Act I Summary

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Act I: Family and Visitors

In the opening act of The River Niger, John and Mattie Williams eagerly prepare for the much-anticipated homecoming of their son Jeff, who has been serving for several years in the Air Force. As the scene unfolds, we witness Jeff's grandmother, Wilhemina Brown, Mattie's mother, surreptitiously indulging in a secret swig from her hidden stash in the kitchen. Meanwhile, John and his companion, Dr. Dudley Stanton, enjoy a drink together, engaging in playful banter that oscillates between raucous ribbing and heartfelt camaraderie. Their lively exchange sets the stage for Ann Vanderguild's unexpected arrival at the Williams' doorstep. A nurse in her twenties, hailing from South Africa, Ann had cared for Jeff during his hospitalization in Canada. Her unannounced visit carries the hope of convincing Jeff to marry her. This intention is swiftly apparent to those present, yet the men find themselves captivated by her striking allure. John seizes the moment to recite a poem he penned. Upon Mattie and her mother’s return from shopping, Mattie swiftly warms to Ann’s genuine charm, while her grandmother remains openly disapproving.

Revelations and Intrigues

John and Dudley then venture out to the local haunt known as the Apple. During their absence, Ann confides in Mattie, revealing the heavy burden she carries: her father has been incarcerated in South Africa for nearly a decade, taking the fall for her brothers’ anti-government activities to ensure their escape from the country.

Unwelcome Guests

As Ann and Mattie set about preparing dinner, Chips, a childhood buddy of Jeff’s, makes an unexpected appearance, seeking his old friend. His demeanor towards Ann is laced with unwelcome sexual aggressiveness. Later that night, as Ann slumbers in the living room, an unexpected intrusion disrupts the household. Mo, along with his companions—Chips, Skeeter, Al, and Mo's girlfriend Gail, all part of a local revolutionary group—barges in, intent on finding Jeff. Their menacing behavior towards Ann is abruptly halted when John and Dudley stagger home from the bar, inebriated, with John brandishing a gun to assert his authority. After the intruders retreat, John and Dudley retreat to the kitchen for another drink, oblivious as Jeff slips in, awakening Ann. Their quiet reunion leads to an intimate encounter, after which Jeff stealthily retreats to his room.

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Act II Summary

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