BLACKOUT/ACT I/Scene 1/Prologue IT IS LATE ON A SUMMER NIGHT IN AUGUST, 1929. SUGGEST OPENING MUSIC OF THE TIME THAT IS BRIGHT AS THE STAGE IS DARK. AS THE LIGHTS COME UP THE MOOD OF THE MUSIC SHIFTS FROM BRIGHT TO VERY SOMBER CLASSICAL. IN THE LIVING ROOM OF THE MANSION OF THE WICKERSHAM ESTATE, GRETA WICKERSHAM READS FROM THE BIBLE TO HER SON, AARON. AARON IS SEATED AT HIS MOTHER’S SIDE ON THE FLOOR. THE LIVING ROOM HAS FLOWERS PLACED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS. CLEAN AND TIDY. GRETA: ‘…so take the talents from him and give it to him who has ten talents. For to every one who has, more shall be given. (PHILLIP HAS ENTERED. SHARPLY DRESSED AND A BIT OBNOXIOUS BECAUSE HE IS DRUNK. HE LOOKS ON FOR A MOMENT BEFORE HIS MOTHER HAS RECOGNIZED HIS PRESENCE) He shall…” PHILLIP: Now isn’t this a touching scene. GRETA: (LOOKS UP BUT CONTINUES) ‘…but from him who has not shall be taken even that which he has and cast out the worthless servant into the outer darkness where men weep and gnash their teeth…’ PHILLIP: Sorry to interrupt, Mother. (BODY LANGUAGE IS MENACING AS HE LOOKS AT AARON. AARON COWERS.) But I need to speak to you. Alone.