A radio play
Speak, My Daughter is a poetic, religious tale about the hardships of following one’s inner voice. The author based his play on a medieval genre called “The Lives of The Saints”. The language (the introduction and the verses of prayers) is modelled upon the melody and rhythm of the medieval works. The dialogues reveal the biography of a German nun, a philosopher and creator Hildegarda von Bingen. The scenes from her childhood and the novitiate in St. Benedict’s order intersperse with the pictures of 43-year-old Hildegarda who confesses her divine visions before Father Gotfrid. Hildegarda has always been attracted by solitary retreat and silence; however, due to her mystical experience she breaks the habit of silent prayer, shares with others her divine visions and benefits them with her presence.
The innermost voice tells her to write down and preach what she has seen and heard inside her mind. Although Father Gotfrid is not sure about the nature of the visions, he advises the Reverend Mother Hildegarda to write them down. Having been followed by her inner, secret insight, Hildegarda establishes in Bingen the community of nuns. During the next 40 years she tries to fulfil God’s instructions, preaching Salvation and Divine Kingdom. She receives the gift of healing. Her death is accompanied by many miraculous events. Eventually, her name and the story of her life reach Rome.