But Still Like Air

The Conversion of Ka'ahumanu

by VICTORIA NALANI KNEUBUHL CAST OF CHARACTERS SYBIL MOSELY BINGHAM (30s, Caucasian) Lucy GOODALE THURSTON (30s, Caucasian) KA'AHUMANU (40s Hawaiian) HANNAH GRIMES (20s Hapa haole [Hawaiian/Caucasian)) PALl (20s Hawaiian) THE SET: I. Downstage center: a free open space (playing area) 2. Downstage right: a simple set to suggest the parlor of the mission house (MH). No backdrop, but simple set pieces; a table with benches and a few chairs, one of which should be a Boston rocker. 3. Behind the playing area: On a slightly raised platform is a lauhala mat with pillows, perhaps a small Western table. This may be backed by a simple panel to suggest the wall of a hale pili (grass house).This is KA'AHUMANU's house (KH). Copyright © 1988 by Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl Copyrighted Material 180 VICTORIA NALANI KNEUBUHL 4. Downstage left: a lauhala mat covered with a small Chinese rug, a table behind it with a pretty candelabra, a nice chair, as well as cushions on the mat. This is HANNAH GRIMES'S house (HH). The Conversion of Ka'ahumanu was first presented by Kumu Kahua Theatre at Tenny Theatre, Honolulu, on September 1, 1988. Professor JuN Burk served as dramaturg. The production was directed by Dale Daigle, with the following cast: SYBIL BINGHAM Lucy THURSTON KA'AHUMANU HANNAH GRIMES PALl Katherine Lepani Jana Lindan Leonelle Anderson Akana Kehaunani Koenig Nark Set design: Joseph D. Dodd; light design; Dale Daigle; costumes: Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. ACT I SCENE ONE [Spot to SYBIL in the playing area.] SYBIL: In 1815, I, Sybil Mosely, felt the calling of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I confessed my faith before the congregation and now cling to the bosom of the church. Though I am a sinner, I now have hope that God will call me his own and receive me at his right hand. [Spot to Lucy in the playing area.) Lucy: In 1815, I, Lucy Goodale, was washed in the blood of our Lord Jesus. My family rejoiced in my pious calling. I do now truly believe and trust that dear redeemer who tasted death for us all. SYBIL: In 1819, I am of low spirits. A kindred spirit to whom I was dearly attached has now departed from my life to serve God in another part of the world. I know not where my life is going or what the Lord would have me do. I feel many days of loneliness and sorrow. The joy I once felt at teaching these young girls slowly drains away, and I feel heavy with a weight I can neither understand nor overcome. I read of women who do mission work Copyrighted Material The Conversion of Ka'ahumanu 181 among the heathen peoples of this earth. I envy them; that they have a purpose and service to God. I pray that one day I might find such a purpose. LucY: In 1819, my mother died. My dear sister, Persis, was married and left our father's home. My mother, gone! Persis, gone! Wonder not when I say, that I more than ever felt myself an orphan. My solitary chamber witnesses my grief as I walk from side to side. My pillow is watered with tears. I apply to the fountain of all grace and consolation for support. I devote my life to the will of the supreme. SYBIL: My prayers were heard! Today I go to Goshen, Connecticut, to meet one who is perhaps of the same heart and mind as 1. A young man about to embark on a life of mission work in the Sandwich Islands seeks a companion for this noble cause. God will guide me. Lucy: My cousin William visited me today. He gave me information that a mission to the Sandwich Islands was to sail in four-to-six weeks. He dwelt upon it with interest and feeling. Imagine my surprise to hear him say, "Will Lucy, by becoming connected with a missionary, now an entire stranger, attach herself to this small band of pilgrims and bring the word of the gospel to a land of darkness?" Now I feel the need of guidance! Oh, that my sister were here! [SYBIL and Lucy move together.] SYBIL: On October 1I, 1819, I was joined in Holy Matrimony to the Reverend Hiram Bingham. Lucy: On October 12, 1819, I was joined in Holy Matrimony to the Reverend Asa Thurston. SYBIL: On October...