Characters

Charles - A host of a late night talk show. He’s a male in his 40s, mild-mannered, funny, knows when to be serious about things.

Ellen - A young 15-year-old girl living in Arizona. She has a rebellious mind and talks to her stuffed bear.

Subcomandante Marcos – Spokesman for the Zapatista. He is a rebel and a philosopher; he fights for the rights of the indigenous people in México.

Javier Garcia – Mayor of the fictional city of Monte Negro. He is a man with power and is disgusted with the rebels in his city. He has a soft side for his family.

Inez – A young indigenous girl in Chiapas, she talks with her doll when she wants to understand something.

ACT 1 – Scene 1

(Charles enters stage, fixes himself up while looking and the audience. He begins to talk to them in a friendly, yet assertive voice.)

CHARLES
Hey everybody! How has your day been? ... Well, today I was on CNN and you know, I started looking through the news... I read this article that my friend sent me, it was about the prime minister of India. He’s been accused of scamming around $31 billion dollars from India’s treasury. Anyway Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says he’s innocent, and it got me thinking.
   Don’t we hear about things like this all the time? I mean, it’s either companies or governments that always do this kind of crap. Now, I’m not blaming the prime minister for what he might have done, but the average person has developed this... thought, a thought about governments and companies having control over humans like you and me. It makes people seem insignificant.

(Looks down at the floor to ponder a moment, start looking up as he starts talking again)

Here’s another thing I want to say: People don’t stand up for themselves!

(He starts talking more aggressively)

If people fought united for a cause, anything, I bet they would achieve their goal and it would benefit mankind. You might be saying “Well Charles, aren’t there organizations trying to benefit mankind already?” Yeah, but I’m not talking about getting a signature from a lazy citizen who sits on their ass all day, supporting a kid in Africa by sending monthly payments.

(He talks a bit more calmly, with a sentimental feeling)

That’s not help, that’s financial aid!
   There are some people who stand up for themselves... um....

(He does a hand motion as if he was remembering something)

The Zapatista! Who knows about them? ... A few of you might...

(He looks away from the camera)

Do we have any pictures of a Zapatista?

(A picture of a margarita appears for the audience)

No! A Zap-A-Ti-STA! Not a Margarita!

(Picture of Subcomandante Marcos appears for the audience)

Anyway for those who don’t know, the Zapatista are revolutionaries, doesn’t mean they go shooting up every other place they go to... they only use their guns for self-defense. * They’ve never attacked first. Their goal is basically make it a fair game, not only for the indigenous people they’re helping, but also for all of Mexico. The indigenous people they’re helping have the same trouble as many indigenous people in any country, adapting to the new world. Just like when your mother-in-law moves in with you...

(Shrugs)

It’s tough! I’d start a revolution too, if she ever came back!

(Shakes fist in the air)
 
Anyway, Corporations and governments take away their land, and indigenous people have a hard time being looked at equally compared to the modern new world citizen.

Going back to 1994,NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was made to make a free trade system with Mexico, Canada and the United States. It was a great way to get Canadian bacon to your local Denny’s.

(He gets closer to the audience/camera and whispers)

It’s HAM!

(Goes back to original position and resumes monologue)

But seriously folks, NAFTA came with its downsides. NAFTA actually ended up abolishing Article 27, section 7 of the Mexican constitution, which had the indigenous people’s land no longer protected by the law.

(Looks at audience with a serious look.)

Don’t you hate it things like that happen? Talk about a buzz kill... It feels like finding out you wet your nice clean bed the day you just cleaned your sheets by yourself. For most of you that was after you left moms house right?

(He squints and points to a random adult in the audience)

Yes, I’m talking about you!

Anyway back to the subject that’s one of the many reasons the Zapatista want fight for their cause. It’s funny... In other parts of the world, there are people that would want to have a modern revolution in order to help people and change the way their government works. Here in this good country, we complain about EVERYTHING and are either too frightened or too lazy to do it, and expect one person, our president, to change the world for us. Last time I checked, America was the people’s country, not the responsibility of one man or woman. It’s us who have to revolutionize the world!

(He grabs a nearby chair, stands on top of it)

We the people of the world can unite and overthrow this super power controlling our world!

(In a louder voice, almost yelling)

For the world and for the human race! Freedom and equality for all!

(He steps down from the chair slowly, fixes his suit’s cuffs. Coughs and fixes his voice)

Ahem!

(He is clasping both hands together, in front of his chest.)

So I leave you with this thought, how are you making the world a better place?

ACT 1 – Scene 2

(Ellen is holding her stuffed bear is lying in bed with it, while looking up at the ceiling)

ELLEN
Hey bob! You wouldn’t mind listening to my rambling right?

(Gets comfy)

Great! Listen, don’t you think life is a bit boring? It’s the same thing, day in and day out, school, home, work. There’s no purpose. I want there to be a purpose for me to get up in the morning. I want to aspire for something; I don’t want to waste my life for 7 hours a day at school thinking I’m not contributing anything to the world!  I remember in history class, our teacher was telling us about people that made changes in our history. Many of them weren’t educated to begin with, but as we went forward in history there seemed to be a system developing. Men with fancy coats or suits and an education were the ones that had power, they took the spotlight from the other people I considered heroes, or innovators in history. Like they say, history repeats itself, and those same men in fancy coats are still here today, different names, and same story. Continuing the system passed down generation from generation.

Don’t get me wrong, school and life have its fun times. I love learning; it’s society I’m mad at. I don’t like inequality, or the idea of doing something just one-way. I don’t like the fact that you need to do certain things to be noticed or taken into consideration as a being in existence in this world. Why isn’t the world equal to being with? Our president is no different than you and me. His skin is just like ours, we breathe the same air, and we walk on the same earth.

There are people in other countries where equality is being challenged. I remember learning about some American Indians losing some of their land here in Arizona... this whole discrimination thing happens even here in the US. Are indigenous people any different than you or me? I don’t think so, then why are they disrespected? Why are they considered outsiders compared to the “average citizen”? What makes them so different? Are we just jealous because they were here first? There are just some things you can’t learn in school...

I’m not looking to join some organization or group, I want a way, a method of being able to change the world and make it a bit fairer for those who are discriminated. I wonder if there’s anyone like that in our world. Heck, I’d join them. Better than trying to let some predictable politicians do it...

              (She falls asleep for a little while, she wakes up after a couple of seconds or so)

I’m not tired! I have to stay awake, Bob; my favorite stand up comic is going to be on in a while.

(Flips herself around in the bed)

I wonder how Dora feels about this. The whole inequality thing I mean. She’s been my friend since forever! Her mom brought her here when she was little, and they’ve been living in the US for a long time. There’s been a lot of talk about immigration recently, I know that her mom’s an illegal immigrant, I’d be worried if the government was trying to get rid of my mom from this piece of land I call home!

Jeez... to be put under that much pressure everyday. I’ll have to look into that more, Bob. Take note!

(Ellen starts pacing around her room)

Ready? AHEM! Note to self: Research some stuff about helping not only undocumented people, but people who are discriminated and do something about it!

(Jumps to her bed and starts watching TV, Points remote to TV and yawns.)

That’s all for today Bob, I’ll reflect tomorrow morning I’m tired and now, time to watch my favorite late night show.

Act 1 – Scene 3

(Subcomandante Marcos is writing in his journal, during his 2006 campaign throughout México, he is sitting down on the back of a truck, he speaks his thoughts as he writes)

MARCOS

May 3, 2006

it has been a couple of months since this campaign started, it’s been a brutal quest to find friendships and respect.

As I walk in the same territory as my adversaries, I’ve not only encountered people who might be against our ideas, but people within their system who support us.

They encourage us to bring peace to this land, which was once governed by actual people, not blinded bats seeing only power and money.

We want to bring peace not only for our indigenous brothers and sisters, but for the many different people who inhabit this place we call home.

Human discrimination has been a sin inside us for many years, like a dirty jewel, once clean and lustrous, then smudges and unable to be returned to perfection.

Many of us have been discriminated at one point in our lives.

Whether it is because we are homosexual, male, female, or we support a cause, it is our duty to unite... and stand as one.

This is why I’m on this long lasting journey.

I thirst for the feeling of synergy and justice.

I wish for the term “inequality” to disappear for every single Human being on this Earth.

I want to take the pillars that make up this capitalist world, and take it down.

Then rebuild it...with the thought of everyone in mind, and the every other person out there.

(Marcos stops writing; he looks up at the sky with longing look on his face)

One day...

Act 1 – Scene 4

(Javier looks out of the window in his office. There is a protest outside; he stares at the massive group of people.)

JAVIER

Look at all those people... they have no idea how dimwitted they look like. They’re acting like savages. That’s all they are, savages! They know nothing about how this world runs, and how hard it is to maintain it the way it is. Complaining won’t fix anything.

(JAVIER Walks away from the window sits in his desk)

They always come here to city hall and protest. Yelling won’t help you at all... they’re always complaining about the same thing too. They want equality or whatever fits their standards these days...

(Raises his voice)

They can’t have equality!

(Slams his fist on the desk; he hears the chanting going on outside, Javier calms down. Speaks in a more calm tone.)

It simply can’t be done. Not everyone can be equal... that’d take...CENTURIES!

They don’t know how much malice I have towards them... I’d take this desk and throw it right at them if I could, but that’s probably what they want me to do. It’s too much effort to satisfy these people. It’s like talking to stupid kids!

(Pauses)

Unfortunately it’s my job as mayor to keep city alive and running. The only thing standing in my way of doing that job are those people out there. They’re my problem... unfortunately. I put too much work into trying to suit their needs. It’s taking time away from my responsibilities...

They’re keeping me away from the only time I have with my kids. As much as I am the mayor to these people, I’m a parent to my children, my wife’s husband. I don’t wish to act so brutal against these people. But I have priorities. They do not understand this game we’re all playing, this game of life.


                        (Sound of door opening in the background, Javier doesn’t bother looking.)

No Sandra, I don’t want anything. I’ll be going home in a bit... thank you anyway. Why don’t you leave early today? It’s good to be at home with your family while you still can.

                           (Javier goes back to talking with himself)

They’re walking around, causing mischief, just because some people get treated differently than others. All you have to do to be part in this world is get a job and be part of the work force. Anyone who doesn’t participate in the way this world is supposed to work can go rot and die by their own means. That includes any rebels, “indigenous” people, or any other hippie out there.

                       (He keeps staring. Thunder noise in the background, it’s beginning to rain)

Oh my, it’s starting to rain. I better get going. The scene will look more violent in the rain. The weather will take care of them though. But they’ll be back the next day, and the next. There’s a never-ending feud between power and people. To be honest, one can’t live without the other, I have a responsibility for these people, not all of their demands can be met, but without them, my job is meaningless. Without them there isn’t anything for us to control, or to “dominate” as they say. We all have a good person inside us all; some of us just chose to be the way we are because of what we do.

It comes down to this raging protesters, I could care less if we both hate each other to the bone. But I look at my daughter and care so much; I hope she never has to see the tainted world we live in.

Act 1 – Scene 5

(Inez is looking at the Zapatistas; She’s holding a doll made of various cloths.)

INEZ

(To her doll)

Hey, do you know who those people are?

(Pauses)

I don’t have a clear answer either.
Why do they wear those masks, most importantly, why do we cheer for them?
Papa started wearing a mask like those people. They all talk about things like equality, and justice. Things Mama says I don’t understand yet.
One day I asked Mama about the men with the masks on. She told me there are people who want to change the rules of how we live by. Mama kept talking. She told me about the “government” and other words I couldn’t understand. One of them was “revolution”.
My Mama said that they want to be like a man that was in a revolution a long time ago. That man fought for people who couldn’t defend themselves and wanted things to be fair. “Zapata was his name, and this legacy he left behind are the Zapatistas” Mama said.
Are the masked men fighting for the same kind of “fair” Emiliano thought of?
Are they fighting for the same reason my friends and family are fighting for?
I’m young; I won’t understand anything for a long time, Inez, that’s what everyone tells me. But what I DO know is that when the time comes, I’ll know whether it’s worth it to put a mask on my face.

Monologues

Characters:

Joshua Bartlett - 24 years old, American college student.

Gabriel Johnson - Late forties, white. A legal advisor for Nike Incorporated. 

Teenage Boy - Boy, around 16 years old. Wears Nike shoes.

Pakistani Boy - Boy, around 10 years old, worker in Nike factory.

Pakistani Woman - Pregnant woman, maybe 6 or 7 months. Husband works in factory.

News Reporter - Female news reporter. (Only audio)

Scene 1

Male, probably around 23 years old. Standing with a camera pointed at him, obviously directing his attention toward the camera. Somewhat nervous but also excited.

Joshua

.. Uhm.. Hi, My name is Joh... Wait, Is it recording? .. Oh okay.. I just didn’t see the light, ya know... Let me start over then.. Uhmm… Are you sure? I still don’t see the light... Okay, Sorry, Dude, I’m just nervous.. Hooo. Okay… 

(say this very quickly) 

Hello, My name is Joshua Bartlett ah-and this is my documentary project for.. Damn! That was too fast… Okay. Seriously, I’m going to do it this time.. Hoo.. Okay.. Yo, I’m Joshua Bartlett and this is my fin... Did I really just say “yo”? Shit. Hold on.. Give me a sec, I got this 

(Stands up straight, straightens shoulders, smiles) 

... Hello, I’m Joshua Bartlett and this is my final project for world economics. For this video I’m going to attempt to discover the truth behind Nike’s labor conditions. And under my circumstances I’ve actually been able to travel to various places and countries to try to find answer from people who’ve dealt with this firsthand....

(Waits a few seconds then stands normally again)

 Whooo. That was good right? Woo!

(Jumps up, smiles. Quickly simmers down again though.) 

Oh, I mean .. Yeah. That was cool. Are we good? .. Thanks. So, we can use that?.. Great... Are you ready for this? Like we’re about to go to all these places. This is gonna be amazing. Seriously, amazing…

Scene 2

Nike Executive. Older, white, male in suit. Seems rather uninterested and is speaking frankly. He is alone behind a desk but apparently speaking to someone and answering questions. The name card on his desk says Gabriel Johnson. 

Gabriel Johnson

…Our code of conduct is accessible by anyone with Internet access and it states that Nike Incorporated will employ no one under the age of 16 or one who is unwilling to work. We do however employ contractors over seas to manage our factories. If you read our code of conduct, it says, word for word, that we expect the contractors to follow this code and it’s common knowledge that expectations are not always met. Nowhere in the code of conduct are the contractors required to truthfully report that the factory is following the code or to report that their employees are satisfied with their working conditions; though it is, once again, expected to be reported to Nike Incorporated openly. All businesses operated by Nike personally follow this code and that’s what it controls. Nike cannot completely control the foreign factories due to an issue that has already risen; the factories are not required to give employee reports and even if they did, there is no way for the reports to be proven legitimate.

(Pauses. Face changes to serious and interested. He moves to a position that seems less robotic and more like a person would naturally sit.)

Can I say something? Man to man?.. Okay. Personally, I mean just my opinion.. This is no way reflects the company but, I know what those contractors do and I’m not a fan. Kids shouldn’t work, trust me, I have 3 kids and I’d never want them to have to do anything like that. But.. This is my job. This company pays me to represent them when people like you wanna know why we employ these contractors. We do it because it cheap, but I’m not lying when I say we have difficulty monitoring them. Plus, you and I know that making sure they didn’t mistreat their employees would take money. And you really think the big execs wanna give up any of their money? No. They’ll do anything for that extra penny. I don’t agree with that, I know there’s more to life than money.. But I also know that I need the money they pay me to put my kids through school so they don’t have to work. So, no, I don’t agree with Nike’s decisions .. But I’m just doing what I need to do to get by…

Scene 3

Teenage boy in city setting. Happy, excited. Speaking to someone and answering a question. Standing.

Teenage Boy

…Oh, dese kicks? Oh yeah, dey nice right? I just got dese fo’ like 80 bucks, nice righ? ‘N’ since dey white I gotta, yuh know, keep ‘em poppin’. Yuh can’t step in puddlez erh nothin’. ‘N’ deff don’t be playin’ no ball wid ‘em. Cuz’ den dey’d get maaaddd dirty. Ya just gotta shine ‘em up when ya take ‘em off and these Nike’s … Dey’ll be poppin’ fo’ months… Huh? Why I got tah know who made dese? I don’t know but dese ahr nice shoez, man… Kids made dese?.. Well, why dat matter? It wadn’t in Americur, righ? Cuz’, now datd be drawin’. Buh, don’t dat only happen in dose pohr countrees? And dats jus dem kids tryin’ tah make a dime. Like, maybe dey shouldn’t have tah work like dat but.. If dey don’t work… Who gunna make mah shoes? 

Scene 4

Young boy in Pakistan. Speaks broken English with an accent. Works at a Nike factory. Was walking down a busy street but is stopped to talk to someone. Not very emotional but some distress can be noticed.

Young Pakistani Boy

Yes, I work at Nike factory. I make footballs. I need job becus Mama es dead. Papa es drinking. I leave home for safety. I need to leave. I be worse now if not... I work for dollhar for food and water. For evry day I werk I ghet 2 dollhars a day for work. 2 dollhars es not much bhut.. bhut it es better then nothing. Before I leave home, Papa send me to work. He say, “You man. Man work. If live here, you need pay for you. You pay for your food, I pay for my food.” I not want work then. I want play with friends at school... That why I leave. My 2 dollhars buy me no food. My 2 dollhars buy Papa drink... Work is difficult. Very tire. I sleep after, always...Hmm? Yers?... Yers... Ah! Yers, age. I 10 yers.  

Scene 5

Joshua sitting casually at a table. Josh is speaking casually to camera man(not seen).

Joshua

Dude, some if this stuff is .. it’s crazy. Like that uhm.. What was that guy’s name? ..The Nike guy... G something... Gabe! Right, Gabriel Johnson. Yeah, that was so weird, like, he was telling us all this bullshit and then he just.. Told us.. everything, kinda... That’ll be great for the project... haha, that kid was so hype about his shoes. That was funny, dude..

(Glances at watch)

Shit! We gotta go. I asked this one woman if we could talk to her.. Apparently her husband works at one of the big factories..

Scene 6

Pregnant woman in Pakistan who speaks broken English. She sits in front of fireplace. She’s tending the fireplace but her attention is divided between it and someone who she’s talking to. She’s talking casually. 

Pregnant Woman

...No, I do not work. Most work is difficult because of this.. 

(lightly pats belly and smiles.)

I like work.. It’s not fair. I sit and my husband works.. I want work too.. We need it, he does not get paid many at factory. Only 3 dollhars American for his work a day... And his work very long.. Dinner es cold when he home... 

(tone starts to shift into a more annoyed/uneasy tone.) 

..It bothers me much. I worry for him. He work many hours at factory. When he get home he pass out. Not even get in bed... 

(aggravation/distress is clearly noticeable now)

..Why do they treat  people bad? These are people. They are trying to make dollhar for families.. How we gohin’ live wif 3 dollhars?!

Scene 7

Joshua is walking on a crowded street in Pakistan. He is making his way through the people while talking to who’s holding the camera. Mostly in a venting type way.

Joshua

This is ridiculous! Actually ridiculous! How could people act like that? Just treating people like shit? Just because they want another 10 dollars to go with their 10 million?! Like what the fuck is that? … You know what.... We’re going to the factory. We’re going right now. 

(starts walking vigorously. He sounds determined.)

... No, but we’ll find it. Ask people or something. I don’t know! But we’re going there! Someone needs to stop these assholes! They can’t just do this. Who do they think they are? Don’t they realize these people have families? These people are children. These are people. People... What the hell does all this civil rights shit mean if these Nike can treat these people like slaves?!.. I don’t know, dude. But we gotta do something. We can’t just sit here. There are hundreds of people who might die because they can’t afford a bowl of rice because some greedy CEO’s want all the money they can get their grimy hands on. I’m not about to just sit back and watch it happen! I’m not!... 

Scene 8

Joshua is yelling at someone through a door. He is furious and bangs on the door in frustration.

Joshua

Let me in! Open the fucking door! I just want to fucking talk to someone!

(Hits door)

Let me in!.. I have the right to talk to you! Open the god damn door! … 

(Walks a few feet away from the door, hands on hips looking down, extremely frustrated. Then suddenly turns back around and runs at the door. Hits it again.) 

You’re breaking the law! Let me in! These are fucking people, not useless pieces of shit. Why?! Why are you treating them like shit?! They’ve been in there for fucking hours, no breaks, no water, and for what? Three fucking dollars?! You want money for yourself?! 

(Takes out wallet, pulls out a few bills, and throws them at the door)

Here! Take the fucking money. Don’t you feel anything? These people are dying in there.... You know what? Just fuck it.. 

(Begins to walk away, looking defeated, walks off stage, lights slowly dim but suddenly flash back on fully when Joshua runs back and rams the door with his shoulder, door opens and Josh runs through. Stage black.) 

Scene 9

Newscaster reporting story is heard. Three chairs, one small stool, on the stage. (One is a big comfy chair, good condition, next is a small stool, next is an old folding chair, last is a lazy-boy type and worn condition) One TV in the center/front of stage, facing the chairs. Light is only on the TV.

News Castor

Breaking news from Pakistan today with reports of a riot in a factory, allegedly owned by Nike, that lead to 5 deaths and several other injuries. 

(Light on the small stool, now occupied by the pregnant woman, intently watching) 

One of the 5 people who died in the rally gone wrong belongs to an American citizen,

(Light shows on big, worn chair with the boy sitting in it. He’s not paying attention and it wiping off white shoes with a napkin.)

 Joshua Bartlett, 24, who happened to be filming a project on the labor conditions of Nike factories

(Light on first chair, where Gabriel Johnson is now sitting, leaning forward in his chair, intently listening). 

He went to the factory in search of answers, only to find the working conditions worse than expected. Enraged, Bartlett began yelling and eventually coerced the workers to rebel against their supervisors in an attempt to secure their rights as human beings. The rebellion turned violent as the upper management had weapons and turned them on the workers. 

(Light on the folding chair, empty at first but then an obviously inebriated Pakistani man plops into it, holding a bottle on liquor. He stares at the screen with a glazed look)

Also among the deaths were two adult men, one woman, and a young boy, all workers at the factory. Most of the battle was caught on camera by a young man traveling with Bartlett, who was only injured. This footage only confirms previous rumors of Nike’s mistreatment of workers in the third world and a law suit is expected in the upcoming months...

In other news, a fi...........

(Trails off, still heard at a low volume.)

Once there is silence, the American boy finishes wiping off his shoes, put them on and walks out. Lights out on his chair. The pregnant woman just blankly stares at the television as tear silently fall from her face and she rubs her pregnant belly. Lights out on her. The drunken man is obviously sleeping, snoring loudly. Lights out on him, he’s silent. Gabriel Johnson stares at the television. Fists and jaw clenched. He stands up goes to the TV and turns it off. Walks off stage. Lights out.

The End

4.8.11

  The most difficult part of this quarter for me was learning how to draw and shade correctly with charcoal, especially when I had to create a charcoal self-portrait. The first self portrait that I created was completely unrealistic and proportionally inaccurate as my head was too small, my eyes came out too little, mu mouth too tiny, and my nose too narrow. I drew everything too robotically and consequently, and ended up with a portrait that did not resemble me at all. On top of this, I had to use charcoal to draw this piece, and since I am usually not good at using charcoal, this process was made more challenging. In the end, however, I tried drawing this portrait again and letting go a little. I drew exactly what I saw and tried to be realistic when scaling the proportions of my nose, mouth, eyes, and face. The end result came out much neater and much more accurate than the first portrait that I attempted to draw.

The best part in this quarter for me was drawing my large glass charcoal still life because it was the first time I dared to use colored charcoal. I was inspired to use colored charcoal after looking at one of Emma Hoeinstein’s art pieces. It was a still life of a water bottle and it looked extremely real because of the different colors that Emma incorporated into the piece. In my drawing I used blue for the light reflected on the vase, pink and dark pink for the ribbon on the vase and the shadows cast on said ribbon, brown and green for the leaf that was placed inside the vase, and brown for the wooden table.

All in all, this quarter was very productive for me. I was able to get all of the art pieces done on time and was satisfied with each and every one of them. I was also able to learn more about an artist I had only heard about briefly. There were times during this quarter where my talent was being pushed to its full extent. I felt very overwhelmed and frustrated during this process because I thought that I was not going to be able to complete what I was being asked to complete. In the end, however, I was able to develop new skills.  I was satisfied with all of my final products.   

Exploration of a Renaissance Artist: Focus on Benozzo Gozzoli

Online link for paintings: http://www.wga.hu/framese.html?/html/g/gozzoli/1early/index.html

Trial by Fire Before Sultan description:

            Behind the small crowd of people is an old stonewall corner. Each individual crack on the wall is highlighted on the seam of the wall. On the left side of the wall the cracks become smooth and less visible. On the right side the cracks are faintly visible. The darkness of the space near the right side of the wall shields the cracks. The side of the darkness lies behind the sultan.

            From the bottom right hand corner to almost the top right hand corner, stretches the seated body of a man who is assumed to be a sultan. His robe is golden yellow with a vague pattern of blue trimming the bottom. Each wrinkle that accompanies sitting is visible. The robe gathers in the lap of the sultan. He wears sleeved shirt underneath the rode, but only the left arm is visible. In the center of the shirt, along the sultans chest are eleven gold buttons. On his head is a hat in the shape of a round pointed triangle. There are lines that run from the furry white rim of the hat to the gold button on top.

            The sultan’s eyes are looking down upon the crowd that is implied to be before him. His lips are thin and almost covered by the thick rust colored beard that he wears. To the left of the sultan is a man covered from head to toe in a red robe. The man’s head is covered also by a hijab. Behind the man is a knight fully dressed in metal, but his head gear is not pointed. It is rounded to his head. Beyond and in between the knight and man are the heads of three more crowd members.

Death and Ascention of St. Francis description:

            Under the arch of a bright rainstorm lies a town square. The sky behind the storm is light blue, almost the color of crystal water. Directly under the arch but still above the town, five angles float on a wisp like cloud. The angels almost appear as the morning sun. Under the angles is a yellow stone house. At the top is a section with three triangular windows in a row and a circular one above the middle window. Under the top section is a layer of red shingles coming out in to the crown that is gathered in the town square. To left of the house is a old, gray church-like building and to the right is a pale, red rectangular building.

            A large mass of people stand gathered between the buildings. For the ones closes to the rear of the crowd only the shapes and colors of their heads are visible. In the front of the crowd are men in white robes, the y hold long wooden poles above their head.  In the center of these men is another man, but he holds a book opened toward his face. One man kneels with his hands in the prayer position at the head of a dead body. Another man leans over the dead body that is raised on a high blue table. This man wears a red robe that is trimmed with white at the top. One the table lays a man that is covered from head to toe in a yellow robe. His head rests on a red pillow.

Argument:

             Artists of the Renaissance were considered to be people of the future. Their art possessed certain qualities that distinguished the transition from medieval to present day art. Many artist abandoned arts connection to the church and went off in a separate direction to find the beauty of the world. However, in the majority of Benozzo Gozzoli’s work there is a clear connection to the church. Although his work was connected to the church, it still possessed the qualities of the “new” art that was introduced during this time.

            One characteristic that was introduced during the Renaissance was the idea of focusing on realism. The artwork was meant to look as if it were real people and real objects. In all of Gozzoli’s pieces the people are painted as if they were and individual. The people have features unique to them, making them look more life like or real.

            Artists of the Renaissance also adopted the idea of perspective. Artists made objects that were further back in space appear to be far off in the distance of the artwork. Techniques of using a vanishing point assisted artists when painting. Art was no longer 2-demensional. Figures were shown in their true form. Gozzoli demonstrates this in his painting Death and Ascention of St. Francis. He shows the 3-dimensional figures f buildings and people.

                        The only argument that would exclude Gozzoli from the artists of the Renaissance is his high focus on the church. Other then that he met all of the other characteristics of the Renaissance.

Works Cited:

"Italian Renaissance Art." Carrie Text Electronic Library. European University Institute, 2006. Web. 3 Dec 2010. <http://vlib.iue.it/carrie/texts/carrie_books/gilbert/07.html>.

Nicolas, Poich. "La Renaissance ." Web Museam. BMW Foundation, 2006. Web. 4 Dec 2010. <http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/glo/renaissance/>.

Cast of characters

Amina- Daughter of Hidi, that is 9 years old

Cathy- Reporter at the scene of an attack on a school.

Taliban man- A man that is with the Taliban he attacked a school.

Hidi- Mother of Amina, she doesn’t want Amina going to school

Aaseya- A girl that died in the attack, the Taliban man killed her

School girl- A girl was at school, when the Taliban man attacked her school

Act 1 Scene 1

AMINA

I Am a Girl and I Will

(A young girl is holding a pencil, sitting talking to a women.)

I get to sit home with my mom and help around the house. I wash clothes, help cook and clean, just like girls are suppose to do. All people say girls shouldn’t go to school and do house work like my mom. I like these things but I like school, the place many boys go to and only few girls do. They carry books and use sticks they call pencils, I found one and hide it so no one would take it away. I only know a few girls that go to school, but my parents say the ‘big’ people will get mad if I go so I don’t.

(She looks down because she is sad, she has her hands in her lap, holding something.)

I see the boys going and laughing as they go to school but I have to stay home. My mom always says school is for boys and not for girls, if girls go you can get hurt by the ‘big’ people. So I think how lucky I am because the ‘big’ people don’t hurt me. But I like what they do with pencils they make things in the books they carry. Those things could also make me happy.

The ‘big’ people are the ones with the big guns and big things that move really fast. The ‘big’ people visit our little village, they look at the school like they usually do. Every time they come I hear the same loud noises that make my ears hurt. I hear people scream and I don’t know why but every time I ask my mom what it was, my mom said “Amina honey, school is for boys not for girls.” but some girls hold pencils and i do too but I don’t really know how.

I am scared of them people, they tell me what to do but I like school, I have never been there but it seems fun. I like to cook but it gets boring. I can go to school because I can do what boys do.

(She smiles as if she is proud, she looks out her door)

I am 10 years old just like some of the boys are. I play ball with them, I make food and they can’t, they can’t wash their own clothes but I do and I can hold a pencil if I learned how to use it I could be just as good as a boy. I didn’t make me a girl, so why am I being punished, few girls can go to school and I can be one of them girls.

(She is stilling holding something in her lap)

I can do it, I will some day go to school with all the boys and learn how to use a pencil right. One day I will go to school like some other girls do. And I can’t wait, can’t wait to hold my own books and my pencil. The ‘big’ people will want me to go to school because they will see that I can do what a boy does. I will hold this pencil right and use it.

Act 1 Scene 2

HIDI

Mother’s Nightmare

You and your American ways, you people that come around here with money and supplies to help build us education.

(Pointing at the women)

This is education right here. Here home. My daughter Amina doesn’t need to go somewhere else. Everything she needs in life is here, with me. Nobody can teach her what I can teach her. Only me, her mother.

(Pointing at herself, tapping her chest many times with per pointer finger.)

It is my job to teach her, no one else. I teach her how to cook, clean, everything she needs to know about living a life here. That’s what she needs to know.

(She starts to stick her hands in a pot of onions, mixing it. She shakes her head.)

No, no, no this is education our way. You have your way and we have our way. You can’t pollute our culture. This is the way we live and this is how our children will live. The man gets the money, if he has to work selling clothing or a banker, and the women makes the home, to raise their children. And it is the women’s job to teach the children the same.

You and your books don’t need to distract my daughter from her work. She is only ten years old, she doesn’t understand that these are the things she will need. She will one day, but school won’t get in the way of her learning her culture.

(Worried, looking at the door she stops mixing the onions. Wiping her hands off she stands and shoos Amina into a far away corner.)

See this is what happens when education comes to us. Amina come inside now. Sit over there stay away from the entry way. Inside now. Hurry. You don’t see, I won’t risk her getting hurt because someone says education is the better way. This is the better way, this is how we live our lives, and just leave it at that.

(She looks at Amina and stares seriously into her eyes.)

Amina this is better, just always know that. Okay? Always.

 Act 1 Scene 3

TALIBAN MAN

Taliban Man Help Cry

(A Taliban soldier is attacking a school and is really against it.)

         Tires come to a screeching jolt and I jump out of the back of the truck fast. I hold a gun that will hurt people, young people, kids, girls. We move toward to entrance of the school. Girls. That is our target, we have been hearing news that girls have been attending this school and the numbers have increased since we were here last. This is good news for the foreigners that come here with their education but for my leader not good. For me this is not good.

         We run through the gate on the right side a group of kids both boys and girls sit on the ground and the male teacher is the first to see us and scream. That was fatal to my ear, it rung like a bell. The kids jump up and started to run in every which way. Gunshots go off, a familiar noise. Men shouting, my men or the men that I am. I kill on command, I shoot, grab hurt, on command. The command of one man. We a large group of guys take orders from one man.

I grab a white dressed girl that’s scared. I take one look and look away, she’s so young, what if this happened to my sister, I would kill, them. She is so young why hurt them? I don’t know but I have to do it or I die. Me or her? Me and her? Me. It’s not selfish of me but I’m not foolish, I can’t stop them. Everyone fears them, even me. I fear me and the people I work with. Or identify with. My job is to take orders and do them so the commander benefits and other people get hurt. That's how it has always been, other people are nothing but rocks in the road that slow you down. These rocks are girls, something my commander wants out of school, because they don’t need education. They don’t deserve it he always says, they cook they are not smart enough to learn.

She is kicking and punching my knees, stomach, and what ever is within her reach. Her punches and kicks don’t hurt, I can take this for a very long time but I must not loose focus. I have a job, “Take her now.” another guy shouts dragging a female teacher. We only take them in front of the schools gate to show everyone. We show them some dead girls and some alive ones. We show them we mean business but I mean my life, I won’t risk it. If I don’t do this I get killed. Once you are one of these people the only way out is death. You have to be a fool to think that is the better choice, I have seen death, brutal death that lasted days. That won’t happen to me or my family. This is who I am but someone please try to stop us. Stop the death, stop the children crying, and the girls from dying. Save them. Cause I can’t. Fatal screams ring by ears and when the screams stop the ring does not. Help, do what I can’t and never will do.

 Act 1 Scene 4

SCHOOL GIRL

Have a Mind No Less Than His

(A girl named was at a school when it was being attacked, she is telling a police officer her story.)

(She points abruptly at the entrance gate.)

Run run run. My teacher screamed at us as I heard gunshots go off. I charged to the nearest exit. Looking at that exit and nothing else. The other side of the gate was safe, was not terrorised. I see dust clouds getting kicked up by people running as well. I couldn’t make out faces just blurs, blurs of white and black. Everything was flashing by my eyes I could only see the gate. I needed to get there and fast, so I ran dodging other screaming girls and boys and those men. The gate, I can get there, I made it this far. I tried to avoid everything in my way but only from the front. I didn’t watch my back.

(She swings her arms up, down, side to side, Making it dramatic.)

A strong tug, a man’s tug pulled me back but I was still running. I screamed for the first time this whole time. I just wanted to run but now I was stopped I must do something. Try to break free I told myself, the gate was freedom. You will get there. I lost my sense of direction while the man drug me. I kicked and punched him hoping I was strong enough but I wasn’t. He lead me to freedom. He drug me outside the gate. I had a ringing in my hear and couldn’t understand what they were saying but they weren’t happy. But in the end I was free. He dropped my body on the floor and I was free from him.

(She points her finger and waves it fast.)

I felt like he took me with him, that the outside of the gate didn’t mean freedom but controlled. I was trained to do as he wished. I go to school against his wishes because they are mine. I wanted to be outside the school ground gate but when he took he I want to stay. I am no animal, you can’t push me to the side when I get on a road you don’t want me to go down. I have a mind no less than his. A mind that is going down this road to this school and that person won’t stop me, they might detour me but never stop me. School is my wish.

Act 1 Scene 5

CATHY

Report

(A reporter is at the scene of the attack a few hours after it happened.)

(Holding a microphone up looking in the camera)

I’m here today at this horrifying scene of a hate crime against girls. Here at a local school in Mahmud Raqi village, the capital of Kapisa Province in Afghanistan this horrendous crime was committed. Witnesses say about 20 men bombarded the school with assault rifles, after jumping off pick up trucks.  Afghan police officials say that the Taliban are responsible and reject any claims stating the police are incorporated with the Taliban.

(Taking a break near the news van, she stands fixing her outfit and applying extra make-up.)

These dame people are animals. Why am I in this war zone, I could get hurt. Are they crazy making me come here just for the news. I don’t care that this is my job, I care about my life. And I won’t loose my life because of these animals don’t want girls to learn. I gotta get out of here. I have to get this look off my face, I can’t look scared I don’t

need anyone asking questions.

(Walking back over to the camera.)

Reporter face on, compose yourself Cathy.

(Back on camera talking.)        

No official number about how many dead but police some are dead and many more were injured during this attack. This is devastating for people who live in this area and puts more fear then they already have. If you would like to contribute to improving girl’s education in Afghanistan you can contact one of the many organizations that are posted on our website, to donate money. So we ask you please help these poor children.

(Walking over to the side walk of people with a translator following behind her.)

My producer wants me to interview some of the families or friends of the children hurt. Shocked but I can get out of this easy. I can’t communicate with them, I smile on the inside. Translator. Oh them people have to be ever so ready to talk. So I walk up to a random lady, the translator follows like we are playing follow the leader.

I walk up to a near by women on a side walk outside the police barricades. Hello, I’m Cathy. The translator translated it to the women and translates back. She says her name is Hidi. Can you speak about these tragedies? Translator does his job as do I.

Yes, a shocking yes, how can you talk about it if it happened right there almost in front of you.

How has this effected you? She looks me straight in the eye and says something. The translator said that she said her niece was killed. My mouth drops because she said it with such a straight face like she accepted, no emotion. I hear cries from all directions but I see only her face, stern. She is like a rock, staring at me with a hard gaze.

I’m sorry this happened no one deserves this. Still stern, so stern, no feelings almost. She looks at me, the translator translates. She rejects me, my sympathy. The world went in a whirl and I don’t understand. Confused that she would say they should have known.

They are only children, is she crazy. I have to look away and I see a little girl crying. The tears run down her face as she holds what seems to be a pencil in her hand. Her face flushed red but a silent cry. I sit on the ground next to her and hug her. The pencil lightly scraps me on the arm as she hugs back but I don’t care. I can’t help it to tear up.

Act 1 Scene 6

AMINA

Something so beautiful ruined.

But? Is school bad, it seems great. The kids I know love school, so why do people hurt them. My mom always said that this would happen but never thought, people would get hurt. I though she was lying. 

(She is looking around at the gate, the white glowing women hugging her and bodies that are not moving.)

School is bad, people are gone my mom says, gone. I will never see them again. My mom says its because of school, but school is so great. It’s perfect but I won’t see my cousin again, mom says she is in a new place.

(She shakes her head in disbelief)

They know stuff my mom and other adults don’t know, why is that bad. Someone came and told my mom something today, and her face turned scary, not mad but scary. She told to hurry and come with her, and we are here. Here where I see people still. The loud noises I hear do hurt people. And this is because of school. School has to be bad or people wouldn’t get hurt like this.

I wouldn’t have lost my best cousin, its because of school. Something that seemed so great and something I wanted to go to, took my cousin. She is gone, because of education, I thought it was great. I was wrong, great things don’t hurt people. Go away school. This pencil as hurt people. I wanted to use this like my cousin Aaseya but she is still. I don’t want to be still, I want to move.

(She throws the pencil angrily to the side)

Act 1 Scene 7

AASEYA

The Battle Lost and War We Will Win

(This girl seems to be pale and is in a white dress. She is speaking softly and with no emotion. She stands in the center of the stage with a replay of the attack behind her.)

Today, at school I died. Writing in my book with my pencil, sitting next to my best friend. I was  a school girl but now I am a dead girl, only fifteen. I won’t get to go to school anymore or play with my friends. I won’t get to be a grown-up or have a husband and a family of my own. 

(Gun shots go off.)

They took me, the men but they never will stop me. They made me leave not only school but my mom, dad, friends, my whole family. They wanted me to leave, I died for their satisfaction, I died like many others in this battle. This battle has ended, but the war has not. The men have won many battles but we, the school will win. I will win. I have died in this battle, but many survived. Many girls will move on to learn and go experience the journey I never will finish. Education will go further than a man with a gun because education is smarter.

Act 1 Scene 8

HIDI

Death in the Past

(She stares at a women, and  another guy her ethnicity as they ask questions she answers) Hidi, is my name.

My niece died.

No your not sorry.

(She stares at the women then she stares at the scene, people crying, bodies being taken away, police standing and talking. She thinks.)

Aaseya was her name. This is what happened to her, this. We have death because of this. Education, school, it is that great, no it’s not. Death is not great, school has caused this. People feel bad because we have no education but they don’t know. They are safe over there, they don’t see this, maybe on the news but no they don’t see this. What education has done, it has made our situation worse. They don’t know how it feels to loose someone, a young girl to this, to school. 

I survived with no education not school and I am fine. I have a family and a husband without education. I have a house and food on the table with no education. I don’t need it neither did my niece or my daughter. But, education was the way, the way that lead to a horrible ending.

(Her daughter is being comforted by the reporter she shoos her away, by waving her hands and speaking loudly, even though the lady doesn’t understand her. She holds her daughter (Amina) tight.)

Aaseya wanted to learn and her mother, my sister let her, she let her die. She should have known, I told them, but no I was the one living in the past, this is what is new they told me this was change. No we didn’t need this, this is whats the past now. It’s done and it can’t be taken back. Done. The past, hopefully we can leave education in the past. But no there are always more people who want education, always. These people from America and other places was us to have education as if they were doing us a favor, but they are hurting us. More and more each day they supply us with this mess. 

Why can’t they see that this is tragic and will happen again it always has. The people at the school will wait a little while but then bam girls are back in school happy, until they get hurt. It’s too much of a risk, but the people are wiling to take that risk. I’m not.

Act 1 Scene 9

Guilty Conscious 

(A Taliban man sits on an old chair as some other of his co-workers sit and watch as well. He thinks in his head something like an alibi as if he needs one)

TALIBAN MAN

         Breaking news, there on the small fuzzy T.V. this is what we aimed for. We scared them, the scene on the T.V. in the background of the white women, people crying and raising their hands up to god as if he would help and police baffled. Girl’s dead, and families in fear, more fear then they already had. If they thought that they would get away with putting more girls in school, they’re stupid.

(His face neutral, not giving away any emotion.)

(A ghost girl appears in the room)

AASEYA

That is what you wanted, you and your friends. You wanted me dead. You did it. It is because you’re a coward. You can’t risk your life, so you put mine’s to silence. You helped you did. You killed.

(Spot light back on the Taliban man)

TALIBAN MAN

There is what we wanted. I did that, no matter if I wanted to or not. I did it. I can’t think about the people dead the death I caused. There dead, because of me. But everyone knows you don’t get what you want. You don’t do what you want. I didn’t want to hurt or stop anybody from doing anything harmless. I had to. I would be dead if not, I can’t die. Not that my life is worth more than a child’s but I have a family. I didn’t want this, but … I can’t risk my life.

(His breathing rate increases.)

 AASEYA

(Spot light on the ghost.)

You don’t care, you never did. You are not innocent; you didn’t have to do this. You didn’t have to kill, but you did. You are guilty.

TALIBAN MAN

(Spot light back on the Taliban man)

I have to take care of my family I have responsibilities. I don’t want to hurt them but I am forced, sorry but I didn’t mean to do any of this. It was my boss the guy that tells me what to do. If I would step out of line and say no I will not do this or tell the police where our club is located, I would be dead, leaving my family behind, endangered. I won’t do that to them because I was forced into something.

(He starts to fidget around with his body, shifting sides, folding and unfolding his arms.)

AASEYA

(Spot light back on the ghost.)

 You are apart of this war; you are in it just like everyone else. You live here just like I did once. Anyone that has a relation to this country is apart of this war. You just became more at fault when you held a gun and knowing you would kill.

TALIBAN MAN

(Spot light back on the Taliban man)

This is not my fault, not mine I didn’t start this war against education, and I was forced to fight in it.  Forced, not willing, I am not the one to blame.

(He’s tried to keep his face neutral but he feels guilty, he starts to shake his leg up and down.)

AASEYA

(Spot light on ghost again)

Blame yourself, you killed, you murdered you are at fault. You did it. You. You like many others. You are evil, you and your men.

TALIBAN MAN

(Spot light back on the Taliban man)

The bodies, some might be my fault but all of them are from my boss, my commander. He is at fault, not me. I will never dare say this out loud but I say this in secret. I can’t stop them, I never will. I have responsibilities, my family, I can never leave them, I only do this so I can provide for them. I have to hurt some to please others. I don’t mean this but I have to do this. My commander wants this he forced this on me, he, the devil himself.

(he gets up and walks toward a door.)

AASEYA

(Spot light back on ghost)

You are a bad man. A coward man, you did this. Admit it. But no you’ll think about it and them blame someone else, and them go do it again.

TALIBAN MAN

(Spot light back on the Taliban man)

Bathroom. I must come back; I am not a hero, or a devil. I am a man who did some bad things and some good. There is good and bad in everyone, but my bad were forced upon me.

(He looks back at the small T.V. Then turns his head quickly and walks out.)

I will return

AASEYA

(Spot light back on the ghost)

You are not a man at all.

Woodrow Wilson president who lead us into the 1920’s

http://www.bobmccaughey.com/post1865/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/woodrow_wilson_po2.jpg

Election slogan

http://www.musclecars.net/parts/1912-Woodrow-Wilson-Campaign-Pin-Pinback-Button-Badge-For-Sale_370469676242.html

Woodrow Wilsons pled to get people to join the red cross

http://www.collectibles-articles.com/antique/Red-Cross-Poster-1918-Original-Woodrow-Wilson-WWI_260703798457.html

Woodrow Wilson making peace

http://baxing.com/endata/language/mix/woodrow%20wilson%2014%20points%20of%20peace.html

He died in 1924 the nation was very sad.

http://apollo.lib.olemiss.edu/hail_to_the_chief/exhibitions/collections/deaths.html

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blbushstrongerest.htm

Mocking bushes election run

Accusations of rasim

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Vqq_zgBdZGs/TND8u2ZiEyI/AAAAAAAAAJc/1MxYS4GB_PI/s1600/achdirective_1882_10091068.gif

Fails to open a door

http://flcenterlitarts.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/bush_runningforthe-exit.jpg

A statement about bush and terrorism

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64664530@N00/369942079

Commentary on bushes selective view of the constitution.