31 Plays in 31 Days, #23 - “The Good Nephew”

[breakinglight11]

In the process of editing Mrs. Hawking part I. It was written in 2012 when I was in grad school, and I like to think Bernie and I have become significantly better writers in the near-decade we’ve been practicing our craft since. I know when I would look back at that play, I would not feel satisfied with it. I like the idea of making really high-quality filmed versions of the plays being performed, without an audience, but with the lighting and camera angles optimized for the capture in a way you can’t during a live performance. I think that would take advantage of our large back catalogue, and make the shows more accessible.

I’m considering certain expansions to the episode 1 text, including repairing a bit I’ve been very unhappy with for a long time. I’ve been unsatisfied with how the transition into the climax happens, how they all come to go to the country house for the final confrontation with the villain. I think it needs a little more motivation and momentum. That includes why Nathaniel changes his perspective to sympathize with and want to help Mrs. Hawking. I like the idea that his mistakes with her are a little more immediate, so that he can feel the impact of having failed her in a way that can serve as impetus for his reversal.



Day #23 - “The Good Nephew”
From Mrs. Hawking
By Phoebe Roberts
~~~

NATHANIEL HAWKING, a London gentlemen and Mrs. Hawking’s nephew, mid-twenties
Cedric Brockton, LORD BROCKTON, a minor noble and society blackmailer, mid-forties

London, England, 1880
~~~

(LORD BROCKTON waits in the sitting room of the Bombay Club. At last NATHANIEL enters.)

LORD BROCKTON: Ah. Mr. Hawking, is it?

(NATHANIEL and Brockton take seats across from one another, brandies in hand.)

NATHANIEL: Thank you for sitting down with me, Lord Brockton.

LORD BROCKTON: Not at all, sir. You had something important to discuss?

NATHANIEL: Yes. I understand you’ve had something of a run in with my aunt.

(Brockton’s ears prick.)

LORD BROCKTON: As a matter of fact I had. Do you... know something of it?

NATHANIEL: You must understand, she’s not been well of late. I fear it’s led her to meddle in your business.

LORD BROCKTON: Ah. I confess, I had gotten that sense. Ladies do love to talk.

NATHANIEL: It’s more than that, I’m afraid.

LORD BROCKTON: Indeed?

NATHANIEL: But not to worry, I am taking the situation in hand. I mean to see that she causes you no more trouble. But in the meantime, I must ask you to be forbearing.

(LORD BROCKTON smiles.)

LORD BROCKTON: Of course. I can only imagine how difficult it’s been.

NATHANIEL: You are gracious, my lord. Thank you.

LORD BROCKTON: Not at all, Mr. Hawking. Thank you.

(After a moment, he puts his brandy aside and stands.)

LORD BROCKTON: As a matter of fact, I must ask you to excuse me.

NATHANIEL: Oh! Are you off already?

LORD BROCKTON: Forgive me, young man. But it strikes me I’ve business to attend that will take me to the country, and I daresay I’d best be on my way to Yorkshire now.

NATHANIEL: Business? But— just a moment, my lord—

(But BROCKTON is already gone. NATHANIEL watches him go, suddenly distressed and uncertain.)