Scene 1
When the Scene opens, there is wind and music playing as a woman – HOPE – struggles against the wind, climbing a mountain on the video projection screen. HOPE is calling out amidst the wind and the eerie music. (Special effect – dry ice mists over the stage)

HOPE
Wisdom! Wisdom! Wisdom! Wisdom!

(On the side of the stage is a mysterious woman standing with a scepter in her hands – WISDOM. WISDOM is watching the HOPE on the projection screen. Through a special effect, HOPE steps off the video projection screen onto the stage. HOPE is unsure what has happened, but she keeps walking, and calling out for WISDOM. When HOPE is close to WISDOM, WISDOM lifts up her scepter, and the wind and the eerie music stop abruptly. Astonished, HOPE looks at WISDOM.)

WISDOM
Who goes there?

HOPE
My name is Hope. (no response) I have come a long way.

WISDOM
What do you want?

HOPE
I’m looking for Wisdom. (no response) I was told I could find her in these mountains.

WISDOM
Wisdom is here in these mountains. Wisdom can also be found in the valleys. What do you want with her?

HOPE
I have a question. An important question. May I speak to her?

WISDOM
What are you willing to give?

HOPE
I have climbed these mountains. I cannot turn around now. (pause) What is the price?

WISDOM
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

HOPE
(disappointed) Wisdom wants everything I have?

WISDOM
Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.

HOPE
I don’t have much. Just what I’ve brought with me.

WISDOM
Are you willing to pay the price?

HOPE
Yes. I have a gift of jewels for her. (She holds out a bag of jewels)

WISDOM
Choose wisdom’s instructions instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

HOPE
I’m sorry. I brought these as a gift.

WISDOM
Are you willing to pay the price?

HOPE
I have nothing else. What am I suppose to do?

WISDOM
Speak.

HOPE
May I see her?

WISDOM
She can hear you. Speak.

HOPE
Where is she?

WISDOM
She can be found by those who seek her with a teachable heart. Speak.

HOPE
I am here with an open mind

WISDOM
(looks at her)

HOPE
I have a question for her. It‘s really important. (pause) I’m sorry, are you sure she is listening?

WISDOM
She is listening. Be sure that you listen.

HOPE
Okay. (deep breath) Um… I’m in this situation…. and …. well…. (she yells as if to a distant person) I want to know what love is.

WISDOM
(smiles) Hmmm… Wisdom can show you love.

HOPE
Show me?

WISDOM
Love comes in many forms. Some are true, and some are false. Listen. Do you hear? (waves crashing are heard)

HOPE
(she tries to hear something) (concerned) No.

WISDOM
See what she will speak to you.

HOPE
(confused) See what she will speak to me? (Suddenly the music gets louder for “The GIFT” Eerie smoke fills the stage.)

HOPE
(scared) What’s going on? (She reacts to the eerie smoke filling up the stage) What is this? Who is that?

(WISDOMlooks in the direction of the story which is unfolding. HOPE takes refuge by WISDOM’s side. The first half of “The GIFT” unfolds.)

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