I had been working on the script for the heritage play of St John Baptist De La Salle, the founder of the La Sallian schools, the whole afternoon. After dinner I saw my partner on and tried to send him the almost-finished script, when he told me it was already done by the teacher in charge of the camp which will be held June.. I took that copy and continued with my own one, finishing it.. Here it is. (the words in italic are song names)
-----
Narrator, “John Baptist De La Salle had just finished giving a speech to the masses. He was born in April 1651, and had replaced his uncle as the Canon of the great cathedral of Rheims. However, both of his parents passed away soon after.”
La Salle, “Shouldn’t you be at school?”
Child, “What is school? What you do there? Fun? Play? ”
La Salle, “My relatives and their children are all educated, how is it possible that those children whom I’ve just met are not?”
Narrator, “La Salle spent the evening thinking of what he could do to help the children. They did not even have money for proper clothes or food, not to mention for education. Then the answer appeared before him, literally.”
Go The Distance
-----
Narrator, “La Salle searched long and hard for someone who could help him. By a pinch of luck, he met Adrian Nyel, who was also interested in helping the poor, and the two of them soon became the best of friends.”
Adrian Nyel, “Remember what you told me about the children whom you saw after your speech? Perhaps we can set up schools for the poor, educate the children so that they will be able to make a living by themselves when they grow up. John? Are you listening?”
La Salle, “Yes.. I am.”
Adrian Nyel, “What’s bothering you?”
La Salle, “My feelings and conscience are telling me to help the poor. It’s just that.. I’m comfortable right now being a Canon, why step out of my comfort zone and do something else?
Man In The Mirror
-----
Narrator, “Overcoming the hesitation, La Salle decided to go with his heart. Maybe it was the plight of the children that pushed him. The poverty they lived in, the lack of education. Or perhaps it was the memory of his mother that spurred him.
Within a month, the school was set up. Unfortunately, there were no qualified teachers. La Salle and Adrian Nyel resorted to employing drunkards and retired navy men. Then, in order to supervise them better, De La Salle invited them to live in his own house.”
Drunkard, “Do you have any beer here? I want some beer!”
Brother 1, “I’m sorry, we do not have any beer here.”
Navy man, “What about fish, crabs, prawns? All we’re having is vegetables and barely any meat!”
Brother 2, “That’s it! I’m done!”
La Salle, “But you’ve barely touched your food.”
Brother 2, “I’ve lost my appetite.”
Brother 1, “John, we need a word with you.”
La Salle, “What is the matter, my brothers?
Brother 2, “John, this has gone too far.”
La Salle, “Too far? What do you mean?”
Brother 1, “You know the reason, John. First, you spend hours at the school you’ve just set up, barely even coming home. Now you bring these people to our house? What is this?”
La Salle, “Please do not call them like that. They’re teachers in the school.”
Brother 2, “Wake up, John. Our relatives, our neighbours, the masses, what will they think? Do you not care about the reputation of our family?”
La Salle, “I do.. but..”
Brother 1, “Enough John. We’ve had enough! Either they leave, or we do!”
Stand By Me
-----
Narrator, “Caught in the dilemma, La Salle chose to stand by his teachers, by his heart. However, his sacrifices had been made for nothing, his family had lost faith in him and his efforts to persuade the teachers to do a good job in teaching the students were to no avail. The people whom he knew, were also mocking him for his foolishness.”
*Neighbours are outside the classroom.*
*La Salle is teaching the students but they are not listening.*
Neighbour 1, “Well well well.. if it isn’t John?”
*La Salle turns his head slightly, knowing the presence of his neighbours.*
Neighbour 2, “Yes indeed, the only person who would do something as silly as setting up a school for the poor, when he could have easily minded his own business.”
*Father Barre approaches.*
Neighbour 1, “Shhh, Father Barre is approaching. Let’s leave.”
*Father Barre gets closer and the neighbours slide away. He opens the door and walks in.*
*La Salle leads him into the office.*
Father Barre, “What is the matter, John? You look frustrated.” *Father Barre sits down*
La Salle, “I’m at the edge of the cliff, Father.” *De Le Salle sits down.*
Father Barre, “You knew this would happen.”
La Salle, “I get what you’re trying to say.. but from my own family? My own family! The ones I’ve given so much to have given up on me! What should I do.. Father?”
Father Barre, “Look outside, John.”
*La Salle stand ups and looks out into the classroom.*
*Father Barre follows and put his hand on De La Salle’s shoulder.*
Father Barre, “Remember your dream. Remember why you even began on this journey in the first place. You can’t give up now, you must persevere, you must go on.”
This Is The Moment
----
Narrator, “La Salle was still at a loss, he still did not know what had to, or could do. He could only turn to one person now..”
*La Salle is kneeling on the ground with an unlit candle.*
La Salle, “Dear God, what have I done wrong? How is this dream of mine to succeed! How!”
*La Salle breaks into tears.*
*Nicholas and Gabriel approaches.*
La Salle, “Nicholas, Gabriel. You are my closest brothers. We started this community together. Now faced even more challenges ahead, we must strength our faith, our commitment.”
Nicolas, “Let us make a promise to each other and to God to keep our dream alive no matter what.”
Gabriel, “Let us vow to dedicate ourselves to making the schools work.”
*More Brothers join in and kneel down beside De La Salle, each carrying an unlit candle too. Father Barre appears, with a lit candle and the flame is passed on.*
What One Man Can Do
-----
Narrator, “La Salle’s dream was finally beginning to materalise. The Brothers shared his dreams and taught the students well, who were pouring in. *classroom setting* However, the success of the Brothers’ free school created jealousy and hatred amongst the other school heads towards La Salle, who were losing paying students. The court, having been blinded by the school heads’ lies, condemned De La Salle.” *school heads are discussing*
School Head 1, “Finally La Salle is getting what he deserves. Serves him right for ruining our trade!”
School Head 2, “Not to mention that the schools cater to the poor! Soon the poor will come to know more than the rich, at last we have put a stop to it.”
Judge, “John Baptist De La Salle! You’re hereby condemned by the court! You are guilty!”
La Salle, “Is what I am doing wrong? I’m only..” *gets cut off*
“Do you hear? La Salle’s guilty!”
“He’s a fraud! He has been condemned by the court!
“Helping the poor? Lies! Lies!”
“Tear up his books!”
“He stole my students!”
“Burn down his schools!”
La Salle, “My dreams? My schools? All turned to ashes, dust! I can’t take this any longer!”
Hero
----
Narrator, “The constant struggle wore La Salle out and the final blow came when Nicholas left.”
Nicholas, “John, I have decided to leave the Brothers, I feel I can do no more.”
La Salle, “But Nicholas, you have been with me since the beginning. You made the same vow with us. We have gone through so much together.”
Nicholas, I’m sorry John. I have made up my mind and nothing will change it.”
Narrator, “Following Nicholas’ departure, La Salle followed suit and found himself at Pamenie, a mountain retreat, where he found peace with help from Sister Louise, who helped him reflect and see things clearer.”
La Salle, “Oh Louise.. what should I do? I feel.. helpless.. at a loss..”
Sister Louise, “John, you’ve come this far, don’t give up now.”
*Francois knocks on the door.*
Francois, “Good day, Sister. Is Brother La Salle here?”
La Salle, “Francois? What brings you here?”
Francois, “The Brothers need you, Brother La Salle. They have sent me here to request for your return.”
La Salle, “I’m sorry, I have appointed Brother Bartholemy as superior. It is him, you must go to for help.”
Francois, “I would, if it weren’t Brother Bartholemy himself who sent me here. Here, this is a letter he wrote.”
*Brother Bartholemy is writing the letter.*
Brother Bartholemy, “Brother La Salle, this letter is to request your return. Have you forgotten the vow we took, along with Gabriel and Nicholas? You were the one who started this legacy. Are you also going to be the one who will end it? We need you, Brother La Salle, please, come back.”
If We Hold On Together
Sister Louise, “Your brothers need you. You know what you have to do.”
La Salle, “Yes, I’ve known all along.. but..”
Sister Louise, “You made a commitment, John. You have to stick to it.”
La Salle, “I understand now, Louise. Thank you.”
-----
Narrator, “La Salle and the Brothers continued, setting up even more schools to educate the poor. However, his time was up..”
Nicholas, “Shall I close the windows, Brother?”
La Salle, “No, please leave them open. I wish to hear the children play.”
*La Salle slowly closes his eyes.*
Gabriel, “Brother La Salle, shall I get you something to eat? La Salle?”
*La Salle.. has gone.*
-----
Narrator, “La Salle’s legacy continued. Many continued in his footsteps. On board La Julie, a few brothers were about to make their entrance into Asia.”
Jerome, “Brothers, what do you think awaits us in Asia?”
Lothaire, “Barbarians!”
Switbert, “Barbarians?” *afraid*
Venere, “Maybe there are Cannibals too!”
Switbert, “Barbarians and cannibals?” looking even more afraid*
*The other brothers laugh.*
Jerome, “I must admit that I am feeling rather anxious with regards to what we will face.. but at the same time I feel excited too!”
Into The Fire
-----
*Facilitators clap.*
*Actors gather.*
Passing On The Passion
-----
Narrator, “John Baptist De La Salle had just finished giving a speech to the masses. He was born in April 1651, and had replaced his uncle as the Canon of the great cathedral of Rheims. However, both of his parents passed away soon after.”
La Salle, “Shouldn’t you be at school?”
Child, “What is school? What you do there? Fun? Play? ”
La Salle, “My relatives and their children are all educated, how is it possible that those children whom I’ve just met are not?”
Narrator, “La Salle spent the evening thinking of what he could do to help the children. They did not even have money for proper clothes or food, not to mention for education. Then the answer appeared before him, literally.”
Go The Distance
-----
Narrator, “La Salle searched long and hard for someone who could help him. By a pinch of luck, he met Adrian Nyel, who was also interested in helping the poor, and the two of them soon became the best of friends.”
Adrian Nyel, “Remember what you told me about the children whom you saw after your speech? Perhaps we can set up schools for the poor, educate the children so that they will be able to make a living by themselves when they grow up. John? Are you listening?”
La Salle, “Yes.. I am.”
Adrian Nyel, “What’s bothering you?”
La Salle, “My feelings and conscience are telling me to help the poor. It’s just that.. I’m comfortable right now being a Canon, why step out of my comfort zone and do something else?
Man In The Mirror
-----
Narrator, “Overcoming the hesitation, La Salle decided to go with his heart. Maybe it was the plight of the children that pushed him. The poverty they lived in, the lack of education. Or perhaps it was the memory of his mother that spurred him.
Within a month, the school was set up. Unfortunately, there were no qualified teachers. La Salle and Adrian Nyel resorted to employing drunkards and retired navy men. Then, in order to supervise them better, De La Salle invited them to live in his own house.”
Drunkard, “Do you have any beer here? I want some beer!”
Brother 1, “I’m sorry, we do not have any beer here.”
Navy man, “What about fish, crabs, prawns? All we’re having is vegetables and barely any meat!”
Brother 2, “That’s it! I’m done!”
La Salle, “But you’ve barely touched your food.”
Brother 2, “I’ve lost my appetite.”
Brother 1, “John, we need a word with you.”
La Salle, “What is the matter, my brothers?
Brother 2, “John, this has gone too far.”
La Salle, “Too far? What do you mean?”
Brother 1, “You know the reason, John. First, you spend hours at the school you’ve just set up, barely even coming home. Now you bring these people to our house? What is this?”
La Salle, “Please do not call them like that. They’re teachers in the school.”
Brother 2, “Wake up, John. Our relatives, our neighbours, the masses, what will they think? Do you not care about the reputation of our family?”
La Salle, “I do.. but..”
Brother 1, “Enough John. We’ve had enough! Either they leave, or we do!”
Stand By Me
-----
Narrator, “Caught in the dilemma, La Salle chose to stand by his teachers, by his heart. However, his sacrifices had been made for nothing, his family had lost faith in him and his efforts to persuade the teachers to do a good job in teaching the students were to no avail. The people whom he knew, were also mocking him for his foolishness.”
*Neighbours are outside the classroom.*
*La Salle is teaching the students but they are not listening.*
Neighbour 1, “Well well well.. if it isn’t John?”
*La Salle turns his head slightly, knowing the presence of his neighbours.*
Neighbour 2, “Yes indeed, the only person who would do something as silly as setting up a school for the poor, when he could have easily minded his own business.”
*Father Barre approaches.*
Neighbour 1, “Shhh, Father Barre is approaching. Let’s leave.”
*Father Barre gets closer and the neighbours slide away. He opens the door and walks in.*
*La Salle leads him into the office.*
Father Barre, “What is the matter, John? You look frustrated.” *Father Barre sits down*
La Salle, “I’m at the edge of the cliff, Father.” *De Le Salle sits down.*
Father Barre, “You knew this would happen.”
La Salle, “I get what you’re trying to say.. but from my own family? My own family! The ones I’ve given so much to have given up on me! What should I do.. Father?”
Father Barre, “Look outside, John.”
*La Salle stand ups and looks out into the classroom.*
*Father Barre follows and put his hand on De La Salle’s shoulder.*
Father Barre, “Remember your dream. Remember why you even began on this journey in the first place. You can’t give up now, you must persevere, you must go on.”
This Is The Moment
----
Narrator, “La Salle was still at a loss, he still did not know what had to, or could do. He could only turn to one person now..”
*La Salle is kneeling on the ground with an unlit candle.*
La Salle, “Dear God, what have I done wrong? How is this dream of mine to succeed! How!”
*La Salle breaks into tears.*
*Nicholas and Gabriel approaches.*
La Salle, “Nicholas, Gabriel. You are my closest brothers. We started this community together. Now faced even more challenges ahead, we must strength our faith, our commitment.”
Nicolas, “Let us make a promise to each other and to God to keep our dream alive no matter what.”
Gabriel, “Let us vow to dedicate ourselves to making the schools work.”
*More Brothers join in and kneel down beside De La Salle, each carrying an unlit candle too. Father Barre appears, with a lit candle and the flame is passed on.*
What One Man Can Do
-----
Narrator, “La Salle’s dream was finally beginning to materalise. The Brothers shared his dreams and taught the students well, who were pouring in. *classroom setting* However, the success of the Brothers’ free school created jealousy and hatred amongst the other school heads towards La Salle, who were losing paying students. The court, having been blinded by the school heads’ lies, condemned De La Salle.” *school heads are discussing*
School Head 1, “Finally La Salle is getting what he deserves. Serves him right for ruining our trade!”
School Head 2, “Not to mention that the schools cater to the poor! Soon the poor will come to know more than the rich, at last we have put a stop to it.”
Judge, “John Baptist De La Salle! You’re hereby condemned by the court! You are guilty!”
La Salle, “Is what I am doing wrong? I’m only..” *gets cut off*
“Do you hear? La Salle’s guilty!”
“He’s a fraud! He has been condemned by the court!
“Helping the poor? Lies! Lies!”
“Tear up his books!”
“He stole my students!”
“Burn down his schools!”
La Salle, “My dreams? My schools? All turned to ashes, dust! I can’t take this any longer!”
Hero
----
Narrator, “The constant struggle wore La Salle out and the final blow came when Nicholas left.”
Nicholas, “John, I have decided to leave the Brothers, I feel I can do no more.”
La Salle, “But Nicholas, you have been with me since the beginning. You made the same vow with us. We have gone through so much together.”
Nicholas, I’m sorry John. I have made up my mind and nothing will change it.”
Narrator, “Following Nicholas’ departure, La Salle followed suit and found himself at Pamenie, a mountain retreat, where he found peace with help from Sister Louise, who helped him reflect and see things clearer.”
La Salle, “Oh Louise.. what should I do? I feel.. helpless.. at a loss..”
Sister Louise, “John, you’ve come this far, don’t give up now.”
*Francois knocks on the door.*
Francois, “Good day, Sister. Is Brother La Salle here?”
La Salle, “Francois? What brings you here?”
Francois, “The Brothers need you, Brother La Salle. They have sent me here to request for your return.”
La Salle, “I’m sorry, I have appointed Brother Bartholemy as superior. It is him, you must go to for help.”
Francois, “I would, if it weren’t Brother Bartholemy himself who sent me here. Here, this is a letter he wrote.”
*Brother Bartholemy is writing the letter.*
Brother Bartholemy, “Brother La Salle, this letter is to request your return. Have you forgotten the vow we took, along with Gabriel and Nicholas? You were the one who started this legacy. Are you also going to be the one who will end it? We need you, Brother La Salle, please, come back.”
If We Hold On Together
Sister Louise, “Your brothers need you. You know what you have to do.”
La Salle, “Yes, I’ve known all along.. but..”
Sister Louise, “You made a commitment, John. You have to stick to it.”
La Salle, “I understand now, Louise. Thank you.”
-----
Narrator, “La Salle and the Brothers continued, setting up even more schools to educate the poor. However, his time was up..”
Nicholas, “Shall I close the windows, Brother?”
La Salle, “No, please leave them open. I wish to hear the children play.”
*La Salle slowly closes his eyes.*
Gabriel, “Brother La Salle, shall I get you something to eat? La Salle?”
*La Salle.. has gone.*
-----
Narrator, “La Salle’s legacy continued. Many continued in his footsteps. On board La Julie, a few brothers were about to make their entrance into Asia.”
Jerome, “Brothers, what do you think awaits us in Asia?”
Lothaire, “Barbarians!”
Switbert, “Barbarians?” *afraid*
Venere, “Maybe there are Cannibals too!”
Switbert, “Barbarians and cannibals?” looking even more afraid*
*The other brothers laugh.*
Jerome, “I must admit that I am feeling rather anxious with regards to what we will face.. but at the same time I feel excited too!”
Into The Fire
-----
*Facilitators clap.*
*Actors gather.*
Passing On The Passion