Plays
Volume II
by
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Plays, Volume II deals with various life issues past and present, taking us into suspense-filled worlds of mystery, grandeur, romance and power. The book weaves stories that move us in and out of History's realm, embracing many exotic, corrupt, dangerous places. It is tantalizing with intrigues, treachery, and strange loyalties that create high dramas.
The plays of this volume are captivating with patterns, rhythms that seem to evoke discussion: and the passions of the characters seem to jump from the pages to present to the readers/audience a sense of the real world. The action is swift with interesting visual images.
The first play "Masters of the Grail" deals with the quest to find and possess the "cup" of the last supper. It shows the violence and mystery that encompassed these strange endeavors from 30 AD to about 500 AD. The story expresses the explosions that erupt when dedicated humans stand on the sides of good and evil to confront each other.
The next play, "Deep of the Mystic Blues" is the story of a young dancer caught in the web of self conflicts. Her search for Love, filled with many disappointments drives her along the pathway to destruction. She attempts suicide: but later finds Hope.
"The Last Days of Achilles" is a story of one of Greece's foremost heroes and the final moments of his life. He lived like a god and died like one on the battlefields of Dardania. During the tenth year of the Trojan War, he was greatly wronged by Agamemnon; and therefore decided to withdraw his troops from the battle. Moreover, he and his Myrmidons longed to return to his homeland, Thessaly. To revenge Agamemnon, he prayed to the gods for destruction to come to the Greeks. The gods answered his prayers and soon the Greek camp was in chaos. Patroclus, noble friend of Achilles, could not stand by and watch his countrymen die like flies; so he led the Myrmidons into battle where, much to the grief of Achilles, he fell to Hector's sword.
Filled with anger and sorrow, Achilles entered the battle to avenge Patroclus' death. He murdered Hector and then dragged his body in the dust. Later, being wounded by an arrow, he lay dying in his tent while the city of Troy was being sacked.
The fourth play, "The Trial of Mudakar" tells a mysterious story of racial conflicts in Africa. Nineteenth (19th) century Africa is torn with bitterness between the natives and the white settlers. Two guards rape Melin, a black woman, and are killed mysteriously with Black magic. White police raid and ravage a village in retaliation, killing a tribal chief; and arresting a village Lord. Mudakar speaks out against the brutality and gets arrested for treason. A white woman is set up to bring charges of rape against him. He goes to trial and is condemned to death by lynching. Melin, his fiancée, kills the Judge in a blind rage; and is herself killed. In the midst of this confusion, Mudakar escapes mysteriously, leaving his chains behind.
This Volume of Plays is exciting and deep, full of intimate plots and vivid characters. The language is intense and all the problems are defined. The scenes and situations are vibrant and full of symbolism, clearly expressing the ruthlessness of Human life. This book is very powerful reading and awesome story- telling.
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About the Book
In this volume of Plays, Mr. Bell truly presents drama as a group experience highlighting certain interactions that are unique to specific moments. He connects with real life, exposing the fact that people play roles every day in their daily lives. The plays are remarkably written, expressing the fascinating and constantly evolving conditions of the theater. The characters transform the emotions of the readers/audiences to convince them of the reality of fantasy.
Mr. Bell deals with scene structure in very defined ways, and presents fast-moving action to thrill and entertain the readers/audiences.
This masterly volume of Plays goes deep into the characters and situations to explain Man's limitations as he strives to meet his desires and resolve inner conflicts.
The Plays deal with the nature of reality, and the relationships between what the playwright sees and what the readers/audiences see. It is full of high-tension that goes deep to the bones: and the dialogue is crisp and believable.
About the Author
K. G. Bell, playwright, director, poet, historian and teacher grew up in the artistic world of the Caribbean and ever since boyhood was a part of the pageantry and artistry of Trinidad's Carnival. His soul was inspired by the riches of the many festivals of his homeland, Trinidad.
The land of Steel pan, Calypso, Limbo, Divali and Phagwa and exotic costumes presented the foundation for his grand stories.
Carnival is history, fantasy and drama on a grand scale from which Mr. Bell drew the inspiration to develop his characters and scenes to challenge the imaginations of audiences and readers with his plays.
His inventive ability forces us to view the Theater in a new light, affected by all the changes of modern society. He strives to show similarities between the Thespian period and Modern times.
As an ardent supporter of the classics, his dramatic stories move with grandeur, similar to the types of drama found in Egypt, Greece, Rome or Babylon.
In this volume of Plays, Mr. Bell, whose work is based on many years of experience, presents exciting, pleasing directives, showing his dedication to the world of Drama, to keep readers and audiences on the edge of excitement. Mr. Bell, a master story-teller and marvelously skilled writer, weaves great adventures through this volume of Plays.