Another Part of the Forest, Act 1 Summary

Stage directions describe the play's setting, the Hubbard house in 1880s Alabama, as having an emphasis on "Southern Greek" style.

Early on a Sunday morning, as Regina and John argue about the frequency of his visits, Regina says she has a plan that she wants to talk about with him. They are interrupted by the arrival of Lavinia and Coralee, home from church. As Lavinia chatters about it being her birthday, Marcus appears, frightening John off. Regina makes him promise to meet her the following night.

Ben comes, with conversation between him and Marcus revealing that Marcus wouldn't give Ben the money to purchase a business. Marcus receives word that Oscar is suspected of being involved in a Ku Klux Klan attack. Marcus calls Oscar out and confronts him, but Ben comes out...