Marina Pyfrom

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

    (Present Nadia standing at podium facing the audience)

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

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

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

He would laugh then make this little girl voice saying

Nadiaaaaaaa

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

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

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

    (Lights back on at Present Nadia at the podium)

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

Mom come play apple blast with me.

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

Well me and daddy always play apple blast.

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

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

But that’s not fair.

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

Its no fun
    (Lights fade at Present Nadia appears)

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

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

    
    (Battlefield setting, and loud noises)

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

Keep her safe.

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

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

Noooooooooooo
    (Scene fades out with Kamil crying.)

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

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

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

Im trying babe, its just…

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

That’s a good idea but I don’t know.

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

I will forever and always love you.

    (lights fade out.)

   
    (Rameesha in bedroom & Kamil in living room)

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

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

Wow, you look amazing. Youuu readdy?

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

Good Lets Go!

    (Car noise & music lights flashing)

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

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

    (Light on Nadia in her room painting)

    (Light focused on Living room & Doorbell rings)

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

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

Alright cool, I will check on Nadia.

    (Light focus on Kitchen)

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

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

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

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

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

    (lights follows them off stage)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Room scene)

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

Thank you, Uncle Kamil I really need that.

    (Black out, Present Nadia and podium appears)

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

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

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

Ugh I hate you! Have a nice life Sian

    (Sunrise setting, Rameesha in Nadia’s room)

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

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

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

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

    (Siren noises & Present Nadia appeared)

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

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

Anymore tea Mom?

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

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

    (Young Nadia& Sian playing apple blast off stage)

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

    (Lights faded and the living room setting appears)

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

   (light fades and Present Nadia at the podium appears)

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

MELANIE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord, is this a sign?


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

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

Take off your clothes right now!

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Click the recording button]

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


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


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

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

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

[Angelina writes back to Zuri]

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


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

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

Melanie: What is this?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suzan: Angelina, you can come out now.

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

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

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

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

RAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHRAGKJWHONERGVE.R
EHFUOERHOIERJGRE.
nothing is ever easy.

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

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

Today I hung out with Sam at his house and then we met up with his brother for dinner. After that I went home and was talking to my moms friend who fought in the Vietnam war. He was telling me all about it and some things I thought were pretty amazing. He said it was really hard for Americans to fight because they weren't used to the jungle terrain and the Vietnamese were really inventive with their ways of fighting. So he told me that a lot of times the Vietnamese women would climb trees and rip off bee hives from the branches and throw them at the American soldiers. This actually killed soldiers because too many bee stings can actually kill you if you are allergic. He said it was really intense to watch because the soldiers in a moment of panic would try and like, shoot the hives, but obviously you can't shoot thousands of bees. He also told me about how the American soldiers would have cans of beans to eat sent from America, and when they ripped off the metal tops they would leave them on the ground. Then the Vietnamese would pick up the can tops because they were sharp and use them as weapons or they would build traps with them. He said they had all kinds of holes that they dug in the ground and covered with leaves that had like sanded spikes coming out of the bottom. It was a pretty intense conversation.

​​Characters


Act 1, Scene 1

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

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

By: Aja Wallace

Cast of Characters

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

 

Setting

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

 

Act 1 Scene 1

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

 

CHENZIRA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Shouts with lots of anger)

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

CHENZIRA

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

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

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

(Spoken very slowly)

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

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

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

(Deep laugh)

Hahahahaha cuz Robert is the one to blame...  

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

Act 1, Scene 2

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

 

ROBERT MUGABE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Act 1, Scene 3

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

 

DAKARAI  

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

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

Betcha, betcha,

(Dakarai speaks again, by herself)

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

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

Act 2 Scene 1

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

ROBERT MUGABE

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

(Mild chuckle, then sighs)

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

(Sigh)

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

(Sigh)

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

(Two sniffs and starts to cry a little)

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

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

It was so hard for me!

(Lights go off up stage center)

Scene 2

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

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

 

CHENZIRA

Haahah

(Sigh, then starts talking to Gamba)

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

(Starts speaking fast)

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

(Starts speaking at a regular pace.)

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

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

Well uh I dunno why they mention them.

(Back to his regular voice.)

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

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

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

(In a whisper, and squats down to Gamba)

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

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

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

(Sigh).

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

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

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

(Mild chuckle)

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

Scene 3

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

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

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

GAMBA

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

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

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

Act 3, Scene 1

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

ROBERT MUGABE

 

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

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

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

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

Act 3, Scene 2

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

GAMBA

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

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

Have you seen and old guy

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

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

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

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

(Spoken as if asking a question)

I guess he thought he couldn’t trust me.

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

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

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

ROBERT MUGABE

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

(Mugabe looks at Gamba waiting for his next move)

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

GAMBA

 

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

(Speaks louder and waves the paper in the air)

A warrior

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

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

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

Act 3, Scene 3

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

CHENZIRA

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

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

You are all dummies.

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

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

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

We were neck and neck

(Big deep belch)

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

(Screaming to the night sky)

Damn you all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Smiles a big Kool-aid smile)

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

(Tears fall down his face and stats to yell)

I wasn’t about to do that!

(Speaks in slight drunk voice, no longer yelling)

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

(Cries)

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

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

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

GAMBA

Chenzira ! Chenzira!

CHENZIRA

Go home boy!

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

CHENZIRA

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

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

Act 4, Scene 1

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

 

ROBERT MUGABE

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

(Sigh)

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

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

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

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

 

Act 4, Scene 2

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

 

CHENZIRA

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

(Slightly shakes the left hand)

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

(Sigh)

I never even told him…. Little man

(Sigh)

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

(Lights goes off down stage right off Chenzira)

 

Act 4, Scene 3

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

ROBERT MUGABE

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

(Light goes off right stage off Mugabe)

Act 4, Scene 4

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

CHENZIRA

Warrior,

(Back to regular volume when talking)

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

(Slightly shaking his head up and down)

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

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

 

Act 4, Scene 5

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

ROBERT MUGABE

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

(Talking/Yelling out to stage right)

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

(Light goes off down stage left off Mugabe)

 

Act 4, Scene 6

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

CHENZIRA

 

So make me feel like I won.

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

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

Act 5, Scene 1

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

(Starts to cry a little)

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

(Stops crying and sniffles three times.)

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

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

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

(Screams)

No one!

(Back to regular tone of speaking)

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

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

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

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

   

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

In no particular order:
- Find prom dress
- Plan Maddie's birthday weekend
- Decide whether or not I should go down Wildwood for the weekend
- Somehow go to doctors Wednesday and still make it to soccer game against Central
- Tan (strictly for prom)
- Buy new clothes
- Clean my room
- Send deposit to Bloomsburg
- Eat pepperoni and cheese melt
​

The SLA College Counseling Office invites students and parents to attend:

FINANCIAL AID 101 NIGHT

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

6:00-7:30
SLA Cafe

Speaker: Chad A. Spencer, Senior Assistant Dean, Davidson College 

Topics covered: Financial aid basics, college costs, determination of aid eligibility, finding money for college.

If you have any questions, please contact Karina Hirschfield, SLA College Counselor at khirschfield@scienceleadership.org.

I enjoy the television. It shows me pictures moving at a tremendous rate. It shows me Dairy Queen commercials that are blatant rip offs of much more amusing Old Spice commercials. It shows me Mark  Wahlberg's angst in startling clarity. Alrighty then.

Its nice getting a random text from a friend who just wants to talk to you. Makes you feel special 

I am very happy about the grade I got, on the 10-20-30. I think this was a sustainable grade because I did everything that was told, and went above and beyond. On top of that when we had to do our reflection on what we could do better on our page, then actually did it; I made the reflection and fixed everything on there. 

Goldie Robins

Art

Ms. Hull

 In the beginning of third quarter when we started art, with Ms. Hull she prepared us to do this project since the first day. We started to draw our shoe. Now some people may say that doesn’t help us with your perspective project but it prepared us with visual drawings, looking at something and drawing it, and drawing straight lines. Then we practiced drawing boxes, which was helpful with shapes. It got harder when we had to do draw the boxes above and below the horizon line. But that is what we had to do in our final drawing; everything is depending on the horizon line and the vanishing point. That was the first time we were introduced to perspective, and it definitely prepared me for the final drawing.  Every drawing in our sketchbook was preparing us and setting us up for this perspective drawing.

 The process basically was being ready in class everyday. Everyday I had another part of the perspective drawing to do, and I set my goal. What helped me a lot was the activities/ drawings we did to prepare our self up to the start of this perspective artwork.  The main process was just getting things done, and drawing.

 In my opinion there was nothing easy to learn and nothing hard to learn. Everything was set up as a challenge for me, and I just needed to reach my goal in that challenge. It doesn’t mean my goal was to finish it, make the drawing perfect and get everything I draw perfect. I didn’t know what I could and couldn’t do ,so I just tried. The only way you try was by coming to class prepared and to work . I could see what I did better hen others, but it doesn’t mean one thing was easy and one thing was hard. The point of a “challenge” is it to be challenging. Yes there could be strong points but this is artwork and what some of that drawing might be better then others, doesn’t mean that part was easier. So all in all, the whole project was a challenge not easy or hard.

 Person I picked:

 I picked, Henry Poeng’s drawing. I picked his because I saw how he worked well in class and really tried hard on his drawing. I also picked it because I thought he did a very “killer” job on his artwork. His was one of the many in our stream that was exemplary. 

Real Recognize Real, And You Don't Look Familiar.

I like a girl on the honor roll.

Random Thought: I cant wait to be in college,to have own apartment. Just Doing me. Being on my own. Dont get me wrong,i love living with mama.. But That grown life is what im looking forward too.

thats all

Does this mean we dont have the thing at the end of the year? Im diggin the monday idea about reppin ur college, preetyy cool idea and week. I know this Friday im probably gonna get in trouble if I do any of my homemade jokes, so ill pass since graduation is 2 months away. ​

"Is that a female?"

"No... Oh it might be, I don't know."

"Unless it's the dude from passion pit."

today a bunch of my friends helped me with my capstone- making a cd. we spent like an hour trying to get the sound system hooked up right and then worked on one of my songs. justin wrote a guitar bit, corey did drums, and ryan played bass. i havent really listened to the recordings yet but hopefully they turned out really good :] it had better be worth it for listening to the same chord progression over and over for like two hours lol. its still stuck in my head.

Characters: Celia, El Don, Julio, Lisa

Throughout this project is describing the difficulties throughout different countries of sex trading. Including a young boy who is confused and corrupted. The processes of drugging, difficulties, and guilt through sex slaves and sex slave owners. And the differences between each individual's daily life.