Laurel A. Rockefeller's Blog, page 21

Saint Bernard’s Reply. Excerpt from Hildegard von Bingen: a Play in Three Acts

Hildegard von Bingen was one of the most influential women of the European middle ages. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Born the tenth child of a German knight, she was plagued with both intense migraines and visions attributed to God. By the end of her long life she was famously touring the German Empire as a preacher – one of only a handful of women so permitted.

As Hildegard’s visions persisted she was encouraged to write down what she saw, aided by Brother Volmar, her confessor...

Review: Eat’n Park is the place for garden salad

If you live in Pennsylvania, you probably have heard of a regional American restaurant chain called “Eat’n Park.” It’s your typical chain restaurant for American food. Akin to a Denny’s or Cracker Barrel restaurant.

For me, the prices on nearly everything are a bit high, even though they are similar to their competitors. For example, expect to pay at least $10 for a cheeseburger and fries meal – plus the tip to your server.

The famous Eat’n Park salad bar costs you $13 if you get it as y...

Writing to Abbot Bernard. Excerpt from Hildegard von Bingen: a Play in Three Acts

Hildegard von Bingen was one of the most influential women of the European middle ages. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Born the tenth child of a German knight, she was plagued with both intense migraines and visions attributed to God. By the end of her long life she was famously touring the German Empire as a preacher – one of only a handful of women so permitted.

As Hildegard’s visions persisted she was encouraged to write down what she saw, aided by Brother Volmar, her confessor...

Who were the Holy Women?

The Legendary Women of World History covers (to date) thirteen fascinating and historically influential women from antiquity through the turn of the 17th century (this will expand about 100 years in 2025 or 2026). These women represent the three main eras in European/Asian history: antiquity, European middle ages, and the Renaissance.

To date, four boxed sets group the first twelve books together. The only book not in one of these sets: book thirteen, “Eleanor of Aquitaine.”

The fo...

A New Abbess. Excerpt from Hildegard von Bingen: a Play in Three Acts

Hildegard von Bingen was one of the most influential women of the European middle ages. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Born the tenth child of a German knight, she was plagued with both intense migraines and visions attributed to God. By the end of her long life she was famously touring the German Empire as a preacher – one of only a handful of women so permitted.

In this scene from the play, Hildegard attends her mentor Jutta von Sponheim at her deathbed.

Act II, ...

Betrothal of a Princess. Excerpt from Empress Matilda of England: a Play in Five Acts

Empress Matilda of England was one of the most influential of the Angevins in medieval England. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Sent from London to live in the Kaiser’s court in Germany, she grew up in Mainz and fell in love with her intended, Kaiser Heinrich V.

In this scene from the play, Matilda learns her fate.

ACT I, SCENE II

1110 8th of April. The White Tower.  Throne room. KING HENRY sit on his throne which is placed on a low dais center stage. Heraldic banner...

Anne Rochefeuille sings a Lutheran hymn. Excerpt from “His Red Eminence.”

Anne Rochefeuille was my kinswoman. Born in Lyon to a large Huguenot (French Protestant) family she fell in love with and became the life-long romantic companion to Armand-Jean du Plessis. They met when he was in seminary in Paris and remained close throughout his decades-long career, beginning with his elevation to Bishop of Luçon, through his service to Marie de’ Medici, and finally through his elevation to cardinal and appointment as First Minister of France.

As protestants, La Famille R...

Who were the Renaissance Queens?

The Legendary Women of World History covers (to date) thirteen fascinating and historically influential women from antiquity through the turn of the 17th century (this will expand about 100 years in 2025 or 2026). These women represent the three main eras in European/Asian history: antiquity, European middle ages, and the Renaissance.

To date, four boxed sets group the first twelve books together. The only book not in one of these sets: book thirteen, “Eleanor of Aquitaine.”

The th...

Lady Jane Grey’s Rebellion. Excerpt from Queen Elizabeth Tudor: A Play in 4 Acts

Queen Elizabeth Tudor’s fascinating true story comes to the stage in this four act adaptation of “Queen Elizabeth Tudor: Journey to Gloriana. Filled with period music and narrated by my ancestor, Edward Drinker, this is a play is designed for educational and community theatre settings.

In this scene from Act II, Princess Elizabeth receives word concerning a rebellion against her sister, the newly crown Queen Mary I.

Act II, Scene II

1554. January. Whitehall Palace. Princess ...

Hywel and Gruffydd reach Aberystwyth. Excerpt from Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd: A Play in Three Acts

Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd is famous in Wales as the national heroine – but barely known outside it. Her story of heroism against impossible odds inspires us all.

In 1113, Gwenllian’s father, King Gruffydd ap Cynan of Gwynedd, invited brothers Hywel and Gruffydd ap Rhys to his court following Hywel’s imprisonment at the hands of Arnulf fitz Roger of Montgomery and Gruffydd’s return from exile in Ireland. In this scene, the brothers arrive in the city of Aberystwyth on their long journey north...