San Fernando III who was the Greatest King Saint in History. A Play Outline (Just beginning) By Fred Martinez & Cathal Gallagher (The co-authors of the successful play "Viva Cristo Rey")
San Fernando Play Outline
Scene One
Narrator: Who drove the Muslims or Moors out of Spain? Ferdinand and Isabella? They took part in the reconquest. And freed Granada. There was a prince in Castile who paved the way for the reconquest, but received little credit. He would become known as Fernando III.
Narrator: this is a map of Spain prior to the Advent of Fernando. Points to Spain and Andalusia on the map. Muslim occupied. Compare the map after the conquest. All that remains is Granada.
Narrator: A little background on Fernando. He was born in 1199 the son of King Alfonso the 9th of Leon and Berenguera of Castile. Bearing area was the daughter of King Alfonso the 8th and when his brother Enrique died was the next in line for the throne of Castile.
Narrator: where does our Prince fit into the picture. Let Donna Berenguera speak for herself
Scene 2 Page 72 and 73
The Cortez, St Mary's church. In attendance members of the Cortez, nobles, Dona Berenguera of Castile, Berenguera, Don Lopez De Haro, an Archbishop Ximenez. Cheers from the assembly they have just proclaimed Dona Berenguera Queen of Castile.
Archbishop Ximenez approaches Dona Berenguera seated on the throne. He whispers to her. The Archbishop exits.
Dona Berenguera: I have an announcement to make to the Cortez. I have just found out my son arrived from Leon. I would like him to hear what I have to say.
Enter Archbishop Ximenez with Fernando. Cheers and applause.
Scene 3
Nobleman and knights present in this church. I am grateful for the honor bestowed upon me this day. However my reign as Queen will be short. Therefore let it be known with your consent and witness I intend to renounce my claim to the throne of Castile. A prolonged applause
Scene 4
Dona Berenguera and Fernando exit to the outer chamber along with Don Lope De Haro.
Fernando: Do you have their support?
Dona Berenguera: Except for a few nobles.
Fernando: I don't want them harmed.
Dona Berenguera: They won't be.
De Haro: Someone else seeks the throne.
Fernando: Who? (Long silence)
Dona Berenguera: Your own father.
Scene 5 page 73
Narrator: Fernando was overwhelmingly proclaimed King of Castile. He was 18 years of age. He promise to honor the laws of Castile and to fight for Spain so he could give it to Christ the Lord.
Scene 6
Narrator: the first order of business was to deal with his father Alfonso the 9th. Send him a letter saying he would not fight him but was enraged he would send an army against his own son. Read the letter. And it worked. Alfonso expressed his regret and retired from the field.
To be continued...
Comments