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, ...