One Female and Five Male Figures.
A scene representing a band of brigands in their mountain fastness, on
the watch for plunder and rapine. The scenery in the background should
resemble ragged rocks, made by fastening brown paper in a rumpled
manner to a frame of wood, and shaded with light and dark-brown
paints. This must extend two thirds across the stage, three feet from
the extreme background. The sides should be covered with similar
scenery. The floor is strown with small boxes, to give it an uneven
appearance, and covered with buffalo robes. Two of the brigands are
seated at one side of the stage, engaged in playing cards; one is
reclining in the foreground asleep; another is leaning against the
rocks, resting his arms and body on his carbine, while the chief is
standing at the end of the ledge in the background, pointing with his
right hand into the open space beyond. Behind him stands his wife, to
whom he is in the act of speaking, and directing her attention to the
road in the distance. She is stooping forward, endeavoring to see the
objects which he points out. The costume of the brigands consists of a
frock coat ornamented with large gilt buttons, and trimmed around the
bottom with colored cloth; bright-colored vest bound around the front
and bottom with fancy ribbon; black handkerchief tied loosely in the
neck; knee breeches and hose, with a band of showy cloth around the
top, fastened with a brilliant paste pin or silver buckle; low shoes;
red or blue sash about the waist; high-crowned black felt hat,
ornamented with red binding, wound in a spiral manner from the rim to
the top of the hat, and a colored feather at the side. The coat can be
decorated in a more profuse manner, if desired; each must be furnished
with musket and pistols. The chief's dress should be of richer
material, and more profusely decorated than the other characters. The
wife's costume consists of a scarlet skirt, black velvet waist open in
front and laced across with pink ribbon, a showy scarf tied about the
head, the ends falling on the shoulders; the neck and arms ornamented
with brilliant jewelry; a morocco belt encircles the waist, to which
is attached a small dirk. The two card-players are looking at their
cards, countenances expressing deep thought. The one who stands facing
the audience looks to the floor. The one that is asleep should lie in
a position so that the countenance can be seen, the head resting on
the hand, eyes closed. The wife's position is, standing so that a side
view of the countenance is had. The chief stands in front of her, and
in the same position, but the head is turned around so as to face the
audience; the countenances of both expressing curiosity and
excitement. The face and other exposed parts of the persons of all the
figures must be colored light-brown, and the men wear heavy beards.
The light for this scene should come from a red fire, burned in small
quantities at the front side of the stage. No music will be required
for the piece.