DIRK

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Artist’s Statement: Historical Story Script

            Because this story is a period piece – it required a fair amount of research so we could accurately portray the events that happened hundreds of years ago. This included researching the actual story of Dirk Willems and reading multiple accounts. We then used these stories to create the story we have written. Part of the research included getting real names that were used in Holland during that time. Some of the names – like “Burgomaster” were actually part of the true account and who was a real person who told the guard pursuing Dirk and who fell through the ice to bring him back after Dirk saved him. The Judge listed in the screenplay actually sentenced Dirk to death. Dirk’s sentence was almost verbatim of the actual recorded account that was verified and confirmed by the town clerk of Asperen. The original sentence was wordy so we did some editing to shorten the sentence a bit.

            We chose to portray this story as a drama because this story is serious, heavy and dark. We wanted to approach the screenplay in a mood conducive to that style instead of it being a comedy for example. We also chose to make this story from the perspective of a guard – Meerten. This allows us to have a more objective perspective rather than if it were from the perspective of Dirk. This other perspective also allowed the story to be reflective of the whole event rather than just having Dirk die in the end and that be it. With Meerten tying everything together, we see how much someone suffers when they go contrary to their conscience or moral duty. This helps humanize the whole story as we can relate better to a man like Meerten who has flaws – like us - but goes through significant character development rather than Dirk who seems unflawed. This is also is a timeless story – one that applies to us today. Although we may not have to make the same moral decision as Meerten, we do have to make similar moral decisions that challenge our personal beliefs and standards.