Pocahontas -- A Play for Thanksgiving

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Visits that Changed the View-Pocahontas

When the Algonquin Native Americans met the English for the first time, neither had command of the other’s language. Communication was at most rudimentary – hand gestures, pointing and motioning. True is that Captain John Smith may have learned some “Indian” words passed on from French explorers?  Each party presumes to understand the other, though often they misinterpreted one another completely. Only through patience and a long time together would the communications gap close, eventually by one party simply agreeing to learn another’s language. English is the clear winner in the battle of the languages.

In 1595 she was born Matoaka to one of Algonquin Chief Powhatan’s ten wives. Her name was changed to Pocahontas meaning “’Little Wanton,’ playful, frolicsome little girl.” At age 12, her life would blossom with exposure to strangers who would introduce a very different way of life and set of values. She shared her own and adopted some of theirs. Based on historical accounts, her life may be viewed with the following events that divide into three Acts.

 

It is that time of year again when we think about the early settlers in American and about one of the most famous Native Americans ever: Pocahontas.

 

Read the play free at Webook.com

 

POWHATAN (Wahunsonacock)

Chief of the Tidewater Algonquian Native Americans. Powhatan possessed a serious sense of responsibility for his tribe and his daughter. As his daughter would also possess, he was intrigued by new events and discoveries as he sought new opportunities.

TRIBESMEN

Calling them warriors would be presumptuous. They are representatives working for the Chief to secure Werowocomoco tribal area.

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH

Similar to Powhatan, Captain John Smith had a strong responsibility for his pioneering people. He was on a mission and was seeking success. (Perhaps Pocahontas observed similarities early in their meeting.)

PRIVAYTE CAPTAYNE KOCOUM

A naïve young Algonquin tribesman that is a natural peer to Pocahontas. (Had it not been for the English visitors, Pocahontas may have lived a normal Native American life with him.)

CAPTAIN SAMUEL ARGALL

An aggressive English officer who wants to assert his superiority, yet he cannot live without the supplies that he seeks as ransom for kidnapping Pocahontas.

JAPAZAWS

Patowmack Indian collaborating with the English in competition with the Algonquians.

JOHN ROLFE

Deeply religious, cautious, though wants to do what is best for everyone.

SIR THOMAS DALE

A kindly English gentleman who seeks to improve the relationship with Powhatan’s tribe. He also wants to show off his prize to King James I.

KING JAMES I

Sickly and feeble, the King appreciates that Pocahontas has become a Christian. (mid 50s in age)

NARRATOR

Stoically assists at the beginning and through transitions.

 

Historyline 1: Synopsis of Pocahontas History

 

In 1595 she was born Matoaka to one of Algonquin Chief Powhatan’s ten wives. Her name was changed to Pocahontas meaning “’Little Wanton,’ playful, frolicsome little girl.” At age 12, her life would blossom with exposure to strangers who would introduce a very different way of life and set of values. She shared her own and adopted some of their’s. Based on historical accounts, her life may be viewed with the following events that divide into three Acts:

Act I: As a child Pocahontas sees commonality between her father, Chief Powhatan, and Captain John Smith, leader of the English visitors. Captain Smith was captured by the Algonquian tribe and after a friendly feast, he was presented with the possibility of a deadly beating, from which he was spared with intervention from Princess Pocahontas. Leaders deserve honor and respect, she thinks. Her childhood playfulness turns to more mature inquisitiveness and appreciation for all things different. Pocahontas admires Smith and the Captain thinks she is cute and adorable. Smith with whom Pocahontas communicates becomes severely injured in a gunpowder explosion. The accident precipitates Pocahontas to take a turn in life to marry young upstanding tribesman, Kocoum, from her peer group. During this time the tribe’s relationship with the English is good as the Native Americans help the visitors learn to survive.

 

Act II: Now, as the English become more confident in their surroundings, they regain their sense of arrogant superiority. The Native Americans feel this and relationships sour. Captain Samuel Argall kidnaps Pocahontas and holds her for the Chief’s ransom; the ransom being much needed food, furs, and firewood. He eventually returns her. From a positive experience with the English while in captivity, Pocahontas moves to the Henrico settlement run by Sir Thomas Dale. There, she becomes a Christian and is baptized, Rebecca. She meets John Rolfe, a very religious man, who is also industrious. She wants to marry him and he accepts, at first with reluctance due to their being quite different.

 

Act III: Sir Thomas Dale wants to take a dozen Algonquians to England to meet King James I, Pocahontas being one of them. She travels, meets the King and creates amusement with her ability to interact and to comment on life’s differences. After a fine visit and on her return voyage she contracts pneumonia. The Captain orders a boat to take her ashore and she dies in John Rolfe’s arms. She is then buried in Gravesend, England.

 

(Note to be delivered by a NARRATOR at the start of the play.)

 

NARRATOR

 

When the Algonquin Native Americans met the English for the first time, neither had command of the other’s language. Communication was at most rudimentary – hand gestures, pointing and motioning. True is that Captain John Smith may have learned some “Indian” words passed on from French explorers?  Each party presumes to understand the other, though often they misinterpreted one another completely. Only through patience and a long time together would the communications gap close, eventually by one party simply agreeing to learn another’s language. English is the clear winner in the battle of the languages.

 

In this play, you will hear all of the words in English, but pretend if you will that the Native Americans and English have no common language.

                                                                                                                            

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