The Final Scene Proposal : One of the Greatest Short Stories of All

After the IB exam, we faced another fun challenge; it is the free topic project. We can choose any novel or short story and have to stage it, just like what we have done for this year. Because there are too many choices, it was so hard to pick only one that will be not only fun to do but also creative. After a while, I heard that an author O Henry is quite well-known as a short story writer, and I began to search more about him. Then, I found a short story called The Gift of the Magi, which is about a married couple Della and Jim in a Christmas time. It was called as many people's favorite and there was even a song about it by Squirrel Nut Zippers (music credit : Ms. Guarino). All the resources were enough for me to provoke my curiosity, and thus I found the original piece and read it.
It was good. While I was reading, I could imagine how the scenes could be adapted. I do not know whether or not this story have already been adapted, but I thought this story is well-qualified for my final project.

The story is set in New York in the early 1900s. In Christmas Eve, Della and Jim want to buy a present for each other but they are short of money. Especially Della, who is mainly described in the story, has only $1.87. She decides to sell her hair and eventually could afford the present for Jim which is a new watch wire. However at night, she realized that Jim has bought a comb set for her by selling his watch. This is the basic plot and it seems a little tragic as no one's present meets one's need. However, at the same time, it is cute and lovely that they decided to buy a present by selling their most precious things, which shows how much they love and care each other.

First, I thought it would be important to set up the unique atmosphere of Christmas. It could be shown perhaps using a bell jingling sound, fireplace, winter costumes, snow, some Christmas carol songs or a Chrismas tree (If possible). Second, I think two actors for Della and Jim will be enough even though there are some other characters such as Madame Sofronie; I think they do not necessarily have to appear in the scene. Instead, actors could act and talk looking at the audience as if they are looking at the mirror. Third, most importantly, there is no scene for Jim himself. This book is focused on Della's story. Therefore, I would have to make a scene for Jim buying a present for Della, so that two actors can have an equal amount. In the stage, I would like to employ each character act their own scene. For example, when Della buys her present, I want Della to come up to the stage alone and act, and same for Jim (like there are two stories going on). They will have to act back and forth because otherwise it will be boring. After that, they come back to their home and act together.
Props and costumes that I need will be an old watch with an old wire, a set of combs (better if they look fancy), an old but neat winter coat, a table, chairs, and a wig.

This story will be really fun and cool if we work hard as it requires a good emotion and interpretation. Also, it will be fun to act Christmas in June.