31 Plays in 31 Days, #15 - "Look Where That Got Him"

Another piece for Base Instruments, the third installment of Mrs. Hawking!

This is a very important, high drama moment. This scene comes after "#11 Haven't I Always?" where Clara confronts Nathaniel about what he hasn't been telling her. Here she is reacting to the new knowledge of her husband's involvement in Mrs. Hawking's work.

Clara is an extremely clever, witty person. Up to this point I have mostly represented that part of her by making her be funny and biting, but that attitude is not really relevant for this intense heart-to-heart with her husband. Still, I want to maintain that level of intelligence in her in this scene. I'm hoping to represent it instead by having her make really astute observations, slicing to the heart of matters in a way Nathaniel may not be totally prepared to deal with.

There's a lot to unpack here. Because of how much there is to address, this is the longest scene I've written for 31P31D 2014 so far. Her worry for his safety and reputation, as well as the possible risk to their children and family, were obvious notes for her to hit. But as I was writing it, even more occurred me to me, such as her wondering if this is yet another attempt on his part to be like the Colonel, an admiration that always slightly troubled her. Deepest of all, and something I never thought of before, were the implications of her low opinion of Mrs. Hawking as a human being. She doesn't believe Mrs. Hawking is capable of love or loyalty really-- so what does she think that will mean for Nathaniel if he places himself in danger on her behalf?

So much to think about! I may have only scratched the surface here. But I think I'm off to a decent start. Also, I REALLY love Clara's last line here.

( Day #15 - "Look Where That Got Him" )

Accomplishment chart, 8/8 - 8/14

For the week of 8/8 – 8/14:

Writing
- wrote 1 blog post for Mrshawking.com
- had 1 writer’s meeting for Puzzle House Blues
- wrote “I Have Weathered You All” scene for Adonis sequel for day 13 of 31 Plays in 31 Days
- wrote “Adventure Abroad” scene of Disgraced for day 14 of 31 Plays in 31 Days
- wrote “Look Where That Got Him” scene of Base Instruments for day 15 of 31 Plays in 31 Days
- wrote “Family Dinner” scene of Base Instruments for day 16 of 31 Plays in 31 Days
- wrote “No One’s Cad” scene of Disgraced for day 17 of 31 Plays in 31 Days
- wrote “The Stuff of Their Dreams” scene for Adonis sequel for day 18 of 31 Plays in 31 Days
- 9 Livejournal entries
- 7 daily Hipster Feminist tweets

Theater
- saw “The Complete World of Sports” at Barnstormers Theater
- submitted Vivat Regina for consideration for reading with Yale Drama Series
- submitted Believing in Heroes for consideration for performance with Navigators Theater

Website
- posted 1 blog entry to Mrshawking.com

Gaming
- played “The Tin Soldier” mystery of Sherlock Holmes mystery game

Physical
- 2 hour-long circuit workouts
- helped polaris_xx move in
- walked 2 miles

Cooking
- made oven roast beef with steamed broccoli