Midwife Migration Skit
By Rachel Trembly
Western Michigan University
Spring 2007

The topic of moving to Eastern Europe has been brought up during council meetings. The midwifes husband confronts her on this issue on night after the children are asleep.

Husband: There is talk of moving the town farther to the West. We may find ourselves more fortunate there.

Midwife: How did all this talk come about?

Husband: With the Childrens Crusade, there is much talk of moving toward Rome. The land is said to be more fertile, and it presents more opportunity to become a prosperous town. Plus the opportunity of getting the Popes blessing has presented itself, and that is a very prestigious opportunity for our town.

Midwife: I dislike the idea of moving so far. And what is this talk of the Childrens Crusade? Our children are of such a young age. I wouldnt even think of allowing them to participate in such a thing. And what of my practice? Am I supposed to just up and leave it?

Husband: The Childrens Crusade would be an excellent opportunity for our son to serve his Lords wishes. Many of the other men have already decided to send their children to serve His purpose. Think of what the people will say about him. As for your practice, many of the women would be moving along, so your practice would be the same. Moving may allow for us to gain more townspeople. It would all be good for the town.

Midwife: I still dislike the idea of moving, I believe we have a good town structure here. Our children like it here, and we are already a successful town. And I still say the Childrens Crusade is out of the question. Our son is only four years of age. How is he supposed to survive on his own?

Husband: If the town council decides to move the town, we will be moving on with it. And we shall see about the Crusade. It is a great opportunity, possibly a once in a lifetime chance. We shall leave the decision up to him.

Midwife: I may dislike the idea of both, but I will do as you say. If you wish to move to the West, we will move. And as for the Crusade, we shall leave that topic aside for now.

Husband: Very good. It is time to retire so that we may get an early start on the day tomorrow.

Midwife: Very well.

For Reflection:
If you were to perform this skit in your classroom, what kind of props would you like to have? What would your costumes look like?

Rachel doesnt give any setting or stage direction for this short skit. How might you handle those details?

Can you add to the skit to make it longer? What if you added to it the events of the next two days? Or, perhaps the next two weeks, or months?