"Random, and brutal"
One of Jerry's more "out of the ordinary" plays" this one takes place in Angola, 1975, on the eve of that country's independence. "Independence for who?" asks Zephyr, a villager who's moved three times on account of a constant civil war in her backyard.
Dona Augustina Curao has lived in the capital city Luanda for the last 30 years. While attending to her dying husband, she missed the last plane, train, bus, etc, out of the city as it degenerated into a war zone. Her last hope is that her servant/driver Robert can get her to the southern border where she can meet some family who will give her safe haven in South Africa.
Along the way they run into an army checkpoint. Who's army? Who knows. Mario the guard won't let them pass without approval from his general. The general's sleeping, soundly, apparently, with strict orders not to wake him. Augustina's prejudices and Mario's intransigence threaten to blow the conflict into gunfire; meanwhile, Zephyr, a woman of the nearby village, tries to capitalize on Augustina's plight by bringing out some goods to sell. Her young son Patrick accompanies her' a boy turned soldier who'd rather be playing soccer.
Over the long hot afternoon, tensions build as the two sides show very little inkling to eke towards an understanding... and the guns come out one last fateful time...
The Checkpoint was a winner in First Run Theater's new play contest, and presented in May 2005 on a double bill with Moondancing by Wayne Crome.
Running time, 45-50 minutes, cast of 3m, 2f, single set.
These photos are from the First Run Theater production.
Archie Coleman as Robert
Pam Geppert as Augustina
Eric Toler as Mario
Surilla Shaw as Zephyr
Mark Halliburton as Patrick
Directed by Chris Gibson
Asst. Director: Vonda Gibson
Stage Manager: Zach Kohler
Assistant Stage Manager: Josh Arman, Brandy Benedict
Tech Director: Tyler Duenow
Original Music: Chris Gibson
Special thanks also to Don Weiss, Brad Slavik, Katy Geppert, Walter Geppert, Suzanne Greenwald, Doug Lane, and the entire FRT staff & supporters!
Thanks to Pam for adding a touch of reality with "real" Angolan money.
