The November People’s Choice Award goes to…

The people have spoken… The November People’s Choice Award goes to Anne Brady for her short play, Disloyal, presented as a staged reading live at Theater Wit and Simulcast on November 4th. Congratulations, Anne!

Courtesy of Anne, we’re pleased to share the first few pages from the award-winning script. Enjoy!

Disloyal
by Anne Brady

Cast List

Margaret (Peggy) Shippen, F, 40, White

**Script notes: A new paragraph indicates a reply to a question or statement

PEGGY

Margaret Shippen. – Yes, thank you. (clears throat) As a widow of a decorated veteran of
the war of independence I humbly appear before you to request the pension generously
designated by congress in the years of our Lord 1778 and 1780. My departed husband was an
officer and a dedicated soldier, and I know he would expect that I and our 5 children would be
properly cared for by the country to which he gave so much. ––

No, no he passed away earlier this year, in June. But the injuries suffered in service to this
country plagued him daily, impacting his ability to earn a living —

–I only mean to say, My husband was forever changed after fighting for this country. I
simply request the reparations promised by your great government.

Our great government, yes of course.

He was wounded no less than three times. At Quebec, Ridgefield, and Saratoga— The
final injury leaving him permanently disfigured.

His rank? Major General, when we were married. In 1779—and I know that’s right near
the end, but there is no stipulation in the documents as to length of marriage to the soldier in
question.

Yes, I can read. Can you?

Forgive me, I am—all this heat you know. (she fans herself) May I sit? (she does) I
simply wished to explain, that as this hearing means to establish his service and our marriage,
and as both are unquestionable, I may reasonably expect swift approval. Then I can be on my
way and out of your hair. (smile) My children await my return, you know.

His name? Uh, Ben. You have to understand–my husband held an exemplary record as a
soldier for General Washington, and he deserves the rewards promised to his family– He was
celebrated as a hero! “The hero of Saratoga,” he always said, and he –oh boy, did he love killing
British soldiers. Lived for it. He killed a British soldier after getting shot himself and while still
trapped under his dead horse! And what does he get for his trouble? A shattered leg and a bunch
of enemies because he used “unauthorized funds” to support his troops. YOUR TROOPS,
actually–OUR troops who were eating candles to survive, by the way. And what—I’m sorry?

Did I? I did. I did say under a horse. But I meant—it’s really more of a metaphor, like, the
dead horse of …war…or the expectations of…

Join us for our next Monday Night PlayGround, live and in-person, on Monday, December 2 at 7pm CT at Theater Wit and simulcast! Click here for more info and tickets.