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Posted by Marley Utzig in World History - Block on

Never shall I forget the start of all my shit, though it is not fair to blame him
Never shall I forget the scorn 
Never shall I forget the alcohol 
Never shall I forget the yelling, crying, and name calling
Never shall I forget the abandonment 
Never shall I forget those who were there for me 
Never shall I forget the liers
Never shall I forget the weed
Never shall I forget him, her, him, him, her, him, her, or her
Never shall I forget the friends I lost 
Never shall I forget the changes we all went through
Never shall I forget the friends I gained 
Never shall I forget those moments

History Journal #1

Posted by Chelsea Smith in World History - Block on

 Are your hands clean?

  When looking at my hands they do appear to look clean, but when you dig deep down and think about everything they have touched and everything they have been through, I can no longer say my hands are clean.  The song talks about how this lady buys a shirt at Sears and gets it on sale even though so much work and blood has been put into it. There are people over seas forced to work to make these shirts, barley getting paid and then their final products go to the store and they have the nerve to sell it cheap. It is degrading to the workers and everyone has a part in it, which makes out hands unclean. 

The Sales of Life

Posted by Ronald Jackson in World History - Block on

Characters
Sweetna
Chan (Sweetna's brother)
Bintu (Sweetna’s mother)
Jon (rapist)
Earl (Jon’s friend)
Lucy (Bintu’s friend)

  • Act #1- Scene 1:

(In the background, a radio says “Good Morning Afghanistan! It’s going to be a good one today.” Sweetna begins writing in her diary while laying in bed.)

Voice in Sweetna’s head as she writes

Dear Diary,

(The sun shines through the window and onto her face.)

While in bed, he asked me if I had a good sleep last night. I, Sweetna, had to answer his question in a polite manner. I didn’t want to get hurt. I told him that I did have a good sleep. Yet, my crotch burned from the previous hard usage. I knew that he was going to ask me for something to eat. I really didn’t want to feed him.
(She turned over and looked at him lying there for a few seconds. Then, she continues writing.)
After all, I “fed” him a lot of food last night.

Sweetna


“Hello Jon dear, would you like some eggs,” she said.

Jon


“Yes whore, get to it!”

(She got up and walked to the refrigerator. A plane passed by overhead. She cracked the eggs over a pan, turned the stove on, and began to cook them. She finished and handed Jon the eggs on a plate. He immediately left, slamming the door shut behind him. She walked back to her diary and continued writing. The voice inside her can be heard.)

Voice in Sweetna’s head as she writes


I had to relax a bit longer. A ten year old like myself needs plenty of sleep in order to grow. I asked him if I could sleep a bit longer. His response was not pleasant. So, I assured him that a sandwich would be made. The tears wanted to roll down my eyes.

(She gave a little twitch.)

But, I wouldn’t let them. I had to stay strong because he was the best caretaker I’d ever had. I got out of bed and walked over to the kitchen slowly, trying not to flex my genitals. It still really hurt. It felt like a cactus limb was stuck inside of me. Each step felt like an attempt to pull it out to no avail. I found it hard to believe what my mom told me when she gave me to him. She said me that my life would be better than ever. Maybe she meant that I would feel better in the future. Needless to say, I still believed her because she had my best interest at heart as any mother would.

(The scene ends with her closing the diary.)


  • Act #1- Scene 2:

(Jon the rapist is talking to his friend Earl while walking down an old road to work.)

Jon


“This girl is making me sick to my stomach! But, I have to settle for her. She’s the only “belly-warmer” that I’ve got. Not to mention, she was pretty good last night.”

(He gave a little smirk.)

“I still feel warm and happy. I can’t wait until tonight to go even faster. I like to hear her scream. Yes, I “love” my wife. That’s funny. To be honest, this “toy” is doing a fine job of pleasing me.”


Earl


(Earl chuckles.)

“Hey man, that’s a little harsh. I mean, that little girl is still a person.”

Jon


“Not really! If only she would clean up after my great performances. All that she does is sleep. I guess she’s trying to make me think that I take a lot out of her during the night. But, since I pay her with her life, she should at least do the chores for me.”

(He balls his hand in a fist and frowns.)

“Okay, if she wants to be lazy, I will just stop feeding her.”

Earl


“Whoa, you’re going too far man.”

Jon


“Whatever. But, I can’t let her die of hunger. I need the happiness and relaxation. This world is hard on a man. I need something to look forward to when I come in from work. Or maybe I can kill her and find another “toy”.

(He scratches his chin for a few seconds.)

Yeah, an even better toy that will actually take care of the house without me asking. I’m just as tired of punishing this whore for not doing her chores as she is from taking it. A hand itself needs a break from slapping. Oh well, I’ll give her another chance. As long as “it’s” satisfied, I’m satisfied.”

(The scene ends with Earl nodding his head and continuing walking with his friend to work. A look of regret is on his face.)


  • Act #1- Scene 3:

(Sweetna’s mother Bintu tells of her feelings towards her decision to give Sweetna away to her friend Lucy while sitting at home at the dinner table.)

(Sweetna’s half-brother Chan runs by. She watches until he is out of sight but says nothing to him.)

Bintu


“I really do miss little Sweetna,” she said. “Since my husband left us poor,

(She grasps her hand.)
I couldn’t afford to feed both her and her brother anymore.”

Lucy


“I understand.”

Bintu


“Why did he go? Why?”

(She began whimpering.)

Lucy


(Lucy nodded her head.)

“Let it all out dear.”

Bintu


“He took the easy way out and went to give himself a new life after learning that I was pregnant. That was such a rotten thing to do! I can’t believe that I was nice enough to send him pictures of his growing daughter. But, that will stop here!”

(She frowned.)

Lucy


“Yes honey, if that was me, I wouldn’t send him a thing,” said Lucy.

Bintu


“Anyway, I had to do what was best for my Chan.”

(She looked at the picture of her son that she had in front of her and smiled.)

“He is more valuable because he can work in the field and bring in more money. Yet, this could have been avoided had that man not left us. All that Sweetna could do was make more babies that we couldn’t take care of. Not to mention, selling her presented us with even more money. Yet, I still love her.”

(She rubbed her head.)

“She is my daughter. I think about her everyday. I wonder if she is being treated well in her new home. My mind says that this is not possible. It breaks my heart that this possibility could be true, especially after I promised her that her life would improve.”

Lucy


“Yes darling, but it will all get better in time, I know it.”

(She puts her hand on Binut’s are to reassure her.)

Bintu


“But, what could I do now? I don’t know where he has taken her. I can simply pray for the best and continue to raise my son.”

(The scene ends with Bintu putting her head down as Lucy nods.)


  • Act #1- Scene 4:

(Sweetna’s brother Chan writes in his journal while lying in bed.)

Voice in Chan’s head as he writes


Journal #24
I thought about my big sister Sweetna. I really do miss her.
“Why did she have to leave me?”

(He writes this phrase and then repeats it out loud.)

I thought that maybe I was the one with the problem. Was it because she didn’t like me? That hurts because I really did like her. No, I really did love her. I remember that we used to play games together. I used to love when I would win. And, even though she lost, she would always say “good job” to me. I remember her beautiful face.

(He looks up as if he was thinking of her.)

Chan


“I’ve never seen another girl with such a pretty smile,” he says out loud.

Voice in Chan’s head as he writes


I wish that I inherited her smiling muscles. Now for the cons, because she was not perfect. She did get on my nerves at times. Mommy loved her more than me and she knew it. I remember when she gave me and Sweetna the notebooks. Mine was plain and ugly, while my sister’s had many colors. She tried to act dumb, but I knew that her and mommy had a special relationship.

(A tear appeared in his eye.)

Every time that I would do something wrong, I would have to apologize, and she didn’t.

Chan


“Oh well, I don’t want to think about it anymore.”

Voice in Chan’s head as he writes


With all of that said, I still love her, wherever she is.

(The scene ends with Chan closing his journal and running towards the kitchen.)


  • Act #1- Scene 5:


(Sweetna writes in her diary while sitting under a tree at night.)

Voice in Sweena’s Head as she writes


Dear Diary,

I can’t take this lifestyle anymore. This is the second day since I’ve ran away from him. I am still in search of my mother.

(A smile stuck to her face for a few seconds. She continues writing with the voice in her mind being heard.)

Maybe she misses me just as much as I miss her.

(She looks at the moon for a few seconds.)

That thought is what pushes me to continue my journey. I can’t wait to show her how much I appreciate this diary. It was the last thing that she gave me before she took me to him. Anyway, after being with that man for two years, I don’t think that I could stand another.

(The bushes rattled as if an animal was in them.)

I was tired of getting beat up night after night. I am hopeful that my mom will accept me. If she does then I can continue with my life and be reunited with my friends and family. I can’t wait to see my little brother. We have been apart for so long that I finally realized how much I loved him. I would love another day of his seven-year-old habits, like copying off of me.

(She gives a little chuckle and suddenly shows signs of fear. Something sounds like it’s moving through the grass, but she just ignores it.)

Oh, but I hope that he isn’t trying to find me.

Sweetna


“If he hurts me when I don’t do anything wrong, I can only imagine what he will do if he catches me.”

(She slams the book closed and starts to run to the nearest road. Standing in the road is Jon with a riffle. She blinks her eyes twice to check whether or not she is imagining. She is not.)

Jon


“I knew that I’d find you, get over here bitch,” he says.

(Sweetna begins running down the road, towards a human walking in the opposite direction. When closer, she notices that it is Earl. He grabs her.)

Earl


“Are you alright,” he said.

Sweetna


“No, he’s trying to get me! Oh no!”

(Jon caught up and pointed the gun, he shot Sweetna twice in the chest. She gives a spine-tingling scream and fall to the ground. Earl looked at him in amazement. A police vehicle approaches in the background. Instinctively, Jon runs in the opposite direction.)

(Earl screams to him as he runs away.)

Earl


“Why did you do this man!”

(He goes down and hugs the body Sweetna. He stares at her.)

“He killed my daughter,” he said. “Why did I let her go, why?”

(The scene ends with Earl crying over her.)

The Rising By: Keiasha Lumpkins

Posted by Keisha Lumpkins in World History - Block on

(Characters)
Marcela: Main character, who lives in Rio De Janeiro and wants to be a singer in America
Maria: Marcela’s mother
Matheus: Marcela’s anoying little brother
Apartment man: Neighbor in the families new apartment
Lena: Maria’s friend


(Background): A young girl name Marcela. She is lives in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, with her mother Maria-Antonia, her little sister, Margareth, and her little brother, Matheus, who is named after their father. She lived in Rio De Janeiro all her life. She is of Brazilian and African-American Decent. She considered Afro- Brazilian. Living in Rio De Janeiro and not having a lot, her mother struggles to make a better life for her three children. It is really Dangerous in Rio De Janeiro. Many shootings and drug trades happened especially where Marcela lives. She live in the Favelas (Slums) Marcela has a gift. She has a wonderful voice, but her mother doesn’t approve of her wanting to be a singer. Marcela belives if she gets to be a singer, her mother and her siblings will have a better life. They move to America, where Marcela tries out for this Competition called “Got What it takes?” But before they get there, they have to get throught living in Rio De Jeneiro. She ends up winning the Contest, and her family lives changed for the better.

Act 1: Scene 1

As I heard yelling from my cracked opened door, I peeked out of it and seen her, the silence in our room, only thing i could hear is her asking for a “few more days”. I was only 6,  and I knew something wasn’t right. Only time when she asked for “a few more days” is the man came with his clipboard, his black pen, and his pliers. Will he really do it this time? That thought always came through my head when he came. I always was afraid of it happening every time. As I heard her plead, and scream and yell “please I have three kids, they can’t sleep with out light, we won’t be able to see anything. Please for my kids!” I could hear how she felt in her voice. Her tears falling down her face, with my tears following right after. The only thing he could say was, “I’m only doing my job.” I heard that about a million times. I knew my little brother and sister wanted to see what was going on. The three of us looked out the door, aware that something was wrong. The only thing we can do is sit there and watch him walking towards the door, she constantly held on to him and tried to take his pliers out his hand. I knew that this time, was for real. He was going to do it. He walked out the door as my mom yells through it. “Please!................Please!.” I can see her crying, on her knees praying to God, as my little brother and sister, and I watched her in the darkness of the room. That was 2 years ago.

Act 1: Scene 2

Its so early in the morning. I hate getting up and cleaning the house.(Marcela puts on her one pair of shoes) But I do this for mama, she gets up so early for work, she really doesn’t have time to clean, or cook anything, So i make sure mama work is done, But let me go make sure she is ok. I know that she is really tired. I’m glad that they gave her a day off because she has been working non stop. I am surprise she got a day off today. This waking up 3 hours earlier than I usually do for school is too much. Why do my school have to be 1 hour away from my house? And on top of that I have to walk there! Well its safer than catching a cab, train, or bus. I wouldn’t want to get car jacked, blown up on the train, or a stick up on the bus by some dumb idiot. Let me go cook for my little Margereth and Matheus. I am sure my mama is going to want something on her stomach, haven’t seen her eat that much lately either. (After Marcela clothes is on, and book bag is set, she walks in the kitchen and makes some oatmeal, that usually last the whole day) Finally done. Well I am going to go check on Margereth, and Matheus, and Mama, just to make sure they are sound asleep. (Peaks through three rooms) Time for me to leave. Let me hurry so no one will see me walking outside, and try to attack me like they almost tried last week. (She exits while throwing her book bag over her shoulders).


Act 1: Scene 3

(Marcela mother, Maria, is at work, and is talking to her friend (Lena) that works at her Job with her. She works at a factory making and sewing clothes. They are on their 6 minute lunch break and her mother is talking to Lena about what she should do about her living style because she can’t keep on living like this).

(Maria and Lena talk and walk while walking to the table to eat their lunch) Ah Lena i don’t know what to do anymore. (pulls out her bowl of oatmeal the same one that Marcela made that morning). Don’t tell Marcela this, but everyday I look at her face, and I see how she feels. I know she wants to cry inside, but she has to stay strong for Mathues, and Margereth. I don’t want none of my children growing up, and then having kids, and living in the same condition as we are living now. I hate seeing my little girl with her head down, looking like this is her fault. I know she feels like that. I hate seeing all my children like that. I remember when I told their dad that i was pregnant with Margereth. I shouldn’t have told him that, or atleast I should have pretended like I didn’t know I was pregnant. Don’t get me wrong I love my ilttle “menina”. Her curious but is always getting into something. But i knew there dad,  He just couldn’t keep having kids. He said it was too much to take care of three kids. He had a plan for Mathues and Marcela and I. But when Margereth came along he said that he just couldn’t keep putting what he wanted to do on hold everytime a “New Trouble” comes along. Then he left right after she was born. (She takes a scoop of oatmeal and looks at it) You know, Marcela made this oatmeal. She makes it every morning for Matheus, and Margereth. Well at least I think she does. I know she has to get up about 3 hours early every morning. She is a little “mim”. (Starts to tear up) I can’t let her be that though. I want her to be a better me. I know that Marcela has a gift, I just hope that it is a gift that is worth it and wont give her no down falls. “Deus me ajude” (Lena pats Maria back and tells her encouraging words) I have to stay strong for my “criancas”. Where we are living, is not a good place for them. What will I for school when the younger two can go to school, what will I do when Marcela wants to go to “college”. I don’t know, but what ever the answer is, i pray to Dues that it will come fast. (Bell Rings for lunch time over).



Act 1: Scene 4

(Marcela is at school, and she is sitting in class. They had to write about themselves and what they wanted to do in their life, but forgets all about it because she had to cook for her little brother and sister. Her teacher tells her to stands up and do it earlier. Marcela goes to one of the good schools, in the richer, and better places in Rio De Jeneiro.  She doesn’t have alot of things like the other kids, she tends to get picked on. In this scene you will see Marcela talking about what she wants to do, and see how the kids react to it).

(Kids walk in the class room and sits down with there written papers on there desk)
I do not have my paper. (stands up with her head down) I don’t have my paper. (Kids laugh) I forgot all about it. I had alot of other things to do. (Teacher tells Marcela to do her recite it orally). Hi, my name is Marcela Scott. My last name comes from my dad who is black. He is from America. He left my mother and my little siblings after my sister was born. My mother works at a factory, and I have a little brother and sister, Margareth and Matheus. I live on the other side of Rio De Jeneiro. I walk to school everyday. I share a room with my little brother and sister. Our home is really small. My mother never has time to cook, clean, or even get us dress so I do all of those things. I get up early every morning. About 3 hours than I usually do (the kids and teacher yawns). When I get older, I want to be a famous singer (the kids and teacher chuckle) a-and see all the wonderful things the world has. I want people to sing my songs. I have so many American magazines, books, and on the radio I here them sing. When I was little before my dad left us, he said that he wants to go back to America. He told me that America has a place called “Hollywood”. (she moves away from her desk and walks to the front) Some where, people go to get there dreams crushed or made. Soon I want to go to “Hollywood”. It sounds so wonderful. I am sure it is paradise. America, America, come take me with you. I want make myself proud, especially my mama. Sometimes i don’t think that she wants me to be a singer. I heard her one day saying that “these “singers” go to the top and they just fall like that” but i am not going to fall at all. I am going to the top. I will get to America soon. (Pauses and look around) Thats is my life, and what I want to do when I get older. (Goes to her seat, and the kids laugh and make smart comments). I’m so glad today is friday.

Act 1: Scene 5

Marcele little sister ask Marcele to do her hair, and comb it. They are sitting in their room and Margareth is talking to Marcela.

(Margareth walks in the room and ask Marcela to comb her hair like she always do) Cela can you comb my hair please? (Marcela looks at her) Please Cela? Yay! Cela I like when you comb my hair. Its like when I was a baby I remember you would rub my hair when I was little and would hum some song. Can you hum that song Cela? (Marcela starts to hum a song). Yea that song. That song made me fall asleep all the time. OUCH! Cela that hurt. (Margereth rubs her head) Marcela when I get older I want to live in America. I heard you reading something about America. It was like a wonderland. When I live in America I want to sing and hum like you Cela. (Margereth starts to yawn) Then I could meet ummm Barney. I seen him on t... (Margereth falls alseep and Marcela takes her to bed)

Marcela just came home after a horrible day at school. She always being talked about from the kids at the school. Especially Lina, who is one of the prettiest, meanest girls in the school. She always talks about Marcela.

(Marcela runs in her room on the bed, crying) “ Why do they tease me? They have no idea what the hell I go through, or come from. Why me? Its not fair. I’m not the same as all the other kids. They all have everything. There hair is done a certain way, all their shoes are different everyday! (she sniffs and wipes her eyes) Then there’s me. The girl who hair has the same style, the same shoes, and the same backpack. All them kids got to be rich or something. But why they have all the riches, and things they want. They aren’t nice at all. And Lina. She is so beautiful, she has to be rich, or have a lot of money. I have no room to compete with that. She was right, I am nothing but a girl who has nothing but a pretty face. (She kicks off her shoes)

Act 1: Sence 6

Matheus run in the kitchen from Marcela. He broke her necklace. He wasn’t suppose to be in he room. He runs into the kitchen from her room and falls on all these papers.

Leave my alone Cela! Mami! Mami! Cela tryna hit me! (Matheus falls into papers) What are these? Words? I seen these shapes before. I think they are called music notes. (Matheus starts to hum the words) I like this song. It sounds like I heard it before. Where have I heard this?

Act 1: Scene 7

Marcela is walking down in the market area of the Rio De Jeniro. She is humming the same song. This time she is humming it a little louder. She sees these shoes that she always wanted. She know that she can’t afford them but admires them from out the glass.

Those shoes. I wish I could have them. (She pushes her face toward the glass) If only I could get them shoes. No one would tease me and people would think that I am rich. Especially when I go to school the kids will not tease me or nothing. If people just knew how my life was, they would understand and leave me alone. (she moves away from the glass window and looks at her shoes) When I go to America I am going to have them shoes because I am going to be a singer, and everyone will know me in America and here in Rio De Janeiro. This dangerous place where people are always going to get hurt. Nothing good comes out of this place but guns a violence. I at least want to be someone that comes from this bad place where people from here cab be proud and love where they come from. (starts to hum and walk down the street) My mom never wants me to sing. I know that she doesn’t but I believe that it will pay off. She seen all those singers that made it on TV and everyone loves them. She must think people wont like me. Everyone isn’t going to like you but you have to accept that. I think I am going to tell her that that’s what I want to do. (walks off , eventually off the stage)

Act 1: Scene 8

Marcela mom Job is moving from her home. She works at a factory that makes chips. She really likes to desing clothes. In Rio De Jinero, she made alot of her old friends, and family clothes. She doesn’t know what to do now. She is praying to God now after she got home from work.

Ohkay God, what did I do. Sometimes i do not know what to do. It gets harder and harder.  I do not no what to do. I have no work, no money, and maybe no home. My kids need some clothes, food, and shoes. I do the right thing, yes I do God. I know how hard this is for me, but what about Marecela, she is 15, and seen more tears then anyone. And my younger kids, my two babies, I do not want them to keep growing up and seeing this. I think the best thing to do is to move kac to Rio De Janeiro God. It may not be the best, but anyone can get work down there God. Just show me the way, the right way, because to me, Rio De Jeneiro is the way. How can my job move to America? Whats good up there?....(she pauses for a minute sniffs, and looks up) Amen.

Act 1: Scene 9

Marcela is packing her stuff up because he mom Job is moving to America. She is sad but is happy at the same time because she always wanted to go to America. Now she can shine and sing.

(Light on Marcela as she starts humming the same song just a little louder for the whole scene for 45 seconds) Light goes dim

Act 1: Scene 10

Marcela is walking to her new building where she lives at in America and starts actually singing the song she always used to hum in Rio De Janerio. When a man hears her singing in the stair way.

(Marcela is walking up the steps and singing her song, and the man hears her) You have a beautiful voice Ms. You should try out for this talent show. You win 10,000 and get a chance to get on TV and perform in a bunch of crowds. Do you understand what I am saying? (Marcela nods her head and the man gives her this card) You must go to this place right here. They will give you a number and you have to wait until your turn. It is going to be broadcast all on Tv. Everyone is going to be watching in America. Please make sure your mom signs this paper. You have a beautiful voice and I think people will enjoy your singin. (The man leaves)

Act 1: Scene 11:

Marcela tells her mom about the singing contest but her mom will not approve.

No! You will not sing. What will singing get you? No where! I came hear to work and that is it! No one makes it as this “Singer” you are here to go to school get your education. If I hear of this singing situation again that will be it. You can not go to this thing. Now please help me with the bags. I have to do a lot and get up in the morning for work and you have to take your little brother and sisters to school. Go get washed and go to bed. Throw this paper in the trash. (Marcela waits for her mom to leave to sign the paper on her own)

Act 12: Scene 12

The next day Marcela mom finds the note that Marcela wrote to her in the morning about her going to the singing concert.

(Marcela mom looks at the note and reads it) Mami I am sorry. You have to know that this is what I want to do. Please don’t be mad. I am going to be a singer and everyone in America is going to love me. You must know that I want you to be here to see me. I wrote the Address on the bottom on this paper. They are going to help me become famous. I love you mom.

Act 13: Scene 13

(Marcela mom goes to the singing concert and watches Marcela sing. While Marcela wears the shoes she saw that she always wanted.)




Blood by the River: the love of my father

Posted by Madeline Walls in World History - Block on

Written by Madeline Walls Characters Daneila: an ex soldier Alfonso Reyes: a commander of a rebel army Eduardo: father of Daniela Miguel: a Colombian child soldier Diego: a member of the Colombia army Maria: mother of Miguel Antonio: a future solider Anna: a eight year old lost because war and greed Love (Man standing over a young girl who is cooking a meal) Daneila Hola papa Como estas Eduardo: How am I! Look at you; you are nothing but an unloved puta. Not even your little brother loves you anymore. Why are you still here you should just leave before you cause any more damage. I thought I loved you once but I was blinded by my love for your mother. Your nothing like her, she would never be such a little spoiled bitch. That’s right that is what I think, hell what I know about you. You’re a bitch, a dumb angry bitch that needs to get out of this house now. You don’t know how to love that’s why your mother died. You’re nothing, to common to be considered worthy of living in my house. Your dead to me so get out. I am no longer your father and I will never love you. Daneila (Defeated) But papa I love you. What did I do wrong I’m so sorry. (Eduard slaps his daughter in the face) Eduardo You don’t love me. You cant love, you never have your heartless, worthless, just trash. I said to leave so you better go before my hand rises again and you wish you had died with your mother. (Daniela runs off scene ends) A chance (A young girl sits on the stage with torn cloths and dirt everywhere. her face wears adult struggles and it looks as the all the weight of the world are weighing down on her.) Daniela: Sir please can you spare just a little. Please sir I just want to eat tonight please... Oh hello sir please can you spare anything I really.... What you want me to come live with you but where... Look sir please don’t hurt me I don’t understand want you want from me. If it’s my body sir I can’t give it to you. I don’t you to hurt me... Yes sir I do love my country. I love it cause it is my home sir. But what does that have to do with this... You would give me food cloths and a bed. All I have to join your group... So I can show my love to my country and have a home. What will I have to do... I have to fight for the rebel army... I promised my mom that I never would. That would hurt her so much I just don’t know... You really think it would make her proud... Well okay I guess I’ll try it. Fear (A Colombian soldier stares his children captors in the eyes pleading for his life.) Diego: Please son look at me look I’m a person just like you. You can set me free you don’t have to listen to them. I can help you I can bring you all home to your mothers I can... You know I have a mother too who loves me we can all go home to our mothers together. Me, you, your friends here we can shot them and run. Run right back to our lives we don’t have to stay here anymore. You don’t have to shot me... What no please don’t point that at me please don’t do this? I’m sure your a very smart boy which means you know this is a bad idea that you should not be acting “click”... I just wanted to make my family proud I only joined this army to make my father proud. I don’t want to take away from you I don’t want to put you down I’m so sorry I’m so sorry please I... I'm a person, I'm a person no please don’t, don’t pull that trigger. Look at my eyes look at my eyes look at me please. Look at the light that shines inside of me. Do you really want to end that light? Do you really want to lose your soul “click”... You say your fighting for freedom and to make people have better lives. But look at 3the damage this has caused. All the families who now don’t have homes the young innocent boys like your self who are on the streets begging and then have to come and fight for What put them there? You being here is helping put more boys on the street and out of school. You could get out you know. You could go to school... Look around at the men your friends have killed I know you want money I'm sorry but why. I didn’t want to hurt people like you I was brought into this. Look I know we could all just go to our homes and be happy... What do you mean I didn’t kill your family I'm sorry that their dead but I didn’t kill them. I'm sure someone can take care of you just give me a chance to try. I'm just a pawn in this just like you. I'm just their pawn don't shot me don’t shot me... I don’t want to die please. Please. (He watches as the finger moves onto the trigger) God please forgive m... “Click” Grief: (There’s a fourteen year old boy center stage staring at a pair of shoes that he can't stop scrubbing while tears run down his face. a child soldier who just made his first kill. he is in torn clothing and has blood on his hands.) Miguel: I scrub! I scrub these blood stained shoes. The pain! The pain these hands of caused. I hope! I hope that tonight I have ended my last life. I wonder! What my mother would think. What would she say about her little boy, her baby, her Miguel? What would she think of all the awful things he has done, I have done I cry! I cry for my childhood the one that I lost hungry on the streets. My soul! My soul is it lost was it lost when I pulled that trigger, when the light left his eye. Blood! Will this blood ever leave these shoes, will the stains on my eyes that follow me everywhere one day free me. Do I want to fight is this my chose. I want to think that it is. I was told I was going to make my country proud. I was going to make my mother proud to call me her son but I don’t think anyone should ever be proud of me ever again after this I am such a horrible person. I killed him! I killed him! Lost! So lost could this all really be my 14th birthday. Here I sit, here I stay, Longing for the days I played. I’ve tried to scrub the blood away. When will every thing be okay? Chosen (A man standing in front of a crowd of children he looks proud and proper.) Alfonso Reyes: (A kind and proud voice) I’m so proud of all that we have accomplished in our fight, but we so far still to go. You all of you are the future of this army this united brotherhood against this sad excuse of a government. We will take them done and we will rise to power. When we gained our independence against Spain. I am not going to say this fight is not going to be hard I’m Saying you are strong. You make me proud, so proud that smart brave soldiers have joined this fight for a nation. This fight for power, for freedom as a people. (Voice gains anger and strength) I am proud so proud but I need to be prouder you just coming here is not enough this is your first day of training and you must work hard to prove your love for our country. (Voice rises in fury) I have people come into this fight and prove that they are nothing but weak cowards. Are you going to disappoint your self, your family, hell your whole fucking country. I am telling you that now you’re in and I’m glad that I got such a strong group, but I will not be disappoint again. The weak will be ended. Now go get your training started show me your strength. (Crowd starts to clear a few children straggle behind) (Voice lowers and becomes calmer) Hey you boy what’s your name. (Points to a young boy in a light blue t-shirt) Antonio (Suturing) Me I am Antonio sir (A boy stands in front of a tall man whose face is stern.) Alfonso Reyes: Yes you (Now a smile made is face inviting) Antonio! That’s a nice name it means your worthy of praise. I want you to prove that you deserve that praise. You want know something interesting son. You remind me of another boy that came through this camp. He was a little bit older then you, but that face lord knows you have his face. I have never told this to anyone before but that boy Miguel and his friend Danelia they were the best soldiers I had ever seen. Or so I thought because you see they both let me down more then you could ever understand. You see it was two years ago now since the last time they truly served me what had happened that day proved to tested the bonds and minds between all the members of my elite group. But god they were machines. See at first they were spies, our little humming birds. See because who would doubt an injured child who wouldn’t take them in and at least give them a drop of food. Or even less complicated then that. Who would stop a conversation because a child was around? Who even cares what they think who are they going to tell. Now that's the thing they’ll tell me. They were the best of the best raked in so much information that it shocked even me. Then we one day they captured a few prisoners and got as much information as we could. I ordered them to put them down. One by one the birdies put them down the gun looked natural in Danelia's hand she was at peace with it. Her trigger was pulled back with no thought at all and bam he was dead. She was the perfect soldier I had so much pride. But then Miguel when I looked at him I knew he wasn't as strong as I gave him credit for. He was shaking letting the man talk to him. He pulled the trigger it was sloppy. I chalked it up to his first kill but he changed and it was random to because it was days after. All he seemed to do was wine and wine. A disappointment he failed me. He failed. The others in the group the true soldiers started to get nervous so something had to Be done. Then they found him in the river. Problem solved. I thought I really thought those bastards could get back to the fight but with out the boy the girl was weak spineless brat and she ran. Two others went with her. We were never able to catch them I thought I had soldiers. I think I have a solider in you. Antonio I will not be disappointed again you understand. Never again. Stuck (An interview a teenage girl who was in the rebel army. they are sitting at a table there’s a woman recording what the girl says. she’s in jeans and a t-shirt) Daniela: (Talking with attitude. face pure business) Why, you ask me why we killed those people. You ask why we joined this army. Why did we leave our homes? You asked us why left our families… Ha what family are you talking about the one that's dead or the one who got rid of me. And a home didn't have that for years, I lived on the streets, I lived alone. I had no money for food so I begged and I begged and then one day begged him... (A sarcastic smirk which now matches her attitude.) What who did I beg? Well I think you know the answer to that, but you want me to answer you now, want me to say his name. Fine his name was Alfonso Reyes who was the commander of our group. He found me and made me an offer food shelter family and all I had to do was join him in the fight. Back then I didn’t know how much I would regret my decision. But my family was a missed placed family, my mom had died and my dad got remarried and couldn't afford to take of me so at least I would eat and sleep in a bed again. I was 12 when I was sent away to training I didn’t know what to... What was Alfonso like well he wasn't that bad until after Anna... look it doesn't matter what Alfonso was like it doesn’t matter what he was like before or after anything. It doesn’t change where we were or what we were doing. (Anger fills her faces and fades fast) All you need to about Anna was she was his daughter. I’m not talking about this move on now! Did I always hate it? No I’m not going to say that I never liked it. (Pride on her face shine through her voice) It was nice feeling like I was useful like I had something that I could do, something I could change. We could fight against the Colombian government for our freedom. The fight for freedom weighed heavy on all our minds to have a free country would feel like a victory... When did feeling change? Well it wasn’t until after training when we left the camp and went to actually join this fight. (Smile fades business look reappears.) I was in a group with a boy who became my closest friend ever he was a great boy. (A single tear falls, and all evidence of it then fades.) His name was Miguel, we enjoyed each others company until that day... (Panic takes over.) Do I have to tell you what happened? You promised me when you took me away from there I would never have to go back. And that is what your doing now... (She takes a minute to regain herself.) Fine, we were all happy until the day we captured those men and killed them. Me and the others in our group were fine afterwards really shaken up but fine. Miguel on the other hand, well in broke him he wasn’t the same after that... How so? (Her voice breaks) That’s hard to say because as an adult you wouldn’t have known anything was wrong. But me as his friend, his sister, I knew, (Face now sad and lost.) First he started to spend as much time alone as possible. He stopped talking to me. He cried at night. He thought no one could hear but those cries they hurt. Days later he started eating less and less and his crying came more. (Silence takes her for a minute.) (Deep breath.) Others now started to notice and the commanders were getting mad. A week after that we found him in the river... (Tears falling from her face) What happened? (Anger now comes with tears.) You really want to know huh? Truth is so do I. he was floating in the river a bullet through his head a gun in his hand. And I still don’t know why he didn’t jut talk to me. Why didn’t he just talk to…. (The sobbing overcame her) (Crying ends her wall rises back up) Life in Columbia was hell. When developing minds foundation came in to pull us out it was like well I don’t know. It wasn’t happy it wasn’t sad it was just um... No I don’t need to talk to you, I don’t need to let any thing out. I don’t need to listen to anyone any more, I don t need anyone. (Starts shaking muttering.) I’m free. I’m free. I don’t need. I don’t... (Wall shattered eyes red and cold.) (Emotionless.) Thanks for getting me out of there but I’m done talking to you. Now can I go back to my room? Regret (There is a man on his knees next to a mattress on the ground he looks as if he has given up.) Eduardo: lord please hear my prays. Please God forgive me for all I have done. Forgive me for what I have let happen to my family, my children, my poor little girl. God Why. Why must you make it so hard on all of us down here? I once tried to follow all your rules and live by your way but you did nothing but pound us down so that we couldn’t even find our way up again. When you took away my wife after having that war move us from our home. You took away all I had of my past life except my son who I fear will never be the man I want. At least you have given me my new wife she has much learning to do but have given a new son and will soon give me more. My heavenly father I have heard words that say my sweet Daniela has joined the war that has destroyed our lives. That she started to fight for them. Of course we all want change but why do it this way. I remember the day her mother died and she looked up at me and told me she would never forgive them for what they have done. She said that taking away their home and their food killed her mama. But now thinking about it who was she talking about. It hurts to know she is out there right now hurting people. She is taking people away from their families. But I guess that’s my fault it’s my fault for kicking her out of my house for telling her live on the streets for food. But what was I supposed to do. My new wife hated her. I didn’t want to lose my wife and we couldn’t feed every one. But still they’re having our children fight for them. Why must are children fight our battles. Why must families suffer this much. Danelia each day I think of you my daughter and I hope god carries you my love and keeps you safe. I am so sorry that I wasn’t there for you. Lord hear my prays amen Longing (A girl sits a bed in a room filled with children she is dressed simply but her cloths are in great condition) Daniela: Miguel I miss you more then you could ever know. I sit in this room filled with so many other kids like us and I pray one of the faces that stare back at me will be you. But Miguel they never are and they never will be. People keep asking me if I regret joining the army. I never know what to say to them because if I had never joined the army I would have never gotten you. You were the first person I truly loved and who truly loved me since my mother died. Do you remember Miguel what you always said to me at night when I missed her. Do you remember want it meant to me? You would say: “Sweet sweet Daniela god smiles at the sound of your name. When you cry god cries. So no more tears my love.” We were always there for each other, always. You promised you would never leave me like my father did that you would always me there. Why did you lie to me? You’re a liar like him. Remember Miguel the all the times we would go on missions together. Remember what fun we would always together how you would fall asleep on my lap singing your mothers song. You really wanted to make her proud, but you know if you didn’t make he proud you made me proud. I was proud ever day for knowing you for teaching me how to be loved again. What doesn’t make sense to me is the last thing you ever said to me. For months now I’ve been trying to figure it out. What were you trying to say to me that night before you... before you... Look Miguel I need a sign to know what to say what to think. When I left this is what I thought you wanted but was it the opposite. Today I decided I’m going to write your mother I’m going to tell her how proud of you she should be. Maybe that will let me know what to do next. Look Miguel I need you to understand that I would have you know what I still would do any thing for you. You leaving me hurt more then you will ever know because you can’t know. Sometimes I can’t even understand your dead, I felt like what you said that night was hope. Why would you say that to me if you weren’t going to say alive with me? Why would you promise that we were leaving together if we would never see each other again? You promised we would live together in America you said we would be together forever. Why did this happen. Sorrow (A woman sits in a small room with a couch and stove she’s holding a letter hands shaking tears rolling down her face.) Maria: I don’t understand. I can’t understand why any one would send this cruel joke to me. When I went to Church this morning and I received this letter I was happy and hopeful that I would hear from my son again. But then I read this. This is a load of shit. My son couldn’t be dead he would never join the army he went with his father to find work or school. He went to find a better life not to die. He couldn't be dead that's ridiculous this is a lie. It has to be a lie. Wait I’ll read it again maybe I read it wrong I must of read this wrong Dear Maria It’s been two and a half years since you have last seen you husband and son. I don’t want to be the one to tell you this but I know some one has to. You need to know not to wait for them to come back. I can’t speak for your husband but I know what Miguel thought of you. He would sing your song every night. He told me that he did it all for you so I need you not to be mad you have to not be had. Well here it is Miguel joined the army it was two months after his father got sick and well shut his eyes for the last time. I didn't know Miguel back then so I wasn’t there but I had heard the story many times. That’s how I know your name that was the last thing he said. He had the fever for a month and couldn't fight it anymore. Miguel said it was the hardest day of his life. As his father shut his eyes for the last time the only thing Miguel could see was the face of you and your daughters. That’s why Miguel decided to do it, he knew that now more then ever the family would need the money to survive. He really loved you, all of you so much. Daneila: I'm Daneila (The light shines onto Danelia that sits in the corner of the stage reading her words) I meant your son on our first day of training and we became best friends. He was an amazing soldier smart, strong, and brave. He died my hero, and he should be yours too. The day before he died he said something to me about you that was beautiful. Its been 6 months now since that day so I can’t tell you exactly what he said, but it was proof of his love for you. I need you to be strong now. Be strong for your two brave men that died loving you. Don’t let this destroy you, keep fighting for your family like they did. In this envelope I sent you Miguel's necklace and the money I brought from Columbia. I hope it will help your family and I hope you actually get this. I sent this to the church Miguel said you went to and pray you still go. Danelia and Maria: (In unison) With my all my heart Daneila Guilt (Alfonzo is sleeping inside his a head a whole seem is unfolding) Alfonso: (a little girl is running ahead of him in the woods she fade behind the mist) Anna where are you Anna come back to daddy don't go to far away. CRASH! Anna! Baby are you okay why won’t you answer me I love you come back. (His walk breaks into a frantic sprint into the woods after her) Daddy didn't mean to lose you he loves you he’s so sorry (he approaches a river bank where he sees the outline of two young children.) Anna who’s that with you sweetie. Can you come over here daddy doesn't want u near the water. Its dangerous I don't want you to... to... Get hurt... Miguel? What are you doing here look at me I'm talking to you. You disrespectful peace of shit. Oh sorry Anna daddy didn't mean to say such mean words daddy has just been a little cranky since you... You... Hey wait where are you taking her? Anna get away from him come back over here come with daddy please. Not again I wont let this happen again get away from there. The river isn't safe it has never been safe I shouldn't have let you go down there Anna I'm sorry I shouldn't have let them shot you. I shouldn’t have followed him that night I shouldn't have the same thing to his father that they did to me the night they took you. But war is war. War is for the strong willed not those faint of heart. That’s what my father said your grandfather. The night the killed you Anna I swore the government would be stopped and would pay for taking my Anna. But they didn't take you; a monster like me took you. A monster like me looked at a child and pulled the trigger. I'm sorry Anna I'm sorry Miguel, I'm so sorry I'm so... (He wakes up picks up the gun next to his bed. lights fade. a prayer is heard. a gun shot ends the scene) The end (An eight-year-old girl sits center stage she looks pale large bags under her eyes she is playing with a doll. She is wearing all white her clothes are torn. She is a ghostly image. Speaks to the audience) Anna: (Child like) Well hello there have you come to play. No, no don’t answer I know that your not here for that. No one ever comes to play with me. You want to know what happen to all of them don’t you, well I could tell you but then you would leave me all alone again. I’m always alone! “Sigh” well I guess I could tell you I mean you came all this way and mommy said to never be rude to your guests. I’ll start with my name I’m Anna. I am well I was eight. Ten years ago when I was only a baby my daddy became a commander in the rebel army of Columbia. Those he commanded were children. MY father loved his job and he was a great daddy even though he couldn't be home often. He always sent great gifts and letters my mommy would he to me. Yes I know my daddy hurt people but, people aren’t perfect and he thought he was doing what was right for him, his family, and his people. Three and a half years ago many daddy got a new group of children to lead. In this group were to children that he loved enough to write about to me. He said the girl was named Danelia and beautiful like me then there was a boy Miguel that was strong and brave like a night that from my favorite fairy tales. I used to dream about these to running through Fields together chasing bad guys and saving the day. Daddy made a lot of people angry but unlike the other men he worked with he was never cruel to the children he commanded. Well at least he wasn't until the men came to our home. Two and a half years a month past my eighth birthday three angry men with guns broke down the door to my home. They shot my uncles, suffocated my grandparents and beat my mommy until she didn’t open her eyes anymore. Then they found me I will not say what happened cause I only kinda know but what I do remember was standing by the river and seeing my floating in it the men were standing around watching me float there. I tried to speak to those cruel men and tell then to get me out but they could not hear my voice, they could not feel my hands, they could not see my eyes. When my daddy got the news he wasn’t the same, after that for the next year all he did was yell at and harass those who were under him the only ones he didn’t make shake when he enter the room was the knight and his princess. They were so shiny and great I followed them on each mission and watched as even through his sadness and anger he was proud of those two. Then my daddy had a new kind of mission for his little humming birds, that mission was to end a life. I saw the princess’ face was emotionless bare as she pulled back the trigger she was unshaken by the loss of life. The knight pointed the gun at the man his face was lost hands trembling he took longer heard the man’s name Diego. When he pulled the trigger he almost fell over blood was everywhere he was shaking my daddy wasn’t happy he was disappointed in Miguel kept saying how he was failing him. A week later my daddy heard he was trying to run away. And daddy was so angry and betrayed he went down to the river after Miguel one night and made the brave knight float like I did. After that the knight joined me and together me watched the lonely princess run away without her knight. The knight and I watched both the princess and daddy for year go through ups and downs… mostly downs. Six months ago we sent my daddy a message he’s gone now. He didn’t join me I live in the land of the children lost by war. The princess has a new home now. She lives in America with a happy looking family. The princess isn’t happy without her knight but writes to his mother every knight. I live in the land of kids lost by war. Will your children join me?

Mining For Hope

Posted by Nicholas Manton in World History - Block on

​Characters:
Alejandra, the wife of a trapped miner and mother of a worrying son
Pablo, the son of the miner who is trapped in the mine
Carlos, a father/husband who is trapped in the mine who has to put food on the table for his family

Mining For Hope


Act I, Scene I
ALEJANDRA:

(Pacing back and forth outside of her house concerned about her trapped husband, contemplating what she will do without him.)

...Why? Why would this happen to me?
I mean it happened to him.
But you know what I mean, I know it’s happening to my husband, but he is a part of me
I love him, he brings in the money. I mean, that’s not the important reason, he also is...just there for my son and I....I can’t even contemplate what it would be like...down there...in the dark...
all you have is your mining hat with the light that might run out anytime soon.
He had told me before that this sorta thing might happen but I never actually expected for him to be trapped.

(pauses for a couple seconds to look at the bright side)

But hey, at least there are other people down there to cope with him
I hope they all can get along and just survive until they are rescued

(She stops and a tear rolls down her cheek.)

if they are rescued.

(starts pacing again with more vigor)

I haven’t told little our little Pablo what has happened to his papi.
Should I tell him? It would make him worry a lot. He wouldn’t be able to pay attention in school.
He does need to know...right?

(Picks up a picture of her husband and son playing together and looks at it longingly.)






Act I, Scene II
PABLO:

(sitting on a ragged couch, on the verge of tears)

W-W-Where’s my....my dad? Did he leave us?
Did he lose his way and get lost or something?
I-I-Is-Is he...d-dead?...NO! He can’t be dead. He’s the strongest man in the whole world
He said that he would never let anything happen to me
Mommy said that we both might have to get a job
I’ve never worked before...and I’m only 9 years old! What can I do? I will always mess up everything.
Will I have to work as someones servant, or...or as a slave?
I hate meeting new people too.

(Starts to pull himself together and is gaining confidence again.)

Do other kids that are my age even THINK about working?
The guy that I would work for would probably yell at me all the time, and what I’d do would never be good enough for him.
What would my papi think of me doing work for some random person that I don’t even know? Would he be okay with it?
When will he be home so that I don’t have to get a job?
I know that he will be able to get back. Especially since I’m here, he should be back so he can protect me from all the bad guys out there.

Monologue Video - Large

Act I, Scene III
CARLOS:

(Standing against the inside of the mine in darkness talking to a fellow miner who is sitting on the ground a couple feet away)


Do I have anyone that I want to see when I get out?
Of course I do. I have my beautiful wife Alejandra, and my wonderful little son, Pablo.
...
What? Are you serious? That is horrible.
I mean thats your choice and I don’t have the right to judge but they are going to find out when we get out of here. Your wife is going to be angry, I would assume.
…
I know that that is your business but I think it’s wrong to cheat on your wife.
And yes we are going to get out of here. It is no matter of if we get out, it’s when we get out.
You need to think positive.
…
What do you mean that never works?
…
Well that’s because you didn’t have a positive thought about it from the beginning. I know everything doesn’t happen the way you want it to, but the key is to stay positive through the worst of times.

Reality, As Is

Posted by Annisa Ahmed in World History - Block on


A selection dedicated to the ever-going Israeli-Palestinian Conflict that has plagued those nations for all too long. In a battle of territory, it somehow refrains from ever growing old; this is a daily issue. From people on the inside and out, these pieces are here to inform of the depth and reality that goes down behind these borders.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Act I, Scene 1

Character:
Lael, a Jewish female reporter who questions the essence of the problem.

Prologue: A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and confused eyes sits on love seat watching television, wondering where did it all go wrong.

LAEL
Colors, sounds, texture; none have reached my eyes because it doesn’t matter. It never mattered. The television in front of me couldn’t even keep my attention. What was the use? Sitting here, doing absolutely nothing. Waiting for the next day to come, to wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, and fall asleep on this love seat only to wake the next day and repeat the process. But, what was the use? It all amounts to nothing in the end. It’s not like I’m helping anyone but myself. I’m being selfish without having the intention to be.

I’m lucky. I’m on the other side of the border. The safer side, the richer side, the better side, the safer side. I’m married, I have kids, I have a job, I have a house - what more could any sane person ask for? But, people on the other side don’t have that. The luxury of sitting with nothing on their plate; without a care in the world. They don’t have that option. Instead, they wake up every morning and leave home - not knowing if the place they headed to is still there or their family will be there when they get back.

Palestinians are only miles from this house. What makes me better than them? Are their lives any less valuable than mine? I don’t understand. How can anyone, anyone allow others to live like that? To everyone else in the world, it doesn’t matter. The strikings, the destruction; we need change. I want it to change. People are blind, ignorant and just don’t care - it doesn’t affect them. Whether a child lives or dies in Gaza, won’t make a difference. Her death will just only spark more controversy, more tension and more death to those who don’t mean any harm. That little girl will just be another death, another causality, another number to add to the total death count.

It’s stupid, this whole ordeal. Officials argue or “have peace talks,” and accuse each other of wrongly accusing each other and so on and so forth. Militant groups return to violence as a way that appears to make a statement towards the government or in the Name of God, which I fall to recognize. The only thing they succeed in doing is killing innocent bystanders and getting blood on their hands because somehow, in their minds that gets there point across. And, we can’t forget the border crossing that is practically sealed shut to anyone getting in or out. Honestly, I find it funny. No one notices that it’s lives there playing with. The officials, the government, the U.N., the suicide bombers, the smugglers, and even the reporters, like me.

As easily as I flip through these channels and switch between shows, it reminds me of how lives are being treated. That world seems to be giving up on those who are faultless, turning off on their lives as easily as I turn off the T.V. I’ve seen things, but maybe, I haven’t seen enough. To make the right decisions, to actually look at all the facts, to take to take the time to choose a side.

But what can I do? I’m just lone person in a endless battlefield.  Maybe, if I see enough blood, I won’t be as disturbed. Maybe, if I watched someone being killed, it won’t have as much as of an affect. And, maybe if leave my job, I’ll be free. But, not blind. I’m trying to tighten my grip on reality, but I can’t let go of what is in front of me here. I have to keep reporting. I can’t stop now. I’m not going to be just another reporter. Maybe, I’ll save a life. Or, maybe, I’ll be just another death, but I’m okay with that. Because at least then, I’ll make a difference. Because I’m not gonna tune them out - the tears, the screams, the blood. To me, life is worth more and I’m not going to turn off the T.V.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 2

Character:
Noor, a child who does not understand the depth of the problem.

Prologue: A young child sits in her room - lights off, silence eerie. She plays a trinket.

NOOR
    (tracing the object)
Hey. I’m doing great. Mommy and Irfan are good, too. It’s kind of nice here. The shooting and the shells don’t come as often, which means everything must be getting better. I hope no more people will die because of them. I don’t want them to lose their biggest brother like I did.

I’m helping around the house now. Mom is kind of busy with work, so I have be a big girl and take charge and do what big girls do. Me and Irfan clean and dust and sweep and wash and dry and do all those things Mommy does. I feel like I’m helping a lot, so that way when she comes home, she won’t have much to do.

We go to school again now, me and Irfan. A different school. It’s a little farther because Mommy said we can’t go there anymore. I think it’s because it blew up but Irfan just shushed me. He said it didn’t matter, that it was ‘in the past,’ whatever that means. But, it’s nicer. I know some of the kids from our old school but a lot of them are new and I’ve never seen them before. But, I have some new friends now and that’s nice. I like them; they make me smile and I make them smile. There was this one girl. Her name was Raina. She was sitting alone. But, I went up to her and said hi. We became friends. Yesterday, she wasn’t there. The teacher said she would not be coming anymore. I asked why, but she didn’t say anything.

Irfan is changing now. He doesn’t talk to me as much but he’s just always there. He always in the room I’m in and if he’s somewhere else, he gets all sneaky-like and watches when he thinks I’m not watching, but I can see him because I’m sneaky-like, too. But, he’s always, always watching. It makes me feel like I have to be watched - that I can’t be trusted. me. He’s acting like he has to watch me, instead of liking to watch me, like he used to. I think he thinks that watching me is a chore and I don’t want to be chore. I want to be Irfan’s little sister, just that, only that.

(smiles) You know something, Sami. I still didn’t give it to Irfan. I wanted to, the day you died, but I couldn’t. I wanted it, I wanted something - anything - to remember you by. He had your clothes, your chores, the rest of your room, your everything but all I had was memories. Nothing real, memorable. I needed it. I needed to remember you. But, I am losing you. (voice breaks) Your voice, your face. I can’t remember you. This (clutches the object) is all have and I’m not going to give it. I won’t. I just won’t.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 3

Character:
Irfan, a twelve year old who is a both an older and younger sibling.

Prologue: Two young boys sit in an alleyway, side by side. The shadow rests upon them, making their figures indescribable. They are both silent, waiting for the other to start. In the distance, the bustling of a market can be heard.

IRFAN
Yup.
Mom’s good.
Rana’s fine.
School’s...
    (pauses)
School. You?
Doing all of your homework?
That’s good.
So, Avi... It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
What happened? You just kinda disappeared for a few weeks there.
Your dad? Again?
I know. Your house isn’t that far from here and it’s not like we  o anything but sit here and talk... Except for that one time.
    (laughs)
What? You don’t remember?
But it was so funny.
How did you even manage to shoot the soccer ball that high? The third floor, how was that possible. Honestly, the managers of that building should have praised you instead of chasing us down.
Yeah, because I didn’t do it.
Fours years. But, your face when your dad stopped us from running all of town. (pauses) Priceless.
    (grins and laughs. the boy sheds a fake tear, then pauses)
Life is life. Me and Noor are going back to school, so that doesn’t take up most of the time, then helping around the house will.
Oh, yeah. You don’t know. Mom got a job.
I know. I never thought she get one too, but she landed the job a few weeks ago. So, money isn’t that big of an issue now. It’s just that she’s not around as much, so I have to watch Noor. But, I don’t mind because she’s happy. And, she hasn’t been this happy since dad died. And, since she happy, I’m happy.
Yeah. But, some people don’t like her having a job.
Like the neighbors. The women used come around the house and talk about her. They say she needs to get married. That “a woman like her shouldn’t be trying to get a job.” That “she could get that she could get married easily.” But, Mom said she isn’t interested in getting married. She has a job now, so she doesn’t need anybody except us.
People keep saying that she should get married because she needs a man in her life.
I don’t know. But, they say she will have a hard time without a husband.
She doesn’t mind.
She said that she can deal with anything people throw at her. She believes in herself. And, I have to believe in her, too. You know, for support. Anyway, how’s your family?
Wow. Really?
I never pictured your mom as a reporter. But, I never picture my mom as a reporter either, so...
My mom is a reporter, now.
Yeah, maybe they’ll work together. And, search for stories together. And, report crime together. That would be cool.
    (sigh)
    (awkward silence)
Yup, today’s the day.
It’s okay. It’s been two years now, if I’m not over it by now, I never will be.
Yeah, it seems like just yesterday, he was teaching me how to play soccer. (sighs)
I told you it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault he died.
I know, okay. It’s just that I don’t like talking about him.
Because he’s dead.
Because he’s not.
Because he was killed.
Because he’s was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
    (looking down)
Because the bag he was carrying looked suspicious and when they called him, he didn’t stop walking. Because he didn’t here them call his name. Because it was busy and the soldiers calling his name probably got mixed in the rest of the noises. Because it was late. Because he was a young teenage boy. Because he was a young Palestinian teenage boy. Because he wanted to get home to the rest of us. Because we were hungry and Mom had stay us and Sami was the only one who could get it. Because, we were young. Because Dad was working that night. Because, he went to the store across town to the best pick. Because he wanted the best for him and his family. Because the bag looked to be stuffed to the rim as the soldiers say. Because milk, bread and chick peas that were covered his blood could have been “carrying explosives” as the police put it.
Because it was my birthday. Because we were suppose to celebrate. Because it was suppose to be safe and fun and safe. Because nothing bad was should have happened.
(jumps to his feet, eyes moist with unshed tears) Because I know. Because I’m his brother. Because I still remember my father yelling and my mother crying and my confusion when I saw Sami, my big brother, my role model, my savior, my Sami laying on the living room, deathly still, bloody to bits, so pale I thought he was a ghost.
Because, Avi. Just because.
    (walks off)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 4

Character:
Imad, a teenager who sells newspaper in the cit of Cairo, Egypt.

Prologue: An Egyptian teenager sells newspaper though he doesn’t see a need to buy one.

IMAD
    (hands a paper away, smiling)
Thank you.
    
        (turns, facing a crowd)
Paper! Paper! Get your paper! Only three pounds! The best news! The newest news! The only news! Only three pounds! Get your paper!  
    (crowd surrounds him, asking for the paper)

    (the crowd slowly walks away, satisfied)
The news gets old quick. It’s the same thing everyday. Someone dies everyday. It’s a part of life - you’re born, you grow and you die. It’s simple. You can’t expect death. It’s a daily occurrence.

Something that I wonder why people even bother to read about.

“A suicidal bomber killed a man, and two children - one six, the other four. Hamas has taken responsibility for the bombing and the police begin to investigate. The U.N. says that it will not stand for such...” Or something of the like. The cover of the newspaper is always something depressing about how someone died. It’s obvious. If you already know that death, mayhem and destruction conclude what’s inside of those pages, why buy the paper in the first place?
Sure, I feel sorry for those individuals trapped in Gaza, but death happens. I know that they are stuck inside with the borders surrounding their country and I feel sorry for them. But, there is nothing I can do. I’ve excepted it and the people need to to Gaza need to as well.

But, what about us? The people of Egypt. Sure, the Palestinians have dealing with that issue for so long. But here we are, being portrayed as the bad guys? Because somehow, Israeli taking Gaza soil is my problem. Because apparently, those who are dying, there blood has written my name. And, there’s a way, just a way, that ties in all the world’s problems back to me.

The thing is, though, I never asked for any of this. Truth be told, I’d rather have the Palestinians have a way out. I’d rather not have their blood spilled for the cause of “all of” Egypt’s apparent stupidity. He doesn’t speak this government does not speak for me. Heck, this country doesn’t even speak for me anymore. The people don’t have a say. We’re stuck, too. We want change that will never come. Just like Palestinians, however, we’re seen as the bad guys. The people of Egypt are stuck in the in between. Our voice has no voice. So, why should theirs, the Palestinians, matter?

    (turns)
Paper! Paper! Come get your paper!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 5

Character:
Harrison, a activist in his later years.

Prologue: A middle-aged man is paces his office, in search of his glasses.

HARRISON
    (lifts a book)
Where did I put those blasted glasses?
When did Mitchell said?
    (rubs temple)
At least, no later than 10.
    (glances at clock, groans)
    (sits down)
I need to finish this and soon. Eliza expects home before then.
(looks at computer in front of him, squints)
What is this? Ancient Greek? And, these pictures? Just how many pixels is this?
    (sighs)
I work with amateurs.
(types, squints, and resumes typing)
I feel sorry for these people, the people of Gaza. They live with everything they need, but never can access their wants or desires. The want to get out of that hellish excuse for a country. For Pete’s sake, half the population is under the age of nineteen. It’s like this conflict is being waged with kids. Young, unlucky kids who are stuck inside those walls for some apparent reason that is bigger than the whole lot of us.
    (hunches)
Sure, those people have water and food and medicine, but what about the things that matter even more. How about a stable home, a safe environment, an ideal education? What about those things are so deadly that people should deprived of?
    (growls)
And, where are those damned glasses? I need them. I need to see to clearly. I need to see the shapes and figures, the symbols and the words. I need to see the poster before it begins to cover the lampposts and bulletins of the city. So, it informs and shows these people, the outsiders, those who don’t belong, what is really happening. That reminds them that the world isn’t perfect and that somehow, someway, if we band together in the justice and equality, then maybe, just maybe, my life, our world will be a brighter one for the years to come.
    (scratches his neck, feels something against his chest)
    (removes the object and smiles)
My glasses.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 6

Character:
James, a reporter who has not seen the affects of war.

Prologue: A man stares at himself in the mirror, his partner in the other room.

JAMES
Come on. Let’s go.
Josh, we haven’t have all day.
    (waves hands, frantically)
Shots are being fired as we speak and we, as reporters, must well, report this. We have to get down before anyone else does.
    (turns around)
We haven’t much time until word gets out.

Bloody hell, Josh.
    (sighs)
Just leave it, then. I have a smaller camera. It’s not as advanced, but it’ll do.
    (fixed cuffs)
Well, hurry on then.
    (exits the room)

[James and his partner, Josh drive through rubble on what used to be a road.]

There’s blood. So much blood. I’ve been doing this for years, and yet... It still gets me every time. I can’t- My God. That building was just standing there three seconds ago. And, it’s now been torn to pieces.

That was a federal building?

People are probably still inside there. Dead and wishing they were dead. I would. If I were them. Being stuck underneath the rubble, rasping for another breath of air. I couldn’t do it. I don’t have the strength nor the soul to be able to survive a catastrophe such as this.

There were children?

To think that it is located next to a school for children. What were they thinking? They are innocent, naive and have no right to be put into a warped condition such as this one. They count for more than of population and it’s as though this whole conflict is being shoved into the hands of mere children. They have no right. To be stuck. To be under.

The building is silver?

Then, why is it so red?

Those people are terrorists?

Then, why are kids dying?

This isn’t a war?

Then what is it?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 7

Character:
Haniah, a woman who speaks on the behalf of Palestinians.

Prologue: A young women sits alone at a coffee shop.

HANIAH

This war; it's stupid really.
    (stirs)
The fact that no one takes action against this conflict is disgusting, cruel and furthermore, inhumane. It's as if these people lives don't matter.
    (opens and pours cream)
Look I'm not saying we shouldn't, however we cannot ignore that fact that this is a lost cause. No matter how hard we try and despite how much most of us want it to end, it won't, Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are too consumed in removing each other that they are blinded from the right of way.
    (stirs; plays with spoon)
I'm am only here to give my thoughts as a women, reporter and civilian of the strip of Gaza. Whether my voice reaches your ears is up to you, but as long as I know I have had my voice heard... At least then I can sleep at night.
    (lets go of spoon, hand gestures)
Ma'am, I understand that, and forgive for sounding reeducate, but this war, this conflict, their lives will not change just because we want it to be. The U.N. is powerful, but this is issue has been going on for more years than we have been alive. You nor I can fully comprehend the depth of it and surely we never will. However, going in and making it better with our hands won't solve anything.
    (picks up spoon and continues to stir)
If anything it will make worse. How would you feel if a person, let's say, working at Starbucks decides to prance in here, telling us that everything we are doing is wrong, and that we need to be saved. I wouldn't accept that and neither would anyone else in this conflict.
    (pauses)
The Israelis, the Palestinians, the surrounding countries, even the outsiders know. We all know that in this conflict, there are the evil doers and there are the victims, just like always. But, the question is who are the heros, who will swoop in and save the day. It certainly isn't the U.N., the U.S. or any other super power that feels the need shape the world to fit their imagination. We are in over heads; this is far bigger than the both of us.
    (stirs)
The moral of the story of the story is that there is nothing that we can do. It needs to play out on its own, without any interference as to how to fix it. It doesn't to be fixed, only time. Just give it some time.
    (sips)

Reality, As Is

Posted by Anonymous in World History - Block on

Reality, As Is

A selection dedicated to the ever-going Israeli-Palestinian Conflict that has plagued those nations for all too long. In a battle of territory, it somehow refrains from ever growing old; this is a daily issue. From people on the inside and out, these pieces are here to inform of the depth and reality that goes down behind these borders.


Act I, Scene 1

Character:
Lael, a Jewish female reporter who questions the essence of the problem.

Prologue: A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and confused eyes sits on love seat watching television, wondering where did it all go wrong.

LAEL
Colors, sounds, texture; none have reached my eyes because it doesn’t matter. It never mattered. The television in front of me couldn’t even keep my attention. What was the use? Sitting here, doing absolutely nothing. Waiting for the next day to come, to wake up, go to work, come home, make dinner, and fall asleep on this love seat only to wake the next day and repeat the process. But, what was the use? It all amounts to nothing in the end. It’s not like I’m helping anyone but myself. I’m being selfish without having the intention to be.

I’m lucky. I’m on the other side of the border. The safer side, the richer side, the better side, the safer side. I’m married, I have kids, I have a job, I have a house - what more could any sane person ask for? But, people on the other side don’t have that. The luxury of sitting with nothing on their plate; without a care in the world. They don’t have that option. Instead, they wake up every morning and leave home - not knowing if the place they headed to is still there or their family will be there when they get back.

Palestinians are only miles from this house. What makes me better than them? Are their lives any less valuable than mine? I don’t understand. How can anyone, anyone allow others to live like that? To everyone else in the world, it doesn’t matter. The strikings, the destruction; we need change. I want it to change. People are blind, ignorant and just don’t care - it doesn’t affect them. Whether a child lives or dies in Gaza, won’t make a difference. Her death will just only spark more controversy, more tension and more death to those who don’t mean any harm. That little girl will just be another death, another causality, another number to add to the total death count.

It’s stupid, this whole ordeal. Officials argue or “have peace talks,” and accuse each other of wrongly accusing each other and so on and so forth. Militant groups return to violence as a way that appears to make a statement towards the government or in the Name of God, which I fall to recognize. The only thing they succeed in doing is killing innocent bystanders and getting blood on their hands because somehow, in their minds that gets there point across. And, we can’t forget the border crossing that is practically sealed shut to anyone getting in or out. Honestly, I find it funny. No one notices that it’s lives there playing with. The officials, the government, the U.N., the suicide bombers, the smugglers, and even the reporters, like me.

As easily as I flip through these channels and switch between shows, it reminds me of how lives are being treated. That world seems to be giving up on those who are faultless, turning off on their lives as easily as I turn off the T.V. I’ve seen things, but maybe, I haven’t seen enough. To make the right decisions, to actually look at all the facts, to take to take the time to choose a side.

But what can I do? I’m just lone person in a endless battlefield.  Maybe, if I see enough blood, I won’t be as disturbed. Maybe, if I watched someone being killed, it won’t have as much as of an affect. And, maybe if leave my job, I’ll be free. But, not blind. I’m trying to tighten my grip on reality, but I can’t let go of what is in front of me here. I have to keep reporting. I can’t stop now. I’m not going to be just another reporter. Maybe, I’ll save a life. Or, maybe, I’ll be just another death, but I’m okay with that. Because at least then, I’ll make a difference. Because I’m not gonna tune them out - the tears, the screams, the blood. To me, life is worth more and I’m not going to turn off the T.V.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 2

Character:
Noor, a child who does not understand the depth of the problem.

Prologue: A young child sits in her room - lights off, silence eerie. She plays a trinket.

NOOR
    (tracing the object)
Hey. I’m doing great. Mommy and Irfan are good, too. It’s kind of nice here. The shooting and the shells don’t come as often, which means everything must be getting better. I hope no more people will die because of them. I don’t want them to lose their biggest brother like I did.

I’m helping around the house now. Mom is kind of busy with work, so I have be a big girl and take charge and do what big girls do. Me and Irfan clean and dust and sweep and wash and dry and do all those things Mommy does. I feel like I’m helping a lot, so that way when she comes home, she won’t have much to do.

We go to school again now, me and Irfan. A different school. It’s a little farther because Mommy said we can’t go there anymore. I think it’s because it blew up but Irfan just shushed me. He said it didn’t matter, that it was ‘in the past,’ whatever that means. But, it’s nicer. I know some of the kids from our old school but a lot of them are new and I’ve never seen them before. But, I have some new friends now and that’s nice. I like them; they make me smile and I make them smile. There was this one girl. Her name was Raina. She was sitting alone. But, I went up to her and said hi. We became friends. Yesterday, she wasn’t there. The teacher said she would not be coming anymore. I asked why, but she didn’t say anything.

Irfan is changing now. He doesn’t talk to me as much but he’s just always there. He always in the room I’m in and if he’s somewhere else, he gets all sneaky-like and watches when he thinks I’m not watching, but I can see him because I’m sneaky-like, too. But, he’s always, always watching. It makes me feel like I have to be watched - that I can’t be trusted. me. He’s acting like he has to watch me, instead of liking to watch me, like he used to. I think he thinks that watching me is a chore and I don’t want to be chore. I want to be Irfan’s little sister, just that, only that.

(smiles) You know something, Sami. I still didn’t give it to Irfan. I wanted to, the day you died, but I couldn’t. I wanted it, I wanted something - anything - to remember you by. He had your clothes, your chores, the rest of your room, your everything but all I had was memories. Nothing real, memorable. I needed it. I needed to remember you. But, I am losing you. (voice breaks) Your voice, your face. I can’t remember you. This (clutches the object) is all have and I’m not going to give it. I won’t. I just won’t.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 3

Character:
Irfan, a twelve year old who is a both an older and younger sibling.

Prologue: Two young boys sit in an alleyway, side by side. The shadow rests upon them, making their figures indescribable. They are both silent, waiting for the other to start. In the distance, the bustling of a market can be heard.

IRFAN
Yup.
Mom’s good.
Rana’s fine.
School’s...
    (pauses)
School. You?
Doing all of your homework?
That’s good.
So, Avi... It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
What happened? You just kinda disappeared for a few weeks there.
Your dad? Again?
I know. Your house isn’t that far from here and it’s not like we  o anything but sit here and talk... Except for that one time.
    (laughs)
What? You don’t remember?
But it was so funny.
How did you even manage to shoot the soccer ball that high? The third floor, how was that possible. Honestly, the managers of that building should have praised you instead of chasing us down.
Yeah, because I didn’t do it.
Fours years. But, your face when your dad stopped us from running all of town. (pauses) Priceless.
    (grins and laughs. the boy sheds a fake tear, then pauses)
Life is life. Me and Noor are going back to school, so that doesn’t take up most of the time, then helping around the house will.
Oh, yeah. You don’t know. Mom got a job.
I know. I never thought she get one too, but she landed the job a few weeks ago. So, money isn’t that big of an issue now. It’s just that she’s not around as much, so I have to watch Noor. But, I don’t mind because she’s happy. And, she hasn’t been this happy since dad died. And, since she happy, I’m happy.
Yeah. But, some people don’t like her having a job.
Like the neighbors. The women used come around the house and talk about her. They say she needs to get married. That “a woman like her shouldn’t be trying to get a job.” That “she could get that she could get married easily.” But, Mom said she isn’t interested in getting married. She has a job now, so she doesn’t need anybody except us.
People keep saying that she should get married because she needs a man in her life.
I don’t know. But, they say she will have a hard time without a husband.
She doesn’t mind.
She said that she can deal with anything people throw at her. She believes in herself. And, I have to believe in her, too. You know, for support. Anyway, how’s your family?
Wow. Really?
I never pictured your mom as a reporter. But, I never picture my mom as a reporter either, so...
My mom is a reporter, now.
Yeah, maybe they’ll work together. And, search for stories together. And, report crime together. That would be cool.
    (sigh)
    (awkward silence)
Yup, today’s the day.
It’s okay. It’s been two years now, if I’m not over it by now, I never will be.
Yeah, it seems like just yesterday, he was teaching me how to play soccer. (sighs)
I told you it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault he died.
I know, okay. It’s just that I don’t like talking about him.
Because he’s dead.
Because he’s not.
Because he was killed.
Because he’s was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
    (looking down)
Because the bag he was carrying looked suspicious and when they called him, he didn’t stop walking. Because he didn’t here them call his name. Because it was busy and the soldiers calling his name probably got mixed in the rest of the noises. Because it was late. Because he was a young teenage boy. Because he was a young Palestinian teenage boy. Because he wanted to get home to the rest of us. Because we were hungry and Mom had stay us and Sami was the only one who could get it. Because, we were young. Because Dad was working that night. Because, he went to the store across town to the best pick. Because he wanted the best for him and his family. Because the bag looked to be stuffed to the rim as the soldiers say. Because milk, bread and chick peas that were covered his blood could have been “carrying explosives” as the police put it.
Because it was my birthday. Because we were suppose to celebrate. Because it was suppose to be safe and fun and safe. Because nothing bad was should have happened.
(jumps to his feet, eyes moist with unshed tears) Because I know. Because I’m his brother. Because I still remember my father yelling and my mother crying and my confusion when I saw Sami, my big brother, my role model, my savior, my Sami laying on the living room, deathly still, bloody to bits, so pale I thought he was a ghost.
Because, Avi. Just because.
    (walks off)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 4

Character:
Imad, a teenager who sells newspaper in the cit of Cairo, Egypt.

Prologue: An Egyptian teenager sells newspaper though he doesn’t see a need to buy one.

IMAD
    (hands a paper away, smiling)
Thank you.
    
        (turns, facing a crowd)
Paper! Paper! Get your paper! Only three pounds! The best news! The newest news! The only news! Only three pounds! Get your paper!  
    (crowd surrounds him, asking for the paper)

    (the crowd slowly walks away, satisfied)
The news gets old quick. It’s the same thing everyday. Someone dies everyday. It’s a part of life - you’re born, you grow and you die. It’s simple. You can’t expect death. It’s a daily occurrence.

Something that I wonder why people even bother to read about.

“A suicidal bomber killed a man, and two children - one six, the other four. Hamas has taken responsibility for the bombing and the police begin to investigate. The U.N. says that it will not stand for such...” Or something of the like. The cover of the newspaper is always something depressing about how someone died. It’s obvious. If you already know that death, mayhem and destruction conclude what’s inside of those pages, why buy the paper in the first place?
Sure, I feel sorry for those individuals trapped in Gaza, but death happens. I know that they are stuck inside with the borders surrounding their country and I feel sorry for them. But, there is nothing I can do. I’ve excepted it and the people need to to Gaza need to as well.

But, what about us? The people of Egypt. Sure, the Palestinians have dealing with that issue for so long. But here we are, being portrayed as the bad guys? Because somehow, Israeli taking Gaza soil is my problem. Because apparently, those who are dying, there blood has written my name. And, there’s a way, just a way, that ties in all the world’s problems back to me.

The thing is, though, I never asked for any of this. Truth be told, I’d rather have the Palestinians have a way out. I’d rather not have their blood spilled for the cause of “all of” Egypt’s apparent stupidity. He doesn’t speak this government does not speak for me. Heck, this country doesn’t even speak for me anymore. The people don’t have a say. We’re stuck, too. We want change that will never come. Just like Palestinians, however, we’re seen as the bad guys. The people of Egypt are stuck in the in between. Our voice has no voice. So, why should theirs, the Palestinians, matter?

    (turns)
Paper! Paper! Come get your paper!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 5

Character:
Harrison, a activist in his later years.

Prologue: A middle-aged man is paces his office, in search of his glasses.

HARRISON
    (lifts a book)
Where did I put those blasted glasses?
When did Mitchell said?
    (rubs temple)
At least, no later than 10.
    (glances at clock, groans)
    (sits down)
I need to finish this and soon. Eliza expects home before then.
(looks at computer in front of him, squints)
What is this? Ancient Greek? And, these pictures? Just how many pixels is this?
    (sighs)
I work with amateurs.
(types, squints, and resumes typing)
I feel sorry for these people, the people of Gaza. They live with everything they need, but never can access their wants or desires. The want to get out of that hellish excuse for a country. For Pete’s sake, half the population is under the age of nineteen. It’s like this conflict is being waged with kids. Young, unlucky kids who are stuck inside those walls for some apparent reason that is bigger than the whole lot of us.
    (hunches)
Sure, those people have water and food and medicine, but what about the things that matter even more. How about a stable home, a safe environment, an ideal education? What about those things are so deadly that people should deprived of?
    (growls)
And, where are those damned glasses? I need them. I need to see to clearly. I need to see the shapes and figures, the symbols and the words. I need to see the poster before it begins to cover the lampposts and bulletins of the city. So, it informs and shows these people, the outsiders, those who don’t belong, what is really happening. That reminds them that the world isn’t perfect and that somehow, someway, if we band together in the justice and equality, then maybe, just maybe, my life, our world will be a brighter one for the years to come.
    (scratches his neck, feels something against his chest)
    (removes the object and smiles)
My glasses.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 6

Character:
James, a reporter who has not seen the affects of war.

Prologue: A man stares at himself in the mirror, his partner in the other room.

JAMES
Come on. Let’s go.
Josh, we haven’t have all day.
    (waves hands, frantically)
Shots are being fired as we speak and we, as reporters, must well, report this. We have to get down before anyone else does.
    (turns around)
We haven’t much time until word gets out.

Bloody hell, Josh.
    (sighs)
Just leave it, then. I have a smaller camera. It’s not as advanced, but it’ll do.
    (fixed cuffs)
Well, hurry on then.
    (exits the room)

[James and his partner, Josh drive through rubble on what used to be a road.]

There’s blood. So much blood. I’ve been doing this for years, and yet... It still gets me every time. I can’t- My God. That building was just standing there three seconds ago. And, it’s now been torn to pieces.

That was a federal building?

People are probably still inside there. Dead and wishing they were dead. I would. If I were them. Being stuck underneath the rubble, rasping for another breath of air. I couldn’t do it. I don’t have the strength nor the soul to be able to survive a catastrophe such as this.

There were children?

To think that it is located next to a school for children. What were they thinking? They are innocent, naive and have no right to be put into a warped condition such as this one. They count for more than of population and it’s as though this whole conflict is being shoved into the hands of mere children. They have no right. To be stuck. To be under.

The building is silver?

Then, why is it so red?

Those people are terrorists?

Then, why are kids dying?

This isn’t a war?

Then what is it?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Act I, Scene 7

Character:
Haniah, a woman who speaks on the behalf of Palestinians.

Prologue: A young women sits alone at a coffee shop.

HANIAH

This war; it's stupid really.
    (stirs)
The fact that no one takes action against this conflict is disgusting, cruel and furthermore, inhumane. It's as if these people lives don't matter.
    (opens and pours cream)
Look I'm not saying we shouldn't, however we cannot ignore that fact that this is a lost cause. No matter how hard we try and despite how much most of us want it to end, it won't, Both the Israelis and the Palestinians are too consumed in removing each other that they are blinded from the right of way.
    (stirs; plays with spoon)
I'm am only here to give my thoughts as a women, reporter and civilian of the strip of Gaza. Whether my voice reaches your ears is up to you, but as long as I know I have had my voice heard... At least then I can sleep at night.
    (lets go of spoon, hand gestures)
Ma'am, I understand that, and forgive for sounding reeducate, but this war, this conflict, their lives will not change just because we want it to be. The U.N. is powerful, but this is issue has been going on for more years than we have been alive. You nor I can fully comprehend the depth of it and surely we never will. However, going in and making it better with our hands won't solve anything.
    (picks up spoon and continues to stir)
If anything it will make worse. How would you feel if a person, let's say, working at Starbucks decides to prance in here, telling us that everything we are doing is wrong, and that we need to be saved. I wouldn't accept that and neither would anyone else in this conflict.
    (pauses)
The Israelis, the Palestinians, the surrounding countries, even the outsiders know. We all know that in this conflict, there are the evil doers and there are the victims, just like always. But, the question is who are the heros, who will swoop in and save the day. It certainly isn't the U.N., the U.S. or any other super power that feels the need shape the world to fit their imagination. We are in over heads; this is far bigger than the both of us.
    (stirs)
The moral of the story of the story is that there is nothing that we can do. It needs to play out on its own, without any interference as to how to fix it. It doesn't to be fixed, only time. Just give it some time.
    (sips)

Hope is Fading

Posted by Samantha Zeisloft in World History - Block on

Hope is fading 
This monologue selection was created based off the idea of a young girl being taken into sexual slavery. It tells the story from a one sided point of view which creates a void inwhich you can fill in with your own imagination. The monologues tell a story of a girl named achara who was taken from her home in a local orphanage and forced into the sex industry. She learns and grows there to use what shes got as a weapon and a gift. 


Characters
- Achara- 
(main character): 
(forced to be a child prostitute in a way) a sweet and naive girl, learning more and more about the worlds truly dark colors, with her slim body in early bloom, she’s blossoming beautifully. She’s got dark black hair and beautiful brown eyes like milk chocolate that can make you melt instantly upon her gaze, she is tall and thin with a light caramel brown complexion. she looks upon the world with hope...but soon realizes that beyond smiles and laughter and the orphanage doors, the world is a completely different place, and she must to adjust if she wants to survive and make her way in it.
- Siras- 
(brother of the main character) 
Siras is a handsome,caring and protective boy. At the age of 13, his main goal is to take care of his sister in the orphanage and to try to get them into a new home. him and his sister Achara have been waiting for someone to adopt them for 10 years and he seems to be getting hopeless, but as his fathers always taught him, he must take care of his sister and try to keep her happy; “Thats what family’s do” he’d always say.


Act one Scene One
(Achara enters stage with curtains closed, spot light on her as she begins the monologues as an introduction to her life story)
Achara
My name? Achara knulmba. Date of birth? Who remembers anymore? My story...where should i begin?...do you want to hear the real thing? or a sugar coated version...then again i don’t think there’s many ways to make my life seem happy. I’m a 15 year old woman, but i wasn’t when this all started. The year was 1940, two years ago today. I was taken from the orphanage that had sheltered me for the previous 11 years of my life “บ้านของเรายังหนุ่ม” is what the sign outside the large black brass gate read “บ้านของเรายังหนุ่ม” meaning the house of our youth. And it was, a house of laughter and learning and family, the orphanage owner, Mrs. haiaknuman treated us like her own children. We didn’t have a whole lot but for our small little home, we sure made it feel that way. My brother Siras and I had moved there when we were 2 years old, after the death of our parents. We didn’t quite understand at the time what was going on or where mommy and daddy went, but the way we saw it was that they walked out on us...and maybe it was better that way. We had grown accustomed to the ways of the orphanage, the morning schedule, sharing rooms with other children...we became apart of a family for once, since our was taken from us before we really got a chance to get attached to the idea. It was the night of January 1st, new years eve. We didn’t really stay up that night but then again we couldn’t fall asleep either. A creepy stillness lay over the orphanage like a curtain of black velvet and the only noise was of the vacant people still wondering the streets. 3:00 AM is when i heard the abrupt noise emerge from the down stairs living room. The events after that seemed to quick and too horrific to follow. Large men broke through the doors to the bedroom where i and 4 other children lay resting, ripping the young girls from their beds the men quickly got what they came for and stormed out of the house shoving each, tired, confused, terrified girl into their large vehicle....i was one of them.

Act one Scene Two
(This scene takes place in the car after Achara and the other orphan girls as well are taken from their home)
Achara
Who are you? Where are we going?! Are you adopting us? is this how it works? but where is my brother? i don’t want to leave without him! wheres Mrs. haiaknuman, i didn’t get to say good by turn around! (Achara gets hit by a large man in black and shrieks as tears begin streaming down her cheek) Why can’t i ask questions? how am i supposed to get to know you?...if you aren’t trying to adopt me then where are we going? I WANT TO KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING! (she gets slapped again leaving her cheek red and stinging, she screams in pain and begins to cry harder, she turns to jansia, a girl from the orphanage who had also been thrown into the large vehicle) where do you think they’re taking us Jansia? (she whispers) i don’t know either...i thought they wanted to adopt us, but maybe we’re being moved to a different orphanage...although i think Mrs. haiaknuman would have told us, or had us pack our bags. i know, i want to go back too, these men won’t take care of us...we have to find a way out. i don’t know how yet but i don’t feel safe and I’m scared jansia, what if they try to kill us? i don’t know if they definitely will but they might if we don’t cooperate, you seen how they hit me...i want to go home.


Act one Scene Three
(Achara is dropped off at a house by the men who took her from her previous home, they wait outside until their customer is finished before taking Achara again. This is what happened inside)
Achara
Where am I? Where in Korat? What am i doing here? My clothes? But it’s cold in here. I don’t want to. yes. what are you going to do about it? you can’t touch me like that! I’m only 13! (Achara begins to panic and cry, she doesn’t understand what is happening) NO! NO! PLEASE! Let me go! I won’t tell anyone just let me go! I’ll find my own way home you don’t even have to drive me! Stop it! you’re ripping my clothes! PLEASE! (Achara screams and begins to sob while begging for the man to stop) Stop it you’re hurting me! please! (she whimpers and shakes while the man rapes her) get away from me! i want to leave! HELP! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME! THIS MAN IS HURTING ME (words are broken off into sobs as she screams for help, the man tries to silence her by yelling back and covering her mouth, she bites him) No! i can’t! i wont! because you are hurting me! and touching me! GET OFF! HELP! somebody please help me! (she sobs and gives up hope when she realizes that no one can hear her, she lays lifeless crying, weeping until the man is finished) i...i can leave? are you going to take me home? the men will? what men? the ones who...dropped me off...but i do not know them! please don’t let them take me! don’t you have a car? can’t you take me home? NO! with them is not my home! where is your door I’m leaving! NO! get off of me! (as she tries to leave the man grabs her by the wrist and prevents her from escaping) I just want to go home.please...

Act one Scene Four
Achara
(while looking in a cheap narrow floor length mirror, Achara reflects on how she’s changed, looking more so on her abstract characteristics than her concrete ones)
Hmm...i guess my hair’s a little longer... I’ve grown a little taller, the lines under my eyes have gotten a little darker, but nothing too noticeable; but...i can’t help but feeling that my changes go farther than skin deep. i know that outside i may still look the same, but when you look at my smile...its completely different. ( she reached over and turn the light switch off) This is the me that people would recognize the most around here (she takes her top off slowly examining in the floor length mirror, some bruises and scars going up her arms; a tear slides down her cheek) This is the girl i guess I’ve grown to be (she pulls her pants down while still standing in the dark room in front of her mirror) I never wanted it to be like this...but i was always taught to do as i was told...it goes without saying that i was not taught to be a piece of flesh, a bag of tools that all the clients use as they please...(the tears start streaming down her face and rolling down her mostly naked body) i always imagined my first time being something sacred and special...the fact that i can sit in front of this mirror naked and not look away amazes me...although i do not like what i see. this animal of a girl, this woman who changes at the flick of the light switch (she turned the light switch back on and tried to smile) It’s just not the same...i cannot smile when i feel no once of happiness anywhere within these sore beaten bones. At the flick of a light switch (she turns the lights off again) i go from insecure vulnerable child who longs for home again, to be held in the warm caring arms of a mother or father which i never knew...to the animal that moans and sucks and screws whatever holds the highest bid...and the worst part is...i have no control over myself...i am a slave to the greed of a selfish man who holds my fate...(with tears streaming down her face like a war just begun, each tear fell like empty bullet shells to the floor, she looked into the mirror with rage and punched it with her fist, and punched again and again and again until tiny pieces of her reflection lay shattered on the floor as well. she looked down into the remnants of the once long mirror and picked up a piece of sharp, thick glass which held the reflection of her face, she took it and pressed it lightly against her wrist, then shes pressed harder and harder) i don’t want to be here anymore (she begins sobbing) i can’t take this. i can’t do it anymore. i hate myself. i hate what has become of me. i want to go home(the more she repeated the words the quieter her voice became) i want to go home. i want to be with mom and dad again (she pressed her back against the door next to her and slowly slides down it until she is on the floor with her knees in her chest and blood dripping from her wrist onto the carpet) it’s time to go home...

Act one Scene Five 
Achara
( Achara is awakened by a guard in the home abruptly in the middle of the night, she looks at the mess on the floor that she had created by smashing the mirror in her faint attempt to take her own life. The men are knocking on door that had been blocked by her body, they are mad that she is unresponsive for several minutes, meanwhile she is panicking and scared for her life because of the mess shes made)
what? I’ll be right out! I’m trying to get dressed! no! i don’t need help! i will be out as soon as i’m done! Appointment? no i wasn’t aware that i had one tonight? i...i can’t go! no honest! i really can’t! i umm... i don’t feel good! i think i might have caught something!...no not like a fever...something..down there. ya know, an STD, of course i’m serious, how do i know what those are? because some of the older girls have talked about them. No, i can’t go, your clients won’t pay for a diseased girl. you might not tell them but i will, i said i don’t feel good, let me rest. We have to handle i head on. a doctor. no i wont say anything i promise, i just need to go to a doctor! what if its something serious. no...i don’t care if the doctors a friend of yours, i need to get help! 

Act one Scene Six
(Achara is in the small room that the men keep her in when she is not catering to the clients. Two of the men are out trying to sell the other girls while achara is stuck there for the day because they want her to get some rest before her later appointments so she can preform better. She is there with one of the men to make sure she doesn’t try to escape or try any funny business. The mans name is Jaidee)
Achara
Jaidee, take me for a walk won’t you? why not? no i won’t try any funny business! i just need some fresh air I’ve been in and out of house all the time and i need some air. i know the boss wouldn’t like it but come on for me? (she took her hand and caressed his arm) it look like such a beautiful day for a walk! i know that you’d get in trouble but who said that the big guy has to know about it? (she pushes him against the wall and looks at him with her beautiful brown eyes then whispers in his ear) i know you wanna take me, and you know i can’t go alone so what do you say? ( looking nervous Jaidee gets the keys and waves them in front of her face.) you want me to do this for you? what do i get in return? (she ran her finger from his chest to his pants buckle then pressed herself against him she pulled his arm around her waist and began to kiss him; as he put the keys in his front pocket, she ran her hand from his chest to his belt buckle again and he pulled back to undo it, she stopped him) i can do it, I’m a big girl ( he closed his eyes as to enjoy the moment and she slyly slipped they keys from his pocket and punched him in the groins, he belted over and fell to the ground as she ran towards the door for a quick escape, he screamed  as she ran but she didn’t make it far, as soon as she got to the door, the knob turned and goddrick *guard* came in)
I don’t know what happened he fell, i slammed the door and he walked into it i guess, got him in the area...i don’t know I’m assuming. don’t touch me! 

Act one scene Seven
(Archara sits in a small room waiting for the Man who Goddrick called “shuintneaba”, this is the “doctor” friend who they offered to take her to after she said that she was sick and unable to “preform”)
Achara
Before we begin i want some privacy. Just me and the doctor. it’s a nasty site that i don’t think you’ll want to see Goddrick. (Goddrick leaves the room with hesitation and says he’ll be right outside the door) I don’t need a full examination. I just need your help. I know you are a friend of Goddricks and i also know that you are a man, i will do you favors, if you help me escape. And if you don’t? i will tell Goddrick that you tried to have sex with me. now listen, do you have a backdoor? nothing? a window, a secret room, stairs? (she grabs his tie and pulls him close to her face and kisses him) help me. (he grabs her hand and leads her to a room behind a wall, filled with gurneys, a dark dark room, shes scared at first because she doesn’t know whats going to happen, all she knows is that she can’t go back.) is this safe? where does it lead to? Ovlainche street? okay. something for you? what is it? (scene draws to a blank and the curtain comes up when she is on the street)


Act one scene eight
i looked around, i remembered vaguely seeing these streets on my way to different places, but it was different now. i was free in a way yet held down by my past. i knew i wasn’t totally in the clear, but i was more liberated than before. i walked the lonely streets sectioned off into alleys and dark corners you would hear about in scary stories. i didn’t know what to do now that i was free. i had always been told what to do...now, i had to think on my own...so what to do?...doctors, tests...or maybe, I’d find my way back to my old orphanage..

Under The Roof Of Nepal

Posted by Yasmeen Brownlee in World History - Block on


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.

WRLDHIST-004

Term
2010-11.S2

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