José Pedro Alves and Mary Medeiros scrapbook

Scrapbook that includes a play, songs, drawings and poetry and school notes.

The play was written by José Pedro Alves, written around 1919. Alves was born around 1902 in Santo Antonio, S. Miguel, Azores. The play was completed when the author was seventeen years old, and was first performed in 1922 for parish priests with an all-male cast, as was custom to local parish audiences. Prof. M. de Gloria de Sá completed an oral history interview with the son and daughter of Alves, available on audiocassette and in transcription.

It is unclear who Mary Medeiros is, but the drawings, poetry and school notes are clearly attributable to her. She also transcribed song lyrics.

Characters: Alfredo, Etelvina, Roque, Augusto, Paulo, José, Gaspar, Criado (Waiter), Carcereiro (prison guard), Primeiro Polícia (First police officer), Segundo Polícia (Second police officer), Senhorio (Landlord).

Synopsis: This is a tragedy in three acts. A married couple, Alfredo and Etelvina, live in extreme poverty. Etelvina is wooed by Paulo, a rich aristocrat who convinces her to leave her husband and live with him, for he can better provide for her. Alfredo, who would rather steal than have his wife accept money from another man, goes to prison for his crime. Once out of prison, Alfredo gets his revenge on those he believes have betrayed him.