Valjean

This powerful one-act is based on the first pages of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables." The year is 1815 and Jean Valjean has been imprisoned nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving family. Now, after being released, Valjean finds it impossible to find lodging or food. Society has treated him like an animal and he feels like one. Finally he finds refuge at the Bishop's home. The clergyman welcomes him with kindness and even trust, using his best silver candlesticks at the evening meal, much to the dismay and warnings of the suspicious housekeeper. The next morning a police officer returns Valjean and the silver. The kindness of the bishop, however, gives Valjean new direction and restores his faith in human compassion. Additional roles include that of the Bishop's niece, who tries to comprehend Valjean's anger; Valjean's sister who appears as an apparition. Performance time about 45 minutes.