Devour the Snow
By Abe Polsky
Directed by Robert Pyle
Show Summary:: A fact based drama . The action takes place at Sutter’s Fort, in northern California, in 1847. The play centers around, Lewis Keseberg,a fiercely fanatical German and survivor of the snowbound Donner Party of 1847. He has been one of the last to be rescued from the now‐filthy shacks hastily improvised in the impassable Sierra Nevadas, which means that he has been one of the longest who lived by means of an enforced cannibalism. Having faced, and somehow coped with this last ordeal, he is no sooner back among the “civilized” than he is the subject of intolerable rumors. He is not so much accused of eating human flesh — all of the Donner survivors did that — but as of deliberately killing children to provide himself with food. Rumors of theft and possibly rape dress up the tales to make them gaudier. Obviously in agony, despising himself as much as he does his tormentors, the infuriated German brings a suit for slander — knowing perfectly well that if he loses the suit he will be immediately indicted, and probably hanged, for murder. Head lowered like a bull, he charges on.
Casting for these Characters:
Sheriff George Mckinstry age 40-75 assisting the trial. Very observant. George was a Politician, dentist, physician, Sheriff of San Diego.
John A Sutter age 60-70s Commander of Sutter Fort. Very arrogant, an assertive very proud of his life long achievements and money. “Alcalade” presiding at the trial.
Lewis Keseberg, age 50-60 (prefer German accent) the last survivor to come out of the snow; also the plaintiff. A German immigrant very intimidating but loves his wife and loved his children that died in the snow. Was known to be a mean man but did what he can to survive.
James Reed age 30-mid 40s a survivor acting as defense counsel. Seen as the hero in the vents of the Donner tragedy. Very proud and wealthy for the time period.
William Eddy, age 30+ a survivor on trial for slander lost his child during the Donner tragedy, hates Keseberg.
Bill Foster, age 50+ a survivor on trial for slander. Lost a child and family in the Donner tragedy, hates Keseberg but does have a conscience. He understands why things happened the way they did but not happy about it.
Phillipine Keseberg age 19-30 wife of Keseberg and a survivor appearing as a witness. German immigrant (prefer German accent) always supportive of her husband can never lie even when the time calls for it. She is a proper women lost two children in the Donner tragedy.
Margret Reed, age 20-40 wife of James Reed and a survivor of appearing as a witness. Loves her husband will do whatever she can to defend him.
Georgia Donner age 8-10, youngest survivor of the Donner tragedy. Appearing as a witness very innocent and sweet. Scared of Keseberg but will speak the truth.
Fallon “Le Gros” age 40-70 Huge burly mountain man was one of the rescuers of the Donner party. Confident in his skills has lived in the mountains most of his life. Very experienced woods man. Enemy to Keseberg. He speaks to the point no sugar coating.
Reed, Fallon,Keseberg,Sutter,Eddy-1
Georgia,Sutter,Reed,Mrs Reed,Keseberg-1
Keseberg Monologue, Reed Monologue-1