( Judge Page rushes out .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 36 words in 10 sentences using 177 chars.

( Suke rushes into cabin. Drent rises staggeringly .)
Drent .

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 97 chars.

( Sings very faintly —

Note: Contains 59 words in 1 sentence using 256 chars.

( Falls backward, across the bench, with his dead face upturned in the moonlight. After a pause Suke's voice is heard, — "Huccum ye stop singin', Honey?" Suke rushes in, holding a flaring pine-knot above her head. She sweeps the torch low, and stares into his eyes. Then she sweeps the torch downward, in complete reversal, and its flame flickers and dies .)
Suke .

Note: Contains 7 words in 3 sentences using 33 chars.

( She flings herself in a passion of thick sobbing down across his body .)
( Curtain .)
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Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. Po' White Trash. Po' White Trash. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A0B8-5