A President In Waiting
Jan Moran Neil
Genre: Drama
Cast size: 1
Duration: 35 mins approx
Jan Moran Neil | Drama | One Act | 1f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
This one woman show written for a young woman of Xhosa origin runs approximately 35 minutes with an opportunity for the audience to discuss what Khululwa might do in the future.
Khululwa, also known as Liberty to her employer, works as a domestic.
On her 21st birthday she is planting seeds in her madam’s garden. She decides to write to President Nelson Mandela and ask him a very important question. She tells him, by means of acting out as her seven year old self and as her mother in domestic service and her grandmother who lives on the farm, about growing up in South Africa.
Khululwa has read Maya Angelou and acts out Rosa Parkes renowned refusal to give up her seat to a white person on a bus. She tells him her hopes and dreams for her future. The day transpires to be an auspicious one as her white madam calls that Madiba today has died.
Khululwa is left with a dilemma. Should she bury her letter and forget about her hopes and aspirations? Or should she act upon the letter and answer her own question: what must I do for tomorrow? Is it realistic to think that Khululwa can become President or can she become president of her own life and carry the trowel/baton on for the next generation?
Applying for and paying royalties
To apply for royalties, please complete the form on our apply for royalties page.
To pay for fixed fee royalties having received your Quotation from us, please go to this payment form.
More information
If you require any additional information regarding this script, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Frequently asked questions
Can we try before we buy?
Of course! All our plays and pantomimes have a free Preview Script available for download as an A4 pdf file that contains 60-75% of the full script. If you like what you read then you can buy an inexpensive e-script of the entire play (typically less than half the cost of a traditional printed script) which is licensed to you for your personal use. Purchasing a script copying licence allows you to make just enough copies to support rehearsals and performances.
All our musicals are included in our perusal service. Through this, representatives of producing organisations can request a USB Stick of perusal material which comprise the script/libretto and piano/vocal score as PDF files; a Cast (or Studio) Recording as MP3 files and (where available) an MP4 file video of either the premiere production or of a subsequent production.
Some titles have the facility to read the entire script online on our website.
Do we need a Licence To Perform?
The simple answer is, yes.
Under the international laws of copyright, you must be in possession of a valid, unexpired licence before performing any piece of theatre unless the owner or managers of the copyright has waived their rights.
Why do you insist on providing a formal royalties quotation?
When you request a quotation, it is logged in our system, it forms part of an orderly queue and protects your place in that queue should multiple licensing requests occur for the same show.
Need help?
Contact us
If you need help with our scripts, please contact our customer service team, we would be more than happy to help.
Established for over 25 years
Unearthing future talent
Stagescripts is a trusted licensing company run by theatre professionals with decades of experience on and off stage. Our curated catalogue includes over 1,000 carefully selected plays, musicals, and pantomimes — from fresh, undiscovered writing to well-loved classics.
We’re passionate about helping theatre-makers at every level discover scripts that inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences. Whether you're staging a village hall production or leading a professional company, our team offers expert advice, flexible support, and a responsive, personal service to help your next performance shine.
