The Frenchman
The Frenchman
This is the remarkable true story of a desperate man with a dream. In a remote corner of Southwest Virginia, Pierre du Tubeuf staked his claim to build his colony of St. Marie on the Clinch River — a new French settlement far from the threats of the French Revolution. With letters of introduction from Lafayette and dreams of building a new coal enterprise in Virginia, du Tubeuf was forced to leave part of his family behind in France. Pierre and his fellow French settlers survived a deadly sea voyage only to have their servants abandon them upon their arrival to Virginia. But the nightmare was only beginning. In Russell County, Pierre found that nothing was as he had been promised.
Description:
This is a 90-minute play in two acts with a 15-minute intermission. Set in France at the time of the French Revolution and in Russell County, Virginia through 1795, the set relies on a center table with chairs that is dressed for Act 1 as the French apartment. In the second act, the table and set pieces reflect a rustic cabin in Russell County. Wings of the stage are used for insert scenes, such as George Washington’s office. Backgrounds are images projected via rear screen projection. The death scene is recorded and edited as a video and inserted at the appropriate time during each performance. The set goes dark, the actors move to positions they will take at the end of the video. The lights come up after the video and the play proceeds.
Number of Actors:
Eight lead actors and eight supporting actors, although the main actors could play the supporting roles.
By continuing with this purchase, you certify that you are authorized
to make this purchase on behalf of my organization
and have read and agree to the terms outlined in the STC letter of agreement.
Letter Of Agreement
Dear purchaser:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Shoestring Theatre Company,
it is an honor to accept the invitation to partner with
Here is our understanding.
Shoestring Theatre Company gives
Shoestring Theatre Company will support
- Show graphics images, promotional copy, Shoestring Theatre Company logos and logos for the production.
- Consultation from the writer.
- Regular meetings and guidance from one of the local Shoestring Theatre Company board members.
- Guidance and oversight for all marketing of the plays.
- General descriptions of the plays for programs and other promotional materials.
- A downloadable copy of the script.
Your organization will provide:
- Production at its facility, sets, technical equipment, props, set design.
- Cast, crew, music, technical staff.
- Promotion, ticket sales, programs and all promotional materials.
- Agreement that the script will not be edited or changed, nor characters eliminated or combined.
Terms:
- It is Shoestring’s mission to promote the authentic culture of Southwest Virginia through original story and music. STC supports local arts organizations through sharing revenue and support for local productions.
- Our model is one of revenue sharing in which we have designated specific performances for an organization, which donated a percentage of sales for that one performance to the group.
- To that end, STC will not charge royalties for any play.
Rather, for each production, we will ask that
your organization provide $550 in licensing for one full run of the play and 20% of ticket sales minus the licensing fee. Your organization will maintain and provide records of ticket sales to verify percentages.- Since a downloadable copy of the script is being provided, it is crucial that only as many copies as needed to produce the performance are printed or shared.
Your organization agrees not distribute, copy, print, or share contents of the script beyond what is necessary to produce the performance.- Appalachian musicians produce music for each of the plays. Shoestring Theatre Company can negotiate use for this music, which will be an additional licensing use fee.
- Shoestring Theatre Company is the owner of the intellectual property: scripts, content, ideas, characters and characterizations.
We look forward to working with
Sincerely,
Amelia Townsend
Founder, Shoestring Theatre Company
On behalf of the Board of Directors
John Norce, Treasurer
Deana Stoddard
Joanna Ormesher
Tabitha Hibbitts Grieger
Excerpt
ACT ONE
TUBEUF APARTMENT - ARCENS 1
Holding a parchment, PIERRE Du TUBEUF paces across the library in his 18th century home in Arcens, France. He alternately stops to read the letter, shake his head, then pace again. His wife, MARIE DU TUBEUF, enters, and stands watching her husband as he paces. Even though he turns toward her, Pierre does not seem to notice Marie. When he stands before her, she snatches the letter from his hand. He shakes his head, walks away and slumps down onto a chair. Reading the letter, Marie turns away from Pierre and fights back tears.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre, this is not the end. Let us think for a moment.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Marie. We have no more support in the new French "Assembly." Minister Bertin is silent. Ah, that makes me so angry. He has been so supportive and I have done much for him. Now! Nothing! If only the Protestants didn't control all the lending and commerce here in the Arcens. All of our funds are in the mining operations.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF (cont'd)
(Point to the parchment held by Marie.)
These regressive taxes -- we will lose our home. What do you say of the letter?
MARIE DU TUBEUF
It is not imminent, my love.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
No, it is a threat! The vultures demand immediate payment of the regressive taxes. I have watched in horror as our friends were dragged from their homes, their possessions ravaged. We have worked so hard.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre, control yourself. What if one of the servants heard your cowardly display!
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
(Pausing to collect himself)
You, of course, are right, Marie. But what shall we do? The unreasonable taxes are due in five days. Where can we possibly turn?
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre, Pierre. Let us be calm. There is another patron and we can sell one of the mines.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Sell one of our hard-won concession. Louis the 15th finally permits our request to operate these coal mines – five years after we make it. You want to sell something approved by the King that we will have with his blessings for the next 30 years. That will get us to the next century. Can you believe it will be 1800 before those concessions are gone. I will never sell them. Never!
Marie sits, lays the letter on the table, takes paper and a quill from the desk and is poised to write.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Here, my love. Let us think of those who will support us now and write to them without haste.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Sell the mine! We gain nothing -- even if there were a potential buyer. When the mine produces -- and it will. Marie this is not an option. No, my love. We must keep all of our property. Oh, and I must go to the mines today. Our director surely will have good news about production. He is the best engineer in all of France. And the new production schedules we worked out -- day and night mining – will bring success. No other mines are working this way. Of course, other, smaller -- inconsequential mine owners are complaining because they cannot work nights. Saying that I work the men to death. But I take care of our miners.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre. Pierre, my darling. Let us think first of our most immediate need -- a new patron. Now, stop your pacing and start thinking.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
(Hesitatingly)
La Barberie-- that government agent -- he could help. Bertin has spoken highly of him.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre, darling. You cannot have forgotten. He has given us loans already for our first five mines - and we will owe him half our profits from those mines over the next five years.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Then we must look to Paris. Of course,there is Monsieur Ode. He is in favor in the government -- if you can call it that. And my good friend the Marquis de Chaulier. You are friends with his wife and we have know them for years.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
(Hides a hesitant look)
Darling, let us write to Monsieur Ode. Perhaps he will provide a favorable interest rate. Given what happened to -- what was his name? At any rate, he was jailed for charging excessive interest.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Marie, I will take Francois with me to the mines. He is grown and should be learning the trade. Don't you agree?
Marie thrusts a quill and parchment toward the kinetic Pierre.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Together, you and I, we can accomplish all things. Now, let us write quickly to Monsieur Ode.
After a moment, Pierre nods as Marie begins to write the letter. When she is finished, she motions for Pierre to sign and she stamps his seal. They nod to one another and kiss.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
I will see us through this, my dearest. I will not let this awful government in Paris-- this Third Assembly and its notion of law strip us of our estate. You can count on me to find a way to take care of our family.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Yes, my dear Pierre. You always find a way.
Pierre rises and exits. As he does, Marie secrets another note from her pocket.
MARIE DU TUBEUF (CONT'D)
I hope this does not change our good fortune. I must deal with the Marquis de Chaulier alone.
RUSSELL COUNTY, VA
John and Robert Smith stand outside reviewing a map.
ROBERT SMITH
You are certain, cousin, John, that your survey and maps are passable?
JOHN SMITH
Of course, I have been doing this work for a great while, Robert. And how many patents have you passed off ---
ROBERT SMITH
Sold, John, sold. We have sold many and ---
JOHN SMITH
And no one has questioned.
ROBERT SMITH
But no one has taken possession yet.
JOHN SMITH
It is a long and perilous journey from Europe to these dark mountains of Virginia.
ROBERT SMITH
But they will come. The French Revolution will send them.
JOHN SMITH
The French Revolution rages. Desperate times make for hasty decisions. Austria and Hungary are fighting. More will come.
ROBERT SMITH
We are counting on that. I think I will start in Paris.
Robert takes a careful look at the map in his hands.
ROBERT SMITH
Cousin, do you realize there is a mahogany tree as the corner stake in this description and in many of the other deeds?
JOHN SMITH
Yes. It is a good landmark, don't you agree?
ROBERT SMITH
Would that it were true. John, several of your previous land description documents referenced a mahogany tree as a marker.
JOHN SMITH
Yes.
(pauses)
Do you have a point to make dear cousin? I must make my way back to the Russell County Courthouse to file these.
ROBERT SMITH
John, anyone with half an eye knows there is not even one mahogany tree in Virginia.
JOHN SMITH
Then let us pray for near-sighted buyers and those who don't know of all the veterans who've settled along the Clinch.
ROBERT SMITH
Ah, I am always careful to avoid mentioning the animosity these new French settlers might encounter by settling here in the far west of Virginia. They have long memories.
JOHN SMITH
Well the war with the French and Indians has been over for 40 years or more. However, many of these men who have land along the river fought for the English. They have little love for the French or the Indians. Keep that in mind. Now, when do you leave?
ROBERT SMITH
(nodding)
I will begin in three days with the journey to Richmond. I expect to be in Paris within three months, good weather prevailing.
JOHN SMITH
Good. I will have these and others ready for you. Do you have good prospects?
ROBERT SMITH
Our compatriot in the Court has provided a couple of promising names. I am concerned about the volatility of the government. By the time I arrive, it may be too late.
JOHN SMITH
Well, the Europeans have been very fruitful for us.
ROBERT SMITH
I am not certain we have much of a future. With the instability and the fighting -- and nobles over-taxed – they will have nothing to spend. Perhaps we should try another country.
JOHN SMITH
No, no, Robert. France is perfect. Just remember -- desperation is its own motive. Now, I'm off to the courthouse.
ROBERT SMITH
Right. We should not be seen together in town. Let us meet here in two days to make the final arrangements.
The men bow to one another and exit in opposite directions.
TUBEUF HOME ARCENS
MARIE DU TUBEUF stands to greet a tall stately gentleman who enters. Marquis De Chaulier offers a formal, but warm greeting. Marie is tense throughout their meeting.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Monsieur Chaulier. It is so good of you to come all this way.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Madam Tubeuf, of course I would come to see you.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
I received your letter and I thought it good that we should talk while Pierre is on a trip to Paris. Please sit and have some tea.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Thank you, Madam, Marie.
She pours the tea, offers Marquis de Chaulier a up, which he takes and sips. He leans toward her. She stiffens.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Sir, you have been so kind and generous to Pierre and me. We are forever grateful.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Madam -- Marie. I am awfully fond of you and of course of Pierre. I believe in what he is trying to accomplish in the coal mines -- even when others have not.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre's methods have been revolutionary -- owning the earth ground and the minerals beneath -- unheard of in coal mining.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
And he does have many detractors. Many in powerful and influential positions. I must speak plainly, Marie.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Well of course.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Pierre's inflexibility on the issue -- refusing to work with the smaller coal owners and unwillingness to compromise with the silk producers on his land access -- have been elevated to the highest levels of the Assembly.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
It is not so!
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Unfortunately, Pierre will find very few supporters for his cause, I am afraid.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Monsieur, I trust your assessment but I do hope my Pierre will find something advantageous for his efforts. What can we do to help him?
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
We must speak frankly, Marie. I can offer you a greater loan, if we can come to terms on collateral.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
We have the patents for two of the most productive mining properties.
Marquis de Chaulier stands and looks away. Marie notices his reaction and reaches for his hand. She looks at him softly. He relents.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Marie. You and I both know there is no value in those properties and cannot possibly be held for the loans.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
They could produce any year. We have had some successes and our engineers say there is a strong possibility these mines will be productive soon.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Marie. The answer is no. For me to extend and enlarge your current loans on the hopes of those mines would be folly indeed. You must in good faith repay me some of the amount today. Then we can discuss a future generosity.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Monsieur. I offer you this in repayment.
She takes a series of francs from her pocket and passes them to Chaulier. He takes the stack of bills and waits.
MARIE DU TUBEUF (CONT'D)
It is all I can provide at this time. I know it is not the entire amount or the interest as you demanded in your letter, which distressed me, sir.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
I never wished to distress you. But you must realize this is not nearly enough to cover the entire amount.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
But is it enough so that you do not leave us without our home? The Third Assembly is doing enough of that to all of us of gentle birth. Taxes we cannot afford, then throwing us out of our homes. It is happened to our neighbors. It is egregious.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
I just saw three of our best friends cast out within the month. No, I would never wish that upon you -- or Pierre or your sons. Never. But I do not have unlimited resources. If I were not able to pay these regressive taxes, I myself could help no one.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Then, you will help me?
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
The collateral will be greater.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
We need so little and I'm am sure Pierre will return with more support from the Court. Monsieur La Barberre cannot be the only courtier who believes in our mining operations.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Barberre? Why he has been disgraced! Do not tell me that Pierre hopes to see him.
(After thinking carefully and reluctantly)
I do not wish to see you cast out.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
And our bond to you will be what? You have the deed already to some of our coal mining property in the Arcens.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Let us ponder this, Madam. Your coal properties are of little value -- as evidenced by this very moment. I cannot give them away -- even for the few remaining trees.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Then you will not help us.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Perhaps, I could. Your rooms in Paris could be of use to me.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
But Monsieur, we, well, I mean, Pierre would not agree. With all the trouble -- the rebellion that is in our very back door -- we must have a safe haven.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
Are you suggesting that you would expect not to repay me?
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Of course not sir. You would be paid.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
As I have been thus far, Marie?
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Monsieur, that is not fair. We have every intention of repaying our debts and making our patrons richer. I want to do what is fair.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
So you are saying you will put up the apartment for my further assistance?
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Yes and you will release your hold our our mining operations in exchange.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
(Halting)
Let me understand. You want to use the Paris rooms for all your outstanding debt?
Marie stares at him, then offers her hand. After a moment, he kisses her hand. She pulls away and reaches for a parchment on the desk. She looks at it for a moment, then picking up a quill, she signs it.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Here is signed deed for the apartment.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
You. Had. This. Planned! I knew you were clever for a woman, but you are clever like a man. That is why my wife admires you so much.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Whatever do you mean? I simply am prepared.
MARQUIS DE CHAULIER
I will send you the funds in the morning.
PARIS STREET
Street of Paris, Robert Smith watches and paces. Every few moments, he speaks to himself, as if he's rehearsing a conversation.
ROBERT SMITH
And he will ask about the resources on the land. And then I will say that the property is so rich. Of course there is coal, water, trees, and -- minerals yet to be discovered.
(taking a breath and stopping to think)
ROBERT SMITH
And then he will ask about provisions for a homestead. I will tell him of the trading road already built to Philadelphia. Then he will ask about protection and I will tell him of Fort Blackmore. Perhaps he will not notice the mahogany tree on so many of the patents. Perhaps he will be happy because of the international demand for mahogany.
Looking around, Robert Smith sees Pierre coming toward him. Robert glances nervously about then straightens his jacket and saunters toward Pierre, who greets him with a bow.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Hello. The sun will shine again on Paris.
ROBERT SMITH
Yes, I understand that will occur in eight months, sir.
The men exchange knowing glances and then bow deeply.
ROBERT SMITH (CONT'D)
I am Robert Smith, my lord. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
I am Pierre Du Tubeuf and I am not a Lord. I am barely nobility.
ROBERT SMITH
Ah, I see it is not safe to have a title in Paris these days. Even the rented coach I had was chased and the coachman barely escaped an attack. Your decision to remain anonymous is a wise one, sir.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Tell me more about the land you propose I purchase in America. I was told it is rich with coal deposits and there is already a settlement underway there. Is it near the home of President Washington?
ROBERT SMITH
It is a little farther -- in a place called Russell County. But you will be safe. There is already a trading road stretching from Virginia to Philadelphia.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
And what of the savages? I have heard many frightening tales.
ROBERT SMITH
You do not need to worry, Monsieur. A full contingent of soldiers from the nearby Fort Blackmore guards the land. There are ten parcels -- a total of 55,000 acres. Vast, full of rich coal deposits.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
And you are certain of the safety?
ROBERT SMITH
I have come from there less than three months hence. It was green and peaceful. Far removed from the dangers of Paris. But you must decide quickly. There are others more eager than you.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Then I trade you equally rich coal deposits in my mining operations.
The men exchange papers, bow and depart. Once he feels Robert Smith has gone out of sight, Pierre claps. Once he is certain that Pierre cannot see him, Robert Smith gives a triumphant gesture.
DU TUBEUF APARTMENT ARCENS
MARIE du TUBEUF paces the room and looks toward a window in her apartment. She tries to control her anxiety. PIERRE sweeps into the room, takes Marie into his arms and kisses her. She covers her anxiety, sits and gestures for Pierre to sit with her.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Three weeks is much too long to be away from you, Marie.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
I have missed you, my love. The good news is that I have paid the taxes and before you ask, it came from my dowry that we have saved all these years. Now, I am most anxious to hear of your efforts to secure a benefactor in court. Were you successful, Pierre?
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Beyond all reason, Marie.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
So, who is our new supporter?
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Even better, my love. We have a new start.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Whatever do you mean? You found a benefactor who paid off all our debts. How is this possible?
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Marie, better than a benefactor. Better than a new supporter in court. I sincerely mean a brand new start for us – away from the constant dangers of war, the lawlessness of Paris. It will be a new beginning for our mining enterprise where decades of stupidity and short-sighted thinking are gone. A place where dreams become reality.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre. You know we want to live in peace -- to raise our youngest son to find a wife for Francois, to see our dreams come to life. But, look around my darling. There is no peace. Danger at every turn. Neighbor turns against neighbor. There is no certainty. We live in a time of great upheaval. But to leave our home? To leave France? That is no answer.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
What I found for us is truly a new beginning – in America -- Virginia to be precise.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
Pierre, I have followed you and your big dreams for two decades. I have dreamed with you and served as both your confidant and your agent. Cannot you not see that this makes no sense? We -- our -- our home is here. For generations. America is a wild, unsettled place. The war is barely over there. It is less safe than here in Arcens. At least here, we have a thousand years of tradition, if not laws.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Laws! Look around, Marie. The Assembly has little control. There are riots in the streets of Paris. The Convention is run by -- commoners! They have no love for us. The Protestants here run the financial, legal and business affairs. We are good Catholics. The danger is at our door. Our neighbors less than five miles away were turned out into the fields, their possessions looted and their home destroyed. They have lived for longer centuries here than our families. The threat is growing painfully close. Do you wish to wait until the Protestants and commoners who call themselves the law toss us into the highway? I do not.
MARIE DU TUBEUF
But the Americas! It is a wild place indeed. There are no laws. We receive the letters from your sister in Virginia.
PIERRE DU TUBEUF
Marie. There is a chance for us to create a new enterprise in Virginia. The place can be molded. Why there is a road to Philadelphia for trade and soldiers to guard our new village of Saint Marie. Here we have no way to meet our obligations. The loan interest rates and the lack of coal from our mines will be the death of us. At this moment, we must give the King most of our production each year and profits-- and we cannot even attain that goal.