The Birthing Pit

by William J. Meyer

They followed the blood. And the blood followed the gold.

At the end of the American Revolutionary War, John and Castella flee a mysterious pestilence in the Caribbean.

But as they sail home during a supernatural storm, the condemned Atabei kills the ship’s captain— and tragedy stalks all three.

A Gothic Romance at the end of the American Revolutionary War.

They followed the blood. And the blood followed the gold.

At the end of the American Revolutionary War, John and Castella flee a mysterious pestilence in the Caribbean.

But as they sail home during a supernatural storm, the condemned Atabei kills the ship’s captain— and tragedy stalks all three.

A Gothic Romance at the end of the American Revolutionary War.

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The Birthing Pit

Character Information

There are four speaking parts: two women, one man, and a singer-- but there are four other characters only seen and heard by the main characters (Captain, Porter, Sailors, Celestina). Their actions and dialogue are indicated in the script with italics, for the actors’ benefit only.
  • Atabei
    A farmer from Puerto Rico.
    20-30
    Indigenous/Native American/First Nations -- Taino
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Castella
    A novelist from Rhode Island.
    20-30
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • John
    A doctor from Rhode Island.
    20-30
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Singer
    A chorus-like figure, only seen and heard by the audience. The Singer sings shanties from the era.
    Any, Older preferred
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Ninety-Nine Women
    Women living in the pit. Unseen, only heard. Can be achieved as sound design.
    Adults
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Independent (Full Version, Early Draft), 2017

Production History

  • Fringe, Hollywood Fringe Festival (Truncated Version, Early Draft), 2017