Break the Chain is a play I authored about domestic violence and the associated cycles of behavior for both victim and perpetrator. This play was especially well-received by an audience at a shelter housing homeless people. Unknown to me, that audience included individuals who were both the abusers and the abused in domestic violence situations. They came up to me afterward with tears and warm hugs. These folks said they now could understand what they were doing and thought, for the first time, that they might be able to change their behavior patterns!
Frankly, there could be no better compliment than that for this play.
At the end of this post, I’ll provide current statistics about domestic violence, spousal, and child abuse for those who are interested. But first, let’s talk about the play. The playbook is available to educational, civic, non-profit, and governmental agencies that wish to stage it to raise awareness and/or funds for those who help people escape dangerous conditions. Click here to learn more or continue reading this blog about abuse and helpful resources.
Abuse takes many forms: verbal, physical, and more. It affects people of all ages.
Child Abuse
Elder Abuse
Abused Woman Trapped In Home
Woman Abusing Man
BREAK THE CHAIN
A One-Act Play About Domestic Abuse
and How It is Perpetuated
I copyrighted the script, and the cast first performed this play in 1990. However, it is a timeless story and very easy to stage, as you will see in the descriptive material below. At the end of the blog, you will also find updated statistics about domestic abuse in America, plus the Help Hotline.
“Break the Chain” Script Summary
The title of this play refers to the chain of violence transmitted from generation to generation. It features a mother whose son appears at school with bruises and has many absences. This pattern causes the school counselor to believe there is domestic violence in the household, and she tries to intervene.
As the mother struggles with feelings of being trapped and having no way out, she starts to overcome her denial that the situation is dangerous. One can also see the cycle being perpetuated, as her daughter begins to “act out” with a doll.
A narrator follows the actors’ performance in each scene of the play. The narration provides education about the cycle of violence. Additionally, it describes when, in the cycle, it is most likely that people can Break The Chain.
The script does mention actual locations in Virginia and nationally where help could be found for “battered women” and their children at the time of its writing. However, it is intended to be updated with current statistics and the names and contact information pertinent to the local area where the play is being performed.
The script contains subtleties that revisionists might not understand. Consequently, please do not alter it, other than to incorporate helpful resources for domestic violence issues in your area.
Break The Chain Scene Settings
The four scenes are minimal:
- Scenes 1 & 3 take place in the family’s living room.
- Scene 2 takes place in a school counselor’s office. It contains a phone and two chairs facing the counselor’s desk/chair.
- Scene 4 can be performed on a bare stage (preferably with a podium) or with the narrator standing in front of the darkened backdrop of the last scene.
Break The Chain Script Options (Number & Type of Copies)
- I can email or “snail mail” the script(s) upon receipt and clearance of your payment.
- For Break The Chain, the minimum number of copies you can order is six (6). You’ll need one for each of the five cast members, plus one for the Director. In addition, you may need more to include copies for a Stage Manager, Production Assistants, etc.
- I will impose a $15 charge for shipping and handling for hard copies.
Details follow below. Typically, the price is $10 per script plus licensing for performances. I offer a discount to non-profit organizations.
Performance Royalties – a flat fee of $200 for a limited run, up to 6 performances. $180 for proven non-profit organizations.
- I prefer you make an electronic funds transfer to a phone number I’ll provide to you. I use Zelle, but other systems may also work. However, you may use cash, a Cashier’s Check, or a “regular” check.
Under copyright law, you may not copy or otherwise reproduce the material.
Accordingly, you need to purchase the number of scripts you will need for a performance.
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- There are 5 characters in the play (2 women, 1 boy, 1 young girl, and a narrator). Remember that the Director, Stage Manager, and any Production Assistants, Lighting, and other staff also need scripts.
- A 10% discount may be given to non-profits. To qualify for the discount, the owner must provide a copy of the IRS letter confirming nonprofit status and the current business license.
Pricing & Payment Options for Break the Chain of Domestic Violence
You may send funds via Zelle, which imposes no fees for you or me and has proven to be secure. You send the money from your banking institution to mine via a phone number that I will give to you.
- If you do not use electronic funds transfers by Zelle, I can email or snail mail the scripts, upon receipt and clearance of your payment (by Cashier’s Check or check). I do not accept credit card payments.
- The minimum number of copies you may order is six (6).
- The price is $10 per script above the minimum order of 6/$60 for commercial enterprises. A 10% discount is given for proven non-profit organizations.
- Under copyright law, you may not copy or otherwise reproduce the material; so you need to purchase the number of scripts you will need for performance.
- There are 5 characters in the play (2 women, 1 boy, 1 younger girl, and a narrator). Keep in mind you need the Director, Stage Manager, and any Production Assistants, Lighting, and other staff to have scripts.
- I charge a $20 fee for shipping and handling if you order hard copies. Note: the cost may be higher if I’m shipping more than 10 copies or shipping outside the USA.
- A 10% discount may be given to non-profit organizations. To qualify, you must provide a copy of the IRS letter confirming your non-profit status and your current business license.
Pricing and Payments
Performance Royalties – a flat fee of $200 for a limited run, up to 6 performances. $180 for proven non-profit organizations.
Commercial Rates
6 copies = $60
7 copies = $70
8 copies = $80
9 copies = $90
10 copies = $100
+ $20 Shipping and Handling, if you want hard copies.
(I’ll have to charge more if I’m shipping more than 10 copies or shipping outside the USA. We can discuss it in our FREE Zoom Sip & Share Session before you purchase.)
You may pay by electronic funds transfer using Zelle, by check, or by cash. You will need six scripts, one for each actor and the director.
Click Here to See More Publications by Nancy Wyatt
Click here for a different post about the play, Break the Chain
Want to Talk? Let’s Have a Sip & Share Session on Zoom!
If you want to talk about it, let’s schedule a Sip & Share Session on Zoom! The First one is FREE. For your benefit, I’m a Life Coach and certified in several wellness and counseling techniques. I may be able to help with healing experiences of abuse. Clearly, I can also assist with your writing and editing about this and other subject matter.
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