Eveline
a play in one act
adapted from James Joyce’s “The Dubliners”
by David Klein

About the Play: A one-act play, Eveline is a dramatic adaptation of the story by James Joyce. Like the story, it examines the life a young woman trapped by society and manipulated by her family. Ultimately, the play illustrates the overwhelming influence of our environment on the hopes and aspirations we cling to.

Characters:
Eveline: A twenty-two year old single woman.
Frank: Her boyfriend approximately twenty-eight years old.
Harry: Eveline's brother, approximately twenty-nine years old.
Mr. Hill: Eveline's father, in his early sixties.

The Place: Dublin
The Time: The 1920’s.

The Scene: The play takes place during the last decade of the nineteenth century in Dublin, Ireland, The action takes place in the front room or parlor. The furnishings have an air of frayed gentility. There is a sideboard against the main wall. Hanging over it is a large ornate crucifix. On the right wall there are some religious prints and a photograph of a nondescript priest. Up front are two or three stuffed chairs and a couch. The furnishings, in general, are of a somber hue. On the left wall is the front door or entrance. On either side of the door are small windows on which hang drab curtains. On the end of the main wall is an opening that leads up to the second floor. The time of day is early twilight on a dreary late autumn Saturday. On one of the chairs is a woman's dark overcoat. Mid-stage are two suitcases.

From the Play:
Evie: You're just trying to frighten me. I'm leaving with him tonight and that's final.
Mr. Hill: Leaving? Tonight?
Evie: That’s what I wanted to tell you. I was going to leave you a letter, but I just couldn’t do that to you
.Mr. Hill: You're taking leave of your senses; that's what you're doing. A good Catholic girl running off and bringing shame on herself and her father. And what will I tell your little sister and brother? That their sister has gone mad?
Evie: I've taken care of that. They’ll move in with Harry. He . . .
Mr. Hill: (Interrupting her and changing his tone. He becomes more sympathetic here.) And what will I tell our friend and the people I work with? That you lost your mind over a man? The first man who came your way? Evie, you have nothing to worry about. In time, you'll find a husband, a decent and upright man who'll love you and provide for you when I'm no longer here. A pretty girl like you doesn’t have to worry. And you'll be a good catch. You know how to run a house, cook and clean, take care of children. Why any young man would be a grateful for such a capable wife.
Evie: (Surprised) Pretty? You never called me pretty before.
Mr. Hill: Oh, yes, pretty. Yes, I guess you are. There are a lot of things I never said, Evie. But I felt them deeply.
Evie: If you thought I was pretty, you could have said so.
Mr. Hill: (Making it up as he goes along) I’m a hard man. Words don’t come easy to me.
Evie: (Not convinced) You could have tried.
Mr. Hill: I thought calling you pretty would turn your head. But you are pretty, darling. You're the image of your ma.

About the Playwright:
A graduate of New York University, David Klein has specialized in teaching writing at several schools, among them Carnegie-Mellon University and Norfolk State University. Several of his plays have been performed in the New York area. He brings to this catalogue a proficiency in the adaptation of literary works for the stage, enabling students of all ages to develop an appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship of writers for all genres.