Please choose at least one of the four stanzas, with a maximum of 3 takes. Perform however you feel, whatever comes to you!

The Character of Lizzie must be performed by a Black American Actress.

Lyrics for Lillian Hellman's Candide by James Agee

Reason, Magic, Skill and Love,

Frankly, I think poorly of.

Flesh and Figment, Brain and Breath.

All are parodies of Death.

--

Death alone cant paint it true;

Only Death can say for sure;

Who but Death can sing to you?

Death my dearest, sparse and pure.

--

Life is but a sorrowing haze

Through which we grope; and our five senses,

Trammeling snares. In all our way

Artists put their subtle fences:

--

Telling us that Life is All;

Cheating us with hints of glory;

Charming us. We fail, we fall

Stupefied, and buy their story.