Under The Roof Of Nepal


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.

But I've Got My Fingers, And These Ashes

The argument about the pros and cons of sweatshop labor is one that has been going on for quite some time. Morally, people working extensive hours, receiving little pay, working in dangerous factory conditions, and without any type of insurance is wrong. But, to supply the increasing demand for certain products and keep prices as reasonable as possible, cheap sweatshop labor is necessary.
This play is set in Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population is a sweatshop employee. There are multiple people who play a role in sweatshop function. In this play we all of them are able to be experienced. The factory owner, his intern, a sister, an over worked worker, and an illegal minor worker are all featured. A stuffed sock toy uniquely ties all of the characters together.



But I’ve Got My Fingers and These Ashes
 
Cast of Characters:
1. Bhagya Madush- An eleven year old Sri Lankan  girl who works in a textile “factory” and sweatshop. She is the oldest of three children and is the only child that works in the family. She is the daughter of Udari Supan.
2. Mr. Damith- The owner of the  textile “factory” and sweatshop. He illegally employs minors to increase production and fill his own pocket.
3. Udari Madush- A middle aged factory worker. She is a strong willed and opinionated seamstress. She is the mother of Bhagya Madush and works in Mr, Damith’s “factory”.
4. Ms. Runhtwa- A buyer for a well known clothing company. She is a younger woman and has a no tolerance attitude. She comes to Mr. Damith to buy into his underwear production for her employer.  She is also the younger sister of Udari Madush.
5. Vimukthi Pipuni-  A young man who is interning with Mr. Damith. It is his responsibility to “take out the trash” as Mr. Damith likes to put it.
6. Parbath- A stuffed sock toy made for Bhagya Madush by her mother, that works its way into the hands of each character
 
Stage Set-Up:
             The stage is divided into two parts. On the left is the factory floor where one workbench is in the center of that section facing the audience. On the bench there is an old sewing machine and a pile of white underwear. On the floor to the right of the bench is a small, black chamber pot. Projected behind this side of the stage is video of sweatshop workers working uninterrupted.
            In the middle of the two sections is a thin wall with a door in it. The door opens out onto the factory floor. The wall does not extend to the end of the stage so that there is there is a clear path between the all of the sceneries.
On the right side of the stage of the stage is Mr. Damith’s office. In the center of this section is a worn out desk and leather swivel chair. On the right side of the desk is a gavel. The desk is facing the audience.
In the background is a faint hum of sewing machines. The sound increases then fades to a hum when scenes change,
____________________________________________________________________________________
Act 1, Scene 1
Ms. Runhtwa
(All speech is directed to the audience)
(Enters stage left. Walking through the aisles. Harsh, demanding, and with authority, reaches out to touch a girl but does not.)
You there, girl. Girl. Answer me when I speak to you. Do you not know who I am? Turn you face and answer me. Turn your face to me girl. Let me look upon the face of insubordination.
(Stops scolding, turns to direct speech to another individual to her right)
Oh. Hello Mr..Mr. Damtih is it? I am......it’s pronounce Rhu-ni-twa. Ms. Runhtwa.... As it is a pleasure to meet you also. I have noticed that these women are working very diligently and the labels all appear to be in tip-top shape. So Mr. Damith, I am interested in buying some of you underwear. Will that be possible?
(Looks oddly before her, attempts to regain her audience’s attention. )
.... Mr. Damith the underwear...the underwear. Mr. Damith I want to buy your underwear!
(Fixes clothing after having to scream in an unladylike manner. Walks through the door into the office section of the stage)
Can we talk business? Our company is looking for a new underwear supplier, with both experience and reputation. And we were told that you are the best of the the best. Is that true?...Great. our company has just adopted a new code of conduct and the only issue I would like to bring up is the one of child labor. Our code of conduct states that all employees under the corporate company, may not employ under the age of 14. So I am going to need your signature here, here, aaaand here...Ha. Sir, please do not sit there and lie to me. There is no use. I am a woman who does her research and the small squeals coming from the door over there
(Points in the opposite direction)
.....Mhmmm. I know. But you see the thing is. I think these kids should work. Somebody has to teach them some discipline! Some respect. Kids these days are just so insubordinate.
(Leans in and whispers)
When they come around to do inspections, hide them. Hide those kids in a closet or something, but not that bathroom. Have you seen it?....Don’t do that.
(Leans back out and is disgusted)
I mean it is like a pig sty in there. I bet even pigs wouldn’t want to be in there.
(Stands up violently and walks to peer through a window to the factory floor)
They shouldn’t have to be cramped in there, when the floor is carpeted in feces and decorated with urine. I mean, would you want to be treated that way?.....I did not think so. Discipline is what these children need, but they don’t need to be treated like animals. This is only the first step in their lives. There is so much more out there for them when they leave here. They just need to reach out and gra...
(Turns around quickly, astonished)
What was that for?...That laugh?....
(Jokingly and forcing a laugh)
Ha! That’s funny. They stay here for life....What is that?
(Gently runs one hand across the stuffed sock on the desk)
...It’s better on the outside.
Act 1, Scene 2
Bhagya Madush

Setting: Chair at center stage at the end of the wall.
(All speech is directed to the audience)
(Sits in chair at center stage and rocks back and forth)  
Sooooo what do you wanna talk about? Hmmm? Tell me. What is it? Huh? Tell me. 

…..Help? You think I need help? Noooooo. I am fine. Never been better. …..You want me to tell you about what? Oh ok. I can do that. I awake early morning at 4.30 a.m every morning, before the sun even has a chance to grace the land with its smile. I have to kindle the fire having washed my face; I gulp down some tea I leave for work early morning.  Mother and the rest are still sleep when I leave, but I leave the school clothes out for the younger ones and her uniform out on the table....
(Looks down and strokes the stuffed sock. Seems disappointed and angry)
I can’t go to school. No, I have to work. Without me we would barely make enough to feed two of us. Everything we buy is over priced. The rent, food, clothing, and all the other basic things we need. She gives me a choice, but I really don’t have one. I have to work. There is no other option.

Now it is the walk to that frightens me most. It’s because of the men.
(Gets up and stalks back and forth)
The men in dark jackets and hats that blend in with the shadows. You see they prey on girls like me. Mother says they sneak up on little girls and grab them
(Grabs at the air)
and before you even have the chance to scream,
(Sits on the floor and trembles and pretends to cry)
you are in a dark hole with girls trembling in crying. When I asked her what they do with those girls she said something about using their bodies for men’s pleasures.  I think she called it sex. Her description of it made almost made me throw up my breakfast. But I have never seen these men and I hope I never will. But I can always feel their presence. Especially when I walk near the fence. …..Oh there is a fence that surrounds all
(Puts arm out and scans it across an invisible landscape)
that surrounds everybody’s quarters, and they have these shiny pointy…Huh? Nope never. Never ever never do we leave. I  stay on the inside where it’s safer. My siblings go to school though. I have no time for that . Asides we gots to stay here. Be..be..bcuz ugh. I can never say this word right. Momma says I got to work on my words. Because
(Using fingers to count)
my dad’s dad’s  sister’s daughter did something bad to the man’s family who is over this all, even Mr. Damith. So we have to pay our way to the outside.  Till then I will be here with my family and pets. Sandamini,Nuwanthi, and Kusan. They are mice. Well not anymore, they are kind of like little dogs now. They eat our vegetables.
(Giggles and playfully touches the stuffed sock to nose)
.....Isn’t that right Parbath....
(Holds the stuffed sock out for the interviewer to see)
...that’s her name.
(Jumps up and speaks happily)
…..My supervisor, Mr. Damith, I used to think he was a blessing to us all. He lets us work our longs hours in the summer and sometimes….sometimes she doesn’t even give us breaks....Yeah I know isn’t that awesome. And he gives us these really cool pots. And you know what those are for. They are for your business
(Giggles)  (Walking around the stage)
And if you don’t finish all your work, you get to stay longer and work more.
(Looks down and strokes the stuffed sock. Tries to look the audience in the face, but can not. Fakes a smile).
Honestly, I don’t understand why so many of the people there look so sad and devastated. They look like someone has taken their life away and wont give it back but I love it. I mean without him, how would we be able to provide for our families. I love my family. You seee. He is so gracious. I…I …I even. This one time I got my… no I was assigned to the cleaning rooms. The entire room is like one big cloud. And we have to separate the plants. You have to pull out any bad or particles that are not supposed to be there, but be careful of thorns. Then you put the baby it in the pile with its friends. But I couldn’t breath in there. The air made my throat burn and there were always bugs flying at my eyes. Amal said it was because they were thirsty for my tears.
(Look of wonder and bewilderment)
I guess in some way we are all thirsty bugs aren’t we?.... All of us dreaming about and hovering above the thing we want most, but can’t reach it.
(Satisfied)
Maybe one day we won’t be thirsty anymore.
(Sits back in chair and looks off into the distance. Sighs deeply)
 
(Jumps in the air with an idea, look of astonishment)
Oh and there were these people who I work with and they got sick. Like really sick and they were coughing and their eyes were swollen and they just looked nasty.
(Giggles)
It was gross. They left one day with the big muscle man that walks through the aisles to make sure we do of work right and they never came back.
(Shrugs and coughs)
Mr. Damith says they took at trip to the forest for some special work, and not to worry about them. I won’t see them anymore. ….Hmmm I don’t know? I can’t wait to till I can go to the forest to do some special work.
(Sits in chair and rocks back and forth. turns and looks at right shoulder, and gets frightened. Begins to cry. Jumps behind chair and uses it  and the stuffed sock as a shield)
No! No! It’s one of the shadow men. Get away from me! No please.
(Points stuffed sock in the direction of the man)  
Make him go away
(Sniffling)
Make him go a way. No… I ....I have to go.... why are they coming after me? I mean...did I?... No, I didn’t say anything wrong. I praised him. You heard me praise him right? Right. I... I
(Runs off stage terrified)
Sorry!
Act 1, Scene 3
Udari Supan

(All speech is directed to the audience)
 
(Wipes forehead continues sewing extremely tired and out of breath)
Wha..what is that smell.  What do you mean they won't let Amila empty her pot? That is ridiculous. Its 100 degrees in here and they won't her dump....
(Immediately puts head down and continues to work, hides a dingy stuffed sock in between her legs, looks up and smiles at the person walking by, whispers).
How is your family doing? Aren't we all? I haven't seen then I nearly a week. I had to leave my second  oldest in charge...Oh she is nine.
(Maternal Voice, puts sock back on the table and continues to sew the top together)
The youngest  came down with something. When I left he was coughing and his eyes were swollen shut. My eldest, Bhagya....You know her?.....Yes she was in the cleaning room until she got moved to the...
(Motions to vomit but catches herself, still out of breath gets up and tries pushing the table away but can't she does not have the strength).
I heard about that....I don’t know what that is. That stuff that falls from the ceiling?.... Well its not snow. I mean those people had been here for years....You hear them call it what? Its best? What’s best?...oh asbestos. That cant possibly be why people keep
(Falls to the floor arm is injured)
disappearing.
(Looks back to see a person coming and struggles to get up walks over to the door).
I can’t, I can’t. Move get over here and help me! Amila! Mai help! Help mmm.....
(Tries to get up but falls hits head and passes out).
Where, where am I? No. Sir please, you don't understand I was… I couldn’t breath and the pot and the smell.  Mr. Damith. No, I have kids. My family. I need this job more than you can understand. I can work double shifts and with no breaks and I promise you this won't ever happ..
(Gets off knees from begging and becomes angry, clutching the stuffed sock).
Fired?  I have been her for almost 13 years, never made a complaint, never stepped out of line. And you want to fire me because I passed out from the hear and tainted air that you allow us to breath! You can't fire me because I quit. To hell with this. I wasted my time here and for what? For you? So somebody else can have a fully clothed family, while mine is half dressed?
(Stands up furious. Voice is strong and loud, but not yelling, waving the sock around vigorously and angrily )
You and you family have lived the good life, while the majority, if not all of your employees lived a life below poverty. I know animals that live better than us. I bet each of your kids has their own bed in their own room, don’t they?..Hmph! My kids share a bed in the living/dining/kitchen/master/bedroom. And me, I don’t even have a bed. I have a sheet, that covers the laundry to be done. And  I am sure you already know about the bathing and bathroom situations, don’t you?....Thought so.
(Turns away and sighs deeply, smoothes hair back and confronts Mr. Damith)
You know there really is no point telling you what you already know. You already know it. We don’t have to stay here and you can’t make us. There are other ways of making it in life. You only live in poverty as ling as you allow yourself to. And I am done. But I am not done with you. I will be back, but not alone.I guess you need to hear it from the outside. From someone who can knock you flat on your ass.
(Sarcastically. Puts hands on desk and leans over into the audience)
You lost two employees today Mr. Damith, sir. My daughter and I quit.
(Violently throws papers off of the desk and walks off stage, stuffed sock in hand. Looks to the left and squints)
 
Act 1, Scene 4
Vimukthi .
 
(All speech is directed to the audience. a child is dead laying on the floor, left hand open)
                   (Paranoid, pacing across the floor, looking at the stuffed sock) 
How the hell does he expect me to cover this one up?! Bury them? No that won’t work we did that the last time. I could send them to the butcher shop; let them be torn to pieces. Nobody would know then Feed them to the dogs? Bury them?  
(Puts hand, motions a mouth speaking, and mimics boss).
If you don’t figure out how to cover this up, you will be back on the inside. And your mother will be right along with you. Appreciate what is given to you. Cherish it. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you Sampath. It’s not smart.
(Hand goes down, returns back to original character).
And why the hell does he call me Sampath! Last time I checked my name was Vimuthi. What am I supposed to do about mother? I finally got a chance to give her a taste of the outside life. She got to live on the outside, with the common people. I can’t take that away from her. She can’t go back to that horrible way of life.
(Sits down in a chair and puts head in hands)
Why does he do this to me!
(Looks at the stuffed sock, and tears up slightly, talking to the stuffed sock)
Burry them? No, I already thought of that. These people should have know what they were getting into. Who doesn’t know that white powder falling from the ceiling is wrong? Common sense right? And they all had a voice. Why didn’t any of them stand up for themselves? I did it and it got me to the outside. But then again I am sure Mr. Damith wouldn’t want all the employees in a rebellion. I mean they should know that they have rights and that there are rules and regulations that Mr. Damith should be following, but isn’t.  He can’t, well is not supposed to keep them over 10 hours. Why don’t they know this? If they did I would not have to “take out the trash”  and all of these people wouldnt be dead from asbestos inhalation. The could have abestoisis and not even know it. Just drop dead.  Already said that! Sure one or two people dead is no problem, but 15. I can’t do that. The forest? I’ve got it. What if I flushed them? Flush them down the same pipe that everything else goes. By the time the bodies get to the Yan Oya the bodies will be disintegrated. I mean, that is where all of our waste  goes and surely the acids and stuff will eat them. And if its not the acids some animal will find them. The sewage system.
(With no confidence)
It’s perfect. No harm no foul. They will be gone forever. Jobs protected....Bodies gone.
(Walks to where a young girl is lying on the floor and places the stuffed sock in her hand).
Takes this with you on to the next life. It’s yours after all.
Act 1, Scene 5
Little Sister
Setting: Standing in front of the factory work bench.

(All speech is directed to the audience)
Little sister?  Little sister you came to the city from the village, Why did you change? You cut your hair short, started wearing trousers and short dresses. You were the most innocent girl in the village. What happened to you after coming to the city? We can’t correct the city But we can keep in mind to Protect the village.
(Reaches out, then pulls back in dismissal)
We used to be one. Me and you, together forever. We left the village for a better life. We left together and now you work for the people who put us down. They kill us. The work us to death. Our ignorance is taken advantage of.  
(In astonishment and in disbelief puts head down and gets on knees ).
I never thought it would be by the hands of my own flesh and blood  that I would end…..Do not  lie to me…You knew we were here. At the end of all of this, I can not complain.
 
Act 1, Scene 5
Mr. Damith
Setting: Bottom the stage, on the office side.

(All speech is directed to the audience)
Ha…I don’t deserve this. I don’t.
(Stands up and yells)
I did them a favor. It was me! Not you. I gave them a home and a job. Ha!
(Sits back down and voice is back to normal. Opens the box that is next bed and opens it. A slight smile curls onto his face. He holds up the stuffed underwear and talks to it)
What would I be without you? You got me through this all. Remember when we used to be them? We used to work day in and day out. But the owner then never got put in jail. He dies rich and happy.  He died richa and happy while we all worked untill we were numb inhaled asbestos, but even then we didn’t know what was going on.
(Holds stuffed underwear  at eye level)
I did it for us mom. For us. You know that. They said that if we came forward, we would get extra. And we did. We got it all. I got an internship and then took over the company. We made it. Compared to my mentor conditions were 100 times better, hours were shorter, and the amount of asbestos was cut but 25%
(Stands up and paces the cell)
They don’t kow how good they had it, I was heaven in deep corners of hell. Sure people died, but when are people not dying? Huh
(Screams and the ceiling)  
Never!
(Voice return to normal)
ahaahahhahahahhaha. I did them a favor.
(Holds up the stuffed underwear and twirls around in a circle like a child)
ahahahahaahaha……a favor.

Act 1, Scene 6
Udari Supan and Ms.Runhtwa: Retaliation

(All speech is directed to the audience)
 
(Ms.Ruhntwa slams her fists on the desk, as Udari Supan bursts through the office door to do the same. Both are furious.)

Both: My own sister! My own god damned sister.
(Lights go off Ms. Runhtwa. She holds her position. Lights remain on Udari Supan. Her face curls into tears as she begins almost scream at Mr. Damith. She wags her finger in the face of her former employer)

Udari Madush: Oooooh Noooooooo! You don’t get a chance to talk this time. No! All me. It’s about time somebody knocked you flat on your ass the same way……
(Lights rise on Ms. Runtwa and fade on Udari Supan. Ms. Runhtwa’s palms are now flat on the table as she angrily leans over the desk)

You can’t get away with this. These people are being treated like animals.
(Laughs slightly)
Animals are treated better then them. How could you? You used to be one of them. Remember those days? It was you down there on the floors and in those rooms picking the bugs and stems from the new cotton plants.
(Wags her finger and shakes her head. Turns from the desk and faces the window.)  
Best believe I have doe my homework Mr. Damith and I am ready to give a full report. But I won’t flatter you. No you already know what you have done and what you “think” you are capable of. You live solely for yourself, fattening your pockets made by the people on that floor down there. Made by my sister and by my niece.
(Turns back to the desk in tears)
You son of a bitch!

Both: 
(Yelling. Violently slams fists on the desk).
You!…..

(Lights switch from Ms. Runhtwa to Udari Supan. Angirly she leans over the desk into the face of her former employer. Her somewhat screaming has reduced to a stern talking.)

Udari Madush: The same way we have been for so long.
(A small smile appears on her face. Stands straight up and walks over to the window and look on to the factoy floor . She speaks calmly and collected)
But I didn’t come here to yell and scream at you. No I don’t have the time nor the energy, I guess I am here to thank you.
(Turns and looks in the direction of the desk)
Since I haven’t been working here I have become even more tired then ever and I have so much time. I have time to spend with my family, to get in touch with myself and realize me. Before you all I knew was work, but that final straw it gave me myself back.
(Holds chest in pain and fails to old back tears)
I found the me I was before all of this. The me that lived in the village and never had anything to be unhappy about. An unbreakable spirit  
(Releases chest and sits down in the chair.)
So thank you. Thank you very much.
(Hand extends awaiting a handshake, but it is not accepted. Puts head down and slowly to get up using the desk as support. Slightly struggles.)  
Oh and about Ms. Runhtwa. She informed me that the two of you would be meeting soon. Something about her not appreciating the…
(Breath shortens as she struggles to get words out.)
She is my body now that mine cannot go one. My body is not strong but my spirit remains unbroken. She carries it for me as my sister.
(Coughs and falls to the floor. Her body is dragged off stage as lights rise on Ms. Runhtwa)

Ms. Runhwa:
(Breaks down crying. Then gathers self to speak. Speaks in a calm and stern voice)
My sister was an unbreakable spirit. A fighter and now that she cannot her body can not fight, I am her body. So the flattering must stop. The fuel line to your confidence, conceit, and hell hole that you call a factory have been cut. But this all happens at the expense of you not the people who work for you. Mr. Damith I am serving you with this subpoena. See you in court.
(Places a large manila envelope on the desk, and wipes a tear from her cheek. She then walks out the door, looking back once she reaches the door.)
 
Act 1, Scene 7
Judge
Setting: The desk on the office side of the stage
(All speech is directed to the audience)
(Scans his finger across the papers that are before him then stacks the papers and straightens them. Fixes his glasses and begins to speak in a firm and absolute voice.)
The defendant has been tried and convicted on the following charges. Murder in the second degree in the cases of Udari Madush, Bhaygah Madush, and thirteen other ClothRite employees. Illegal employment of over one-hundred and seventy-five minors. And finally negligence and failure to meet the building safety standard in multiple sections. On this day the defendant is sentenced to life in prison. His intern Vimuthi Pipuni will assume Mr. Damith’s position, It is so ordered.
(Slams a gavel down and walks off stage.)
 
Act 1, Scene 8
Beyond
Setting: Center stage at the end of the wall, between the two sections.
(All speech is directed to the audience)

You see I don’t have a toothbrush. And I don’t have any toothpaste neither. But
(Holds finger up )
I’ve got my finger
(Reaches down and picks up ashes and lets them fall through her fingers)
and these ashes.I didn’t have the outside, but I had the inside.
(Smiles and holds stuffed sock close to her body)
The inside. I can’t complain.
(Walks to stage left and then to center again)
I can’t complain. I can’t complain.
(Plops down at center stage, folds one leg over the other and scans the audience)
I mean look at me. Sure I was beaten, slapped down even. And sure our work conditions were not the fanciest and best they could be. And hey! Sure my mother was only a free woman for a few hours before she died. But I can’t complain. Yes, I can’t deny it, I was locked in a bathroom when the inspections came through.
(Stands up and begins to cry)
I can’t complain. I am not thirsty anymore. I don’t have to hover over my dream.
(Jumps up excited, arms and legs spread)
Freedom!
(Legs and arms slowly come back to the body and head raises to look directly up)
I am not thirsty anymore.  
(Drops stuffed sock on the floor and walks off stage)


Act 1, Scene 5
Little Sister.
Performed By: Manna-Symone Middlebrooks



Best News EVER!

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.


HWS Visit!

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!

Turning Point

Act 1, Scene 1
Ceasar

[ Open, Middle of the summer, thundorous yelling, and fighting, “Bang!” singular gunshot rings out, attention focuses large bolder, Ceasar appears at the top of the bolder.]

My friends! Welcome.  I am glad to see you have come, I’m glad to see you all leave your nice cool home into the heat of summer. But now is not the time for small talk. You’re standing right now in the center of the canyon tunnel pass, the biggest  drug route known to us. Each of you are the best of the best in you cartels, 10 cartels sending 10 delegates, each cartel having 4,000, and there’s over a hundred more small cartels. That’s over 40,000 hardcore members, 40,000 more counting, affiliates and 30,000 more not organised but ready to fight. Thats more then 100,000 soldiers that are ready to fight! Now there no then tens of thousand policia in the whole country, giving us a massive avantage. Muy buenao, no?
[begins to pace]
Now think of it one all powerful force. One Cartel. One cartel that controls everything! Nothing would move, without us allowing it to happen! Think of it, we can control everything, the air ways, the border, everything! We could tax the crime syndicates, and control the policia. We could own this country.

The problem in the past has consistantly been the policia turning us against one another. We have been unable to see the truth, because we’ve been fighting for traffic ways, or precincts, and our turf, our little piece of turf. que el total de mierda mis amigos. The turf is ours by right. It is all ours!

With an alliance we would be able to slowly take america as well, branching to every state, controlling their gangs, and crime. We can remold the country into our own image of power. We would have the ability to produce 300 times the amount of coke, marijuana, and meth. And with all this extra product we would be send our products over seas, becoming an international Cartel.

All we have to do is keep up the general truce to create the greatest turning point ever!


Act 1, Scene 2

Tyrone Biggums


[Open, sitting on a park bench in the middle of the night, rocking back and forth, pale, sweaty, and paranoid.]

I’m a user of some if the most dangerous drugs in the world. I'm talking about cocaine, but not just cocaine, heroin and any other hard drug you’ve heard about. If it could get me high I’m on it. But until now i had to get my drugs from different cartels.

You’re goin be shocked to hear it, I know I was but there is talk about all the cartels are going to form an alliance. Yeah, an alliance,  is the most dangerous thing in the world and the reason it's the most dangerous is because they are deadly and powerful apart, with them as a one thing man, prices are goin through the fuckin roof.

Druggies use to get high so we can escape problems. But with this alliance we are goin to be screwed, shit it wont just be druggies, it will be the pigs too. the cops will be screwed too, they are out numbered, out gunned, have less then half of the resources the cartels do.





Act 1, Scene 3
Robert Joseph Smith


[Open, leaning back on a chair, boots on the table.]

I hate  fucking mexicans! All their drugs, and guns, and the death they bring with them.
Why?
[lunges forward in the chair]
They took somthing from me, they took everything from me.  things that i can never get back, they took him away, without even a warning, or a reason. He was incecnt, he was just a boy. after he was killed, she became depressed, an...and, killed herself.
But thats none of your fuckin concern you little prick.
they compensated for what they did very well, offered me a job, pay, very nice pay. You know what I’m sayin santos?
I know i could get locked up if i continue to do buisness with them.
So? So nothin,  i don’t fuckin care! I make more a week then i do in a year, smuggling them over the border, and lettin them destribute wmd’s and drugs. Whos goin to say anything anyway? You? Hahahaha, you would never, who do u think IA is goin to beleive? a rookie fresh out the academy, or a tenured vet? Hahaha even if you snitch on me, they will be after you, and thats the last thing you want right?
How bout this, i talk to Ceasar, see if hes got an openin, and you could get a slice of the bread. What do you say to that, hmmmm?
Well think about this while your at it, you would make twice as much a week, then you would in a year. Your kids would be set for life, you and your wife too.
[Leans back into the chair, putting boots on the table]
Ok, i’ll give you till tomarra then the deals closed. Oh and by the way, if you mention this to anybody, i might make a visit to you wife and kids, do you under stand me?
Good. Now go check the east wing.




Act 1, Scene 4
Michael Gabriel Santos


[open, Sitting at the dining room table looking at bills]

Shit!
[puts bills down, puts his hand on his forehead slowly swiping back]
Why did he tell me that?
What is the pourpse of tellin me that he works for Ceasar.  is he trying to test me. Is he even legit?
He didnt seem like he was playin around.
And if he wasnt screwin around, why would he offer me a “position” with him?
what the hell should i do? Should I take the deal, he says he makes a lot, and money is a real scarce thing now-a-days.
I really need the money. WE really  need the money, its not every day someone offers you a six didget salary, we’re bearly gettin by with what im making now, and
between the kids schooling, both the morgages, mom and dads care.
But if I get cought, then everythings screwed, my family needs me. My family needs the money.
And even if i dont do this, what would i do bout smith, i couldnt live with myself if i just let him continue to endanger American citizens, but i cant report him, he knows where i live, and i have to protect my family.
And the likely hood of us getting cought is slim.
But i just dont know.
I cant beleive that im really trying to decide between morals, or money.
FUCK!!!!
Thats it i’ve made my choise, im goin to........

Serching for Hope

                 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.

 

It Never Used to be Like This

Explanations

Act I, Scene I
Teenage Boy
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.

Act I, Scene 2
Husband in Marketplace
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.

Act I, Scene 3
Older Wise Woman
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.

Q3 Artist's Statement-Yadi Angeles


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:
000_0002

The first draft of my Self Portrait:
000_0008

First Pencil draft of the Clear Bottle:
000_0004

The final Charcoal draft of Clear Bottle:
000_0005

The first draft of my Still Life:
000_0006

The final draft of my Still Life:
000_0007

This is the first draft of the "Inspired by Art History": 
118_0389

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

0413111124-00


Photo on 2011-04-13 at 11.38

Beautiful

Act 1 Scene 1
I opened my eyes and rolled over to the side of the bed and made a disgusted face, the apartment was dirty, my hands felt clammy, my hair was sticking to the sweat on my face, just another normal day. I hate my job, well I guess it’s not really my job considering I get nothing out of it. One night I was with this guy, he didn’t want sex or he didn’t try and get me high or anything, he just wanted someone to talk too. He told me I was beautiful and to be honest he was beautiful himself he said that I could be a model or something, I wish that was true. Anyway back to last night, the apartment I woke up in was disgusting I felt so dirty, well in this job it’s normal too feel gross, dirt was sticking to the sweat on my body all I wanted was a cool shower, I walked over to the bathroom and it was just shit I can’t even explain I’m almost positive if I took a shower I would come out dirtier. I walked out, back to the bedroom, there was a big man in the bed he was also sweating he looked greasy I wanted too throw up, he wasn’t like the beautiful boy I talked to the other night. This man kind of reminded me of my father, poor and dirty, I missed him though. I used to live in Mexico with my parents and 6 well maybe 7 sisters for some reason I can’t remember the exact age.
(Starts to tear up)
Everyday I try to forget what happened too me, the day I was taken out my home and dragged into a dirty smelly white van, they calmly told us not to scream, this one girl with black hair and brown oval eyes started to scream and that’s when it happened a big man, I couldn’t tell if he was dark skinned or just dirty, well he smacked her she had a red hand print across her face and she shut up. They told us we were going across the border to America. I know it wasn’t something to be excited over but I had never been to America before and maybe it would be fun, I had no idea what I was in for. I tried to sleep in the car but I couldn’t get comfortable, I mean could you get comfortable in a tightly packed van with 5 other girls. Days went by we were given the occasional bottle of water no food no nothing. “Salga de la furgoneta”. I still remember Spanish, they have us use it sometimes for certain customers. “Usted está en Nueva York”. They ushered us out the big van and into a house that looked abandoned, that’s when I met him. Edgar, he was scary and big he explained why we were here. “You’re in a business now” he voice was angry, none of us were getting any sympathy. He looked at me he noticed me, he came over and touched my face than slipped his fingers through my hair,
(rubs her hair gently)
“you’re going to earn me anything I need.” he whispered that in my ear, I cringed every time I think about that whisper. He explained what we’d be doing, selling our bodies, in return for drugs, money and anything that would benefit him, if he owed someone a debt they’d get our bodies, every girl in that room was drained of emotion, they couldn’t even bring themselves to cry, I remember that day like it was yesterday, it feels like just yesterday I was 16 well it’s been 2 years I’m 18 and stuck in the same position. I think I have it easiest of all the girls. Edgar thinks I’m the prettiest, so he only uses me for his most important clients, sometimes he has me work when another girl gets sick like when I was in that cruddy apartment, I think they get jealous of me sometimes, I mean if I were in their situation I’d be jealous of me too. Some of the girls have serious problems, I’m not sure why I don’t have problems I mean I do but not like them, its kind of like they turned what’s happening to us into some sick game, they fuck around with these guys minds pretend like they’re in love I mean these guys are already sickos for participating in illegal sex trafficking but still. I guess I like to be alone in the house I only go out when I’m working. Jackie is my only friend in the house, and I wouldn’t even call her a friend she’s the only girl that doesn’t shoot me dirty looks kind of like this (She grimaces) We have no beds in the house just wooden cots and a blanket, there’s no heating for the winter and no air for the summer, we have one bathroom and the windows are covered by bars, Edgar doesn’t live with us, two big Mexican men guard us and make sure we don’t try to runaway or bring unwanted attention towards the house. I wish this could be over, I wish I could change who I was, I wish I could go back to Mexico, be with my family but I cant this is the life I’m stuck with, maybe not forever but defiantly for now.

Act 2 Scene 2
Woman, to me they are the most important creatures on earth, without them I’d be no one, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I am a millionaire, all thanks to woman. My father was in the same business as I am. Some say its wrong and on the news they criticize it but what they don’t understand is that I am helping these girls, these girls are beautiful but they have nothing , what would they do if they stayed in Mexico join a drug ring, sell their bodies there, grow corn? Who knows, but what I know is that they are in America, and everything here is better. I’m showing these girls how to be women, their bodies are my property. There is one girl though, she’s the best, I have white office men after her, I have to make sure she doesn’t complain or cry, I can tell she over thinks things too much, the girls aren’t allowed to write or draw well basically they cant do anything, but her I know she writes but I tell the guards not to say anything, I can’t let my feelings get in the way of business the other girls are starting to notice how I treat her differently, they give her mean looks and brush her off. But back to what I was saying, what I do used to make me feel bad stealing girls from their homes, raping them of their pride but it’s my job and I am good at what I do. After a few years the girls learn to accept that this is what their life is


Act 3 scene 3
Chloe is so beautiful we call ourselves CJ for Chloe and Jackie. We’re best friends, all the girls hate her, I really can’t see why, shes the only one in the house with manners and, she’s just so beautiful, she doesn’t deserve this life, I mean none of us do, but her she could be a model an actress, I treat her well because I know shes going to be something, I just know it everything will work for her, i promise


Act 4 Scene 4
That bitch, she gets all the attention, considering I’m stuck here pulled away from my life my family my friends I deserve to get treated the same way as Chloe, My names Rosie, that’s prettier and more exciting then Chloe. I hate America I can’t be here, no man back home would pay to do whatever he wants to me, no one would ever do that. Chloe, she falls asleep before the rest of us, I stare at her, she isn’t that pretty, she’s nothing. A couple of us spit on her at night once this girl Margarita whose younger and has more of a wild twist to her, suggested that we cut her hair off, man I wish we did. Edgar treats her like she’s royalty SHE’S NOT (Shout this, breaks down in tears) huh ( Looks to side) , shit here I come (Walks off stage)

Act 5 scene 5
I wonder how my younger sister is doing, she’s probably all grown up now, I’m sure she’s beautiful as well, god forbid anyone like Edgar or worse gets to her like they got to me, she doesn’t deserve that. I probably won’t ever see her again (Slightly sniffles) but the memory of her my mother my father and my brothers will always be close. Unlike the rest of the girls, I enjoy America, it’s not like I really get to go out, but when I do I see bright lights the happier people like that beautiful boy I saw, i’d never forget him. When I’m back with the girls in the house I get upset again, they hate me, secretly they all hate each other. I can’t do this anymore I know stuff like this happens all over the world but it never crossed my mind that it would happen to me

Act 6 scene 6
Sex trafficking is something my team and I have being trying to stop since god knows when. It’s hard, we can only arrest them if they’re caught in the act. I know it’s going on all around New York, I don’t have some incrediable 6th sense that tells me if a girl walking down the street is selling herself, I’m just a new york street cop. They’re usually the foreign girls, the ones that look lost and sad, they look around them cautiously eye down rich men skip glances over poor ones. That’s how it works. Most of them look sickly thin, they look drugged up, if we see a girl like that usually we get our undercovers to go in and try to talk to them, get them to offer sex and we make the arrest. If it were up to me I wouldn’t arrest these girls, it’s not their choice, they didn’t choose this life (Shakes head)



Act 7 scene 7
They say that beauty fades but love will remain, how do you get love when you’re fat, slimy and girls only look at you to laugh, that’s right you don’t. I know what i’m doing is wrong and yes I could get arressted but these girls don’t know what they’re doing they make me feel special loved. One girl was absolutly beautiful. I couldn’t bring her home, with my kids. Honestly I couldn’t bring her anywhere, how embaressing would it be if I got aressted, telling my wife, my kids having to explain it to the men at work, nope nope never that.   so I brought her to some shitty apartment that a guy at the fish packaging market lives it smelled and she looked disgusted but she did her job and let me tell you she did it well.

Monologue Project

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)






3rd Quater Art Benchmark

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
Photo on 2011-04-07 at 21.07 #2

Photo on 2011-04-07 at 21.08 #3

Photo on 2011-04-07 at 21.08 #4
Photo on 2011-04-07 at 21.08 #4
Photo on 2011-04-07 at 21.08 #4

Art For Quarter 3

​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.
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
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Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
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Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
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Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM
Screen shot 2011-04-11 at 7.55.25 AM

Relapse After the Shot to My Pride

Marina Pyfrom

Science Leadership Academy
“Relapse After the Shot to My Pride”   

Relapse After the Shot to My Pride was at first a series of monologues that eventually molded together into a play. Nadia, the main character, has hit rock bottom after the death of her father. They were inseparable, their bond was like no other. She is not the only person who took his death, but the whole town is. Her father was a legend. He was the best soldier around, from his tactic ways to  strategic plans, he knew it all. He spoke, live, breathed war. His last words he uttered was "Keep her safe" referring to his beloved daughter. Will Nadia survive the storm or will she crumble? '

This suspenseful theater play can relate to all of us in some type away. Loosing a close one is tragic. It is sometimes so painful that you have the feeling you just want to get away from it all. My message too you hopefully you realize after watching my play is there always is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to manage to get through it.


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.


Act 1, Scene 1


    (Present Nadia standing at podium facing the audience)

PRESENT NADIA

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)

YOUNG NADIA

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.

NANDA

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

YOUNG NADIA

He would laugh then make this little girl voice saying

NANDA

Nadiaaaaaaa

YOUNG NADIA

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

NANDA

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

YOUNG NADIA

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.

Act 1, Scene 2


    (Lights back on at Present Nadia at the podium)

PRESENT NADIA


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)

YOUNG NADIA

Mom come play apple blast with me.

SIAN

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.)

YOUNG NADIA

Well me and daddy always play apple blast.

PRESENT NADIA

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)


SIAN

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

YOUNG NADIA

But that’s not fair.

SIAN

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!

YOUNG NADIA

Its no fun
    (Lights fade at Present Nadia appears)

PRESENT NADIA

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.)

Act 2, Scene 1

    
    (Battlefield setting, and loud noises)

KAMIL

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)

NANDA

Keep her safe.

KAMIL

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

NANDA

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


KAMIL

Noooooooooooo
    (Scene fades out with Kamil crying.)

Act 3, Scene 1

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

RAMEESHA

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.

KAMIL

Im trying babe, its just…

RAMEESHA

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.

KAMIL

That’s a good idea but I don’t know.

RAMEESHA

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.


KAMIL

I will forever and always love you.

    (lights fade out.)


Act 3, Scene 2

   
    (Rameesha in bedroom & Kamil in living room)

KAMIL

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?

RAMEESHA

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

KAMIL

Wow, you look amazing. Youuu readdy?

RAMEESHA

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

KAMIL

Good Lets Go!

    (Car noise & music lights flashing)

Act 3, Scene 3


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

SIAN

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)

Act 3, Scene 4


    (Light focused on Living room & Doorbell rings)

SIAN

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)

RAMEESHA

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.

KAMIL

Alright cool, I will check on Nadia.


Act 3, Scene 4

    (Light focus on Kitchen)

SIAN

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!

RAMEESHA

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.

RAMEESHA & SIAN

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

SIAN

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.

RAMEESHA

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)

Act 3, Scene 5

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

YOUNG NADIA

    (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.)

YOUNG NADIA

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”.)
   

Act 3, Scene 6

    (Room scene)

KAMIL

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.

YOUNG NADIA

Thank you, Uncle Kamil I really need that.

    (Black out, Present Nadia and podium appears)

PRESENT NADIA

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)

Act 3, Scene 7


YOUNG NADIA


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.

SIAN

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!

YOUNG NADIA

Ugh I hate you! Have a nice life Sian

Act 4, Scene 1

    (Sunrise setting, Rameesha in Nadia’s room)

RAMEESHA

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)

Act 4, Scene 2


NADIA

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.

RAMEESHA

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.

NADIA

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)

Act 4, Scene 3
       
PRESENT NADIA

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)

YOUNG NADIA

Anymore tea Mom?

SIAN

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.)

Act  4, Scene 4


    (Young Nadia& Sian playing apple blast off stage)

PRESENT NADIA


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)

KAMIL


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)

Act 5, Scene 1


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.)




A Heart to Mend

​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.

Act I, Scene II
ANGELINA

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

Angelina:
[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.


Act II, Scene I
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]

SUZAN
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.]

Act II, Scene II
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.]

ANGELINA
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?

Act II, Scene III
FLASHBACK

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]

JOHN
Take off your clothes right now!

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

JOHN
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.]

Act III, Scene I
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]

JOHN

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]

Act III, Scene II
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]

Act III, Scene III

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

ZURI

[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.

Act III, Scene IV

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.





God hates us

​In this project we had to create monologues to sent to philadelphia young play rights. My project was done on the Westboro Baptist Church. There teachings at that church is that god hates America and Fags ought to die. They have been on the news and they picket at the funerals of soldiers that died. So here is my play (series of monologues) on the Westboro Baptist Church. 



Characters:
Stan: Appears in scene one
Justin: Appears in scene one, scene two, and scene three.
Tiffany: Appears in scene two and four
Sarah: Appears in scene four


Act one scene one:

(two people talking simultaneously. Man (stan) on right child on left (justin). Man Starts)

Stan:

So that their poster on your wall that says “god hates fags,” what does that mean?
Justin:
What does this poster mean? It means god hates fags heh I mean it says it right there...
Stan:
Right I see, and how old are you exactly, like 15?
Justin:
Uhm no I am 16
Stan:
Wow so you are almost ready to go to college uhm, have you ever had a girl friend?
Justin
heh No of course I have never had a girlfriend. My only love is for god!
Stan
Well why is that? I mean I am sure there is some girl out there that would love to date you...
Justin
Why? Because He is all I need in my life I mean he brings me peace and and hope because I know someday that he will unleash his wrath on America and make all the damn fags pay for their sins
Stan
…. This sins talk, I mean because I am not married to my girlfriend and we have a child, have I committed a sin?  I mean like, Do I have to be married with someone in order to be able to conceive a child?  However, I feel like the question should be gauged towards you, would you ever get married?
Justin
No I don’t plan on getting married I am going to stand up for god and show all the fags that god will show his wrath on you if you don’t change your ways. And yes, what you are doing is a sin and is not going to make god almighty happy. If I were you I would forgive the lord for what you have done
Stan
Never marry? That is most peculiar. And I feel as a person just like me who loves another person with all my heart, but don’t exactly have enough money to get a marriage is not committing a sin. Perhaps god, is forgive-full for me conceiving a child without a proper wed
Justin
No see you are wrong, god only shall except those that fornicate after two are married. And even then it is only so that they can have god bring new life to this treacherous land. God has a plan though, God wants to show the US that his power is not to be trifled with and that his gift of birth is not to be taken advantage of. You see god has already began to show his wrath on the US because of you damn sinners
Stan
So perhaps you are saying that around the world, those who conceive do it for pleasure and are taking advantage over gods gift to the earth. Now would you say he is giving a deserves to us by giving us these terrorists? I mean if god is so great why give us these horrible people?
Justin
Terrorist? No no they are not the terrorist, its god. God is the terrorist and he is going to show the US that being a fag and committing all of these sins is wrong
Stan
 God? So, lets so you were in twin towers as they were destroyed because of the terrorist. How would you feel that god created something that has killed such a predecessor of gods law?  I know that if I was a person that upheld god’s law and enforced it I would be upset that god would have done that to me
Justin
No god would have wanted me to die, it would have been his wish and I mean 9/11, thank god! On that day god showed America that god is something to fear. The dead soldiers are all because of you people, you fags, committing your signs. That’s why we are out there at the funerals of the dead soldiers. That’s our message, to get people to obey god’s law. If you don’t follow god’s law there is only one think for you, straight to hell heh.
Stan
You seem to find this whole situation funny. The fact that these people are going to hell. How is that in any way something funny?
Justin
It is funny because I know that god will uphold his law and that he will send you to hell. So it is reassuring to me that all of my picketing and rioting
Stan
Ah I see, so going out to these funerals where people are in sorrow and have just lost a member of their family and yelling “thank god for dead troops,” “God hates fags,” and “god hates fags” is appropriate? Okay so this is what I have to say. I feel like you have secluded yourself from the world. My children are living successful lives and they will continue to. I am done asking you questions I think I found out enough information. I will send you an issue of the magazine when it is finished. Your article will be at the end.
Justin
Ya know what i am done with this. I can’t take you on top of me like this. Just leave me alone.
Stan
I apologize, i best be on my way now (exits)




                                                              

Act one scene two

(Women in her mid 30’s driving in Car and she drives by a picketing from the west boro baptist church. To the right there are people protesting that god hates America)

You should be ashamed of yourselves! (yelling out of car) (crowd of protesters yells back “you’re going to hell you whore” )
Yea well I’ll see you in hell too!
I am just appalled at the actions that this church is under going. No where did it ever say that god hates gay people no where. And to be standing on the corner and yell out that god hates fags and thank god for dead soldiers. I mean it is as if these people have no respect for people. They are ignorant. That’s what they are. They need to have a stern talking to by the city. There methods need to be banned. That poor kid doesn’t know what he is getting himself into. He must have been 5 years old and he was holding a sign saying “Thank God for 9/11.” He probably didn’t even know what that meant. Ya know what! I am going to go back and confront them. That kid shouldn't be there. No, no, (thinks) I will call child services. I will make sure that that kid gets to a safer home. (ring ring ring) Hello... Hi my name is Dorthy Ann and I just drove by Space and Thompson Ave and I noticed a picketing from the Westboro Baptist Church and I noticed a child that looked like he must have been 5.... Well no I just feel like the child is in danger of being harmed.... Well he could be harmed by some idiot that might shoot at them i don’t know!! I just feel like the child should not be there. …. Well fine by me sorry for bothering you (hang up) God damn stupid government. That poor child is going to get shot or something! I am turning around! (scene)




Act one scene three
(male in his teenage years pacing and panicking actor is Justin)  
I don’t know what to do (looks up and stops pacing), they will, they will. I don’t know what they will do (starts pacing again). I can’t let them know. If they were to know, then, then I will be exiled from the people I live with. I will be going against the words that I have so long protested against. I need to tell someone though. Who am I able to tell? Maybe I will tell my mother? No, no, I can’t do that. I know what I shall do. If I tell him then maybe he would understand. Gah, I don’t know where to start. How do I tell a man I am gay when all of my life I was against it. I was brought up thinking it was wrong and went as far as protesting to kill those who are gay. But maybe god can forgive me for being gay and revoke my sin. (walks over to the cross on the wall) Maybe god still does love me. I am going to tell brad, “Brad I need to tell you this because I feel like you understand me the best and so here it is, I’m gay.” Yes, I think of all people, brad would understand the most I mean he is after all my best friend and he doesn’t live at the church so he would understand. I am sure of it.       



Act one scene four
(recall female that drove by coming home from a long days rest)
Tiffany
Hey Sarah, can you grab me a sandwich?
Sarah
Do you want mayonnaise on it?
Tiffany
No mayonnaise please! (sits down in seat and turns on TV). Phew I haven’t sat down in so long. Long day at work, I think I am due in for some rest. Oh good god. (turns up the volume). That’s the westboro baptist church. Oh god I remember those days. I surely am glad I left that place I mean they are so full of hatred and ignorance that it is actually pretty sad. It is odd that none of them have been murdered by a drive by I mean i felt like trying to teach them a lesson after driving by them the other day.
Sarah
(Gives sandwich to Tiffany)  
Tiffany
Thanks Sarah (says to Sarah).
(says back to her self) I feel so free not being held in that threshold. Now I am able to be free about my sexuality and I live a happy life with my wife Sarah. I was a bird stuck in a cage there. I was trapped. Now I have knowledge beyond god and realize there is more to life then serving god. I also have realized what true love is. It comes in little packages like Sarah (looks back at Sarah).
  

The Connecting Hands of the World

Characters:
Abebe - the main character, she is an orphan and has aids. 
Afework - the lady working at Kids R the Now who helps Abebe 
Daniachew and Ayana - the kids of Mrs.Afework 
Dr. Geteye - the doctor that diginos Abebe with aids.

Laura - American Sponsor Lady, Mother of Timmy and Sara 

Act 1 Scence 1


 (Abebe is walking through the villages.)


ABEBE

 

(stomach grumbling)

Walking through the small village that separated me from the only place near for me to get food, I saw a family. I walk this same path day after day, and see the same things, but something struck me odd on this day. They were the best thing I have ever seen since that day. They reminded me so much of the life I use to have, my happy and easier days. It was the life.


            We were really happy. My mom worked in the fields all day and I helped her as much as I could. She tended the small bit of wheat that our family needed to get by and I would sit and talk to her. When the season of picking came, I would help her, we worked all day. It was hot and long, but it didn’t matter it was funny being with my mother. 

            I would carry two baskets of picked wheat into the shed and pile it up, and then run back to the field and pick up the next basket. I helped my mother make the baskets. She taught me so one day I could make them for when I had my own field to tend. 

            Every night at dinner, even though we had small bits of food, we still ate and we always sat at the table together. We talked and my father was amazing. He always told us stories from the day and was the funniest man I knew. 

            I never went a day without a smile. I remember them days. As I neared the last half a mile to stand in line for lunch the memories faded. the small yet so powerful bits of activities have stuck with me. I really do miss them days...

(the memories started to fade as the walk near its end. sigh and frown face)

 

                                                         Act 1 Scene 2

(The roof drips water, “drip drip drip” Abebe puts a bucket under the drid, takes a deep breath and begins to look for her blanket.)

ABEBE


 The roof still has that hole that leaks. It is slowly getting bigger as the mud that makes the roof slowly slides down the sides. My house is falling apart, it is nothing like it use to be. Father use to fix it. He would make sure as soon as a problem stuck, he didn’t use fix it, he made it so much better. I am lucky i have a home, i guess, but what help does this home offer me? It doesn’t have warmth, love or shelter. Mother use to sew my blanket back together all the time, but now it has two holes that i can fit both my hands through at a time. Under that blanket I was covered in warm and her love for me, now i don’t know where it went, i guess it disappeared along with her when she got that horrible cold.  

I’m so cold 

(starts to shake, curls up in a ball and wraps the blanket around her, rocks back and forth) 


Why not just sleep and live outside? At this point I don’t see the difference. The roof is disappearing as the mud slides, the floor, well what floor exactly, there isn’t any, just the ground same thing as what lies outside the walls. And the walls, oh boy, well they have holes just like the ceiling does. Father use to fix that to, the mud and mortar can no longer hold up and the strall is weak. I can’t fix them I’m barely ten, but they keep getting bigger. They are like windows, but Father said we didn’t need any windows they only showed weakness. I have 15 windows. 

(Stands frowns, feeling of when a parent is disappointed in child.)

This house is so bad I feel like it may just crash down. Father would be mad. I’m sorry. 

(looks shy.)  

I think I’m moving out and

(grabs a couple special things and starts packing her stuff in a sheet) living outside, for my own good and safety. (ties up the sheet and walks out the biggest hole used as the door way.) Father would agree. 


Act 1 Scence 3


          (Lady from “Kids R the Now. “ the sponor program in Ethopia She is at the dinner table with her family, talking about the day of work like the daily routine of her family.

 

(Ms. Afework and her kids, Daniachew and Ayana are eating at the dinner table.)

             MS. AFEWORK


Work, it was alright (pause) well as good as it could be.

Why, why do you guys think. The kids I see and the stories I hear from them they are horrific. Not a single one one them today didn’t make me wanna cry. (pause) but I can’t. do you know how hard it is to not cry.

I know, I know, I’m late I just couldn’t leave I had to finish up something, I couldn’t just pause it for tomorrow, you can’t pause some one's life. 

I didn’t think so, when you need to cry you need to cry, but I’m the only person these people have. I should be strong for them, that way I can help them, and encourage them to think of a brighter future. Do you understand?

I didn’t think so, it’s hard to understand the feels that both they and I have. 

Well alright I’ll give you an example.

(as the mom explains it the actions of the girl will happen on the other side of the stage, and the monologues will switch back and forth)

(Abebe is lying on the ground leaning on a big rock, cuddled in a ball in a big open space. It is night-time)

 

Act 1 Scence 4

 

 

 ABEBE


uhh, its so cold,

(teeth chattering)

I would be fine if only i cold get to sleep. Tomorrow it would be different I would go to bed earlier and I will be stronger. Now just to get to sleep to night. (long pause)

What’s that noise?

(Abebe - wide eyed, still, but alert as footsteps in a near distance get closer and shadows begin to appear. Lights on that half of the stage fade out)

 

 

AHHH! Help!

(Screams continue until lights are all the way out, stage is pitch black. A big still man figure is leaning over her)


(switch to other side of the stage)

(Ms,Afework looking at her kids, still at the dinner table )

Act 1 Scence 5

 

 

                                    MS. AFEWORK


So today as i was walking I came upon this one girl, she was cold and lying on the ground. She was in a little ball, shaking. Her clothes were ripped, like the pair of pants I made you throw away last week, do you remember? 

                                     (say it slowly, and pause after each sentence)



You do, now think worse. The rips were so thick, so wide. She was naked. She was bruised and bleeding. Her face was wet with tears. 

I walked over to her because as part of Kid R the Now it’s my job to help kids that are walking and doing tasks by themselves. I went to check to see if she had parents, a family. She has nothing. She is by herself.



                                (looks at her children’s faces)

That’s what I thought, what if you were alone, what if I died. Now do you understand my moods. 

(kids head kind of nod) 

As a mother and having my own family, its natural to put myself in the position of her mother or think about if they was one of you guys. I wouldn’t be able to bare it. 


Had enough? Well the story isn’t over, not even to worst part either. She flinched at any type of movement towards her. She was scared of me, me of all people. She didn’t want me to touch her and when i tried to touch her and clean her up, she screamed. Screamed thing like “no, don’t touch me, stop. Please stop.”

Her mind had been messed with, she couldn’t tell the different between hurt and help. She had been destroyed from the kid inside to the outside layer of skin. Can you guess what has happen to her? Do you know what she bared the night before?  

                             (confused faces from the kids)

I can’t even tell you what all happened, but what I do know is she was raped, she an eleven year old girl. She had been pinned out, taken advantage of, and stripped of her childhood last night. Now after it, you know what she was left with, she is honored of having this random men’s aids. This is why I am upset, I was with her when she found out, i was next to her and I was her shoulder to cry on. I was her only shoulder.  

So no i couldn’t just leave. She is a very smart girl. Her parents died from aids, and now she knows she has it, and she knows what she is destine to. She is destine to a shorter life and is destine to die the same way her parents did.

Can you understand that? This is what my daily work life is. Be thankful and stop complaining about me being late. Eat your dinner.  

(family resumes dinner, kids head down staring at their plates.)

Act 1 Scence 6

 


ABEBE

 

            (the camera guy walks away. Abebe, Talking to herself while looking down at herself)


Thank you. Thank you so much. This family I don’t even know, that doesn’t live anywhere near me and that don’t have a plan to met me wants to help me. What are they getting out of providing for me? A picture that i so dread taking? There has to be more, wouldn’t you think? But they have really made my life into something. I can still remember that horrible house and that horrible night (chills run up her back, she flinches) I never thought it would be possible for me to be here. Here, I have friends and a new family of people that love and care for me. A strong support system and no holes possible to fall through and back into my old habits. I’m sitting here, warm. In clothes that fit and that are new and still have color, with a tummy that is full and with feet that aren’t killing me. Just weeks, days ago I was cold, sitting outside unaware and scared for tomorrow. I have medical treatment now to help me with my aids and schooling to give me the most of live. They are helping me live with my aids so I can live long and make a life with my education to help me get there. 

              (looks up and sees pictures of other families on the wall)

I miss being a family, a real family. A family with a mother and father, a family that was blood. There is a special bond there that only people that share blood have. I can’t explain it but it’s there. (looks up at the picture, and lightly touches it with her finger) In some way this sponsor lady in America makes me, makes me angry yet weak. Yes she is helping me, which is great but is she just proving me that I cannot do it myself? Can I not take care for myself, because of this family, I no longer have a chance to prove myself. I just don’t know. I feel like she is telling me that I am not good enough for my own self. 

Don’t get me wrong I am grateful, but when is enough, enough i feel even more helpless now then before.

            (she sits back down, folded legs and fake smiles for a picture) 

               (under her breath)

I just don’t know anymore..

Act 1 Scence 7


             LAURA 

             (looking at the picture of the Ethiopian girl)

She is beautiful,

             (yelling in the living room)

everyone, Hun, kids, guys?

             (back at the picture)

Look at her she is great. She looks like her smile is getting brighter. And her body looks healthy. I’m glad I can help her in some kind of way. Look at them, Timmy and Sara they are the best and I love them with all my heart, I mean I gave birth to them; they are my babies. They are what make my day, I get up in the morning for them and everything I do is based around them. What would their life be like if they lived here alone and raised themselves? If I had such a disease like her mother did. What if I had Aids, the thought of it is just so hard,

             (shivers)

 knowing my husband had it or cheated on me and got it, and I unwillingly and unaware was exposed to it. It’s heart breaking to think I could of been there and to think I could have past it to my children if it was before I was born. 

            The thought of it all just mind boggling, I don’t even allow them to be home alone for longer then 2 hours nor do I let them use the stove. My children wouldn’t be able to do it, they live such a sheltered life. She is brave and though I have never met her I can tell she is incredibly smart, even before the school that I have paid for her to attend. Her perseverance is phenomenal. At the age 12 she is already a greatly mature adult, more of an adult then I could ever be. 

            I wonder if she gets to play like a kid, my kids biggest concerns are there toys and chocolate milk, not how they will eat or if they will eat that night. Even with I, i think about the things I have to do for the following day or clean the house, instead she thinks about is she going to be able to find somewhere to sleep. Someone else’s misfortune shouldn’t be what makes me realize how much I have and how much everyone hear in America is doing better compared to countries like Ethiopia. 

Her great long black hair,

             (looks at the picture)

 

so thick and well brushed, and her clothes so colorful and clean. Them beautiful big brown eyes are the focus of the picture, they tell so much of her feelings and I can’t figure out why but her eyes just automatically make me smile, its like forced upon. Her smile and her teeth look like they are being treated, it just makes me so happy that i have my own tooth brush, I never really thought about it before. Toothbrushes are so second nature to us here, but for her it’s is not at the top of the list. That what makes me so happy to send her money every month, she too should have what I have and what my family has. I’m so proud of my children, as proud as a mother could ever be. 

 

             (yelling in the living room)

Guys, are you coming, Timmy, Sara, Hun? Its dinner time, we are have spaghetti and meatballs and it’s getting cold!

 

             (exits stage)

Past Troubles

Act 1

Scene 1:

Stage Directions: A lady telling her story of escaping Tibet to an interviewer, who is doing a research about Tibetan and Chinese relationship because she was once told not to take any pictures and a group of soldiers snatched her necklace when she toured Tibet and just by curiosity she figured to research about the relationship.

When the whole thing happened, I was pregnant with my first son.

(tears filled up her eyes, but continues talking)

He was 7 months old and my stomach was huge. I had to wake up at 2 in the morning and leave with only the clothing I had on. I grabbed two pack of tsampa, which...  which is like a traditional food. (gives a hand gesture while explaining what tsampa is)

He was kicking much harder than usual too.

(touches her stomach, remembering how it felt... and face turns serious)

I tried to be calm and control but I couldn’t help but my anxiety, showing on my face. I could see my family members look at me strangely but they were too busy with the whole leaving the country situation. I heard my mom say we’re going to die but my dad refused saying we’re not going to die, we have to run away from this place without anyone noticing. I was getting more and more anxious. I passed by the Chinese neighborhood police station, I could see one of the police smoking but we all were so quiet, he didn’t even noticed us walking by in the dark. There were 7 of us including my coming baby, (touches her stomach)

my father, mother, sister, aunt, my grandfather & me. We saw couple other groups going too. We had no idea where we were going, kept on walking, walking and walking. (The interviewer widened his eyes making a wow face gesture but the lady continued saying what she was saying.) Yeah I did walk all the way from Tibet to India. It was trouble some but there was no way to get here. It was either die from Chinese government or escape and hopefully live. The other group that came with us had a little girl, she had worn a small soled shoe and she walked with us without one single complain. (face brightens) I was surprised to see such mature girl, she looked like she was around 8 or 9 year old. Later when we got here, She showed her feet, her toe was bleeding (points to one of her foot) and it had become huge. The shoe had a hole at the bottom. I couldn’t do anything but There was such hope and determination in her voice when she said it. I wondered how lucky her mother was to have such a child that thinks for herself that way. I hoped my coming daughter or son would become just like her and appreciate my love for them.





Act 2


A girl writing her journal while the things are happening outside her house.

I saw those soldiers with their guns marching through the neighborhood. My mom left to get some meat from her pay this morning and I had to baby-sit my siblings since I’m the oldest in my house. I tried to be calm and breathe. I told my siblings to hush so they won’t come to our house. I peeped through the ajar door, mom had forgotten to close the door and if I close right now, it’ll be too late. It’s old and rusty, it needs oil but I have no idea what oil you need to use and my mother doesn’t either. Wish father were still here to take care of the household. Mom is too busy being a housekeeper for a rich Chinese family when she has 5 children at home with no parental supervision, only me, a 14-year-old girl. She loves us though.(her face wanders around for a while.) She always brings one or two toys for us and starts telling us how sorry she is that we have to live such horrible lives because she didn't move to India when she had Penpa, my youngest little brother. She continues saying ‘I hope one day you all will become great people in life’ and leave the room crying. I’ve always loved her because i don’t consider it her fault.   (high pitched)  She was pregnant! How could she have ran away when she was pregnant and had four other children on her hands. I’ve heard stories that many Tibetans died on their trail to India. Like for example, my aunt, she was 7 month pregnant! (widens her eyes) I have no idea how she is anymore. She probably died on the trial with her first baby unborn. I feel lucky to be alive and I tell my siblings the same and that they are lucky to even have a mother to take care of us. (Dolma, 8 years old, younger than me, nudges me quietly) I quickly looked and saw one of the soldiers coming towards us. I hoped dear god please let him go away. Please! Please! Please! I don’t want them to take away any other of my family members. Luckily some other soldier called him and left, to the opposite door. Bang! Bang! Bang! I quickly covered my sibling’s eyes with my arms; my arms weren’t long enough to cover every one’s eyes. I prayed please! Don’t let my siblings become influenced by these men. I could hear the mummers of the soldiers something about the family’s mother being a part in the protest and how dare she get out alive. They marched right off with their arms loaded again. I closed the door and went to bed hoping mom would come faster and nothing bad happened to her on her way.





Act 3
Stage Direction: A 16 year old, Tibetan boy looking at a picture of his family when he was little and telling a story about him escaping from China to his favorite teacher.

We were all together and we were in the car. (Tears filled up his eyes) I loved my family. I had a brother and two loving parents. My father had woken my brother and I up early in the morning around 3 am. He said we had some special training to do or something like that. I thought it was a father to son thing so we left without bothering telling my mother where we were headed to. Dad had packed up 2 suit cases. I wondered what was in those suit cases but i never bothered to ask. I was too excited thinking what was going to happen early in the morning, father to son. My dad and brother sat on the front seat and I sat at the back by myself. I remember looking out the window and thinking what could possibly be a father to son thing at this kind of hour.

It was pitch dark, I couldn't see anything, what so ever. I kept on asking what we were doing but dad hushed me with his deep fatherly voice. I kept quiet till he said I love you both a lot and know that your parents will always loved you. My brother figured what was happening and started anticipating. He started saying I know what you are about to do, don’t do this to us, please! Don’t! I thought for a moment unsure of what was happening. Finally dad blurted out, we might be able to cross over the borders but he was pretty sure he wasn’t going to make it through. He handed us the suit cases and told us it was some food and clothes packed for us. He was 51 years old and I was 10 at the moment and my brother, 14. I remember him telling us we were continuing going on the trail to Nepal which will take about around a day or so and when we reach there, try to look for a lady named....... (Pauses trying to remember her name) I can’t remember her name right now but he said she’d help me go to a Tibetan school in northern India, a Tibetan school run by our his holiness the Dalai Lama’s sister. He said we’d be thankful for what our parents have planned for us. And I do now, I am grateful to receive such good education even without parent’s support, I still have a great future ahead of me. One day, I’ll go see my parents in Tibet and make them be proud of what I’ve accomplished. Hoping they’ll still be there when I get there.



Act 4

Stage Direction: An American female, bhuddhist tourist, who just got told not to take any pictures in an open spaced area by a soldier. She has a Dalai Lama’s picture as a necklace.
How ridiculous is this!? I was being told not to take picture of what I like!? I’ve never seen any country that didn’t allow me to take picture of nature. That was just ridiculous! I’ve been to every continent in this world and No, no one had ever told me I can’t take picture. These Chinese people get on my nerves! I swear they think they better than everybody! How can they do such things? I read an article online last week before I flew here to Tibet. I don’t know all that’s happened to Tibet but I know one thing, China has been ruling Tibet for about 50 years by now. I feel really sympathetic towards the Tibetans. A couple of days ago, a soldier was walking pass me and he kept on starting at my neck and I was wondering what he was staring at. I thought he was either staring at my “_ inappropriate ” part or my necklace. Another pompous soldier came by and they started mumbling something. He came right by me and snatched my necklace and told me that i couldn’t wear this particular necklace because it had a little portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Buddhism. That was actually a gift from my aunt because she’s a very religious woman. I decided to wear it for the tour because it was brand new and the chain looked gorgeous.



Act 5
Stage Direction:
I hear about Tibet’s invasion by Chinese government every single day. I’m just surprised how no other countries are doing anything about it. It’s such a sad thing we have to be a refugee here in India. The sadder part is that I have never even been to Tibet, my own country. There’s always a headline about a group of monks dead due to Chinese officers. I cannot understand how Tibetans still struggle to live in China even after all these brutal things have happened. My aunt and uncle are still in Tibet and I am worried sick about them. Couple weeks ago on the news, ten people were dead in Tibet because of Chinese soldiers and their face couldn’t be identified. My parents ran to the phone booth soon as they heard the news to call our uncles and aunties to make sure they were safe and alive. There was a whole line of other Tibetan refugees dying to get to the phone. It was like a small restaurant giving free food to the orphanage and the orphans excitedly eager to get the food and being in line but here, it wasn’t the excited face, it was more of Oh My Goodness, what if they’re dead? What am I going to do!? etc. We have done no harm to the Chinese government so why should we be the ones struggling. Tibetans have always been the kind and sincere ones to everyone. We don’t deserve this kind of cruelty.

Footsteps of Crushed Spirits

This play is a collection of monologues based on true untold stories. The location is in South Africa and the issue of AIDS is addressed throughout the play as one of the many issues. A community struggles to find hope within themselves, because of the many bad influences there are as a young teen. Things such as gangs and violence tend to overpower them. These monologues create suspense as to why people make the decisions that they do. Another important topic that these monologues address is human rights. It seems as if human rights have not been modified to fit the basic needs of society. That is expressed through the struggle to afford medicine for diseases (AIDS) and treatment to at least prevent the problem from increasing. Through it all, the main character, Bobby is faced with a dilemma. It becomes a test of his morals to figure out what he should do, considering he is only a teen. It is well known that teens are often perceived as not being able to make their own decisions. Will Bobby let common morals control his thoughts or take the initiative to take matters into his own hands? 
​​Characters
 
 
Kimberly Mae: A sweet girl from next door who faces many struggles as a rape victim.

Bobby: A young male who remains in school while he also faces struggles and falls in love with his long lost sister.

Grandma Mali: The guardian of Kimberly Mae, who raised her since her mother died.

Shaun: A young man who is a victim of gang violence. Shaun got himself into debt trouble to their leader, Terk.

Terk: A notorious leader of the Numbers Gang who has two children that he neglects to endorse his wealth.

Lady Sam: Known for being “The Crazy Lady” of the neighborhood with influential spiritual powers.

Barbara: A volunteer worker for at the Treatment Act Campaign that provides medicine for AIDS in places like Africa.



Act 1, Scene 1
 
BARBARA

(Writing on board for meeting. Chairs set up like a classroom writing on a board. Talking to self while taking off Red Jacket.)
I don’t know what to say to these people.
(Puts coat on back of chair and writes TAC in a large format on board and sighs deeply.)
I don’t understand why they chose me, of all people, to be a representative. They even gave me a fake name.
(Drops chalk angrily on ledge with a questioning voice.)
Who’s Barbara.
(Plays with nametag.)
Cheap old thing. They didn’t even have enough money to buy me a nametag with my real name on it.
(Pause. Guest knocking at the door.)
Who’s there?
(Sounds of approaching footsteps.)
Oh, hello there.
(Extends hand for shake but slowly pulls back hand in redemption. Forces a smile.)
My name is...
(Pause and looks down.)
Barbara.
(Smiles)
My last name? Conner. I am a representative for TAC, otherwise known as the Treatment Action Campaign.
(Plain Voice)
We work as a unit to help end AIDS here in Africa. We also work with other organizations on the side. We provide medicine, education and several other things to help protect the community.
(Pause and searches in desk for a pen.)
I’m sorry I cannot release confidential information.
(Pause and closes drawer.)
No, I do not know of a girl named Kim.
(Pause and puts on lotion from desk on hands.)
Oh wait, you mean Terk’s lost child. Sure, I know of her.
(Pause. Face begins to turn ashen. Sits down and types on computer.)
What do you mean she was raped?
(Pause with intense music.)
By whom?
(Pause and stops typing.)
You mean... from the Numbers Gang?
(Pause and fidgets with name tag.)
Are you sure that Shaun was the one who raped Kim?
(Deep sigh)
I’m sorry, I have to leave.
(In a pleading rush grabs coat from back of the chair.)
Please don’t tell anyone about this. Don’t release that to anyone Miss..
(Pause and nods head)
Miss Wright.
(Pause)
Can you do me a favor?
(Points outside in the direction of the windows.)
Go tell one of the officials that I have a family emergency.
(Runs out of room)
 
Act 1, Scene 2
 
SHAUN 

(Speaking to mirror)
Pull yourself together, Shaun.
(Deep sigh)
Maybe it’s the way I look that makes people suspicious. Maybe it’s just that.
(Pause and puts hand on sink.)
Yeah. If I stop looking so guilty, then
(Pointing to self.)
I can get a job. I didn’t mean to rape that little girl- but I know what would’ve happened if I didn’t. I feel bad that she may have HIV, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. I have one bottle of these medications left, and I’m not gonna waste it on some guilt. I figure,
(Pause while using hands as a demonstration.)
if I cut each pill into halves, I can have enough to last me until TAC gets back. Then again, if they find out what I did, they might hang me.
(Closes eyes for a brief moment and then stares at mirror again.)
That’s why I can’t go to the protest, because they might protest against me.
(Accidentally knocks mouth wash over and it spills on the floor.)
Damn! Now I have to clean this up. He gave this devil to me.
(Angrily speaking while using a towel to clean up mouth wash.)
He gave me this pain in the ass- and now I have to hide my blood from those who I love. This devil’s disease. I should give it to his entire family to see how it feels. I’m sick of him being the dominant one. I’m sick of being second best to him. Ever since that day he pushed me down, he’s always been on top. I was too much of a punk to fight back. I was taught to win by any means, but fighting wasn’t needed. But I’m gonna make sure he’s never on top again. I’ll kill him like how he mentally killed me as I did Kim. She lives in East London and we’re miles away just killing her softly. Terk raped me and made me rape Kim. I had no other option. He would have killed my entire family if I hadn’t.
(Sobs briefly and throws towel far while putting a hand on his forehead.)
Kim’s innocence is gone, my mind is gone. The Numbers Gang, I hate Terk for creating it. And through it all, he only gains. What did Terk lose? Nothing. So guess what? Now he’s gonna lose his life. If AIDS doesn’t kill him, then I will.
(Picks up broken glass, piece by piece, examining slowly. Fade out.)
 
Act 1, Scene 3
 
KIMBERLY MAE
 
(Sitting down behind a tree.)
“Kimberly Mae, where are you?”
(Laughs at herself.)
This woman keeps calling me, I swear that mother-
(Pause and change of facial expression.)
grandmother of mine has issues. I don’t want her to be my grandmother. She does a horrible job at it. Why would she tell the block of how I was raped? Now no one will talk to me, because they think I can’t handle myself like a lady. Grannie keeps stressing me out about when I have nose bleeds. I can’t help my nose bleeds. I don’t have anything. I don’t care what TAC or any of them people say. I don’t know why Grannie trusts them. I don’t know why I trust anybody.
(Picks at tree by peeling some chunks from it.)
So what she told the police about the guy who raped me? What are they going to do? They can’t give me any medication. They probably would be too afraid to see my blood.
(Shivers using hands while talking.)
I need to stay on my feet. As long I don’t run into Terk again. I know Terk had something to do with this. He thinks I don’t remember my Mother. That was back before he decided to join that gang. If it weren’t for the gang in the first place, then my Momma would still be here. The police never gave a damn about us. If the police did their job, maybe Momma and I would be happy. Them police people got too much praise. All they ever cares about is school. Always wanna be in the mix of making school less important for girls than for boys. That’s all they ever talk about is the danger of going to school, but never the dangers of living.
(Picks up pocket knife.)
Well maybe I should try to kill myself, so Grannie can stop worrying me about being a lady, and the world can go on living without me.
Act 2, Scene 1
 
BOBBY
 
(Tying shoe laces while preparing for school.)
(Mimicking his father.)
“You gotta go to school Bobby, ain’t no messin’ round with these fast girls.” All I hear. A hypocrite is what he is.
(Grips the laces harder as he ties them.)
All he does all day is hurt peoples. He act like I don’t see what he be doing.
(Puts on dog tag)
This piece of crap.
(Reads words on dog tag.)
“To Bobby: He who learns, teaches.”
(Thinks for a moment.)
Oh yea, well if that’s true, I hope he does a horrible job at teaching me. The only thing he’s taught me is how NOT to treat a woman. And the thinks I don’t see the medicine in the bathroom cabinet. Yea, it’s all there. Sometimes I wish he would die. But that would bring bad karma. I swear that’s the only thing that keeps me going. Karma and how it comes back around. I can’t wait till karma bites my dad in the ass. He deserves it. But I’ll never show my hatred for him. It would be too disrespectful. And that’s about the only good thing Terk has ever done for me. Is teach me to be respectful. I respectfully think he’s a piece of dirt on my life. I think I understand why Mom left now. Always hitting her.
(Tears up)
Momma, why didn’t you take me with you when you left? Or maybe he made you leave me. I don’t know for sure. But believe me when I say, I will find out.
(Looks at dog tag.)
I will find out.
( Puts on book bag and runs to school.)
 
Act 2, Scene 2
 
LADY SAM
 
(Speaking to a man covered in a long black cloak.)
I was sent by the lords of Africa to deliver the prophet's message. It is here where I was sent. This duty to fulfill.
(Gets down on one knee. Pulls out beaded bracelet.)
This bracelet, blessed upon the heavens gives me the power to control the positive energy within human beings. It will stem a vibe through anyone weak enough to put on the bracelet.
(Bows head)
Dear lords of our sanctuary, I here by wish that I can be the messenger in this journey. It is heard that Kimberly Mae was the chosen one. She shall wear this bracelet. Her gift is courage of self healing. Anyone else who wears this shall be punished in the name of bravery to kill through self destruction. The sins that are committed shall be considered most abrupt, dishonoring and foul. Thank you, my dear lords of nature.
(Sprinkles powder among bracelet)
Hither there shadows, off we go to the Bird's tree. 

Act 2, Scene 3
 
BOBBY
 
(Throwing pebbles along the river.)
(With excitement)
Oh, that was a nice one. I bet Kim couldn’t beat that for the world. I just wish she was here to see me do it. (Pause)
I hope she’s okay. I swear she was up to nothing but trouble since the start. Ever since that intruder.
(Picks up rock and thrusts it at a tree)
Damn fools. I can’t save her anymore. I can’t help her. I just, can’t. How does she expect me to support her as a friend, when she can’t even support herself as a person? She won’t even accept help from these nice people that come here. I don’t understand her. We used to be the best of friends.
(Picks up a second rock and holds in hand while talking calmly.)
I remember when we used to run home from school together, so the gangsters wouldn’t catch us. We used to have fun being on the brinks of danger and live without a care. Kim was fearless, and I loved her for that. She blended in perfectly with the guys. That’s why we could be best friends and everyone was cool with it. Now I barely even know her. I don’t know what’s gotten in her head or if this disease is taking over. I wanna find the guy that changed her. That took my best friend away from me.
(Throws rock along the river bank)
That guy took my best friend away from me and I don’t understand why. She never hurt nobody, but people always hurting her. I guess that’s the way of life sometimes. 

Act 2, Scene 4
 
KIMBERLY MAE
 
(Looks to the sky while sitting beneath a tree.)
What’s that?
(Plays in dirt and pulls out a bracelet.)
I like the way it looks.
(Shows it in the moon light and pulls sleeve over it. Pulls a nail filer from back pocket and files nails.)
“Momma, I don’t know where you are up there, but I’m sure you hear me screaming inside from down here. I know that you love me and didn’t want me to end up this way. But, I feel that there’s something I have to do. I hope you don’t hate me for it, but you don’t understand how Terk, my father, has changed. He’s an animal.
(Pause and throws nail filer far.)
I want him dead. I don’t care that he helped create me. This isn’t even my Dad anymore. When you married him, his name was Thomas Zinabe. Now he’s adopted the gang name Terk. And I hate Terk.
(Crying angrily while pulling grass out of the earth.)
I want him dead and below me. I want him to burn in hell. I hope that you protect me from this pain I will endure, but one thing’s for sure. I won’t allow him to rape another like his gang friend did me. There’s no excuse. The block knows of how that guy was raped, and then he came and raped me. It’s all Terk’s fault. He’s supposed to protect me.”
(Lays down on grass and falls asleep under tree.)
 
Act 3, Scene 1
 
BOBBY
 
(Playing checkers with father.)
Yeah Terk, there’s this girl I like. I mean, father. But anyway, she’s a really sweet girl. Where did I meet her?
(Eyebrows Raise)
At school of course. She sits next to me in Literature sometimes. The thing I really love about her is her laugh.
(Looks at Terk)
No, I'm not in love with her-
(Pause)
yet. She really fits in with the guys too. Not afraid of being herself. Then on top of that, she loves soccer just as much as I do. I don't know, Pa. I've never been in love before, but I wouldn't mind finding out. No, she's not a fast girl. Damn, I can't even have love for my best friend? Yeah, she's my best friend now. I just can't help it. She isn't like the other girls.
(Smiles)
I can't wipe the smile off of my face. She's amazing. Not just for her body either- though I wouldn't mind…
(Drifts off into thought)
But no, I wouldn't use her like that. She says she lost her Momma, and she lives with her Grannie. She refused to tell me about her father. Her skin is like mine, soft and caramel. Her eyes are almond shaped. Again, like mine. It's funny how people mistake her for my sister.
(Pause)
(With more excitement.)
Yeah! Really, they think we're related!
(Pause)
Her name? Oh, her name is Kim. Kimberly Mae, I think.
(Checkers board falls on ground.)
(Picks up pieces confusingly.)
 
Act 3, Scene 2
 
KIMBERLY MAE
 
(Examines body in mirror.)
(Grabs chest)
Yeah, remember when he grabbed you there? And held you down with all of his strength.
(Shivers)
That bloody bastard. Where ever he is, I hope he knows that revenge is coming. I know he a part of that Numbers Gang. He was speaking that crazy language to his friend. I saw him the other day and he pretended like he didn’t know me.
(Pause)
Little does he know, what goes around, comes around. So I won’t kill him, but he won’t break me down, just because he … did what he did to me. I have to learn to forgive him. I was waiting to get my virginity over and done with. So now, I don’t have to go through it again. No one else can take it from me, because it’s already gone. I was bound to get raped. Especially with a body like this.
(Turns head around to see lower back.)
(Faces the mirror again.)
My virginity is gone, and I like it that way. It didn’t happen in a horrible way either. Maybe it wasn’t rape and I was just asking for it the whole time. I mean, he wasn’t completely ugly or nasty, I just wasn’t interested. And he was sweet about it too. People normally slap you for resisting sex. But no, he didn’t hit my face. After a while I stopped resisting.
(Looks at bruises on neck.)
And these bruises will heal fast. I can just say I got hit during soccer practice, and then maybe everyone will forget about it. I hope Bobby doesn’t see the marks though, because then he’d ask questions. But I don’t want to tell him the truth. I’m supposed to meet his father tomorrow. But not with my body looking like this. Maybe if I stuff my bra a little bit, and wear a skirt, he will be distracted from my neck and focus more on my body.
(Looks at bruises one more time.)
This is gonna hurt...
(Puts an ice pack on neck and runs bath water.)
 
 
Act 4, Scene 1
 
TERK
 
(Looks through photographs on desk.)
Look officer, I don’t know nothing about no girl named Kim. I don’t care if your records say she’s my daughter. The hoe lived with her mama. Her mama dead, and no I ain’t kill her. I went on trial for that already. Anything else you want to interrogate me about?
(Pause. Feels on clothes in plastic bag.)
Look, I am not responsible for nobody else’s actions. I’m not a gang banger.
(Pause and looks at clothes.)
What you mean? I don’t know nothing bout no 666 on somebody clothing.
(Pause)
The numbers on my jacket? That say 555. My home address.
(Pause)
Look, I have a bad memory, I can’t be remembering where I live all the time. I have more important things to worry about.
(Short Pause)
What do you mean like what?  If you really was the Police, you would knows I have AIDS.
(Short Pause)
I had it as a child. My mother gave it to me. That’s why I don’t like women.
(Short Pause)
No, I’m not sexist, and I did not kill Kim.
(Long Pause)
Okay so? Yes, I had sexual relations with Kim’s mom, but that was years ago. And I ain’t the father of that bitch.
(Short Pause)
I’m sorry officer, I didn’t mean to swear. I just get so annoyed with women. All their dumb mistakes.
(Short Pause)
You wanna know my real name?
(Long Pause)
Terk.
(Short Pause)
Okay, so your records say different. Nobody calls me by my real name.
(Short Pause)
(Looks angrily at officer and stands up while slamming his fists on the desk.)
Don’t nobody call me Thomas Zinabe but my mother, and that’s how it’s gonna stay.
(Knocks table down.)
I don’t care if you’re a lady. Call me that again, and I’ll kill you.
(Spits in officer’s face and runs. Soon is shot by near by police man.)

Act 4, Scene 2
 
BOBBY
 
(Speaking to class.)
Hey everyone, most of you know me as Bobby.
(Nervously waves to class.)
I don’t know many of you that well, but the teacher insisted I read you this letter about what’s been going on in my life. She says everyone will do it eventually, but I’m the first to go. So here it is
(Clears throat and pulls folded note from back pocket.)
“Lately I’ve been contemplating what to do with my life. These past two months have been the hardest for me. (Pause)
And I know we all are in pain from Kim’s journey to heaven. I try to hold back tears, because she was my best friend, brother and like a girlfriend and
(Looks up at class.) … (Looks down at paper.)
she wouldn’t want me to cry. But the hardest part of it all was that she was gone before I could - say goodbye. Before I even rescue her from my own father, Terk. Turns out that was her father also. My dad let some guy in his gang rape my sister.
(Clenches fist)
So, I gave revenge to him and his friends. They took the beads I wear around my wrist. I call them a form of hope sometimes. That’s the only way I feel Kim here with me. I can barely look at myself in the mirror. I’m a monster who murdered my father.
(Long pause and licks lips.)
After the trial was over, I was found not guilty, and even if I was found guilty, I would feel no remorse. I don’t let people get by on things they shouldn’t. I’m alone now. I have no friends and everyone thinks I’m crazy. Well, I’m not. I’m just afraid.
(Pause)
Afraid that everyone will turn on me. No one even looks me in my face anymore. I thought I was a hero. I gave my own father punishment for something that would go unnoticed by the police. I thought I was making a difference.
(Pause)
But I realize now that I was just a coward. But I’m not alone. I’m sure some of you have problems in your life too.
(Long nervous pause. Swallows slowly and shakes a little.)
I don’t blame any of you if you are afraid of me. I haven’t been in school for a month, so I know that I have a lot of work to catch up on. I’m trying to keep my composure, but it’s hard when no one believes you. These beads never had power. I think it was me all along. These beads changed Kim for the better. I wish you guys could have seen how happy she was. I was in love with her. Her everything. But now she’s not here. It feels like no one is. I live alone, with no family. I had to make a hard decision. I felt that there would never be any justice for Kim. I did what I thought was right.
(Pause)
So my question to all of you is, what would you do if you were in my shoes?

Act 4, Scene 3
 
GRANDMA MALI
 
(Speaking to Rev. Paul.)
The lord done took my baby with him. I don’t know where to go anymore. The doctor’s people say she has AIDS or something. I don’t even know what that is! Rev. I done comes here for a blessing.
(Puts hand on Bible.)
Dear lord, I don’t knows what the future holds. But I know it’s all in your hands now. May those hands touch the lives of those in need of some care. We all need a shoulder to lean on, so let them grasp it. I know you with my grandbaby Kimberly Mae, and I’m doing my best to accept that you did the right thing, because you make no mistakes. It’s just a shame that she done gone so fast. She lit up my world. I loves her. Well I figure it’s going to be time for me to be with Kimberly soon. My heart giving out. Them people from TAC say it’s this disease called HIV, and they giving me all these medicines. I don’t know how to swallow pills. They injecting me with these needles that ain’t too clean. Just make the pain go away. Let the drought be over. I’m not asking of things I never seen before. I know you’re all mighty and powerful. Help Us. Help Africa. Help the World.
(Chokes and goes into seizure.)
(Falls to ground as Rev. tries to place her head on a soft pillow. Dies moments later.)
 
Act 4, Scene 5
 
LADY SAM
 
(Praying on knees)
Lords of the sanctuary, the lords of nature. I bring to your attention the news of the chosen one. Kimberly Mae is no longer here on earth. She is with the you Gods. Anyone else who wears this shall be punished in the name of bravery to kill through self destruction. The sins that are committed shall be considered most abrupt, dishonoring and foul. Yes, Bobby now wears the bracelet. But I beg of you, show mercy to the young lad. This crypt disease, AIDS. He might have it. Make the bracelet a blessing. Keep him alive. The boy’s a hero with a lost heart. He loved his own sister as a girlfriend. He didn’t know. No one told him that was his half sister. But he fell in love, and I feel bad for the poor boy. He didn’t mean to fall in love with her, it just happened. And she just happened to be his sister. The father is dead. Kim’s rapist is dead. Kimberly is dead. He’s all alone. Let the bracelet guide him and lead him to his home. To the Gods of Nature, and the Goddesses, I pray to you.
 
(Exit)
 

From Monologues To A Play

This series of monologues (now turned into more of a play form) tell a short story about the people of Zimbabwe when they were in a great time of need. The country was one a bit of a turn when the people started to lose their homes and get most of their money taking a way from them. At the time money was becoming less of a problem because the people that were left behind had to pay the hospital with food in order to survive and receive the type of care that is needed. The people of the land blamed Mugabe for their problems but his intentions are to clear his name.

Title: Footprints Aren’t The Only Thing Left Behind In Zimbabwe

By: Aja Wallace


Cast of Characters

  • Chenzira-An old man who is age 65 his name means born while traveling. Which happened when he was younger his mother had him in the back of an old truck while they were on their way to Kadoma then Chinhoyi. Ever since then his family stayed moving from place to place and took up same habits when got older even.
  • Robert Mugabe- Is the president of Zimbabwe, he is 87 years old.
  • Gamba- Is a 14 year-old boy his name means warrior. He has gone through a bit of things in his life but the Falling point of Zimbabwe was the biggest thing yet.
  • Dakarai-Dakarai is a 12-year-old girl and her name happens to be a boy name. The name is of that gender because she was the fifth child of her parents and is the only girl her. Dakarai’s parents came up with the names before she was born they told themselves they would keep the name even if she were a girl. She is now aware that her parents were not too happy with her birth so she takes her anger out on others.
  • Sheba -Is a 13-year-old girl who is an extra character for Dakarai’s part.

 

Setting

In Zimbabwe when Robert Mugabe was President. Starts off during the day and as time goes on different day occur.

 

Act 1 Scene 1

 (Curtains open: Day time Lights: Curtains open Chenzira downstage center, sitting on the dirt road watching the cars go by and counting them under his breath with small lip gestures and he moves his head up and down to match the cars going by. Speaking with slight sick tone. With a dusty dirty bag with Salted Groundnuts in it. With an open wound on his left leg between his calf and ankle, not covered.)

 

CHENZIRA

So um they left us, just left us to die. Not to live only to die......Then they want to take all da  money away.......Yea, they wanna make us pay in food. I know it sound crazy. Not even real. When I first heard it I thought they was jokin’.

(Gets excited and starts to cough then clears his throat deeply)  

They don’t even use it! They got that food lookin like a giant sand dune of unshelled nuts in dat hospital’s cavernous chapel. See they care more about the food their getting then the medical care of the people.

(Brings his left hand up to his waist then shakes it to all of the Syllables in the next sentence. Then brings both of his hands to his sides.)

They literally, are providing medical services for peanuts I still can’t even believe it.... So um now I’m sittin’ on the road left with no where to go and of course nuttin’ to eat, I’m so sick, that even if there was a job out there for me anywhere I can’t even work. To make things better I havta take this

(Holds up above his had with his right hand, a dusty dirty bag of Salted Groundnuts then puts it down.)

Little bit of food I do got to da hos-pital to save my life.

(Shouts with lots of anger)

What little life I got left! So for the idiot who said choosing food over money is stupid,...is stupid,.... was stupid, well you know what I mean.....

(Shakes his head kind of fast for three second, then walks to Left center stage and sits with his knees in his chest with the bag of nuts still clutched in his right hand.)

 

 (Coming from upstage right Dakarai, Gamba and Sheba are running down stage right then over to Chenzira and Dakarai kicks dirt on Chenzira.)

 

 (Chenzira stats breathing heavy while staring at the kids with a puppy dog eyed face. Then starts to move his mouth to pretend he is talking to himself while one fear falls out of his right eye. He lets that tear run and fall to it can’t be seen anymore then waits to see what the kids do next. He slows his breathing down and puts on a face of confidence.)

 (Dakarai, Gamba and Sheba approach him. Dakarai and Sheba start to laugh at him then two of them ran off to up stage right, turn around and look at Chenzira for two seconds then leave the stage. Gamba stays and pulls out a piece of cloth from his pocket with the two letters RM on the bottom right hand corner of it. Robert Mugabe’s cloth. He then gave it to Chenzira and walks down stage right when he gets their he puts the cloth in his right pocket and pats the pocket twice.)  

CHENZIRA

See those damn’in kids don’t even know, they won’t even stop for those areas dat don’t got functionin’ hospitals, the cholera epidemic got to those people. Just like when all that talk started about deporting undocumented Zimbabweans because of their working permits.

(Fanning his right hand to the air twice then puts it back down.)

Man I’ll tell ya…but that cholera the, killed more than 2,000. See they don’t even care. Tough luck isn’t even a way to put it.... No you can’t fool me to think everything is just gonna change over night because you tell me the US-based group called for the UN to take control of the health service. They just gonna make us poorer by tellin’ us to bring more peanuts to them. I know, you think how would I know but they seen everything fall apart. Yessss, they did nothin’. All they do is take, take, take and expect us to give, give, and give. The only gift we truly get is death from the sick and no food to eat. For those who family is nowhere to be found they just died of disease and if not they just go and do somethin’ crazy..... Yea there are a lot of people that need food, if you tryna be an aid, eleven million to be exact.

(Spoken very slowly)

We have no phone service and no electricity all we want is to live, but no they take the one gift we get from God.

(Stands up slowly as he is yelling with anger and hitting both his fist against his chest with a steady beat.)

Nobody care for me, nobody care for us. No-body. We just da Zimbabwean people, I know I see the looks on the faces. Everybody think cause I’m old I don’t know what I’m taking about but oh you damn well be-lieve I do.

(Deep laugh)

Hahahahaha cuz Robert is the one to blame...  

(Passes out and light goes out left stage center. As the lighters are going to upstage right waiting for Robert’s arrival, Chenzira gets up and walls off stage. Curtains close )

Act 1, Scene 2

 (Curtains open:Enters from upstage right, then walks down stage center and lights come on with an office setting with the sound of Laughing Dove birds in the background. Robert then starts speaking in a nervous tone and twitching his right hand by his side)

 

ROBERT MUGABE

For being the second president of Zimbabwe I know I am doin’...doing. A very good job. Not something everybody can just say. To rule against the white minority is a powerful thing. See, leaving people behind thing was only something that had to be done there was no other way. Any other way would have been the wrong way.

(Robert starts to sounds less nervous and the sound of the Laughing Doves stops in the background)

To fix everything to make it right we as a whole had to make everything the way it is suppose to be. I suppose you, want to know how the people felt, they were okay with it. They didn’t mind what was going on. While all of this is going on I’m living just fine. I happen to like, no I happen to love the life I live.

(Stops shaking his right hand then stats to shake the left hand. Then starts to look around as if he was being watched)

See when I went to prison I really think that gave me a different outlook on life and all the things it has to offer. I can have any and everything, everything I want in life and I’m just doing to take it, why because I have the right to do so. I have a nice house and I’m very happy so everybody else should be too.
(The lights go off upstage right, and Robert is walking off stage.)

 (Chenzira comes back on stage and walks to the center of the stage the lights start out dim on him then get lighter. When Chenzira gets to the center of the stage he sits there looking around. Then lays down with his head facing down)

Act 1, Scene 3

 (Sun Set Lights: Dakarai and Sheba are walking back and starting to mess with the old man. They start to stare at the old man to see if he moves because they think he’s dead staring in awe. DAKARAI starts to speak both Dakarai and Sheba are standing next to the Chenzira. The Dakarai starts to speak.)

 

DAKARAI  

He’s dead look at him jus’a lyin’ there. Ain’t doin’ nuttin. Look at dat fly on is leg, its about to eat his meat right out his leg! Hey lets poke him wit a stick and see if he bleeds more. Then again lets not we don’t wanna get what ever he done got. Yea that smart man disease. Thinkin’ he know everything, about everything. He don’t no much of nothin’. Nothin’ about nothin’. Ha! Ha! nothin’ about nothin’. Yup that’s what he knows. Betcha he didn’t know Sr. Wantsalot hahah…. Mugabe was trained as a teacher in a Roman Catholic school. Got peoples thinkin’ he into that religion stuff but don’t wanna help people in need. Religious man?...Praying for people?...Helping the people? Nope ! He sure ain’t help us. Ha! Ha! Us, dat man, nobody tat all. All he want it stuff dats gonna make him happy and take away the money everybody once used. Got us layin’ on dirt roads. Fightin’ of them skeetoes in the nights. And he up there…somewhere, somewhere nobody knows sleepin’ like a lil baby.

(Sheba echoes Dakarai and Sheba’s voice is a little louder then Dakarai’s)

Betcha, betcha,

(Dakarai speaks again, by herself)

Man don’t know, after he come from jail he wanted da white man farmland too. Aahahah yeaa, mama told me bout dat one. Taken the land from a white man don’t make you no bigger and better but he seem ta think so. Betcha he didn’t know, just betcha he didn’t know he da whole reason why nobody was gettin’......em-ployt, employ.....JOB!...ahahah yea.


(Both of the children exit out upstage left together and skip while they’re leaving. Curtains close.)

Act 2 Scene 1

 (Curtains open:Night Time Lights: Down stage right the lights come on and Robert enters the stage from the right wing and walk to upstage center and as he is walking there the light is coming to meet him at upstage center. Standing in his house all alone in front a window, the window is on the wall upstage center, with the glare of the moon shinning in his face. Staring out a window looking at the moon with a blank face. With a big mirror reflecting his face and torso to the audience.)

ROBERT MUGABE

Everybody who’s anybody think they all know me. Think they all have me figured out. I laugh at you all. You all get to thinking I don’t have a heart, Oh! but I do. I have loved and lost. I was married to Sally Hayfron and her kidney gave out before her heart was supposed to. Tough time for me almost reminds me of my childhood,

(Mild chuckle, then sighs)

Yea, my siblings and I always had the hope of growing up to become a nun. Mom was a passionately religious woman.

(Sigh)

Which brings me back to 1934,Michael,..... my brother, he was only fifteen, and he died,...

(Sigh)

Wasn’t easy at all the considering the fact my mother fell apart. His death was so traumatizing it’s freshly in my mind with vivid description. It was something that nobody, I mean nobody wants to go through....... Those dishes, cause of the enema Father O’Hea had to inject and. …those dishes, I remember the exact spot where they were with Michael’s pieces of intestines in them. All of this because...

(Two sniffs and starts to cry a little)

Nobody was willing to take him to the hospital for the proper care he was in need of..... They said no they can’t take him cause mom wasn’t home but dad wasn’t either but dad was never there...., never so mom was all we had. So everybody said no they couldn’t take him to the hospital because they would have had to cut him open there. All I wanted was my brother to live, but instead I got he gruesome memories of his body in bowls.... Yea I know it wasn’t even about me but because of that I’ve been scared ever since. Then I became the oldest and I had so much, so much stuff to help out with.

(Turns to the audience, yells and sniffles between every word)

It was so hard for me!

(Lights go off up stage center)

Scene 2

 (Next day, 6am Day Lights: Lights come on right stage center, Chenzira walks on stage from the left wing, with a bag in his right hand. He goes to right stage center and starts filling up a small holy bag, full of rocks. Moving at a steady paste. Then he starts to walk all around in circles and squatting every time he finds the rock he is looking for. Also looking up at the audience from time to time. Taking to himself with a slight mumble. The walks to down stage center.)

 (Walking out to down stage right and sits Indian style facing Chenzira and listening to him. Lights shinning on both Gamba and Chenzira)  

 

CHENZIRA

Haahah

(Sigh, then starts talking to Gamba)

Yea cuz’a I know what er’body don’t know but once I tell you, five minutes later you gonna be done said, cha knew it!

(Starts speaking fast)

And dat ain’t e-ben fair to me cuz then chu gonna be goin' round sayin’ dat old man crazy

(Starts speaking at a regular pace.)

..........But right now chu and nobody else don’t know nuttin when, I knowed it. So I hear some people talk about it... Yea those things we ain’t pose to mention.....

 (Gamba moves his mouth and frowns his eyebrows as if he is asking a question but no words come out of his mouth, just movement and Chenzira makes an annoyed tone)

Well uh I dunno why they mention them.

(Back to his regular voice.)

...Yea?...Yea. Them voices,

(Shaking his head as if he is agreeing with someone)

I hear them and they told me too. They told me about it,

(In a whisper, and squats down to Gamba)

Sssshhh. Now look’a hear just cause them voices be tellin’ me stuff don’t me you can go on tellin da whole world.

(Back to regular tone of voice and sits Indian style next to Gamba)

But you prolly gonna go on an do it anyways....ain’t chu boy?!....... They say about the death of Michael, Mugabe’s brother and how Mugabe became his mother favorite child when he was gone. Cause she done gone and went crazy.  So then she wanted the little ole shy child to become everything she wanted him to become. They say it was a lot for him to live up to since he was so sensitive and what not. Then they say he became a bookworm because he got teased when he was younger by his friends fo bein’ sucha mama’s boy. Cuz he was sucha mama’s boy he couldn’t even fight to keep dem books in his hand.....but everybody think cause I’m old I don’t know what I’m taking about but oh you damn well be-lieve haha, I do....Haahah

(Sigh).

What’s cho name mean boy? Cuz if you ain’t figure it out by now I can tell’ja what it mean....and uh before I forget don’t come round here lookin fo me no more........Cause I heard of some place up da road bouta, uh, 2,3,4..uh 3, 4 miles up the road on foot. So I’m gonna be goin dere to see what kinda stuff they got in store for us. Wanna see they gonna help us in this time of

(Puts hands up and makes air quotes for the word need, along with a slight grin)

“need”.....Yea, I know everybody sayin’ that place ain’t but no good. But,

(Mild chuckle)

Can’t be no worse then what we got here on them dirt roads over there. I be eatin’ dinner out the dargone trash can for god sake....I miss them good old days. When I had a house wasn’t what most people would like to have, but I called it home.
That place never done me wrong it was always there, everyday of the year. I ‘memeber one morning waking up and looking at the ceiling, it was warm the day, the cool breeze trickled down from my head to my toes. It was a sudden rush you get, like when you on the beach just relaxing. Then out of nowhere you get to fill that cool ocean breeze.....Yeaaa I know its nice itn’t it?... Yea, everybody say that, I know nobody can get enough of it...but that’s not important I have to go on now and get ta walkin’.

Scene 3

(Noon/Miday Lights: Speaking to the old man. Still sitting on the ground in Indian style.)

Huh?...My name?..my name is um....no ain’t no cat  got my tongue. Just nobody neva cared nuff to asked dats all. Cuz I’m all older and nice they just think im nothin’ but a big mamas’s boy.

(Trying to make eye contact with Chenzira but squinting because of the glare of the sun.)

GAMBA

Same thing they thought about Mugabe. Some lil mama’s boy who all soft and can’t do nothin’. But see I was doin’ something my name means well idunno but I’ll think of something if you ain’t tellin’ me, Well I’m 14 so that should make some difference in how people treat me but nope, it don’t not one bit. Come to think of it Mugabe was only four year younger then me when he had to be at his strongest. See he so set on doing big things and I know I can’t do big things.....How I know?.....Cuz I’ve tried the only

(Holds hands up and using air quotes when he says big thing)

“Big thing” I can do is take a crap. Wait nope, not even do that cause sometimes I cry to my mom, so I can’t even do that. See I can’t do nothin. Nothin at all......Oh,
(Spoken as if he is asking a question)
my name
(Spoken regular)
…..Gamba.
(Lights go off on them as they walk upstage left and exit stage out the left wing. Curtains close)

Act 3, Scene 1

 (Curtains open:Day 4pm Lights: Enters from right wing. Walks down to center stage, in a brightly lit office typing on the computer, sitting at a large desk. Talking out loud to himself as he gets his paper work done.)

ROBERT MUGABE

 

This work is always more everyday I step foot in this office, I finish one thing and bam! There’s another. Tryin’ to make so many deals and bargains. See and everybody really use to think I was a mama’s boy but look where it got me. It’s a funny thing.

(Turning his both his eyebrows in and down and putting his left hand on his chin with his below on the desk.)

To those of you that already know me, this will simply be a joyous refresher of your cherished memories of me. To those with the still unfulfilled desire to know me better, I welcome you to an intimate glimpse of Mugabe” See I went to jail for “subversive speech” and I only want the white mans land because I don’t trust them....Put me in jail. That was not even right.

(Lights go off of center stage. The desk is removed)

Act 3, Scene 2

(Enters from the left wing then runs to the center of the stage then falls to the ground on his knees, looking lost and looking around very fast. With big tears coming down his eyes)

GAMBA

Chenzira! Chenzira! Where?.....Where is Chenzira...Did they see the art of Mugabe and think he did it?... They saw that artwork that was insulting to him, but how could they think the Chenzira did it?..... There is no way they can blame him for such things. He just didn’t want to see these things happen to these people. He has lived on this land for so many years and to see it come to and end hurt him down to his heart....The people with the news cameras come around and see Chenzira talking about Mugabe and as soon as something is displayed they think he did it!....Wait I know where Chenzira went to the place

(Walks to down stage left then knocks on the door facing the left wing, talking to a pretend person who opens the door.)

Have you seen and old guy

(Holds up arms until he can’t reach anymore)

About, this tall, really old with a limp to his right leg, 5 gray patches on his head and shinny fake eye with a big black and purple scare going through it......Down the hall?.... What do you mean he’s suppose to be down the hall but you don’t know where he is…..okay okay Thank you, for the help you didn’t give.   

(Sun Set Lights: Walks around the stage, down stage right and down center throwing rocks. Then he moves to left stage center throwing the rock directly across from him to right stage center. He begins the sounds of the rock hitting the ground is not longer happening it is move of a thump sound. Gamba then walks over to right stage center and removes the covers thinking he has found Chenzira.)  

More covers, how nice, you told me you were going to be here it was like you lied to me for no reason, no reason at all. I was all worried about you, got thinkin’ somethin’ happened to you....Your not here!....Yes that’s sounds like the guy I was lookin’ for....well idunno where he is! That’s whyyy Ugghhhhhhh. Okay, well he said he was gonna be here, I can only go by what he tells me.....Well no, I dunno where you are,

(Spoken as if asking a question)

I guess he thought he couldn’t trust me.

(Sigh, speaking regular and his eyes start to water)

Yea, he must to have wanted to protect himself who wouldn’t in this world.

 (Mugabe walks into the room from the left wing, over to Gamba)

ROBERT MUGABE

Guess what, I heard you screaming about that old guy and I’m willing to help you look for him if you’re looking for help. Or should I say want my help...Yea, because I’ve heard dome not so nice things said about me and I have to start fixing thing around here and for starters lets make those watery eyes go away......Yea, have to fix this and I want to, so cry no longer and sorry I can’t wipe your tears with my initial   cloth but I seem to have lost it when I was on the go trying to take care of business. For a while I never a lost it and I didn’t even care now I want it back. My mom gave it to me when I was younger.

(Mugabe looks at Gamba waiting for his next move)

 (Spots and picks up a piece of paper on the ground with his eyes and opens it, then begins to reads in a whisper.)

GAMBA

 

Warrior, cuz...Ima...a warrior

(Speaks louder and waves the paper in the air)

A warrior

(Speaks in a regular tone again and puts the paper in his right pocket and pats the pocket twice.)

I’m a warrior Chenzira says, that’s what my name means.  


(Lights go off of Gamba and Mugabe and they wall to upstage right and exit out the right wing. Curtains close)

Act 3, Scene 3

 (Curtains open: Night Time Lights: Enters from the left wing. Walking to down stage right, with a drink in his right hand half drunk. Walking with a slight wobble. With another liquor bottle in his left pocket.)

CHENZIRA

Everything was not so easy I hate when people think life is always easy.

(Screaming to the night sky, with his left hand in a fist throwing it to the sky.)

You are all dummies.

(Talking to the audience as he walks down stage right and down stage left back and forth in a timely manner.)

I’ve been on top before and it was swweettt, man was it oh, so friggin’, sweet! But then came Mugabe taking everything from me.

(Drinks some of the liquor in his hand, lets it drip on his chin and doesn’t wipe it.)

We were neck and neck

(Big deep belch)

Then the crowd was quiet but then they just wouldn’t shut up cause Mugabe was talking so the kept a clappin’ and clappppiinnn’

(Screaming to the night sky)

Damn you all.

(Talking to the audience as he continues to walk down stage right and down stage left back, forth in a timely manner)

When I got up there they were quiet, ahaha or is it that I’m so drunk I can’t even remember what the crowd did from me ahaha but anyways. Yea there were all those, white, black, tan, orange and brown faces. Every last one of them was just there. Then

(Stops walking and sits down stage center on the corner of the stage so his feet dangle off the stage and starts talking to the bottle.)

That guy, don’t know who he was but he knew what he was talking about, wait no he didn’t

(Drinks from the bottle again, this time some falls out of his mouth on his chin and he wipes it with his left hand.)

Cause she, he said Mugabe was da new president. I tried to act like I don’t care but I did, but day just made me so made and he that guy who told everybody Mugabe was the president, he done lied to me. Told me he was my friend I found my new friend.

(With unsteady finger points at the bottle of liquor and shakes his head as if he is dizzy.)

Yea, yyooouuu. You never lefffft me, you were always there, you new I nnneeddedd chu. ‘Memeber that time we lost the house and I was drinkin’ you so I didn’t really care but then I neededdd more of you so I gave my clothes away to get more of you

(Smiles a big Kool-aid smile)

I had so much more of you, even doe in da morings you wasn’t always so nice. Then those jealous people was tryin to make me get rid of you, but

(Tears fall down his face and stats to yell)

I wasn’t about to do that!

(Speaks in slight drunk voice, no longer yelling)

I listened to your whispers so closely, ever so close....I ‘member those nightsss tossing and turning because I was sick and you were all I had. I needed you everyday and you were the only one that understood me. Like no utter. And I know why this happened he told them...Mugabe that’s who, told them, that I was a drunk but I didn’t

(Cries)

Need it everyday until I lost I just didn’t know what to do with myself. I was a screw up. Dats what me pa use to call me when I didn’t do things right all the time.

(Drinks the rest of the bottle then pulls out another bottle from his left pocket, opens it hold his head up and drinks it all, belches and pass out as the light fade away from him. He then rolls off stage but stays in front of down stage center and passes out.)

(Next day, Day Light: Gamba and Mugabe are walking and looking for Chenzira, outside. Mugabe walks to right stage center and stands there.)

GAMBA

Chenzira ! Chenzira!

CHENZIRA

Go home boy!

(Yells from off stage, while he is down stage center. Gamba then runs to up stage left and stands there to cry.)

CHENZIRA

I hear you boy cryin’ go home I’m not about to tell you one more gin.

 (Gamba then runs to the left wing to exit. A dumpster is pushed out to down stage right, the front part of the dumpster is cut off so the audience can see inside it. Chenzira then gets back on the stage and climbs into the dumpster but no light are on him. Curtains close)

Act 4, Scene 1

 (Curtains open: Lights come on down stage left: Mugabe walks to downstage left and starts to walk slightly back and forth.)

 

ROBERT MUGABE

Now I see how you think this is my fault all these things happening but it is not. So you know I want to clear my name to show you that I am not such a bad person..Yes

(Sigh)

I do have my ways just as much as the next man, and yes sometimes I might not think of other people from time to time if I’m trying to do something to benefit myself.

(A chair is put down stage left; he walks to it and sits down, and crosses his arms)

See where outside and I’m not so high up in class....... How do I know?...I-I just sat in this dirty chair with, only lord knows what’s at the bottom of it.

(Light goes off left stage off Mugabe. Curtains close)

 

Act 4, Scene 2

 (Curtains open:Right stage: Lights turn on Chenzira, sitting in black oil in an open dumpster with liquor bottles in both of his hands, one under both his arms, one under his neck, one between his knees and one between his feet. But he is talking to the one in his left hand)

 

CHENZIRA

You don’t even know the meaning of dirty and then if you went’a touching on something that was dirty you’d get the thinking you know what’s it’s like to not have everything all the time......Hahaha, yes that’s what I would tell Mugabe if I saw him...but I’m telling you..

(Slightly shakes the left hand)

I don’t want to be found. Well ain’t like nobody cares about me, well maybe Gamba but I didn’t even tell him what his name mean....and means warrior too.

(Sigh)

I never even told him…. Little man

(Sigh)

He jus keep on. He ain’t even give up on me, like everybody else did. Ain’t turn his head not once when he saw the dirt road was my home.... Being nice when those there other two kids wasn’t.

(Lights goes off down stage right off Chenzira)

 

Act 4, Scene 3

 (Lights come on down stage left on Mugabe, still sitting in the chair now talking to himself)

ROBERT MUGABE

Where are you were could you be, I told that little boy I would help find you. I’m sitting here saying little boy and I forgot to ask his name.

(Light goes off right stage off Mugabe)

Act 4, Scene 4

(Sun Set Lights: Lights turn on down stage right on Chenzira in the dumpster. Still talking to the bottle in his left hand whispers)

CHENZIRA

Warrior,

(Back to regular volume when talking)

That’s what his name means, I can’t get over it that I never got the chance to tell him.... but how could I forget I saw him everyday..., good kid, good kid.... So how would you help me, … us, the people of Zimbabwe...Or when are you going to start getting back some of the money? Or When you see these things does it remind you of your childhood?.....Yea

(Slightly shaking his head up and down)

Stuff like that I would ask Mugabe, if I saw him.

(Light goes off down stage right off Chenzira. Curtains close.)

 

Act 4, Scene 5

(Curtains open:Lights turn on down stage left on Mugabe who is now taking to the audience. While moving his hands as he talks)

ROBERT MUGABE

See I would help the people fix everything; I’m not such a bad guy. When I look at Zimbabwe now, it brings me back to my childhood with those hard tough days. All the things that were the hardest. I remember waking up feeling like I lost, lost what?...lost, lost like I was losing at life. Then I realized you only lost when you think you can’t win. So I put all that negative thinking aside....

(Talking/Yelling out to stage right)

See nobody, not a near single man or woman from Zimbabwe has to feel like they lost.

(Light goes off down stage left off Mugabe)

 

Act 4, Scene 6

 (Lights come on down stage right Talking/Yelling out to stage left)

CHENZIRA

 

So make me feel like I won.

(Chenzira stands up and all the bottle fall to the bottom of the dumpster. He reaches in his right pocket pulls out Mugabe’s cloth and throws it to down stage left. Then falls to the bottom of the dumpster and he stops breathing. The lights fade from Chenzira side of the stage as the dumpster is being taking away being pulled into the right wing to exit.)

(Mugabe stands up and spots the cloth, he picks it up holds it in both of his hands and outs it over his heart. Then the lights fade off of him, stage gets dark and he exits throw the left wing. Curtains close)

Act 5, Scene 1

 (Curtains open:Night Time lights with one big shinning starts: Gamba walks bout on stage entering from the left wing. He then starts walking slowly to down stage center. With Chenzira’s dusty dirty bag of Salted Groundnuts. Gamba is rubbing his thumb back and front on the top of the bag as he sighs and begins to open his mouth and is hesitant to speak. He sits on the ground, and then he slowly brings his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around them. Tilts his head to the right slightly frowns and exhales and looks up a the night sky.)

 

GAMBA
Whoa is that a star?...I think it is, I never saw one start in a night sky like that before until now.

(Gamba stops looking at the sky, then more stars appear in the sky, and Gamba gives a slight laugh under his breath)

It’s so beautiful, got that twinkle to it. Reminds me of the way my Zimbabwe use to be. My land, are land,

(Picks up some dirt in his left and lets if fall out)

This land. Now you have to fix it, we have to fix it and we will fix it. Let us not blame anybody for it now. We come together. I don’t wanna wake up with my face in the dirt of a blanket dat I don’t know who it belongs to. I want my home and I know you do too. My family live wit nothing now. And you think I want you to feel sorry for me, no. I want you to help us to find somewhere to live. My grandpa use to tell me stories and even though he use to drink too much I never gave up on him and now he’s gone but I saw that paper he wrote, had that crazy writin’ of his...it said you’re a warrior Gamba.

(Starts to cry a little)

Guessin’ he wrote it for me an left before he hand the chance to put it in my hand, but good think I found it right.

(Stops crying and sniffles three times.)

I didn’t know how he saw that in me. Then I look and I never stop thinkin’ no given up. Thesedirt roads need not have people on them in the night or the day. These roads

(Stands up and walks down stage right to down stage left as he speaks)

Are not for the feet of newborn babies or for the feet of my brothers and sisters or for the feet of the older. It is feet for

(Screams)

No one!

(Back to regular tone of speaking)

No one. So Mugabe and all da people of the land are goin’ to work together to fix this land no matter how long it takes. Give me food, give me life...Who am I you ask....

(He walks back to down stage center, stops and looks at the crowd, and pick up the dusty dirty bag of Salted Groundnuts and shakes it to every words he says in the last sentence.)

…..I am Gamba, so, Chenzira say, I...am...warrior.

(Puts head down as light fade out and turn off on the stage and curtains close.)

   

Act 3, Scene 3 Video of the character Chenzira played by Manna