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Today Monday is April 11, 2011. The weather is sunny and warm. On my way to school today someone hit my mom from the back. So she had to call cops, which took them 25 minutes to finally arrive. And took them another 30 minutes to gather all of the info. In total I ended up missing my first period class and half of my lunch. But I'm glad that nothing bad happen, so here I am writing my story for today.

Characters:
April - Domestically abused woman / years of age
Surya - Daughter of april / 5 years of age
Chandra Elliot - sort of like April's concealer and friend / years of age
Archan - Sex Slave trader and owner  /  years of age
Daman - Husband april, Father of surya /  years of age
Junu- A little kid who bright suryas world in a place that all hope would be lost. / 7 years of age



Under The Roof of Nepal
Act 1 Scene #1
Chandra Elliot
Stage directions:

Chandra Elliot
“Yeah I know I'll be there... okay got it. See you soon... ‘Kay bye”
Another Case another day why can’t men just leave women alone.  I’ve been an activist for a little over 7 years and not much has changed in men’s reasons to take over women because they feel as though the need to be a dominant figure in their life. They were always controlling and when someone didn’t agree with what they were doing and tried to escape, was when the man started to get viscous and threaten the wives loved ones and used violence to keep them with them. April... April.. a victim of domestic abuse who had a kid name... Surya.

APRIl
“I can’t believe how long that i have let this happen and go on for. What am i now? i no longer know who i am anymore.”

Chandra Elliot
“wait wait calm down” i told April, I'm not sure if i had any answers to her questions, but i had a feeling that i needed to answer these questions for myself as  well.

Chandra Elliot
“April with all of the victims that i  have encountered you are one of the strongest and more put together.”

Chandra Elliot
“it’s not your fault that you continued his relationship with him, you had no choice right? you were trying to protect Surya  were you not?”

APRIL
“yes i was but..”

Chandra Elliot
“no buts look at me... April.. I'm so glad that you stood up for yourself the way you did, not many others could do that. you are strong willed that's why you rejected him in the end and he will never bother you again if i can help it.”

APRIL
“Thanks Chandra this really means a lot to me, but i still allowed him to do those things to me without a word of refusal... i. i”

Chandra Elliot
“What did i just tell you? Its not your fault many others have gone through your situation regret, just let me help

Act 2 Scene #2
Surya’s story:
Stage directions: There is a little girl in the corners hugging her knee’s to her chest with a teddy bear in between.

SURYA
“Mom!!”
I screamed with a new found power for my mom’s life
I knew that my father was abusive to my mother though there wasn’t much that I could do about that fact. I was defenseless to my father’s power since he was able to abuse my mother. I hated not being able to do anything. Especially since I loved my mother so dearly and wanted nothing but the best for her. She was my mother and our bond was unbreakable. The way my father was he would hurt anyone ,and he was over even though he was who we need protection from. I wanted the strength to be able to stand up for my self I had taken to the initiative to learn at least some self defense but none of it was enough to stand against my father. i believed in my mom and i hope that she knows this well. I was abused by her farther when I tried to stand up for my mother. no matter what I tried to tell others but they wouldn’t listen. it was forbidden to talk about domestic abuse and matters at home in public. I was unable to convey feelings with anyone. So it all bottled up inside of me. I tried writing down my feelings on slips of paper and putting the paper in a jar.  
(she sitting in a corner against a wall with her hands around her legs. while looking up at the ceiling. teddy between her chest and legs.) Nothing was really working the only one I had to turn to was my  teddy bear nat- tsu.

Scene #3
April’s story:
Stage directions:  Standing center stage across from a male as her husband. There are two people on stage and they are standing across from each other. The male has his fist balled a he moves in to attack mode wit his fists raised over his head. The woman is cowering while standing and has her hands defensively in front  of her face.

APRIL
The searing pain crawled across what I used to consider my face. I was thrown to the ground with the brute force of someone with hatred driven deep inside him. Tearing away what was left of my sanity and this relationship.
(april is groveling on the floor, tears streaming down her face)
It all started when I fell in love with the most handsome and sincere man I had ever met little did I know there was more hidden under this unbreakable mask of deceit.
(looking up at the ceiling in flashback)
He controlled me with the power of strings that tore away at my soul. Everything loosened its hold on me, as I was forced to loosen my hold on it. My loved ones, my place in life, my home, my self, and what I live for. It all became his, when I signed over myself to him. A contract of rules he created, a judicial system he stands by and acts upon.
When he decided to keep me all for himself (rest in notebook)
What did I do, a question that i ask my self frequently. It all became his , When i said those wretched words ‘i do’
His mouth seethed with the vigor to take over me, since he was the dominant type. That’s what attracted me to him; I wouldn’t have expected the brutal violent part of him. In my life I have made so many poor decisions. (smiling at the thought of Surya reaching into her shirt for her necklace, holding it close.) He gave me a baby and she was the most beautiful thing in my life. Surya I care so much about her yet because of my wrong choices in men and birth control that she was brought into this horrible relationship and at times she’d even seen her mom abused by her dad.
Just then realization caught through to me how can I protect my daughter and care about her so if I can’t even protect myself.(clenching her teeth and balling her fists. slowly standing up and walking closer to her husband) I seethed with the power to try and take command of part of myself thus this relationship in which I was always the victim left to feel power less and defenseless. Its time for me to change that and make him think twice before striking me again. Without a second thought my hand whipped out and bit hard across his face. He stood paralyzed from the shock of the fact that i just hit him.  I flinched as he restored himself from his state of shock to realization, his words cut deep but I wouldn’t dare show it. (leaning towards her husband angrily with hand motions)

APRIL
“ Fine” I screamed catching my breath before thinking of what to say next.

Daman
“.....” (looks at april as if she’s lost her mind)
“I am tired of this, you striking me thinking its okay demeaning me to a point that I don’t even feel comfortable in my own body.” I inhaled not trying to rush the adrenaline pumping through my veins then exhaled.

DAMAN
“Shut up!! shut up!!” DON’T YOU DEAR TALK BACK TO ME WOMAN!!!” (Daman panicked scared to lose his sense of dominance)

APRIL
“I will not stand for it anymore either you get your act together seek help or I'm leaving with Surya.   

DAMAN
(There was a puzzled look on his face like he couldn’t believe what was happening but I could I’m happy this was happening. (a wry smile crawls across her face)

APRIL
“You know what fuck us staying together i will leave you abusive and controlling son of a bitch” I could feel my face burning with heat.  I balled my fist hard digging into my skin and they started to bleed.

DAMAN

“”

APRIL
“This is the one time I have ever stood up against you and it feels good i should done this along time ago... by the next time you will hear of me is when i spread the news of your sexual harassment and abuse and also to leave you forever” i sighed and listened to our fast paced breathing.

native music

Scene # 4
Archan:
Stage Directions:
Two men are outside a fruit stand walking towards each other thinking. there is are boxes on the floor the one on the left is the limes the one on the right are the pineapples.

ARCHAN
Sending new women to there destination everyday wasn’t an easy task. Not with the police bugging just any random person on the street about my business. The police try and persuade the people that i got to get there daughters to a different country, and the daughters family had no idea that they’d become prostitutes. I get paid a huge amount of money for finding Gorgeous women and children to give to there next owners. It’s a tedious job though i know the effect that it has on my fellow men I have plenty of women and indentured children from the awards of my work. One of my best friends now that i met around town while i was getting groceries. Our relationship all started when we ran into each other, at that fruit stand we both wanted the best apple. I tripped over the  pineapples and he tripped over the limes and we collided.  I was drawn to the dusty dirt road envisioning the the ground grimly smudging  my white un-creased shirt. I hit the floor with a silent thud,  disoriented i turned around to see how the other guy was doing. he was sitting on his butt. And.. laughing he was actually laughing, bubbly feeling swelled up in my stomach and i actually started to laugh out right. And at that moment all of my worries floated away in our enjoyment. We quickly became friends after that moment, we shared our views on life and women, sexism and it all. He never really was told what it was that i did for a living. It’s not like it really mattered though because our whole lives weren’t focused around our occupations. We were friends through the thick and thin and that how things stayed while he was married had children the whole thing.

native music of nepal

Music transition
Nepal native music of nepal
Act scene #5

JUNU
Walking along the dirt road i was shocked by the prettiness of all the building and flowers. I like to wander around town because i am an orphan and i don’t like staying at the shelter.  It only brings back memories of loneliness and hardships. With the memories of our biological parents and all. The last time i saw my mother was when she gave me away and i was one so i don’t remember much but i never thought she would have done this to me. I just need someone to make me feel better about myself because the way things are,  and how i was handled i don’t think i can take it any longer. Though i try to smile all my worries away but it seems to help others more than me. A flash of a dress caught my eyes as it  flew farther away.

JUNU
“wait!”
i reached my hand out as she flew farther away. Not sure whether she heard me enough but sure enough she turned around. Awestruck i gaped at her dazzling features; her long dark silky almost black hair. her huge sparkling brown eyes and her eyes were crinkling with excitement. In just one look it felt like she just lit up my whole world.

SURYA
“hunh?” (surya turns around)

JUNU
“hi”

SURYA
“Hi”
(smiles at junu)

JUNU
“um are you from around here?”

SURYA
“Yes, maybe be to that’s cool”

JUNU
“You are cool too ”

SURYA
“Where are you mommy and daddy?”

JUNU
“were are my parent i don’t know” (and a grim looked showed on his face)

SURYA
“Hmm?..” (She looked at him questioning and curiosity in her eyes)

JUNU
“long story... any way whats your same?”

SURYA
“My name is surya whats urs?

JUNU
“oh it’s Surya what a pretty name mine is Junu nice to meet you”  

SURYA
“Thank you”(she smiles brightly at the compliment)

JUNU
“What are you doing here with nobody around you?”

SURYA

“I don’t really like being at home so i went out for a walk , and i kinda got lost” (her smile vanished at her head dropped to the floor she started to kick at the stones.)

JUNU
“oh your out for a walk and got lost okay, i know my place around if you’d like me to take you to all the fun places”

SURYA

“I would really like that, thank you very much” (she picked her head back up instantly and smiled)

JUNU
“that's awesome great” I grab her hand and start to run in the direction on the garden,  though she was caught by surprise when i suddenly grabbed her hand and she stripped over a loose stone in street. I caught her before she fell. hearing her grasp for breath.

SURYA

“T..th.. thank you” (she said breathless)

JUNU
“Your welcome, oh it’s no problem... my pleasure come on lets” i reached my hand out to her and she grasped it. “and watch out for loose stones” we both laughed at that, and she beamed at me bringing butterflies to my stomach and making my whole face flush.

Scene # 6
April Continued
Stage Directions: April, Surya and Junu are all sitting cross legged at on a blanket in the grass for a picnic. They are eating and laughing.

APRIL
The kids and i were on a blanket it was soft and beautiful under my grazing fingers. I looked at Surya who was sitting next to her best friend Junu. He was a cute little boy with short brown hair and had this way with Surya that made her laugh at everything she said. Looking at Surya just brightened my heart it was the first time i have ever seen her smile this brightly. It  was amazing that one boy could brighten her heart and make her feel as though she wouldn’t have to carry the burden of being abused. Even though they are both so young that they probably don’t really understand what is being done to them.


End presenting the actors
April one side of the stage

Find something to do with Daman
draw the scene
Mending with April
Stage Directions:


( Make them older )
depressed
Ideas for monologue:
life after Daman She’s finished blaming her self and she is taking care of Surya. And they enjoy spending time with one another.

wtf. I'm too blessed, too beautiful, too intelligent, too everything to feel like nothing.
I'm way too happy for no reason, it's not even happiness, it's Joy.

I do miss Jamil a lot though.

good things never last.

So I walked into English class to find Jeff Kessler sitting in my seat.  That's not good news...

But then he told me to check my Calculus grade online because Mr. Latimer graded the benchmarks over the weekend. 

I almost died.

I quickly opened my laptop and logged on to moodle.  With a few clicks I had accessed my Calculus online grade book.  I held my breath as the page loaded.

Final Grade: 70.0%

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

For the past six weeks, I have been on the brink of a D.  I literally had a 64.5 last night before my benchmark grade was factored in.

I have never had a D in my life, and I NEVER want to.  Ever.

Thank you Mr. Latimer for grading my benchmark so well.

So yesterday, Sunday, I travel about 8 hours to Hobart and Williams Smith. It took two 4 hour bus rides, and a car ride to get me here but it was most definitely worth it. When I arrived they greeted me so nicely and everyone was so helpful. It took forever for my host to come, but when she finally got there we had so much fun. I end up having to spend most of the  with her friends, because she had to work, but they were all so amazing. We toured the campus and I met a lot of cool people. We saw alternative dance by the senior class, and then spent the rest of the night in the dorm hanging out and talking about what to aspect next year. I had a really great time, and I am most definitely ready for next year!

                 Searching for Hope

                        A Collection of Monologues About Darfur

                                    By Marley Grey Utzig

Character list (In order of appearance):

Young Fatima Terab

Thomas James

Amina Terab

Samir Wek

Dr. Simon

Older Fatima Terab

 

 

 

                                                Act 1 Scene 1

 Fatima Terab

Small Child's view of how life was before the Janjaweeds.

 So this is for a doc-o-men-a-try? (Pause small smile) Sure I will tell you about my life in my village. I run and get water for my family in the morning I am up the earliest and my mom likes to say it is an easy way to get me out of the way (small chuckle) Then mommy has me come home and boil the water for clothes. She lets me play with my two brothers Samir and Bakit. We play hide and seek with the other kids and tag but my brothers are always able to catch me because I am younger then them but I am also smaller so I can hide much better, so when we play hide and seek, I have my favorite spot its under a tree. I see my eldest sister Amina near the tree most days when I am hiding there. She picks the twigs that are good for the fire off the ground. When I was younger and confused as to why you did not take the wood from the branches of the tree my mommy explained that it was a sin to hurt the tree. So they would go in the forest and pick up twigs and stuffs. Hmmm where was I? Umm oh yeah! My day. So I play with my brothers and the other kids in the village. Mid-Afternoon we go back home for a bit I help mom with boiling clothes and sweeping. Mom keeps me in the house for the rest of the day to help with more chores and making dinner. My daddy comes home later he is one of the leaders of our village. We sit down to dinner … umm yeah that’s about it of my day. Bye Miss! (Hops up from position and goes to run off stage looks back like interviewer asked question) Yes umm... (Looks in camera with a stern face) My name is Fatima Terab I live in the Kass village of Darfur, Sudan. I am 7 years old. (Pause squints face then big smile) Sure I will do your introduction. This is a film by Tiffany Strauser this interview was filmed in 2002. (Pause) Okay bye miss.

 

 

 

Act 1 Scene 2

Thomas James

(On the street near a street corner with a white binder his NGO is labeled on the front and he is trying to get people to donate)

Hello sir, spare a moment to talk about the genocide in Darfur? (Pause) Miss, do you know about the genocide going on right now? (Pause) Excuse me Sir, (Pause) Yes, hi. Do you know about the Genocide in Darfur? (Pause) No? Okay well basically the Sudan government has hired a group of men called the Janjaweed whom are killing people in Darfur. (Pause) You have a good day sir. (Pause *SIGH*) Ms! Hi would you spare a moment to hear about the genocide in Darfur? (Pause) Cool, so the Sudan government has hired a group of men called the Janjaweed who are killing villages in Darfur. The U.N. estimated 200,000 dead and around 2.5 million displaced. If you make a donation it will help us put more political pressure so that we can help Darfur. (Pause) Yes thank you Ms, have a nice day. (Pause) Hello, do you know about the crisis in Darfur? (Pause) Currently genocide is underway there. See most people don’t care what’s going on in Darfur … or anywhere in Africa for that matter. As far as most people are concerned Africa is a country always at war with itself so why should we care? BUT that’s the point! We should care in 1994 there was a mass genocide of at least 800,000 people but no one cared! There is a movie on this horrible event as there are with most horrible events movies that barley brushes the surface of the media while movies about Facebook make millions in the box office and make already rice people richer. People are DYING but no one cares as long as it does not bother him or her. Makes you wonder if the US really even cared about the genocide in WW2 (Pause *Horror stricken expression*) Oh goodness I am so sorry that I went off like that, please sir have a good day. (*Turns around* Talking to himself*) In the words of H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “The greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about” (Sigh again Turn around look shocked) Hello, again sir I am so sorry (Pause) Oh! Ah thank you so much for your donation. Good afternoon sir.

                                                Act 1 Scene 3

Amina Terab
(Dirty girl around 18 dirty dress and sitting in her hut she shares with several other women)

Yes hello, I understand you are interviewing me for a project. (Pause) My name is Amina Terab and I am telling you my story from a displacement camp in Darfur. I am going to tell you of how my village was attacked. (Pause) (Deep breath)
It was a massacre, one that we should of expected. (Pause) The Janjaweed had already attacked the Shatia. Who, who were we to think that Kass was safe? That our homes, and farms would be left alone? (Pause) I was not at the village when it first happened I was gathering water, I heard the machine guns (shakes as saying this next bit each bang is a body jerk) bang bang bang bang. Then came the screaming. I could see the glow of fire as it ignited a building. My friend and I ran into the forest trying to hide. The Janjaweed were there they grabbed my friend and ...and began to strip her of her clothes (pause) I feel terrible to say this, but I ran, again, I left my friend and ran back to the village. The houses were on fire. Little kids were running around scared, confused, and crying. The Janjaweed had gotten off their camels and were beating men in the street; the women were getting it worse. I kept running I did not stop running. No one noticed me and if they did I did not notice them I just kept running. I was able to make it to this displacement camp. Two days later, some other people who had escaped from my camp and I walked back to our village.
It was (Pause) horrible... I … I can hardly describe what I saw. I looked for my little brothers and sister … I found my brother Samir … well I found his head cut off from his body. (Swallow) I … I am sorry this is hard to talk about. (Deep breath) My family we owned a small house with some land behind it where we grew Karkadeh, the plants were ripped from the ground. Our water supply was nothing, people were dead buildings were burned down … anything with any worth was gone. I … I could not stand to look at it … I am sorry that is all of my story I do not want to scare you but that is just a small bit of what we go through everyday, no one … no one can ever say they know what I am going through. Because we, we have no hope. We must fight for ourselves.

 

 

Act 1 Scene 4

 

Samir Wek

(Sitting at a table a bunch of microphones in front of him with the occasional “camera” flash.)

Hello I am Samir Wek. I am with the government of Sudan; we have decided to set up this press conference to talk about the rumors going on about the Sudanese government working with the Janjaweed. Please ask away. (Pause) No of course the government has nothing to do with this group the Janjaweed, this is a complete and utter lie. Another question please. (Pause) No, that is a common misconception, the Janjaweed are not killing because of racism we believe it is over land. Yes you, what is your question? (Pause) Well no it is not labeled genocide. (Pause) Yes the United States has labeled it genocide but they are the only ones. (Pause) 200,000 people killed? No the number is not nearly that high. The U.N. likes to exaggerate things. (Pause) Well yes displacement is common but 2.5 million is much too high. (Pause) No we really don’t have anything to do with this group of people. (Pause, looks worried?) Harun would never associate with this group of people! (Pause) I highly doubt he was seen with the Janjaweed. (Pause) No the government would never give these people money or guns. (Pause) The Sudan government has nothing to do the group Janjaweed. That is the end of this conference!


Act 1 Scene 5

Dr. Simon

(Standing behind a podium with a microphone on it waiting to present his speech to the hall.)

We had to… we had to go in with no fear. No negativity. We had been prepped I worked in a hospital for 8 years. I was not a partier in College and I never had any of my friend’s die or horrors in my family. When you get thrown into the hospital it’s … all rushed. You cant panic you cant have a moment to breath because every moment a life is on the line. You never get a chance to think about what could happen you just do. When I decided to volunteer for the program Doctors Without Borders ... I will be honest it was to impress are girl who worked with the program Save the Children. I know, I know stupid thing to do but I figured I would go to a few meetings donate some money from … lets face it my fortune. I would be done with DWB and get with this girl. I was wrong, I ended up getting really into this program and a bit later I was sent to Darfur. They prepared us for what we were facing. (Pause) And like I said you just get so rushed, you have to do this and that without thinking you have to save this person you don't get a chance to breath its all so fast. It was also … so worth it. I did not even get with the girl whom worked with Save the Children I still talk to her she had to quit when the economy got rough. But yeah these displacement camps are terrible we were taking care of people with bullet wounds and many girls whom were raped. I remember one young girl who was pregnant, she told me how old she was … 15 she was 15 and was pregnant it was terrible how she got like that but many told me worse stories of their villages being attacked. Anyway this girl was in her second trimester, she didn't know whom the father was, I was able to give her things that would help her though carrying her child that she would not of been able to get given the lack of medicine in her village. That was in calm conditions where she would of been able to relax with her family, a family that she tells me now she has not seen since she was 7. I just wanted to tell you these stories and how amazing this program is, Doctors Without Borders changed my life. Thank you.




                                               Act 2 Scene 2
Fatima Terab

(Much more scuffed up and dirty now not as many smiles and looking very sullen older girl with a tummy (pregnant)

Are you with the same lady who was here last time? (Pause) Yeah she came to my village a year back she was doing a documentary on African villages but I suppose this is not any where near my village. (Pause) My name is Fatima Terab. I am 15 now. Living in a displacement camp my cause to be here … is the same reason I am pregnant. My village was attacked about 8 years ago. I was a young girl … I didn't know what was going on mom was dragged from the house by her hair daddy was inside being beaten with the Janjaweeds guns … though at the time I did not know that they were called the Janjaweed. I just knew that they were scary and they were hurting my parents. Samir ran into the house and caught eyes with me he shouted hide... Had he not shouted I would not be here now … but I would never be guilty of the nightmare that happened.. one of the men took a large knife and (Get choked up) his head flew off … my body took over I did not cry I did not scream I just ran. I ran and ran and ran to my tree. There was fire everywhere and so many men on horses. It was so long ago but I remember being curled up under the tree trying not to cry too loud not knowing what would happen to me. I waited until it got quite and even then until dark. I crawled out of my hole under the tree and walked to the village my face hard with tears and dirt. I walked through my village at the age of seven I had seen my brother murdered had no idea where my parents, sister, or my other brother Bakit were. I was alone at the age of 7, I walked for two nights when I stumbled into another village, and a woman there took me in. A month later the village was attacked. The women and I were able to run she took me to a displacement camp with her. I lived there for (thinks for a second) about 7 years. It was hard but the UN fed up grains for the most part. Then a group attacked our camp. I was not lucky enough this time to get away. I was gang raped. And now I am with child. (Pause) A lot has changed from when I was a 7 year old and now I must take care of this child that was forced upon me a child who I do not know the father of. I should have hope for my future. But I don’t, the UN helps us, Doctors Without Borders help us … but we must help our selves … and I must try and find a place I see as safe.

 

Explanations

Setting: A boy about the age of 16 or 17, is sitting on a barrel outside of the fields of his hut in his village, contemplating work, while other people work behind him. The sounds of laughter fill the air along with grunts of hard work. The people in the background are having fun while doing the chores that need to be done.

I don’t know
     [looks back to the fields]
... I mean, it’s awesome!
     [huge grin on his face.]
There’s these new movies, I can totally relate to them. Like there’s action, and suspense and there’s shooting... everything that a teenage boy would want I think.
     [face goes from excited and he’s moving his hand to gesture shooting, then as soon as he says “i think” his face forms an enigma... trying to think what other boys would want to be doing.]
I mean I do scrounge up as much money as I could to go see them.
     [it would seem that his facial expressions would match this sentence by saying hes compensating for his words, since hes said that he doesn’t know what other “normal” teenage boys think of, hes compensating by saying that he can get the money if he needed it.]
I wouldn’t really know what another boy my age would think of those movies... this is the first time I’m really out on my own.
     [chuckles]
Finally,
     [looks to the sky, then back down again]
I get to escape Ladakh,
     [grins to himself and shakes his head in astonishment.]
and experience the world on my own.
     [Holds hands out palms facing up.]
This
     [points to the ground]
is something that a lot of kids my age would want to do back on the farms and village, but its like a dream
     [puts his hands on his head and grabs his hair in a swift, but excitedly shaky motion]
that I
     [points to himself]
get to go out and live it!
     [Expression goes from excited to uneasy, but tries to hold a smile, and twitches a smile instead.] My family isn’t the richest family in the village.
     [slowly shakes his head.]
     [scoffs.]
All I used to do was help my family in the fields,
     [voice gets a little higher.]
but now, I’m allowed to go out more and see the world. Even though my clothes
     [nods his head in acknowledgement of the fact that his clothes are beat up.]
are a little tattered, its not like they won’t let me into the theater
     [thinks about if they didnt allow him in, but then shakes off the thought, and smiles],
but hey, every one's clothes are worn... we ALL used to do hard work. Thank
     [emphasizes god]
GOD for these movies and all these other activities to do in town now, that way I don’t have to do all this work with my family anymore, and then maybe I won’t be judged when I go into town...
     [thinks about the popular life for a few seconds.]
     [stutters on I’ll]
I- I’l- I’ll -I’LL have the good clothes, and I’LL be popular, then, I’LL have a phone...
     [points to himself when he says I’LL]
Yeah...
     [nods.]
I think that I’ll be on my way to get that phone now... MOM?!
     [gets ready to go...]
Yeah, I’ll be back later! Yeah, yeah, 10:00, I know. Bye. Uh-huh yeah, sure, I will. Love you too...
     [says whatever under his breath]
Whatever. I- I gotta go.

Setting: A man is walking up to a kiosk-like stand made of wood in the middle of a crowded city village that is on a slanted hill in a particularly muddy area, where the owner is yelling out about his new merchandise. There are villagers milling around. The man looks uneasy and his looking around frantically and paranoid like. He reaches the man, sticks his hands in his pockets and starts to rock back and forth on both his feet. He takes his right hand and scratches his hair. He begins to speak as he holds out his hand towards the man palm up. The owner stops yelling as the man neared and puts on his “business face” to sell his merchandise. He puts his elbow to the table and puts his fist to his chin. The owner plasters a sly smile on his face and raises his eyebrows welcoming the new customer, which makes the man rattled.

Hi err, do... do you have any, uh... cellphones in stock..? Oh? Oh, you don’t?
     [puzzled look on his face]
Any, uh... any at all?
Hmm. Well,
     [speaks slowly but loudly, likes he’s talking to a slower person]
DO you
     [points to his head and continues to do that for a few seconds]
know of any other place that would carry them?
     [pauses to hear the man’s response]
Great!
     [his smile reaches across his face]
So, do you know where its at? Well, can you tell me?...
     [his expression goes blank]
What? Really? That far?
     [starts to mutter to himself...]
Okay, well I have my family, and I need to give them water. But, I really want this phone... errr. They need my support. I need to be there. Is having a phone really this important? My brain says yes, but my heart says no. I’m torn between my wants and my needs. I want a phone, but I need to be with my family. This is so frustrating ! I see all these people with phones... It’s not fair. I want one too. What do you mean by that? What do you mean ‘by what’, you just said to me that life wasn’t fair... what did you mean by that? Nothing? I beg to differ! All I wanted to do was to get a phone. Oh, I need to calm down? Really, hmm, whatever happened to the customer is always right?... You don’t know!? Even this TEENAGER has one! Ugh, I’m sorry, things haven’t been good on the farm... Can you...? Just let me know when the next shipment comes in... You will? Thanks... What else do you have? Really? Well for what movies? Okay, I’ll take one... 2,000 rupees? That’s steep! How about 1,500, thats about as much as I can afford. Okay, 1,750. Thats good. Thanks, have a nice day.

Setting: Stirring a pot in her hut with her left hand on her hip... She’s looking out of her window at the boy sitting on a barrel.

It never used to be like this.
     [shakes her head at the boy]
In my day, this
     [points to the boy who is getting up and shouts to his mother]
would have never happened...
     [the mother in the next room responds]
I have never seen today’s children acting like such... such... ANIMALS in my life!

They’re shunning their responsibilities, disrespecting parents!!! ...They’re becoming... Westerners.
     [says westerners with a hiss.]
I was brought up in a time where children respected their parents, and listened to them, they never didn’t listen.
     [counts these on her fingers]
They did their chores, tended to the animals, and never went out to town. But now,
     [points to the ground]
that’s all out the window
     [moves her arm around her ].
All they want to do these days is they all want to go to town, and gallivant around
     [does a silly dance],
doing stupid and dangerous things that can. Get. Them. HURT.

It never used to be like this

I tell them. I do. I always do. But do they listen? No, they don’t. Now, I have no idea what my kids kids are doing. My poor babies, all alone. Granted, they are in their teens, but they have no idea. NO idea... They have absolutely no ideas of the dangers out there in the real world. They might think its all fun and games at first, but wait until they’re hungry, or tired, and want a place to sleep, or need money. Where are they going to go? Home. Here. Back with their family.

Home is safe... It’s safe here. Nothing happens. We keep to ourselves, and we’re quiet. We don’t bother anyone... its a safe place to be. But... it’s their choice. And we’ll take them back.

It never used to be like this.

All they do now is talk on their phones. They snub their responsibilities to talk to their “friends”.
   
Do you want to know who their friends are? Me, us, the people here...
   
I’m telling you, its different now.
   
It never used to be like this.

I love doing anything artsy because it helps me let out emotions through familiar hobbies. One of my favorite things to do is to look at all my older art pieces and see how I've improved. 

I select themes through what interests me, and then what inspires me. I get more inspiration through my interests, and have a more enjoyable time overall. Although I don't always limit myself to things I like, I also keep an open mind to new things.

I'm now trying to challenge myself upon listening to "rules" for art. I usually go about the subject listening to myself only, and doing things to please me. So recently, I have allowed the "rules of real life" to try and enter my art pieces. It has been difficult, but I've become quite proud of about one or two pieces of the pictures shown below. 

The final draft of my hand:


The first draft of my Self Portrait:


First Pencil draft of the Clear Bottle:


The final Charcoal draft of Clear Bottle:


The first draft of my Still Life:


The final draft of my Still Life:


This is the first draft of the "Inspired by Art History": 


The final draft of the "Inspired by Art History":

The Price of Northern Ireland 
by Heather Campbell

Setting: Starts out a a day before July 21st of 1972, in Belfast in Northern Ireland.  Some of the locations of the monologues are in a British Army Base, an Protestant Family’s house, a Police Station, a Catholic pub, Sinn Fein Government Headquarters, and Outside near a graveyard. The monologues end in 2002 in Ireland. 

Characters:

Jack Maxwell, a young British Army member.  Has a family back home and is eager to help stop the troubles.

Lewis Ward, a 14 year old protestant boy.  Doesn’t really consider the troubles and danger.

Ruairi Flynn, a old Catholic police officer.  Wants an independent Ireland, but is tired of all the violence.

Stephen Kelly, a middle aged Irish Republican Army member.  Wants an independent Ireland and will do anything for it.

Catherine Ward, Lewis’s mother.  A strong protestant and a busy mother, who is always working. 

Johnathan Moore, government worker for the the Nationalists.  Doesn’t like to be associated with the British.

Sophie Griffiths, a 16 year old catholic girl.  Middle child in a large poor family, whose mother was killed in the bombings and her sister was severely injured.

Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein member, ex-IRA member, and now holds a commons seat for Northern Ireland.

Act 1, Scene 1

JACK MAXWELL (Writing a letter to back home in some form of building, sitting on a bed/cot)

 I’ve been in Northern Ireland for three weeks now.  For the first few days I was stationed in Belfast, but then I was sent over to Londonderry.  The people of Londonderry were still distraught over Bloody Sunday. After a week in Londonderry I was sent back to Belfast.  You wouldn’t believe it, but when I arrived in Belfast, I got to our station and guess who was there!  Gavin Moore and Charlie Johnston, they haven’t changed a bit.  Gavin told me that during his first week of patrol in Belfast, some one pushed a washing machine out a top story flat as he was patrollin’ beneath, narrowly missing him.  He’s fine, but he admitted after that, he was a wee bit shakin’ up for a while.  In my first few days in Belfast, I was just patrollin’ around Belfast.  I would just make sure no problems started and occasionally “chat up” some of the lorry drivers for any intelligence that might be given away.  One time, Charlie and I were patrollin’ by the harbor where all the shippin’ were comin’ in, and we saw a car looking suspicious; hidden in the boot were a good three or four pounds of supplies for bomb making.  After we had confiscated the stuff, I had to admit, it felt really good knowing that I might have saved some innocent lives.  Shortly after that, Charlie and Gavin were sent to Dungannon. Occasionally we would see some Dickers.  Their what we call the lookouts of the IRA.  There have been many exchanges of fire between the IRA and us. On the surface you can tell that the Protestants are glad we are here, but underneath it all you can see that they’re still hesitant.  They lead such different daily lives then we do back home.  Imagine having to open up your handbag to check for bombs and weapons every time you go into a shop.  That’s their reality.  On the contrary, there are murals and graffiti painted onto the walls in the Catholic area of Belfast, promoting the IRA.  We’re tryin’ to make peace, but sometimes it feels very one sided.  It’s time for this IRA rubbish to end. 

Act 1, Scene 2

LEWIS WARD (Talking to his mum in the kitchen in the morning before school)

Mornin’ Mum... Aye, I know I have te pick up some sugar and eggs after school... I’m not going te stop by his house, I told ye, the oul fella’s batty... No, I still want the cake Mum... But the oul man’s batty and his caretaker’s just as mad, and they live all the way by Oxford Station, I’d have te take the bus... Aye, okay Mum, I’ll dander down te tha oul fella’s house after school... Aye, I’ll make sure te give him some eggs... Ack! Mum, I just wanta be with meh mates, do I have to do all these chores today?... No, I wont wander off this time... I just wanta go te Johnny Moore’s house for a wee bit... Ack!... I know... Aye, I know... He lives near Woodvale Park, just a wee bus ride from school... Ack! Please Mum!... I know... Ack, I’ll go te Johnny’s house another day then... No, Mum. I’m not trying to be a nuisance... I know Mum... Okay, okay. After school, I’ll go te the store, buy eggs and sugar, then go te oul Paddy’s house and give him some eggs... Aye, after that I will come straight home...Aye, Mum...Mum, can ye pass me a scone please...Cheers Mum...No butter?... Aye, I’ll get some butter as well... Cheers Mum. I ought’ te be gettin’ to school now...My glasses are on the table by the door, I’ll grab them on ma way out...Ack! I’ll fix my tie before I get to school Mum... Bloody hell... What?... No, I didn’t say anything Mum... Nothin’, I didn’ say anythin’...I just mumbled muddy shoe, thats all... Nye, its only a smidge, it’ll come off before school... I’m goin’... I’m not goin’ te be late... I know Mum. Eggs, sugar, and butter, oul Paddy, then straight home...Matches?... Aye, I’ll get some matches as well... Cheerio Mum. (Leaves)

Act 1, Scene 3

RAUIRI FLYNN (Reflecting about today’s event in police office)

Nightmare I tell you... It was thee definition of bloody hell...You could hear people screamin’, cryin’ and moanin’. The first thing that caught my eye was a torso of a human being in the middle of the street.... It all came very sudden. I was just makin’ meh rounds about town. It was around 2:17 when I got word that a bomb detonated on a footbridge over the rail line at Windsor Park. Luckily, there were no injuries at that location...But it was bloody scary...I was told te go down by the Oxford bus station, so I got in meh car and started te drive on down there...I reckon I was pretty lucky te have gottin’ there the time I did... I was drivin’ down Hamilton Street, when I heard the bang.  It was exactly 3:10 when it was detonated. There were smoke and debris everywhere I swerved down Mary Street, but when I got te Oxford Street, there were so much debris I had te get out of meh car. Just by looking at the scene, it was impossible for anyone te feel safe... I saw meh mate cowerin’ by the side of his car. I rushed over te him te see what was happen’.  It took him awhile before words would come te him... He told me...Him and some of the boys from the British army were trying to clear the area...He said that...they tried te get everyone safe...but there were too many people...and the bomb exploded. I helped meh mate get up, he had many minor injuries from all the debris. I looked around... There were blood, debris, and body parts scattered everywhere...It was chaos... The hospital personnels came soon after... I had te help them...gettin’ people te the hospital... and cleaning up the remains. There were so many casualties all with in two seconds...I’m a Catholic... I want an independent Ireland...Te be honest, I think these troubles would all go away if the Brits just left...I heard that the Brits got a warnin’ that the bombs where goin’ te go off today... I was talkin’ te some of meh mates in the pub yesterday...talkin’ bout the incident... They’re convinced that them Brits had deliberately disregarded those warnings, all for strategic policy reasons...I’m not sure whether I quite agree, but... I don’t disagree either... I mean, the British army were there, tryin’ te help evacuate people from the area... But I’m not sure whether I would be surprised if they delayed the evacuation, just so they seemed like they tried, and make the PIRA seem like the bad guys. Whats the PIRA?...Provisional Irish Republican Army...they want an Independent Ireland too...I just want it in a less violent way...(Pause) Later that day, a fella came down, te look for his wee boy... He identified him among the dead... The wee boy was so bloody and deformed, his father could only tell it was him ‘cus of the things he’d been carryin’, cracked eggs, spilt sugar, melted butter, crushed matches, bits of his glasses, and singed photo en his pocket...Two of the other policemen in meh unit escorted the fella back home te tell his wife...They said she broke down cryin’...was complete mess...The worst part of the day was that... that explosion on Oxford street was only one of twenty-two within’ an hour an’ a half... All these victims were just innocent people caught up in it. With Bloody Sunday, they were out on a march – a peaceful march, but still a march...I’ve been apart of the Police service since I turned eighteen...That’s thirteen years ago...I’ve seen a lot in those years...Dealt with a lot too...It’s rare te find people in the police service who get along civilized enough than me and some of the other policemen.  Most of the policemen are Protestants, most of them like being apart of the UK.  As much as I would like a Independent Ireland, I don’t like dealin’ with all the victims of brutal crimes and havin’ te tell their families...I’ve known too many people who have died and too many people charged with murder...Some days you canna help but wonder, when will it be over?...Is it worth it?

Act 1, Scene 4

JACK MAXWELL(Taking medicine and talking to other army members in a “common room”)

(Enters room)

Hi

(Take some pills)

 I’m okay, which is more than most can say 

(Swallow the pills)

I was down at Oxford Street, tryin’ to clear the area.  Almost had the area cleared before the bomb went off...Nah, I didn’t even hear the bomb... I just saw everything cave in around me...Some debris must of hit me... I didn’t even realise it was broken at first...It was chaos...Bodies everywhere...I tried my best to help, but then they sent me to the stations doctor...It’s only broken...I have to go home to get it fixed properly...There wasn’t much to help there.  There were so many injured and and bodies everywhere.  There was no way for there to be any order.  No order, no control, it was horrible...Yeah, I go home in a few days...Pardon?... Oh, why do I have to go back home to get it fixed?  I guess there are too many people here in worse condition, so they straightened it out and just wrapped it up, and I’ll be home in a few days...They gave me medicine. 

(Shows the medicine)  

Keep the pain from being to unbearable...As soon as my arm heals, I’ll be back...I heard the first bomb was detonated at around 2:09 by the rail line at Windsor Park and last bomb went off at 3:30...There was another bomb set for after that?...oh, well, good thing the bomb squad got their first...Yeah, I’m looking forward to going home. See my family...I’ll be taking a ferry...Yeah; as soon as they fix it I’ll be on my way back here.

Act 1, Scene 5

STEPHEN KELLY (Reflecting on the IRA and Bloody Friday in a pub)

(Sits down) 

Before I begin, lets pay homage to a good oul’ Irish proverb “A drink precedes a story.” 

(Take a large sip out of a large beer mug)

Why?... Well, it’s quite obvious isn’t it? We want our independence. 

(Sip out of the mug)

Why am I apart of the PIRA? 

(Takes a sip)

It began when a group of nationalist was marching around the town. The numbers of the group kept escalatin’ and at one point it was up to around 3,000 people.

(Takes a sip)

British troops were brought in to disperse the crowd.  Roadblocks were set up to prevent the marchers from gettin’ te certain sections of the town.  Them Brits say that the crowd was becomin’ more and more lively and that the troops had te start makin’ arrests.  They said as they were arrestin’ people, they came under fire, all they were doin’ was defendin’ themselves. 

(Takes a sip) 

The results of this day led te the death of 13 at the hands of the First Battalion.  The IRA wants their revenge.  There were no peaceful arrests and et was nie the marches fault.  The only violent people there were them bloody Brits... That’s where it all started for me. 

(Takes a sip)

They, the British army and them protestants...They think they were shootin’ for self defense...No, self defense requires some thinkin’...There was no thinkin’ involved there. 

(Takes a sip)

As a Catholic, we have no say here...Them Brits and Protestants think they’re better than everyone else.  We have poor housin’, no benefits, no rights, and are always bein’ discriminated against...Why wouldn’t I be mad? 

(Takes a sip)

We’re second-class citizens in our own country! And when we try te get our messages across peacefully, we’re beat up and our houses set a blaze!  

(Takes a sip)

That’s why I joined the PIRA.... What’s the difference between the IRA and PIRA?...Irish Republican Army and Provisional Irish Republic Army.  The PIRA is branched off from the IRA.  We’re all fightin’ for the same freedom. 

(Takes a sip). 

And the Sinn Fein and the IRA and PIRA are going to get us that freedom...Sinn Fein? Well that’s our political party, for an Independent Ireland. No more bloody Brits and feckin’ protestants dictating our lives. 

(Takes a sip)

Now ‘bout last Friday...Te put it plainly, It required only one man with a loud hailer to clear each target area in no time.  All we were tryin’ te do was make daily life impossible.  Cause financial devastation from all the wrecked buildin’s.  That’s all we had te do.  And short after, all the Republicans were convinced that the British had deliberately disregarded the two warnings we sent out for strategic policy reasons.  The Brits had their warnin’s but they took to long to take action. 

(Takes a sip)

We had some casualties...But sometimes ye have te give before ye receive.  We gave lives up, and we expect te receive our freedom.  The PIRA is committed unequivocally to the search for freedom, justice and peace in Ireland.  We’ve done part of our job, for now.

(Takes a sip)

Act 1, Scene 6
JACK MAXWELL (Talking on the phone)

(Dials phone) 

Hello...Emm..Yeah, I’m okay. I made it through with only a broken arm...I’ll be home soon...They wrapped it up and gave me some medicine...Yeah, soon as I get off the ferry I’ll be on my way to the doctor’s to get it mended...How it at home?...Good...

(Chuckle)

How’s wee little Sophie?...Good...Well, I can’t tell you too much information, but apparently the British talks to the IRA failed and the IRA began its campaign again...Yeah...It was quite shocking...I didn’t know what to do...You got my letter?...Good..I have to go...I’ll be home soon..Give Sophie a hug for me...Bye. 

(Hangs up)

Act 1, Scene 7

CATHERINE WARD (In her living room, holding pictures of her son, his glasses, and remains of school bag.)

My wee little Lewis...

(Sniffle)

He dinneh even make it past his fifteenth birthday...And it’s all my fault...

(Sniffle)

Had I not told him te go te Oul Paddy and give him some eggs, he may still have been with me...

(Burst of tears)

It seems just like yesterday, I was donderin’ down te the cafe down by the train station with him in his wee pram for tea and biscuits... And now, he’s dead...

(Sniffle)

I knew somethin’ was wrong when meh husband came home with the Bobbies. I thought meh husband had gotten into some trouble with the IRA...Our family bein’ strong protestants...But then I saw the look on meh husbands face...He looked like he was in anguish, like somethin’ happened...  Somethin’ more than him just gettin’ into some trouble... Then one of the fellas, he told me I may want te sit down... At that moment, I knew somethin’ was wrong.  Meh eyes darted te the clock...

(Sniffle)

I was so busy tryin’ te get mey wee boy’s birthday supper sorted out for the next day, that I hadn’t realised that he should have been home by then...The bobbies told me that nineteen bombs had gone of just an hour and a half ago. Then... I collapsed...I had already known what had happened...Meh wee boy was just doin’ what I asked...

(Sniffle)

He was on his way to oul Paddy’s home at 3:10...About te get on the bus at Oxford Street...I should have had him come straight home after school. With all these bombings and officers and the likes...I knew it was too dangerous...I had a feellin’ bout today...I told him te be careful, he just kept replyin’ “I know”

(Sniffle)

The bobbies, both bein’ protestants, told me that them and the brits are tryin’ to get all this te come te an end...I’ll forever remain loyal te the queen...The British government, they’ve done so much for our country... And with their military here, these troubles are bound to stop some time soon...But thats not goin’ te bring my wee little Lewis back now. 

(Burst of tears)

Act 1, Scene 8

JONATHAN MOORE (Talking to a journalist in an office)

(Sitting down) 

When did this all start?... That was a long time ago.  I was twelve when Ireland split up.  It was in 1920 when the British government decided to split up Ireland, after they had ruled for centuries.  An Independent state was created in the south, mostly made up of Catholics.  The northern district, Ulster being mostly Protestant, remained part of the UK. That split up was caused by an uprising led by Michael Collins in 1916...There was a civil war in the south after the split.  Michael Collins among many others lost his life during that civil war.  The end result of was the Rise of a new and independent Republic of Ireland, led by Eamon DeValera.  In the North, the Catholics were a minority.  They were the republicans and nationalists.  They were being discriminated against in jobs, housing, and law.  The Protestants were the unionists and loyalists; they were given government jobs and privileges alike for being loyal to the British crown.  Northern Ireland played a large role in the British economy because of all the shipyards, and mills.  But as I said before, the Catholics found themselves the minority and excluded from Northern Ireland’s success.  The Troubles really started three years ago.  The Catholic unemployment rate spiked, their housing became poor, and the riots began.  The IRA is the nationalists who carried out most of the violence in their quest for independence.  My job is te try and get the Nationalist message across, without the violence; te get a united Ireland in a manor that appeals to both sides.  For a while we were making some progress.  We had a truce with the British government...a truce between the loyalists and the nationalists.  There were te be talks. Talks put in place in order te cease fire.  But the British failed at talking, so the IRA and PIRA begun their campaign again...

(Pause)

That’s what yesterday was; the start of a new campaign. Why the violence?

(Pause)

I don’t think I can answer that question...I just communicate te people.  I’m behind the scene of these troubles...

(Pause)

Well, we want an Independent Ireland.  We want equal rights and equal opportunities. No, we want our own rights and opportunities.  The British government ruled Ireland like their ruled England, Scotland, and Wales...We’re not English, we’re not Scottish, and we’re not Welsh.  We are our own people...And it was time that we were treated that way.  That’s why the Republic of Ireland came to be...

(Pause)

Why the violence? Why bloody Friday? That’s a question for someone else...Yeah, I feel bad about the deaths...Quite a large number of them where Catholics...But think of the number of people killed by the British.  We’ve been oppressed and discriminated against...I know a lot of people died...I know...Violence delays peace...I know... Look, it isn’t my job te deal with the violence and deaths. My job is just te talk. 

(Gets up and leaves)

Act 1, Scene 9

SOPHIE GRIFFITHS (After her mother’s funeral)

We live in west Belfast; where most of the Catholics live...Et was me, meh dad, meh mum, meh four brothers, and meh two sisters all livin’ en a small house near Springfield road.  Meh dad is a fisherman; he works hard but we still struggle te live comfortably.  Meh mum taught at the primary school near our house, were meh littlest sisters, Amy and Eliza, and littlest brothers, Hugh and Jamie, go te school.  She always’d help meh with meh schoolwork.  Meh mum always wanted te be a writer.  If one of meh wee brothers or sister had a hard time goin’ te sleep she’d tell us all a story.  I liked her stories; they always had a nice ending.  She could make et seem like every ended happily. But she tolled a lie.

(Tearing up)

Meh mum was takin’ meh little sister, Amy, get a new dress...She’d been savin’ up money for Amys dress, and they went down te the store te pick et up.

(Sobbing)

That’s when the bomb went off...Meh mum and Amy were en the car...Meh sister was badly injured, but meh mum died...She worked so hard for our family, with seven children needin’ te be fed and educated...Meh eldest brother, Adam, hasn’t even gone back te school yet and he’s already gettin’ inte trouble...Meh brother, Sean, and I now have te do most of the chores and take care off wee brothers and sisters...Amy’s still en the hospital...and meh dad still has te fish te feed us all.  When he’s not workin’ he spends most of his time en the pub drinkin’ the black stuff.... Yeh canna blame him...Mum did everything

(More sobing)

She did everything...We need her...We’re good Catholics...We work hard...Go te church...Why us?... Why Amy?... Why meh mum?...We weren’t out causin’ trouble protestin’, and we weren’t out wavin’ the union flag...We want better lives just as much as the IRA do...Meh mum and dad work hard for meh family te have a better live...We didn’t do anythin’ wrong...So, why did they have te take meh mum away from meh family...But she’s in a better place now...away from the violence...Gone but never forgotten. 

Act 1, Scene 10

GERRY ADAMS (2002, conference, standing at a podium)

A month ago, I took office in the House of Commons, I had a press conference and I was asked a question...This woman, around 65 years old, she asked me for an apology. 

(Low spot light on woman watching a TV)  

She told me that thirty years ago, her son died.  He died when the IRA set off a series of bombs around Belfast.  She told me, he wasn’t protesting or causing a ruckus.  He was just dropping of some groceries like she had asked him to.  He was an innocent wee boy. Where’s the apology for her son’s death?  She said she’s been hearing about rights for the victims of Bloody Sunday.  But she wanted to know when it would be her son’s time to be remembered.  Before that I came across an article in the paper.  It was written in honor of the victims of Bloody Friday.  It was written by a woman whose mother had died during the bombings, and her sister severely injured. (Low spot light to woman writing in front of a TV) 

After her mother died, her family had to deal with countless of other struggles.  After thirty years her family is still hasn’t fully recovered from the death of their mother.  I have come here today, te make a public apology for those who died.  We offer our sincere apologies and condolences te their families. While it was not our intention to injure or kill non-combatants, the reality is that on this and on a number of other occasions that was the consequence of our actions. 

(Low spotlight to a few people huddled around a gravestone) In Belfast the IRA had set out to cause economic damage and had sought to avoid civilian casualties by providing at least 30 minutes’ warning in relation to each of the 21 bombs.  It is a moot point whether the IRA operations just stretched the British too far for them to be able to cope with the situation, or whether they deliberately failed to act in relation to two of the many bombs, but it is clear that the IRA made a mistake in putting out so many bombs, and civilians were killed who certainly should not have been killed. 

(Low spotlight on man with his family in front of a TV) 

This was the IRA’s responsibility and a matter of deep regret.  We hope that we can continue to push forward prospect of a peaceful Northern Ireland and Nation.  Thank you. 

(Leaves podium)

This 3rd quarter has been very excellent with increasing my artistic experiences. I feel that I have improved greatly with my artwork and I have a greater interested in more genres of art. I tried new and different kinds of art and it has been very successful. With many of my drawings I used a fair amount of shading and creases that makes the art work look realistic. Lining and the shading falls together to make a shadow in many of my artwork that is posted below. I enjoyed this quarter and hope to do just as well for the final quarter.

self-portrait

​This quarter in Art has been a wonderful learning experience. We experimented in different areas of art, and it proved to be rewarding in so many ways. Developing skills in drawing different subjects with different mediums pushes our own concepts of art, and propels us to experiment more with the unknown.
I am especially thankful for the various projects this quarter. The pieces that I have completed can now go into my portfolio, which I will continue to build in order to achieve my dream of going to the Parson's School of Design. Developing my skills as an artist by going outside of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown have certainly helped me gain a perspective on my future art. I can't wait to see what's in store for us next quarter.
In conclusion, I am very thankful to Mrs. Hull and the projects she gave us, for they are rewarding in more ways than one. I am very proud of my progress in art this quarter, and I will continue to build upon my skills, and become a better developed artist.

Marina Pyfrom

Characters: 
Present Nadia, an artist who is outspoken about her past problems and is willing to talk about it.
Young Nadia, young adolescent who is miserable after the death of her father.
Nanda, Nadia’s father and also is the best well-known soldier around.
Sian, Nadia’s mother, she is very quiet and does not have a good relationship with her daughter.
Kamil, Nanda’s best friend and is also a soldier.
Rameesha, Kamil’s wife and has a friendly personality.

    (Present Nadia standing at podium facing the audience)

Hello everyone, it sure feels good to be back in Sri Lanka. I know many of you came to attend the 5th year Memorial for my father, and I thank you graciously. But I do not think of this as a memorial service, its more of a celebration. Many of you probably thought I wouldn’t make it, and I reply saying I am here and I am staying. 5 years ago I was at the darkest part of my life and thought it was no way out. I remember it vividly as if it was yesterday.
    (lights fades to black, then Young Nadia is on stage but its Present Nadia’s voice)

My feet were planted firmly in the damped green grass using the fatal position at which my life depended on it. That was the line my father always used to get my full attention when it was the right time. It was time, time to shoot. Time to shoot the apple that hung from the nail of the tree. My dad and I always went neck and neck at this game. Some times my dad would try to trick me to make me loose my concentration.

 Oops, Nadia don’t mess up... wait is that your mother calling.

He would laugh then make this little girl voice saying

Nadiaaaaaaa

This time I was not going to fall for his tricks. You can only win if you had the best shot. I aimed the black rifle gun at the apple on the tree. Click! Pow! was the sound after I pulled the trigger. That shot unleashed tons of weight lifted off my shoulders. I was stressed about things I had no control of. The restrictions of my dad visits, hurt me deeply. It had cut our bonding time. Moments with him were crucial. He was the person I could open up about anything and the same with him. We relied and trusted one another with each others life. In time he would be due for his combat shift and have to leave immediately. Hearing and seeing that was a stab in my heart, the aching pain. To get my off the negative I stuck with the positive, Any time with him was better than none.  Soon my mind floated back to reality. SPLATT! I felt my body moved back a couple of steps. There, was the exploded apple. My dad gave me a grin and a hug; pulled me closer and said in a cheerful voice

"That’s my pretty girl, Nadia I taught you well aye!"

We played a couple more rounds. That was our bonding time and we loved it. After my shocking gun shot, My dad showed me no mercy. He was the winner at the end. The score was 9-5.

    (Lights back on at Present Nadia at the podium)

Daddy was off to fight. I couldn’t wait for him to come back. He is always scheduled for a break annually to pop in and check on us. The household was boring. I woke up, did my chores, ate, then went back to sleep. Where was the enjoyment? My mom always just sat in the living room and read her book. read, write, clean, and cook! That was all my mom did. And she enjoyed it. To me her life was so uninteresting. I don't have any clue on how her and my dad met. They are so different. My dad was the adventurous type, and he loved fun.  And my mom was like the person who watch fun just pass by her.
    (Light fades out and Young Nadia appears)

Mom come play apple blast with me.

Didn't I tell you about that game, get in the house right now! Its dangerous, Nadia I'm protecting you!
    (Sian grabs Nadia by the shirt.)

Well me and daddy always play apple blast.

She looked me directly into my eyes as if she was looking strait through my brain. It was weird and made me feel awkward.
    (Voice in the background)

Yes I know, but your father is off to the war, so don't touch the gun unless he is here with you.

But that’s not fair.

That’s the end of it, I don't want to hear anything else about it, find something else to do, how about you hang with some of your girl friends instead of the boys all the time!

Its no fun
    (Lights fade at Present Nadia appears)

At that very moment I felt offended. It felt as if my own mom was not accepting the person I was or was becoming. She just tried to take the most important thing to me away, making it vanish from my presence. Not only was just shooting a gun at an apple. It had a deeper meaning. I was in a fight with my self and my feelings. Shooting was the stress reliever. And her taking the only thing that makes me happy was cruel. She was better off taking my soul.

    (Young Nadia and her easel magically appears, she is now in her room.)

    
    (Battlefield setting, and loud noises)

C'mon man say something, I need you right now, Just say something for me, Help! I need a nurse! Nanda c'mon your my best friend, your like a brother to me you cant leave me! Say something, anything!
    (Kamil takes his shirt off his back and tied it around him to keep the blood from pouring out)

Keep her safe.

Brother, I will do anything even put my life on the line to save your family from anything.

Thank you brother you have really been there, tell them I love them and ….

Noooooooooooo
    (Scene fades out with Kamil crying.)

   
    (Morning Lights then appears Rameesha in kitchen on the phone.)

I never saw my husband act like this before. He barley eating anything, moping around. He took off from work. Nandi's death really hit him hard. Being his wife I don't know how to make him feel better. I comfort him but is that enough Yea, mhmm, I know take one day at time. But what if its not enough? Yea true, mhmm ok. uhm hmm I feel especially bad for Nandi's little girl Nadia. Well she's not little anymore but yea she is 15. She loves him to death. Not enough words can explain how much that girl loves him. I wonder she doing. Yea your right I should send Kamil around there to help out just be there for them, Ill bake some pies, Nadia loves my home made apple pies. Well I will talk to you later I need to get Kamil up so can eat something for lunch. Bye and thank you I'll make sure I tell Kamil.
    (She walks into the living room to Kamil lying on the couch.)

RAMEESHA
Honey, Come, and eat, I have lunch for you! I'm not leaving! Here open wide.

Im trying babe, its just…

I know honey. I am just scared for you because I know how Nanda was like a brother to you. Its hard for the rest of us too. But I was thinking maybe you could stop pass Sian house to check on her and Nadia to see how they are doing because it has been a week.

That’s a good idea but I don’t know.

I understand if its too much. But you have to think about how Nadia feels you how closed she was with her father. All I'm saying is just check on them. Everything is going to be okay, and if it makes you feel better I will go right along with you. Because I am your wife, I love you, and I will stand by your side at all times. So your not alone. Ramesha and Kamil together forever.

I will forever and always love you.

    (lights fade out.)

   
    (Rameesha in bedroom & Kamil in living room)

Will you c’mon, how long does it take. I just want to be there first, so I can talk to Nadia and Sian. Mann, I sure miss him. What am I even going to say to Sian. Uhm, ok ready get set go! Sian, you know I love him and you all... Nahh You know he was like my brother. I know ex... Nahh its not about me its about them. Ugh what am I going to do?

You don’t need to rehearse a script. Just simply speak from your heart.

Wow, you look amazing. Youuu readdy?

Thank you and so do you! With you by my side, I am ready for anything!

Good Lets Go!

    (Car noise & music lights flashing)

    (Nadia in her room painting & Sian cleaning living room)

Family members and friends going to be stopping by. The house is a mess, nothing is right. Ugh why me, Nanda why did you have to leave me! I can’t do it without you. I am trying to keep everything together, but its hard. Ugh I still have to get dress, what time is it? Oh ok cool I have time. Naddddiiaaaaaaaaa come clean the kitchen, since you do nothing else, it’s the least you can do. Oh darn, we out of juice. Oh well water will do. Uhm what am I forgetting? Oh never mind I think of it later. Oh my God Nadiaaa! Come here right now! You see this, its bad luck. I know you love your father, we all do. But you know your not allowed to flip the pictures back over. You will let the evil in. Do you want that to happen? Just don’t let happen again. And what are you wearing? Go get change! You look like a raggedy boy, we have guest coming! Did you clean the kitchen like I asked you, I guess not. Ugh, I have to do everything in the house. Out my face get changed now. Don’t worry about Ill do it. Spoil brat.

    (Light on Nadia in her room painting)

    (Light focused on Living room & Doorbell rings)

Ok, just stay cool. Don’t get too emotional. Act as if everything is normal. Smile Sian. Breathe. All right I think Im ready. Oh hey Kamil and Rameesha, thank you so much for stopping by. I didn’t know how long you guys were staying so I roasted some turkey its in the oven. Did I ever tell you guys how you too were a great couple. You guys fit each other well. Oh well Ima check on the turkey be right back love birds ahaha.
 
    (lights follows Sian out then focus back on Rameesha & Kamil)

Its worse than I thought Honey. She is a complete mess. She is not herself at all. I will be right back I’m going to talk to her see what’s really going on & confront her.

Alright cool, I will check on Nadia.

    (Light focus on Kitchen)

Why, why , why me! I didn’t do anything to deserve this, I need Nanda. I thought I was going to be able to handle this, but I cant. Everything not gonna bee okkaayyyyy , how am I suppose to take care of the girl, she doesnt listen to me. Whhyyyy did I deserve this!

Shh shh shh your not alone we are here for you too. I love you Sian, we will get through this I promise. Lets Pray. Oneness of Life and Light, Entrusting in your Great Compassion, May you shed the foolishness in myself, Transforming me into a conduit of Love.

May I be a medicine for the sick and weary, Nursing their afflictions until they are cured;
May I become food and drink, During time of famine, May I protect the helpless and the poor,May I be a lamp, For those who need your Light, May I be a bed for those who need rest, and guide all seekers to the Other Shore. May all find happiness through my actions,
and let no one suffer because of me. Whether they love or hate me, Whether they hurt or wrong me, May they all realize true entrusting, Through Other Power, and realize Supreme Nirvana. Namo Amida Buddha

You have made me believe that there is a light at the end of this dark doomy tunnel. I really appreciate it. I needed this. Rameesha you are truly a phenomenal person. Thank you for everything.

No problem, and so are you. Any time you need to talk just let me know. I am always available. But anyway alright lets eat this delicious pie I made outside on the steps. We both could use some fresh air.

    (lights follows them off stage)

    (Now focused on Nadia in her Room with her easel)

    (Nadia is heated she is sitting at her easel painting)

A spoil brat! Who does she think she is! How dare she? My dad, her husband just died and she don’t even care. That woman has absolutely no feelings. She yelling about flipping the pictures back over. Who cares if that a Sri Lanka tradition. Let the evil sprits come get me, anything is better living with her. She don’t want me her fine, I got something for her.

    (Nadia moves to her closet and pulls out a box. Quick flash the lights on Kamil standing by the door.)

Soldier this solder that! Steal, kill, and destroy. I miss my daddy. I can’t take it no more. I need to get out of here quickly, Whoever killed my dad, I will find them and finish them off myself. Why couldn’t it be someone elses dad, anybody but mine. Taking him away from me is like taking my soul. The Memories, laughs, everything gone! Why should I even carry on with my life. If I leave who will truthfully miss me?

(Interruption: Kamil knocks on the door saying “I will”.)
   

    (Room scene)

Listen, Nadia, its Kamil. I don’t care what you say I am coming in. Nadia I know its been hard on you, it has been on everyone. You dad was loved by all and he loved us all. I know exactly what you feeling. He was my best friend too. We been together since we was five years old. I been having nightmares ever since. I am scared. Not only for me but for you and your mom. Nadia you know you always been part of my family and I encourage you at any time if you need me let me know. You know I will be right on my way. I promised your dad that I will always keep you safe. Now I was listening outside for a couple minutes. You mother is just stressing a lot and its hard for her to bond with you because of the hardcore bond you had with you father. My advice to you is to just let her in a little bit more. Show her that you care and that you love her. And I bet it will make her smile, and you too. Remember Kind words can conquer. Now, wipe those tears. A pretty girl like you should not be crying.

Thank you, Uncle Kamil I really need that.

    (Black out, Present Nadia and podium appears)

Now that talk with Uncle Kamil, literally saved my life. From that day on we build a wall of trust that was never knocked down. When times got rough at home with my mom, him and Rameesha let me live there in the extra room.
   
    (Focus on the half of the stage, Young Nadia is in her room with Sian)

Oh, You hate me! Well guess what I hate you too! What kind of mother treats her daughter like crap. I wished daddy was still here to see the devil you become! I’m tired of listening to an over controlling, low self esteem monster of a woman! I don’t even know why I call you mom, you don’t even act like one. You know what I’m moving with Kamil and Rameesha where everyone loves each other! Move out my way, I need to pack my clothes.

Uhm, I don’t think so little girl. Who bought you those clothes? Oh, let me answer for you, Uhmm Me! So leave my clothes here, oh yeah and that dumb painting easel too. And get out!

Ugh I hate you! Have a nice life Sian

    (Sunrise setting, Rameesha in Nadia’s room)

Nadia, can I talk to you for a minute? Are you awake? Oh good. Breakfast ready. But I just wanted to have a minute to talk. You know have some one on one girl talk. You have been nothing but a joy to be with, and we love having you here living with us. Its just its been 10 months since you been home to your mother. Before you say anything let me just finish saying I know she did some bad things, but that’s your mom. Kamil and I have been stopping past to check on her. And she is not the same. She has been very distant lately, and just not herself. Im not saying go by there but anything, like a phone call or maybe a letter, its better than nothing. Alright so ima let you think about that. And when you ready come downstairs and eat with us. I love you Nadia, I have faith you will make the right decision.
    (Lights black out and Present Nadia pop up at podium)

Rameesha, of course was right. It didn’t even feel like it was 10 months since I seen my mom. I wonder if she missed me, or does she still hate me. I wanted answers, so the next day Rameesha dropped me off and waited outside in the car.

You made the right decision Nadia, and I am proud that you did. I will be just outside, call me if you need me. So go in. You can do it.

Hello? Is anybody here, its me Nadia. Hello? Oh my god Mom what are you doing, are you ok. Give me that bottle, Wake up! Mom please, wake up! Rameesha! Please come quick, Hurry. I don’t know what happen. I came in the kitchen and she just was like this is. She never drinks alcohol and uhm is she going to die? I cant have anybody else die close to me, I wont be able to deal with it. Thank you Rameesha for calling. Can we go meet her at the hospital? Alright let me grab some clothes for her.

    (Siren noises & Present Nadia appeared)

I think day changed all of our lives. I never thought my mom would do that to herself. And dealing with that issue made us both stronger. Later that month after my mom was hospitalized. I moved back in with her to take care of her.

    (Lights faded out Living room setting in place, With Young Nadia & Sian)

Anymore tea Mom?

No thank you, but we need to talk come sit down next to me. Let me start off by just saying I am truly sorry for my past actions, all of them. I was so jealous of you and your father bond. I am so embarrassed to say this but seeing that created a deep dark hatred in my heart. Watching you leave was the hardest thing ever. Although I acted as if I didn’t care, It had hurt me deeply. And those lonely nights led to fun alcohol drinking by myself. And I overdid the drinking way too much. I was drinking Gin with my breakfast meal and twice as much with dinner. Treating you like that is the thing I most regret. Will you accept my apology?

    (Lights fade & Present Nadia pops up at the podium.)

    (Young Nadia& Sian playing apple blast off stage)

The relationship between my mom and I got way better. We laughed, joked around. Everything was great. And the next day was even better.

    (Lights faded and the living room setting appears)

Hey, Sian. You look nice today. I got great news, Where is Nadia? I want to tell you guys together. Oh she is in her room. Nadia! Hurry come here, I need to tell you something important. No, its nothing bad. So I invited my friend over for dinner the other day and he was telling how his wife does art in the U.S. I told him about you and showed him you room and all the paintings on your wall. He was amazed. And called his wife, and she requested a portfolio and an interview from you. It’s a really good job and it pays really well. The only thing is you have to live in the U.S. This is a once and lifetime opportunity. You are beyond a great artist I really think you should do it. Your old enough to take care of yourself, and plus you can always visit. Well I will let you think about it, let me know by Monday. Alright well I have to get to the market before it closes! Ok bye, Nadia let your heart decide for you. Bye, you guys. Let me know!

   (light fades and Present Nadia at the podium appears)

My heart sure did guide me too my choice. I am now a professional artist living in California. I couldn’t even believe it. Buddha saw my struggles and granted me with my dream job. Every morning I think about my past. And it makes me even strive and w harder. I am so proud of myself. My dad is still in my heart and I hope he is watching me achieve my dreams. Thank you all, I truly appreciate you all for coming. Let the celebration begin! Cheers!

   (The Sri Lanka music comes on and every one gets up and hugs Nadia.)

​This play is about a girl (Angelina) who deals with rape and her family issues. She has a mother who isn't very supportive of her at all. He father raped her when she was seven years old. She falls under the pressure of suicidal. This play deals with a lot of difficult decisions, but luckily she found someone in Congo who went through the same issues as her. Congo, Africa is the capital city of rape. Through the social networking, Angelina met a girl name Zuri who helps her through her problem.


Stage Directions:
The whole stage is pitch dark. But there are two spotlights on Angelina and Suzan.

[She’s talking to the therapist; Angelina is sitting on a wooden chair and Suzan is sitting on a rolling chair with a notepad and a pen]  

[Sigh]
It’s been a long time since I’ve told someone this. You’re the second person to know. Please don’t tell anyone about this. Do you promise? I-I-was raped…by my dad when I was 7 years old.
[She catches her breath]

I still remember the very first time he put his dick in my vagina. We were at his friend’s house in New Hampshire. I don’t remember the time, but I do know it was really late at night. I was in full clothing and he was in his boxers. But that was normal because that’s how he went to sleep every night. He came to the bed and started to seduce me.
[She looks down and starts playing with her hands]

I turned away and then the whole incident happened. I blacked out. I don’t remember feeling the pain or him pushing his dick in my vagina. It was horrible, physically. I was dizzy. My thoughts just left me. Every time I think about THAT first night, it brings me to tears.
    [The therapist grabs her hands and holds them. Angelina’s hands begins to shake even more]

When I think about what happened, I feel anxious and broken hearted. When I look at myself in the mirror, I feel disgusted. He used by body for pleasure. For pleasure I tell you. Why me? I’m his blood. He created me. I just don’t understand why someone would hurt the one they love.
    [She shakes her head]

My body is a temple and I have to be sacred, but now that it’s not pure anymore, I don’t know how to look at body in a different way anymore. He caused me so much pain. I can’t even have intimacy with my partner without thinking he’s going to rape me. I’m scared. I don’t even know difference between making love and lusting. In the bible, it says “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart”-Matthew 5:28. I live in a great world and I’m supposed to enjoy every moment of my life. BUT I CAN’T. Thanks to him. I can never have long relationships. I tend to runaway when a guy tells me that he l-l-lo-love me. Will I ever be in love with a male? Will I ever have children? Will I ever know what making love feels like? I mean, he didn’t rape me only ONCE, but many times. I would estimate around 20-----
    [Phone rings]

Hello? Yeah-yeah mom. I’m at therapy. Bu-but.
    [Rolls her eyes]

Alright. Fine. Bye.
    [She hangs up the phone]

I have to go. My mom wants me home.
    [She exits the stage and Suzan will leave as soon as the lights go off]

Stage Directions:
Turn off all lights and play some sad music.


Stage Directions:
[Set a couch, table, some cups, and a rolling chair on stage]

[The mom is talking to the therapist; mom is sitting on the couch and the therapist is sitting on a comfy chair]

MELANIE

[She has a frozen face]
Honestly, I didn’t know how to react when my daughter old me that her own FATHER raped her. I-I-I just froze.
[Shrugs her shoulder and give an “I don’t care look]

I just don’t know what to say or feel. I’m the type of person that doesn’t open up to people. I’m only doing that with you because I’m forced to. I’m paying for something that I don’t even want to do. Hold on, I have a text message.
[Starts texting]

But yeah, I didn’t want to be here in the first place. Oh, I’m here to talking about my problems? I don’t wanna talk about my problems. Let’s talk about yours. Here’s the thing with therapy. They want to get all up in your problems.
[Makes swinging arms in a circle]

Therapy is good, but I mean, does it really help situations like this? The situation already happened. She’s gunna be scarred for life. What can you do? Give her some medication? Hahaha. I crack myself up.
[Slaps her knees]

No. Seriously. Why am I here?
[Scratches the back of her neck while saying]

Sigh, you’re just wasting your time. You’re not getting anything out of me.
[Phones ringing]

Excuse me. Hello? Hey, what’s up? Oh yeah? Nah nah, I’m not busy. Alright, I’ll be there in 5 minutes.
[Hangs up phone call, and gets up]

Well listen, it was nice meeting you. But I have errands to run.
[The mom leaves]

But—I’m not done.
    [Drops down her book and pen]

I’m not going to give up on this poor girl.

Stage Directions:
[Dim the lights down slowly and Suzan will walk off stage.]

Stage Directions:
[The stage is set up as Angelina’s bedroom]
[She’s in her bra and panties; staring at herself in the mirror with a gun in one hand, a knife in the other, and a bible in front of her. She’s also talking out loud to God.]

Why am I going through this pain? I don’t go through this Lord. I can’t handle the pain anymore. It’s tearing me apart. I have too much on my plate right now. Why are you doing this to me? Out of these girls on earth, why am I suffering so much? What did I ever do?
[She looks at herself in the mirror]

Look at this body. It looks so disgusting. I don’t feel sacred anymore. I look so skinny. THANKS TO HIM. I can’t eat or sleep. My eyes looks like air bags. What the hell? Every time I look at a plate of food, I just wanna throw up
[Gagging]

I think about that night all the time. He put me in the stage of depression. My parents abandoned me. My mom doesn’t care about what happened to me in the past. She thinks this is a joke when it’s not. She doesn’t understand how much that ONE moment impacted on my life. She’s doesn’t even know that I’m sitting here balling my eyes out. She doesn’t even know that I have a sharp knife in my left hand and a gun fully loaded with bullets in the other hand. This is not a game called Russian Roulette. This is a serious matter. It sucks to have parents that don’t care about how you’re feeling and just don’t give a SHIT about you. No wonder why I’m like this. Am I wrong? All my mom cares about is her stupid job. She put everything before me. What kind of parent is that? I always saw family giggling and smiling with each other on television. Why can’t I have that in my life? Is that too much to ask for?
[She points the gun to her head and breathing really hard. She’s closing her eyes tightly]

One...two....ahhh, I can’t do it...
[Takes in a deep breath]

Okay.
[Takes in deep breaths and the wind blows through her window and her bible flipped to Genesis 1: 26-27.]
[She puts down the gun and reads that page]

It said, “God has a great plan for your life. God has created us in his image. He created us for a purpose. God has a specific plan in mind for everyone.”
[Drops down to her knees and start crying even more]

Lord, is this a sign?


Stage Directions:
The lights will be off. During this time, the people will set up the stage. While people are moving the things around, the sounds of police cars and helicopters are playing. Blue, red, and white lights will be flashing all over the stage. The stage is set up as a small bedroom. It will only have a bed and a little cabinet. These things will be facing to the side of the stage. Then the sounds will begin to fade away.

[John throws the younger version of Angelina on the bed]

Take off your clothes right now!

What are you doing?! I don’t want to take my clothes off.

Shut up! I didn’t ask for you to talk. So take off your clothes now!
[Angelina tries to run away but as she gets off the bed, John grabs her by her hand and lay her down. He begins to duck tape her to the bed. He begins to seduce her and as he gets closer to her, the lights go dark.]

Stage Directions:
The lights will only focus on the dad. But there’s a dim light on the therapist. Everything is blacked out.
[He’s talking to therapist] {He’s holding a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other} [He has an Asian person’s accent]


How are you?
*Sigh*
I’m doing good.
[Takes a long breath]

I guess. So why am I here? What?! I-I-I didn’t do that. I never once touch that little girl! She’s lying to you. You know how kids are. They always make things up with their imagination. They think unicorns are real. C’mon now. How she knew about sex? I don’t know. I ain’t teach her that. She is learning by herself. Maybe her school taught her. I don’t know. I’M NOT LYING TO YOU!
[Tears are fallen down his eyes]

What am I doing? I-I-I don’t know what was running through my mind at the time. She was just lying there on my bed, sleeping like a little angel. An angel of mine. That night, I was with my bros. We were chillen, smoking, and drinking. We were all high and laughing at the stupidest things.
[Laughing out loud and smoking the cigarette]

I still remember that day as if it was yesterday.
 [Shaking his head]

Oh man, so much happened that night. Do I still remember what I did to my daughter? Just a little bit. I just know that we were in New Hampshire and I started to take off her clothes. I have no idea why I did that to her. Why THAT ONE night? I never done that to her before so I don’t know what got to me. Maybe it was because I was watching porn that night and I was horny. I mean, what’s a guy to do when he’s horny? Have sex.
    [Puts his head down]

My daughter was the only female figure in the house. It was all guys in the house. I’m not going to have sex with a guy. Fuck out of here! Excuse my language. I don’t regret doing that to my daughter. When I tell you to do something, do it. It’s not that hard. I told her to take off her pants and she wouldn’t listen so I did it myself. I have the rights to do whatever I want to my child. I made her so I have the right to do whatever I want. I do abuse her. It’s not my fault. Like I told you before, if she listens to me, none of this would of happened. You know what, I don’t wanna deal with this anymore. I’m out.
[He leaves the office]

Stage Directions:
There will be little blue, red, and white lights around Suzan. But there will be one big spotlight on her as she sits in her seat.
[Therapist is sitting on the couch crossed legs and holding a notebook on her lap with a pen in her right hand. She’s talking into a video.]

[Click the recording button]

Journal number 13. As I’m listening to all of them talk to me, I can’t seem to understand her parents. She has a mom that doesn’t care about her and puts her job before her own child. And then you have a dad who scarred the poor girl for life. At least she has a boyfriend who supports her on anything. I don’t know the guy personally, but he seems like a good guy. I just can’t seem to understand why her parents are like that. I’m a mom. I have 2 kids. A boy and a girl. I would never put my job before my child. Especially if I knew about her pain. The only job that really matters is being a mother. That’s the greatest job God can give to any woman. I try to be understanding and see the points that they’re making but it doesn’t click to me and I can’t seem to soak it in. So, I told Angelina to check out Congo. As I know, Congo is the capital of rape. I wanted her to realize that she’s not alone in this situation. What she doesn’t know is that I have connection over there because I also work at a company that corresponds with rape in Congo. I picked a girl out for Angelina to talk to through Facebook and her name is Zuri Robinson.
[She stops recording]


Stage Directions:
Half of the stage will be set with as Angelina’s room while the other half will be set as the library.


[She is typing a message to Angelina on Facebook.]

Dear Angelina,
Hello, my name is Zuri. I am from Congo, Africa. Suzan had contacted me over the past couple of days. She told me about your story. I know you told her not to tell anyone about your issue but she only told me because I know exactly how you feel. So please don’t be mad at her. It’s only for the better for you and I. I’ve been raped as well. So many times. I can’t even count. You are not alone in this situation. I cry each night to sleep. I live in a poor country that barely has food, money, shelters, anything. I live in a little hut with my mom and my younger brother. We starve most of the days. My mom can’t leave my side because she’s scared that some man will come in and rape me. I’m scared as well. I feel trapped in my own little hut. I wish I had freedom. I wish I can just walk outside and not worry about a guy raping me. So I definitely know where you’re coming from. It’s a shame that your mom doesn’t care about you and the fact that your own dad raped you. I try to turn my situation into a positive thing. I believe in God as well. I’d learned that God will not give you a problem if he knows you can’t handle it. I feel as though that what happened to me was for a reason. It made me stronger as a person. It’s giving me an opportunity to meet new people just like you. It has given me the strength to grow as a person and help other people. You go through the same situation as me so it’s easy for me to talk to you. I’m able to turn a negative problem into a positive thing. Maybe you should as well. I feel as though I have it tougher than you because Congo is the capital of rape. Us girls get raped every minute. If I’m able to come out strong, I’m confident that you can as well. Please write back. Love, Zuri.

Stage Directions:
The light switches to Angelina’s side of the stage

[Angelina writes back to Zuri]

Hello there. I’m not mad at all. I highly appreciate you taking your time out to write me a message. Wow, your story truly inspires me. I cry myself to sleep every night as well. It’s not a great thing. But I mean, it happens. It just suck because both of my parents are screwed up. It’s just not fair. And wow, you can’t even walk out the house? That’s crazy. I’m really sorry for you. I try to think that God is watching over me but I would hesitate sometimes. I don’t deserve this at all. I’m a very good person. I try to help everyone but it seems like I’m always getting hurt. I mean, if you can turn something negative into a positive thing then I can do it as well. I have an idea. I’m going to scare my mom. That should give her a wake up call. Well I have to go. Talk to you later. P.S. stay strong. Thank you. Love, Angelina.


Stage Directions:
The stage is set up as a funeral home.

[Melanie is sitting in the therapist waiting room. Suzan opens up the door and welcomes mom inside. Inside the office, there was a casket wrapped in red cloth symbolizing Angelina’s favorite color. The room was pure dark with candle lights surrounding the casket.]

Melanie: What is this?

Suzan: This is how your daughter’s funeral is going to look of you don’t take care of her.

[Suzan walks her to the casket. Mom slowly walks to the casket. Touching it very gently. Soothing her hand along the side. Her face is in full guilty. One hand is oer her mouth and she’s holding Suzan’s hands with the other]

Mom: This is her favorite color. My little girl.

[Suzan opens up the casket and in there lays Angelina. Angelina’s face is stoned. NO MOVEMENT. Mom takes a huge step back with shocker. She was trying to catch on to her breath]

Mom: Oh my goodness. My little girl. What happen to her? Why is she in here?

[She slowly touches her daughter meanwhile Angelina is pretending that she’s dead. Suzan closes the casket]

Suzan: Angelina, you can come out now.

Angelina comes out the casket and hugs her mom. While they’re hugging, they says:

Mom: [crying really hard] I’m so sorry. I don’t want you to end up like this. Please forgive me, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I promise to put you before work. I’ll do anything. Just don’t die on me.

friday i went midnight bowling.
saturday was me and my boyfriends 8 months.
today we broke up.

fuck.
fuck
fuck.
i also missed two days of story telling.

RAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHRAGKJWHONERGVE.R
EHFUOERHOIERJGRE.
nothing is ever easy.

So its going to be Monday. That is kind of meh. Then again its going to be like 90 degrees. I dont know how to feel about that. Haha

how could it be possible that i got sick three times within two months. Need a new immune system...