Soldiers Young and Brave
The Civil War was unlike any other war our country has ever endured. It not only severed our nation, it severed our nation’s families. Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters were torn apart by politics, beliefs, distance, and death. Evidence of this bitter separation can be found in the abundant journals, diaries, poetry, songs, and letters of the day. This play, a one act with music, draws from these sources to provide a glimpse into the joys and struggles of “loving” during this turbulent period. The characters are based on real people, the words taken from actual journal entries and letters, the music is the traditional music of the day, and much of the poetry was written on the battlefield. This play is not about the North or the South, but about individual lives and relationships. It is a story of remembrance…and don’t we all deserve to be remembered?
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT LORRAINE THOMPSON
TALKS ABOUT “SOLDIERS YOUNG AND BRAVE”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: I was looking for a historical one-act play with several leading roles. I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I got the idea to write the play myself.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: In researching this play I read many Civil War diaries, journals, poems, and letters. I found the letters to be the most touching. "When this you see, remember me" and other bits of poetry were regularly written. Some would even embellish their letter with little drawings for their loved ones. The love and longing of these letters was so evident to me... so touching. Because of this, the letter sequence in the play is my favorite and "When this you see, remember me" is my favorite line.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM?
A: All the characters in the play are based on real people. The words, the stories, and the people are all historical and true.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: Everyone deserves to be remembered... I wanted to tell stories from the Civil War that many are not aware of. There is so much we can learn from the past. The commitments, loyalties and the sacrifices of this war are no different than those of today. Their stories are our stories.