The Red Badge of Courage
by Kathryn Schultz Miller

Play dramaztized by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

A riveting battlefield drama, this coming-of-age play follows Henry s emotional journey to the meaning of courage.

Songs of the poignant music of the period included in script.

Music score available from publisher.

Suitable for touring.

CAST: Written for cast of 1F, 2M to double 11 roles, or expand the cast.

Henry s glamorous image of war leads him to enlist with excited anticipation.

He soon finds himself engrossed in a very real conversation with the other young recruits about whether they each will run or stand and fight when faced with an actual conflict.

The first battle proves too frightening for Henry, driving him to escape to the woods.

After rationalizing his self-preservation, he comes face to face with the fatal wounding of his new friend, Jim.

Devastated, he vows to take care of Jim, and grants his dying wish to be moved away from the threat of trampling hooves.

Returning to his regiment, Henry finds his comrades unaware that he ran, and decides to preserve his pride by fabricating a story of battle survival.

He then redeems himself in the ensuing battle.

Henry and his comrade, Wilson, overhear their general speaking highly of their regiment, and revealing a plan to order a charge of the Rebel flag.

Henry and Wilson decide it is their destiny to be the ones to do it, and after much bloody fighting, Henry manages to take the Confederate flag.

Together, they celebrate victory, finding that though shortly before this day they had joined the army as boys, they have finished as men.