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Fall 1998, Vol. 61, No. 1

The Ties That Bind

This unique play, written and directed by Scott Rubsam, was compiled from over 100 interviews with students, faculty, regents and staff. It is a heartwarming and thought-provoking look at the real-life heroics of humanity. The last project of this nature was In Vino Veritas in 1994. If you would like more information contact (612) 330-1265.

Below is a sampling of the action that will take place on stage from Nov. 13-22:

... from Act 1 of The Ties That Bind.

Mother: If you would just listen to me, you'd feel a lot better.

Luisa: I've heard what you have to say over and over. If I have the transplant operation, I'll get well. I'll live. If I don't, I'll die. But in order for me to live, someone else has to die. Isn't that right, mother? How exactly would that make me feel better?

Mother: I don't understand you. Why wouldn't you want to be healthy? Why wouldn't you want to live? (Luisa focuses on her book.) Please listen to me. Put down that book. What is in it that is so important?

Luisa: It's a connect-the-dots book. It relaxes me. (Luisa continues to focus on her book.)

Mother: I just want what's best for you. I'm afraid. I want you to get well. To grow up and live a normal, happy life. Isn't that what you want?

Luisa: For me, mother? Or for Rebecca? What about Rebecca's happy life?

Mother: (Not knowing what to say.) I'm going to go bring the food down from the car. Just sit there. The air is good for you. I'll be back in a minute. Just stay put. Promise?

Luisa: Promise.

Mother: We'll have a nice supper. And we'll talk about this some more. I love you so much, Luisa. Please think about what I've said. We'll talk more about Rebecca. (The mother exits. Winona, a Native American woman, stands in her room for a moment and then moves out into the fading light. Luisa looks up at her. She has to shade her eyes.)

Luisa (To Winona): Who are you?

Winona: A friend. Do you like friends?

Luisa: I don't know. I don't have any friends. My mother doesn't let me have any friends. She says it's bad for my health.

Winona: One can never have too many friends.

Luisa: She says they'll only make me excitable. So many things are dangerous to me. Those are her words, not mine. I'm not well, you see.

Winona: I know.

Luisa: How do you know?

Winona: I know many things. Would you like to learn some new things? See new and different places. See yourself in a different light?

Luisa: My mother says I shouldn't talk to strangers, never go with them anywhere.

Winona: I'm not a stranger. And deep inside your soul, you know that. Don't you?

Luisa: (She looks at Winona in a different light. She doesn't have to shade her eyes anymore.) Yes. But I don't know why. Why is that?

Winona: I will show you.

Luisa: But what about my mother? She's getting our meal ready.

Winona: We'll be back before it's time to eat.

Luisa: May I bring my book?

Winona: Of course.

Luisa: Will there be any treats along the way? Any presents?

Winona: Oh yes. There will be gifts of abundance. More than you could ever wish for.

Luisa: Good. I like gifts. Will you tell me a story?

Winona: If you wish.

Luisa: Good. I like a good story.

Winona: There will be many stories along the way.

Luisa: Where are we going?

Winona: Our first stop: The Safe Place.

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