baylor university mascot lady

The Magical Dead Cat Toy Once upon a moonlit night, in a small and sleepy town nestled at the edge of a mystical forest, something extraordinary happened. The townspeople awoke to find a peculiar find on their doorsteps – miniature cat-shaped toys made of a mysterious glowing material. These toys, they soon discovered, were no ordinary playthings; they possessed magical properties that would change their lives forever. The townspeople marveled at the luminous cat toys, fascinated by their enchanting aura. Their vibrant colors and delicate craftsmanship made them irresistible to people of all ages. As the sun rose higher, the creatures created a spectacle that enchanted the whole town.

ELDER ONE
How do you plead? Guilty or not guilty?

Much of my desperation branched out, I suppose, from a typical Depression-era trauma the blow struck on the mind by the rise of European Fascism and the brutal anti-Semitism it had brought to power. But by 1950, when I began to think of writing about the hunt for Reds in America, I was motivated in some great part by the paralysis that had set in among many liberals who, despite their discomfort with the inquisitors violations of civil rights, were fearful, and with good reason, of being identified as covert Communists if they should protest too strongly.

As the sun rose higher, the creatures created a spectacle that enchanted the whole town. Curiosity piqued, the townspeople gingerly picked up the toys and watched in awe as they came alive. The magical cat toys seemed to have a life of their own, playfully darting around in the air.

The Trial

In this scene that mimics the Salem witch trials, a woman is accused of witchcraft, but she gets the better of her accusers. She deftly illustrates that there are many things in the world that defy logic, yet are still part of our human experience.

This is a great scene to have students read when studying the Salem witch trials, as it further points out the absurdity of the events that transpired.

About the Playwright

Jeff Dunne is a playwright living near Baltimore, but his plays have been produced across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Both his full-length plays and shorter one-act scripts have won numerous festivals and competitions with professional and amateur theaters, and several works have been either written for or adapted to film. Jeff’s focus in writing is to encourage people to see life from new perspectives, to open their minds to alternate interpretations and possibilities with respect to things that they might otherwise take for granted. When not writing, Jeff enjoys acting (not nearly enough) and chocolate (far too much), and runs a Not-For-Profit organization that works to improve our world through a better understanding of the nature of self and consciousness. He is also a researcher in physics, engineering, and data science at the Johns Hopkins University.

Excerpt from the scene

CHARACTERS

ELDER ONE
Charles is the lead Elder. He is a patient, thoughtful, and purposeful man.

ELDER TWO
Colin Farnsworth is an Elder from another city who has come to represent an “unbiased” perspective. He is judgmental, and strongly opposed to the practice of witchcraft.

ELDER THREE
Michael Downing has a fiery, intolerant personality, and enjoys serving as an Elder far too much. He is power hungry, blood-thirsty, and confidence-starved.

WOMAN
Mary is a smart and insightful woman who has a profound understanding of the nature of the universe, and through it found abilities that others consider to be magic.

(Three men in cowled robes sit behind a table, or perhaps in a semi-circle, facing a woman who has been brought before them for trial.)

ELDER ONE
You have been charged in the presence of this council with the practice of witchcraft. How plead you?

ELDER ONE
How do you plead? Guilty or not guilty?

WOMAN
I will not plead to this court. I will not plead before you.

ELDER THREE
You will plead guilty or not guilty, and if you say nothing, we will levy summary judgment.

WOMAN
You’ve already passed judgment, long before this trial commenced.

ELDER TWO
She obstructs justice. She’s deliberately making a mockery of the tribunal.

WOMAN
A mockery? There is nothing I could say that would make this more of a mockery than it already is.

ELDER TWO
If you won’t answer the que-

WOMAN
(Directed at Elder Two…)
You, Colin Farnsworth. You, sitting there in that robe, a hood over your face like I cannot see you for who you are. For what you are.

ELDER THREE
You see? Witchcraft!

WOMAN
What do you know of witchcraft, Michael Downing?

ELDER THREE
(Pushing back his hood…)
I know it when I see it. When a devil-spawn wo-

WOMAN
Devil-spawn? You know my parents. We were practically raised in the same house, you sanctimonious hypocrite.

ELDER TWO
We will have civility from you, witch.

WOMAN
See. You passed judgment long before-

ELDER ONE
This trial is for your benefit. If you’d-

WOMAN
My benefit? My benefit?! This trial is nothing more than an excuse. An excuse for you to kill a woman who frightens you.

ELDER THREE
You don’t frighten me!

WOMAN
I scare the very bones out of your heartless chest!

Their movements were swift and agile, just like real cats, and they emitted a soft melody that captivated the hearts of all who heard it. But it wasn't just their animated nature that bewitched the people; it was the power they held within their tiny forms. Each cat toy possessed a unique magical ability that could grant a single wish to its owner. The cat toys became cherished possessions, carefully guarded by their owners, who plotted and pondered over the most significant wish they could make. In time, the townspeople realized that these magical cat toys had appeared to help them overcome their deepest heartaches and challenges. They became conduits of hope, aiding those in despair and offering a glimmer of light in their darkest moments. One by one, the townspeople began unleashing the magic of the cat toys. A grieving widow wished for her departed husband to appear one last time, and for a fleeting moment, she saw him and felt his embrace. A struggling artist wished for inspiration, and suddenly her creative block vanished, allowing her to produce her finest masterpiece yet. A lonely child wished for a friend, and from that moment, a playful and loyal companion appeared, bringing joy and comfort to their days. As the magical cat toys granted wishes, the energy and love exchanged between humans and felines grew stronger. The townspeople formed a deep bond with their whimsical companions, and the once somber town became filled with laughter, love, and a renewed sense of hope. But as with all magical phenomena, the magic of the cat toys came with a price. The townspeople soon realized that their wishes had consequences, and sometimes the outcome was not what they had envisioned. They learned the value of careful consideration before making a wish, as every wish had unintended ripple effects. However, the townspeople embraced these lessons with open hearts, understanding that life itself was unpredictable and filled with ups and downs. They empathized with one another, helping each other navigate the complexities that came with their newfound magic. The cat toys taught them valuable lessons about the power of wishes, the importance of empathy, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. The magical cat toys continued to bring wonder and enchantment to the town for generations to come. They became a symbol of unity, a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary things are found in the simplest and most unexpected places. And so, the tale of the magical dead cat toys remained etched in the town's collective memory, a testament to the power of wishes, the bonds we form, and the magic that can be found even in the most lifeless of things..

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