The Stakes: Three Plays of the Black Experience
To Heal, to Train, to Entertain
by
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BO
So it’s gonna be just the three of us.
DRUFORD
Just the three of us.
MINNIE
For the first time-just the three of us.
BO (relaxing)
When the cat’s away, the mice will-
MINNIE
Uh-these mice (indicates HERSELF, BO, and DRUFORD) play in a different way.
DRUFORD
They still get the cheese-
MINNIE
But they don’t get’ zapped in the trap!
(SHE and DRUFORD are serious, but
SHE playfully pops a cheese nugget into BO’s mouth.)
BO
(notices mirror on the table)
Hey why’s this here?
MINNIE
That mirror?
BO
(with revulsion, since HE dislikes mirrors)
This mirror!
MINNIE
Just keepin’ it handy for the Mirror Dance.
BO
Keep it handy. But don’t let it get in my hands!
MINNIE
Grab some okra, Bo. Cuttin’ it up over here.
(Bo walks to kitchen area where MINNIE is, and joins her
in cutting up the okra for the gumbo.)
BO
Druford and Minnie...
DRUFORD
What’s on your mind, Bo?
BO
I been thinkin’...
MINNIE
So let’s hear it.
BO
While I was out- passed by this place looked like one I used to know...long time ago.
DRUFORD
And?
BO
Got this hammering. Like old times. Like somethin’ I tasted once. And bein’ near the place, I could almost taste it again.
MINNIE
What did it taste like?
BO
Honey.
MINNIE
Honey?
BO
Nothin’ but honey.
DRUFORD
Now don’t get any ideas, Bo.
BO
Tasted like honey. Nothin but honey.
MINNIE
But the bees. What you think about that? The bees!
BO
Guys! It’s the holidays!
MINNIE
Right! It’s the holidays. So let’s get started with our celebration.
DRUFORD
Come on. Put these on.(indicates chef’s cap and apron) You know Minnie made them for you.
BO
Later. Like I said: Been thinkin’.
MINNIE
Yes?
BO
Been thinkin’-bag o’ rocks is real cheap...
(MINNIE shakes her head sadly.)
DRUFORD
Now don’t get stung!
MINNIE
Stay away from the hive!!
DRUFORD
Don’t get stuck!.
BO
For the holidays.
MINNIE
Bo, we mean to climb the hill.
DRUFORD
The pit gapes ravenously.
MINNIE
Don’t you roll that ball up the hill only to let it roll back down again.
DRUFORD
Keep that ball at the top of the hill.
BO
Just one hit. Just for the holidays.
DRUFORD
One hit. And you hit rock bottom.
MINNIE
Why wait to hit rock bottom?!
BO
But those rocks used to rock me to sleep.
DRUFORD
They’ll keep you at the bottom.
MINNIE
Don’t throw it all away !
BO
It’s not throwin’ it away.
MINNIE
How so?
BO
For the holidays...just once...for the holidays.
DRUFORD
But Bo-
BO
I’ll stop after just one bag. That’s all I need. Don’t tell me I can’t stop. I know my own mind. I know my own will. I will use, and I will stop. I will!
MINNIE
You lookin’ for a thrill? Then quick make a will!
DRUFORD
You are much too willful!
MINNIE
Have some willpower!
BO
I tell you guys: I can still be clean after having a little celebration. Easy. Just like I can get my girl Eedie back when I want.
MINNIE
She ‘ll come back when you turn it all around!
BO
Anytime- all I have to do is beck my little finger, and she-
DRUFORD
(scoffing)
But she didn’t-
MINNIE
You been goin’ up there, Bo. Always after Eedie. But...
DRUFORD
But she knows what she wants!
BO
Just like I can get that bag of rocks off my back, I’ll get my Eedie back! I can’t figure why she left me in the first place!
MINNIE
Because you had bees in your brains. And the honey pot wasn’t sweet no more!
DRUFORD
Give yourself some time, Bo. It’ll work out.
BO
I know you guys mean well for me. You’re trying to help me. I know that.
DRUFORD
Then let us see it. We need to feel it!
BO
Feel it? Naw, you gonna taste it! I’m cookin’ tonight, remember?
MINNIE
You makin’ gumbo.
BO
Right. Gumbo it is! And you know why it’s gumbo I’m makin’?
DRUFORD
Why?
BO
It’s for the two of you. For Druford and Minnie. (PAUSE) Minnie, you’re both a mother and a fr
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About the Book
This trio of plays explores the use of drama as a support in healing, training, and entertaining all. Using the healing and accessible art of theater, timely interests—addiction, HIV, mental illness, racial injustice, sexual harassment, and more—are brought to life in a trio of contemporary scripts.
In the title play, “The Stakes,” an idealistic African American social worker—the target of workplace racism, sexual harassment, and political machinations—is encouraged by a coworker who shares with her his enthusiasm for African proverbs. A young woman strives to overcome her dual afflictions of mental illness and substance dependence in “Abiona.” With the help of health-care professionals, plus her own insights related to her African heritage, she learns to find hope again.
In an addiction-recovery center, one man struggles in his quest for sobriety. He finds solace in learning that the origins of the group’s holiday celebration can be found in African traditions. “GumBO” won the 2000 Script Writing Award given by the Gwendolyn Brooks Center of Chicago.
About the Author
Charlotte E. May-Séré is a licensed clinical social worker, teacher, and award-winning playwright. Her plays have had readings and performances at the Actors Studio of New York City; the National Black Theater Festival of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and the International House of the University of Chicago. She has a master’s degree in social work (University of Illinois) and a master of arts degree (University of Chicago). She is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America. She and her daughter, Moronké, live in Chicago, Illinois.