Synopsis

CHEPACHET (pronounced CHA-PATCH-IT) is a Native American word (Algonquin) that means "the place at the crossing" like a road that splits or a river that divides.

The story concerns two middle-aged old friends, COLE and LUD, who have been recovering from a horrible car crash caused by the alcoholism of LUD. Two years later they employ a very beautiful, though mentally challenged maid named KAREN who comes from a home for troubled young girls run by MRS. WARE, a Bible teacher. COLE develops a platonic crush on KAREN and finds her inspirational in his work as a nature photographer while LUD sexually abuses her in secret. DARLENE, COLE's ex-girl friend, who hasn't seen him since their break up just before the car crash, arrives with the purpose of reuniting with COLE and becomes a witness to the tragic events about to unfold.

The action takes place in the town of Chepachet, Rhode Island in the present day.

"CHEPACHET is a passion play in the truest sense of that term, a drama encompassing sweeping moral themes within a timeless and intimate setting.  Each character represents an archetypal wound, continuously relived and reinflicted in a relationship cycle which inexorably draws the participants together at a vital turning point in each one's life.  The title of the film, CHEPACHET, is a Native American word meaning "crossroad," and here the characters arrive at the crucial intersection between self and salvation, unable to dissolve -- or even acknowledge -- the scars binding each to his/her own compulsions.  The result is tragedy, for at the crossroad one has options that are all but invisible to the blind eye of inertia. Cole and Karen oppose Lud and Mrs. Ware in the drama, representing the possibility of personal redemption through love and courage, as against the blinding force of rage (Lud) and religious ruin (Mrs. Ware). Cole and Karen represent the potential of renewal, but suffer their own, and others', handicaps; Lud and Mrs. Ware act reflexively from wounds that cannot heal.  Caught in the middle, as spectator and quasi-accidental participant, is Darlene watching in mute horror as events reach their tragic climax. This is an ensemble cast, each actor bringing to his role clarity and conviction, and palpable respect for personal truth.  The bucolic setting of the drama, and the sensitive use of light and color delineating the action, are important players, in their own rights. Direction is sure and adept, confident enough to be non-intrusive and allow the actors to inhabit their roles."  
-- Bonnie Wells