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Quasimodo, the central character in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” is a complex and compelling figure. Born with severe physical deformities, Quasimodo’s appearance sets him apart from society. He is portrayed as having a hunched back, a large head, and distorted facial features, which led to his nickname, “Quasimodo,” meaning “almost human.”

Despite his physical challenges, Quasimodo possesses a gentle and compassionate soul. As the bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, he finds solace and a sense of belonging within the towering walls of the church. His isolation and deafness due to the constant tolling of the bells contribute to his unique perspective on the world.

Quasimodo’s life takes a transformative turn when he encounters Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and beautiful gypsy girl. He develops an intense love and devotion for her, but this affection is unrequited. Throughout the story, Quasimodo exhibits unwavering loyalty, displaying acts of bravery and selflessness to protect Esmeralda and ensure her safety.

Victor Hugo crafted Quasimodo as a symbol of the marginalized and oppressed, exploring themes of prejudice, societal judgment, and the true nature of beauty. Quasimodo’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience that can be found within those society deems as outsiders.

In “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Quasimodo’s character represents the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, urging us to look beyond appearances and embrace the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.

ECHOES OF NOTRE DAME

CHARACTERS:

VICTOR HUGO

WOMAN

MAN

FATHER FROLLO

QUASIMODO

BELL JACQUELINE

BELL GABRIELLE

BELL GUILLAUME (Largest Bell)

BELL MARIE

BELL THIBAULD

BELL PASQUIER (Smallest Bell)

BELL ELI

BELL SOPHIA

BELL ANNE

SCRIPT:

As the curtain rises, we find ourselves transported to the bustling streets of Paris, where the grand Cathedral of Notre Dame stands tall and majestic. Amidst the enchanting echoes of its bells, we are drawn into a tale of compassion, loneliness, and the extraordinary bonds that can form between the most unlikely of friends. Brace yourselves for a journey that will awaken your heart, ignite your imagination, and remind us all of the power of acceptance and love.

(Setting: Victor Hugo’s house. An 1829 calendar hangs on the wall. There is a table and a chair in the right-hand corner of the room. A lit candle, a notebook, and a pen are placed on the table. Victor Hugo enters and looks through the window.)

VICTOR HUGO: (Rubbing his hands together) It’s a cold day today… Anyway, (he turns to the audience) it’s time to write my next novel. And I know exactly what it will be about—The Hunchback of Notre Dame. (He sits, opens the notebook, takes the pen in his hands, and starts to write.) Once upon a time in Paris…

Lights off – Lights on

(Setting: Outside the cathedral. The Woman and the Man enter. The Woman is holding a baby in her arms, covered with a blanket.)

WOMAN: I’ll leave him here! He’s a monster! I hate him! (Leaves the baby on the floor.)

MAN: (Nervously) Let’s get out of here before somebody sees us!

(They leave. Father Frollo enters and hears the baby crying. He approaches to see the baby, picks him up, and uncovers him.)

FATHER FROLLO: Oh my God! It’s a boy! Poor baby… he’s grossly deformed! He must be cold and very hungry. I’ll take him inside, and I’ll give him some milk. I’ll take care of him.

(Father Frollo leaves.)

Lights off – Lights on

VICTOR HUGO: (Writing in the notebook) Many years later, before the Mass celebration…

Lights off – Lights on

(Setting: Inside the cathedral.)

FATHER FROLLO: (Yelling) Quasimodo! Quasimodo! (Quasimodo enters carrying a broom.) Stop sweeping the floor!

QUASIMODO: What? I can’t hear you!

FATHER FROLLO: (Yelling) Stop sweeping the floor and go to the bell tower to ring the bells. It’s almost time for Mass!

QUASIMODO: (Yelling) Yes, Father!

(Quasimodo walks slowly and leaves.)

FATHER FROLLO: Poor Quasimodo. The tremendous noise of the bells made him deaf.

(Father Frollo leaves.)

VICTOR HUGO: (Writing in his notebook) Quasimodo goes to the bell tower and starts to converse with the bells. They are his only friends.

Lights off – Lights on

(Setting: The bell tower. Quasimodo stands in front of the bells.)

QUASIMODO: Good morning, my dear friends.

ALL THE BELLS: Good morning, Quasimodo! Did you sleep well?

QUASIMODO: Yes, I did. But now, wake up. It’s time to work!

ALL THE BELLS: Oh no, not again!

(Quasimodo approaches each bell and takes the rope from each bell.)

QUASIMODO: Come on, Gabrielle, it’s time to make some noise!

BELL GABRIELLE: Yes, Quasimodo, today is Annunciation Day!

QUASIMODO: Thibauld, don’t be so lazy! Are you rusted?

BELL THIBAULD: I’m just relaxing.

QUASIMODO: Are you ready, Jacqueline?

BELL JACQUELINE: Yes, I’m ready. Just tell me when to sing.

QUASIMODO: Go, go, go, Guillaume, don’t be shy!

BELL GUILLAUME: Who, me? I’m the best one!

QUASIMODO: Pasquier, I know you’re the smallest, but you sing so beautifully!

BELL PASQUIER: I know. Everybody in Paris likes to hear me sing!

QUASIMODO: Eli! What are you doing? Pay attention!

BELL ELI: (Distracted) Oh, sorry. I was looking at the pigeons. Look how beautiful they are!

BELL SOPHIA: Stop talking; it’s getting late!

QUASIMODO: Are you ready, Anne?

BELL ANNE: Yes, I am. Take my rope and make me sing.

QUASIMODO: Marie, make them deaf, just like me!

BELL MARIE: I sure will! Let’s get to work, sisters! God wants to listen to our music and announce the coming of His Blessed Son.

(Quasimodo rings the bells.)

Lights off – Lights on

VICTOR HUGO: (He puts down his pen on the table) This is just the beginning of the story. (He closes the notebook.) I’m tired… I’ll continue tomorrow. (He blows out the candle. Sounds of bells. He stands up and leaves the room.)

Lights Off

As the final echoes of the bells fade away, we bid farewell to the mesmerizing world of Notre Dame. Through the trials and triumphs of Quasimodo, the lonely bell-ringer, and his loyal companions, the bells themselves, we have witnessed the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring beauty of true friendship. May their story continue to resonate within our hearts, reminding us to look beyond appearances and cherish the unique qualities that make us all extraordinary in our own way.

End of Play

AUTHOR: K I D S I N C O

Based on “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, written by Victor Hugo, a renowned French author, poet, and playwright. The novel was published in 1831 and has since become a classic in world literature, captivating readers with its powerful themes and unforgettable characters.

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