“Some roads you can begin, and then turn back;
other roads, once begun, there is no returning.
Beware of those roads.”
Captain Jack: Chief of the Modocs
Full-length · 13 men, 5 women (many roles can be double-cast)
This is a historical, Native American tragedy that takes place in California in 1872–73. Captain Jack is a man of wisdom who wants only peace. Hooker Jim is a bitter warrior who can never be at peace. The Modocs left the reservation they were put on and are returning to their homeland. The United States Army has come to take them back, but violence erupts. After the soldiers kill an old woman and a little boy, Hooker Jim and his men go on a rampage against the white settlers, killing one of Captain Jack's best friends. Captain Jack is furious with them. He could save the tribe by surrendering Hooker Jim and his men, but cannot bring himself to betray his own men, especially because they did not begin the killing.
Enter General Canby, a self-appointed “man of God” who seeks to civilize the Modocs, not exterminate them. Canby's blustering arrogance and broken promises put Captain Jack in one impossible dilemma after another. Captain Jack tries to avoid violence, but his warriors are hungry for blood: “Either kill Canby, or we will kill you.” Captain Jack must choose between his morals and his life as he faces ultimate betrayal.
The suspense builds through a series of showdowns between Captain Jack, General Canby, Hooker Jim, and a woman who surpasses them all in courage.
FULL-LENGTH DRAMAS
MUSICALS
ONE-ACT PLAYS
SHORT PLAYS