OPENING

(Spot up on young woman – JANET.)

DOCTOR’S VOICE:  Janet, This is Dr. Martin.  I have wonderful news.  The tests came back positive.  You are going to have a baby!

(JANET is ecstatic.  She laughs and jumps for joy.  Slowly, however, the gravity of the situation comes to her and she is still.  We see on her face concern and worry – even fear.)

JANET:  Oh, my God!

(She gives a wail and exits crying loudly.)

(Stage is dark again.  Music starts.  Spot comes up on NARRATOR.)

NARRATOR:  One time I got an email about this tribe in Africa.  When a woman in this certain African tribe knows she is pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends and together they pray and meditate until they “hear” the song of the child.  They recognize every soul has its own vibration that expresses its unique flavor and purpose.  They meditate and pray until they can “hear” that vibration – that song.  When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud.  Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else.

(A pregnant JANET enters and sits in rocking chair.  She rocks gently, holding her belly.   She begins reading a book of names for babies.)

NARRATOR:  When the child is born, the community gathers and sings the child’s song to him or her.  They sing this song again when the child begins her education, when she passes into adulthood, and when she marries.  The whole village gathers and chants that child’s song.  And finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person’s bed, just as at their birth, and they sing the person into the next life. I think that is such an amazing story.

(Enter Older Woman into another spot.)

But to me, the most amazing time that this song is sung to the child is when she has committed a crime or some bad social act.  The child is called to the center of the village and the people in the community form a circle around her and sing her song so she will remember who she really is.  The child – now an adult perhaps – has forgotten who she is and must be reminded by people who do remember the true song.

(Enter Middle Age Woman into spot.  She stands in front of Older Woman facing the same direction.)

My daughter, I want to hear your song.  I want to learn your song and hold it for you.  Your beautiful amazing song!  I don’t want to force my song on you.  You must not let me do that.  I want us to sing our songs together.  We can sing a duet – two solos side by side.

(Enter Little Girl into spot.  She stands in front of Middle Age Woman facing the same direction.  All three are now in a line all facing the same direction – one in front of the other.)

I want everyone to hear your song.  I want you to sing your own song loud and clear!   The world is such a better place because of YOUR SONG!!  You are a miracle!

(As Song begins, the Older Woman puts her hands on the shoulders of the Middle Age Woman.  The Middle Age Woman puts her hands on the shoulders of the Little Girl.  Then the Little Girl extends her hands as if welcoming the audience.  All movement should be slow as in a ritual.  They will exit during the song or become part of the dance during the song.)