EVAN Do you really love me? Why should you? I don’t seem any longer To be able to cope with friendships.
EVA It is a horror, an outrage That we should not be here together. I struggle against The wound of not knowing where you are each minute. Everything you do is more important to me than my own life. The whole of me is with you. I see and feel you so distinctly, your beloved cold hand in mine Your touch on the nape of my neck. Both joy and agony – my insides torn by pincers. A double goodbye would have been awful – two bites on the bullet of pain. This love is like something we have given birth to. We must never blunt our imagination or tenderness. Don’t get a cold in your soul.
EVAN I disappoint everyone. I deliberately left one of your letters for Elayna to find. With me love is linked with A need to betray. I invite possessiveness. She made me promise our love would never be physical. I lied fluidly.
EVA Even the thought of Such a loss of pleasure tears at my heart Like some medieval torture. You harrow me unbearably. My defenses are down. I’m filled me with a sense of ghastly injury. How I wish I were more beautiful – It’s my mouth that ages me. I want you seeing all of me – Even if it hurts. You are your own child, You preserve your youth with the harm That you cause. I am dead and already Interred – in you. You are my eternity.
EVAN You can’t have everything. I am kept aloft by the conflict of Unbearables. I am happy.
EVA Our dancing life is over – Shall I enter a convent? There’s no point in being alive if we’re not together. I show my deepest self to you alone.
EVAN Please – no more shaming conversations Over Irish whisky. Let’s cut our losses And get some fun from life.
EVA
The gash in our love might close But I can’t forget it’s there. Life with you is a remote happiness to which I cling.
EVAN And all this time you write Fantastic books. If you were as unhappy as you say, You couldn’t write so well. I am the whetstone on which you sharpen – I should be thanked for all your works.
EVA You shed your light around me. I am always aware of that other world we share – Or do we? Our pattern seems set – If treachery can’t break it, There is no death.
EVAN I am losing interest in sex. My bed gets so icy in the small hours of the morning – I feel I am trying to communicate with the spirit world. I am in limbo and will never escape this place. The adolescent remains alive in me, I have a Panic fear of conformity. So I cast myself as the elderly rake. I’m the bore – Marriage gets me down.
EVA When you go on and on about yourself You’re a man I don’t recognize. I prefer your adolescent self. The man of the house is a free agent. A respected prowler Who looks benevolently upon the faces of his womenfolk. Then he’s away – with mistresses or boyfriends. In my attack of loneliness, I’m housebound, Eating baked beans and drinking stewed tea.
EVAN In other countries women Are less bossy and more decorative.
I like women willful, late For appointments, fond of showy clothes and society, vague, drifting, dreamy, yet of course all of that is tiresome. But I don’t like competence, intellectual honesty, intelligent sensuality. Women keep turning on me saying, “You don’t love me.” What good is it to have been so happy when it ends so painfully? I am a “crook”, a “torturer of women”, “Murderer.” She has made me feel a monster. Below the surface of the will I feel deep animal distress, as if I had wives Hidden away somewhere To marry my present wife.
EVA I find your misery gratifying. When I was younger I used to Accommodate everyone – Now I’m recalcitrant. You’re never out of my thoughts, but Sadness dulls one. Honestly, I always risk failing you, Failing you in outstandingness. You are extraordinary, I am extraordinary, we have been extraordinary together. We’re specimens under glass. It hurts because the pin runs through both of us. The agonizing force of missing you Is sweeping over me. We have eternity connecting us, Backward & forward but I can’t get anyone to believe it.
EVAN Would my death simplify things? My wife struggles with carrying the conversation While I stare glumly at the rain. We go to an expensive little restaurant And pretend we are on a date to really talk.
EVA That woman’s killing you. Imagine if you were dead and your wife Wrote a book explaining you To everyone! That’s true suffering – Fodder for the mealy-mouthed.
EVAN My wife won’t be writing any books About me or about anything. You’re the one To write the book. I feel safe in your hands.
EVA Except I’ve told you over and over You’ll outlive me. You’re killing me. Or your wife is. I’ll die of my addiction – We always do. We prefer it. Will you write about me?
EVAN I’ve lied to everyone for So long, I’m sure that truth Is beyond me.
EVA I’d rather see you dead at my feet Than dead ON your feet. That would be a mercy killing – The last unbearable agony – Wondering if you existed at all. I have small talent for this. I have disgraced my idealism, Pretending boredom can be fruitful. Waiting, waiting for you everywhere. I Wake one day to find I’ve lost my looks, my hair, fascination, brain – everything.
EVAN You’re simply waking up In an empty hotel. The light is always different The morning after. This is what middle-aged people do. I love the brutality of your world. You never fade. You are my word made flesh.
EVA You are my religion. Until In fell in love with you I was 25 inside. I lived in a world of dreams and theories. Your experiences seem realer to me than mine.
EVAN To have touched the same places Is a bond between us. Social instinct is my religion.
EVA Middle-aged people go to weddings Out of perverse fascination for the bride. I was that bride – My day was all champagne. Anaesthetized It doesn’t hurt so much. Such a sense of enormity came over me I almost fainted. I gave Allen the dirtiest look: “You caused this.” Without wedding dress I was a restless, dowdy snob. People were falling in love left and right – Even in decaying marriages. I wanted that – He read my subtext. And I was caught.
EVAN These dreary parties have a decaying effect. My loneliness for you is like a whiplash. Your absence is a bitter injury But nothing can injure our love – We’re too strong for them. I’m silenced till I hear from you. If I let myself go I would feel desperate. I can’t bear you’re going to France without me – isn’t love our country?
EVA I won’t say “I’ll die if you don’t come” Because I know you would come if you possibly could. What a skeleton in the cupboard a wife is.
EVAN Don’t be jealous of Elayna. You are the only goal Toward which my life is tending. You are the meaning of my life. I could never live for work alone.
EVA You enlarge my soul. In your mind is my existence. You’re more real to me than me. I’m in a peculiar psychic state. It’s an atmosphere of illusion. I envy Elayna all the time. It drips like an irritant over my nerves.
EVAN What of Allen? You Have your worse half too.
EVA Oh, Allen spends his time lost in woods, Falling in love with trees. He’s No threat to anyone.
EVAN To understand one’s destiny One needs a framework for this mass of experience. How can I live separated from you? If I stopped caring for you I couldn’t care for anything. I need my wife, her whip-cracking organization. I loathe living in the squalor I get into on my own. Having breakfast OUT of bed is the last horror. Miasmic feelings of impossibility and terror. Help me.
EVA We help each other By existing. Except for God I have no help but you. Our love is growing more formidable as our unshakeable belief Grows stronger. Like grace, it renews itself. All yesterday I glowed. My inability to accept your wife Is my deformity – help me with it. The light of our love is the only light for me.
(A chorus of Cardinals, sedate & proper, approaches from right, a more colorful chorus of Goombas from left.)
CARDINALS Oyez, oyez, oyez. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, pro in iudico minimum definitionem, quo justo intellegebat ne.
GOOMBAS A guy’s gotta live Ain’t a guy gotta live? You Do right by me and I’ll do right By you.
JACK RUBY (Appearing on balcony – flat affect – as crowd blends in below)
The world will never know the true facts Of what occurred. My motives. I’m the only person in the background That knows the truth pertaining to Everything relating to my Circumstances. The people who have had So much to gain and had such an Ulterior motive to put me in this position Will never let the true facts come Out to the world.
GOOMBA # 1 But you’re crazy!
JACK RUBY I have locomotor attacks-you.
(Spreading his arms, he falls ritualistically off balcony & is absorbed into crowd. JOE KENNEDY appears on balcony)
JOE KENNEDY Has anybody seen my son? I’m looking for my son.
GOOMBAS & CARDINALS TOGETHER Woe is you! Woe is you!
JOE Has anyone seen my boy?
CARDINAL VOICE Which one, your honor?
GOOMBA # 1 You rat, you.
JOE KENNEDY The big one. My big boy.
GOOMBA #2 But he’s crazy.
JACK RUBY He’s been struck. He’s been struck down.
GOOMBA #3 We all get hit. Take a rap, be a prince.
CARDINALS (together, waving arms) Vidit scriptorem vix in, ceteros tractatos assentior pro no. Ius etiam ornatus voluptua ne. Invenire democritum consectetuer an eum.
GOOMBA #4 Give us a taste! Just a little taste!
CARDINALS An offering! An offering!
JOE (Rains fluttering bills upon the crowd) My wife went to church My daughters prayed – I had four fine sons. Joe was smart, Jack was charming Bobby was loyal and Teddy –
(Pauses. Sighs.)
Teddy runs to keep up.
GOOMBA #5 Didn’t you make a deal?
JOE Deal? I made plenty Turned one dollar into twenty To forty, to five million. Of course I made deals.
CARDINAL #1 The father shall eat sour grapes And the children’s teeth Shall be set on edge.
(The CARDINALS break ranks and look at each other, amazed.)
CARDINAL #2 If you sow the wind you Reap the whirlwind.
(The CARDINALS & GOOMBAS merge together, oohing and sighing as if a wind shudders through them.)
GOOMBAS Omerta! Omerta!
CARDINALS Qui habitat! Qui habitat!
GOOMBAS & CARDINALS TOGETHER A deal’s a deal! A deal’s a deal!
JOE But I wanted only fine things My boys to grow up
Grab everything they wanted Take their place, rule the world.
GOOMBAS But you gotta play ball!
JOE I played ball with the unions! I played ball with the cruisers Settled scores with the bruisers. I know to grease skids I know to oil palms.
GOOMBA #1 We helped you with Jack And you sicced us with Bobby!
JOE I never sicced anybody!
(the crowd jeers and boos, CARDINALS cover faces in shame)
GOOMBA #2 Bobby won’t play right.
GOOMBA #3 Bobby’s a hard ass!
CARDINAL #3 (Very offended) Bobby’s a good boy!
GOOMBA #4 He’s TOO good a boy if you know what I mean.
JOE I’ll speak to Bobby! Let me speak to Bobby!
GOOMBAS Too late. It’s too late.
JACK RUBY You can’t speak to nobody, Joe. You’ve been struck down.
(JOE throws out his arms and falls into crowd as if dead. The CARDINALS rush out a wheelchair. NORMA JEANE appears sneaking through crowd. As JOE is whisked offstage, attention turns to her, in spite of the fact that she’s wearing dark glasses, a kerchief, halter top, ballet flats and Capri pants)
GOOMBA #1 Hey, guys, it’s Marilyn!
GOOMBAS (chanting) Marilyn, Marilyn!
NORMA JEANE That’s not me, boys, I’m Norma Jeane.
GOOMBA #2 Aw, come on Marilyn, there’s no disguising that shape!
GOOMBA #3 I can smell her!
NORMA JEANE Marilyn is dead, boys, everyone knows that.
(Takes off her glasses)
See? It’s just me. Poor old Norma-never-been-nowhere-Jeane.
CARDINAL #3 Lying’s a sin, Marilyn.
GOOMBA #1 Dance for us, Marilyn. Do a little of this- and that –
(he simulates a bump and grind)
And these and those!
CARDINAL #1 Just give us a little song, Marilyn. Just for the kids. We’d be ever so grateful.
NORMA JEANE You all know Marilyn’s dead. I’m just trying to find Bobby.
CARDINAL #2 Bobby? What do you want Bobby for?
CARDINAL #3 Are you trying to get that nice boy in trouble?
GOOMBAS (Chanting) Marilyn! Marilyn!
(They grab her up on their shoulders and lift her up to the balcony)
NORMA JEANE No! I don’t want to go! There’s no more Marilyn!
(But they are touching her everywhere. She gives up and climbs into the balcony.)
OK, boys, one last time.
(She throws off her glasses and kerchief, shakes out her hair, one grind, one bump, blows a kiss, EXITS.)
Just a year ago I was leaving MN, assessing my theatre summer and its value! This was a better theatre experience but I’m not sure I can remain in the theatre if I dislike routine so much. Robin says I’m spoiled and lazy but I like surprises. Constant astonishment would be perfect. Robin says that is film acting but I photograph so horribly I could only play witches. I have a jaw like a boxing glove. I do feel more sure of myself and more determined in my philosophy. I’d consider dancing if every dancer alive weren’t better than me – I am not a “natural dancer” at ALL. But it’s fun!
I learned to respect Catholicism but I see its danger: putting men in charge. They have crazy ideas! Robin for example, thinks I’m a “whore” because I WON’T have sex! I think my moral philosophy is pure and untainted but he says if I like passion without penises I must be a lesbian! (I better not tell him about Fleur. I’ve had my chance! ) Love is NOWHERE in this equation. He grabbed me backstage as I was going on for Act III and said I broke his heart. I told him to write a radio serial – I don’t think his heart ever came out to play. He was very insulted but Jodi and I have discussed this. She agrees his deepest feelings are not involved – this is a volcano of selfishness and anger and I should stay away. She says he wants to talk badly about me to everyone but they will see it for what it is. Jodi moved in a few days ago – I am liking having a roommate better than I thought I would. Looking forward to seeing Mom & Dad and cruising a new area. Play with my thirteen-year-old sister and catch up on my sleep.
Mon 17 July 67 Rehearsal bad this evening. I am gobbling aspirin. Whenever I see Robin talking to someone I know its about me. The orchestra is so pathetic there isn’t a beat to dance to! We get our counts mixed up. Left my black ballet slippers at the dorm and Mr. Johnson wouldn’t let me wear my pink ones – had to wear a pair that didn’t fit. The second act is definitely the worst – they put the summerhouse where I am supposed to be standing! I am literally dancing against a wall. I nearly killed Carrie in the cartwheel and then my bodice started to unlace. The only fun I have is in the cancan. And in the final act I have to waltz with Robin! That means I am wearing my ugliest costume for the meaningless finale.
Miss Whalen delivered an ill-timed lecture. All those considering suicide will go ahead now and do it and the orchestra will be even smaller. Tea and sticky buns with Sister Mary Rosycheeks back at the dorm provide some relief. In a week I’ll be on the boat!
Tues 18 July 67 There is a serious drawback to having a roommate – I never get anything done! Mom and Dad called from Cape Cod I started crying and then we got cut off! I am ashamed of myself – they are never going to know I’m not miserable. I can’t explain about Robin obviously (Mom would take HIS side!!!) I get so homesick when I hear their voices! Avril was telling me about all the “psychedelic” boutiques on the shore.
Thurs 20 July 67 “Is the world a lunatic asylum then? Are we all courteous maniacs discreetly making allowances for everyone else’s derangement?”
This from Muriel Spark’s wonderful The Comforters which I just this moment finished reading. So fabulous. So satisfying. Didn’t understand the title until I read that sentence! Halfway through I doubted I could survive the chaos (or the self-conscious writing. “Joe was feeling tired. “I’m feeling tired, said Joe.” There’s only so much of that you can stand.) The book jacket prints a nice quote from Evelyn Waugh and I will follow that man through thick and thin. It turned out to be worth it. Words blown out of context, motives ignored, manipulations misconstrued while people automatically say the opposite of whatever they really feel. Spark is enchanting. I will get all her other novels to read, but my next project is Waugh’s son Auberon’s Foxglove Saga.
Sat with Chris Cahill during dinner. He is only 14 but painfully smart. No one can stand him but me – he wants to argue about art and/or history at every possible moment. With a male Alysse Aallyn on the loose how can I help but lend a hand. Spark backs me up that we are kinder toward those whose madness we recognize!
Last night’s preview VERY successful – the nuns loved it. They are as sentimental as whores (according to Giraudoux!! ) Sister Mary Rosycheeks said the cancan girls have such cute bottoms! Our dancing was certainly the high point! Must get over to the theatre now in fact – it’s only ten to seven but I need ages making up.
1:50 AM Fri 21 July 67 Fierce rainstorm this afternoon – Jodi and I were DRENCHED! Had to dry my hair under the bathroom blower.
Too much to eat! Jodi & I celebrating opening night with clove tea & orange peel (Alysse’s special recipe) chocolate cookies, apple and the rest of the orange. Who needs the dining hall? I’d better stay up while the tea takes its course – I hate being wakened in the middle of the night three feet off the bed on my bladder. Jodi looks so sweet over there – sleeping clutching her Kleenex box!
Finished part I of Foxglove. Auberon’s nowhere near as biting as his father – but he is witty and entertaining. He’s certainly a lot more organized than Muriel! He’s also not a fatalist but maybe he’s too young (cover portrait handsome young man.) Hmmm. Don’t think I could ever marry a novelist. How would you ever know who was plagiarizing who?
Opening night audience was packed. At first NOTHING could amuse them but by the beginning of the second act they were thawed and started applauding EVERYTHING!! Loved the cancan! Such a letdown when it’s over! I’m ecstatic when I’m dancing – sweat didn’t ruin my makeup – not a curl out of place – lost no feathers – not even an earring! Did not forget Sasha’s gloves or tights! Triumph! I am learning. (It was the first time I was EVER in the Green Room on time.)
Some of these costume changes are TOO MUCH – once again Carrie forgot to double knot my bodice and it started to unravel!
Called the travel agent – booked a flight for Wed. Get out of here 9:30 AM making only one change at Minneapolis. Get into Kennedy 3:30 PM their time. Then a train to Montauk. I wish Mom would meet me – I’d like to talk to her and it would do her good to get away. I’m sure she is afraid to talk honestly about Genevieve, but she’ll never feel better if she doesn’t. Her impulse is always to pretend it isn’t happening – I remember her stepping over dead drunk men in the street and being goosed by parking lot attendants in Morocco. All with regal hauteur. I bought her a green paisley cigarette case as a mark of a new Tolerance to let her know I love her – she knows I hate her smoking. At some point we have to step past all the frozen tears and kisses.
Before the second act curtain when Robin and I were frozen in our places, him touching my bare back he begged me to go to the Black Hawk with him after the play. I said No. I said, ‘:Do you hate me Robin” and he said no but I can see he does.
After the play I ran up the iron stairs to the dressing room, smeared cold cream on my face & eyelashes, put on my dress without a bra and rushed out before anyone could speak to me. Sweet, seven page letter from Genevieve July 15 –
“This is a shamefully overdue letter and I apologize but all sorts of phenomena are happening in my life – I’m sorry I haven’t included you sooner..” Then she sprung her big surprise – she’s marrying Kent Winokur! Said she loves him because he’s like Daddy! Hmmm… Said she’s probably get married next weekend and I could come visit them! I wrote back saying I thought marriage was a hell of a contract and nineteen’s awfully young but I know she won’t listen to me! Enclosed penny candy as a wedding present!
I do disapprove. It’s not Mom and Dad – I don’t think she can help feeling trapped because she WILL be trapped! I wouldn’t give up the excitement of independence so easily, that wild exhilaration. You never want to think you’ve missed the action. And what if she wants to be alone? I want to know that somewhere there is a single bed I can always return to. On the other hand, I haven’t met anyone who makes me want to give that up. I suppose it’s possible he exists. Sings Barbra:
“I want to find my true love like all the lovesongs say I want to do what I want, I want to get my way. Wild dreams grow wise when sweet childhood flies Time waved her hand and the breeze Blew sand from my eyes…”
But I may be making a mistake thinking what revolts me revolts her. Maybe she is the wife type. I better go to bed – Jodi and I have to clean the paint room tomorrow and I will look like Living Death. Is there no rest for the wicked?
Sun 23 July 67 Rudely awakened at 10:30 AM by Mater and Pater calling from Connecticut. Gave them my flight info.
The day went blissfully, lazily. Robin came over insisting I help him with his NDEA lines, so I did. We hugged. He begged me to come for a drive. I was infused with physical longing but refused. Thank God I was strong enough! He claimed the pink ribbon from my hair. I wouldn’t let him have it unless he would give me his shirt on the spot. He wouldn’t so I refused to let him have the ribbon.
Here’s the note he gave me: “If what you want is not to be together, if that will make it easier, I’ll try. Believe me, I’ve always tried to do everything your way.” Jesus I’ll be glad to get out of this place!
Tues 25 July 67 4:30 AM Looks like I won’t be getting to bed tonight either! Didn’t get underway with my packing till 3;15 because I was saying goodbye to everyone in the smoker.
Performance went great – ballet especially! Last applause rang in our ears. Black velvet curtains swung together and the major domo enfolded the cancan dancer in his arms. It’s a wrap! Strike! (Means something different in the theatre.)
Felt so nostalgic taking off my satin & feathers!
After strike cancan dancer eluded the majordomo, went back to the dorm to say goodbye to Jodie and meet her folks. Farm folk! I am so ashamed of my snobbishness! Robin insisted on a Last Walk. I’d actually believe he just had rotten luck to fall in love with me – if he hadn’t SAID he wants me because he can’t HAVE me! Sick! We sat on the stone steps and I stared into his crooked face (he is so much handsomer onstage!) He still doesn’t understand why I wouldn’t kiss him. What’s it matter to me?
It mattered.
He will NEVER understand but he insisted we correspond. He also demanded to drive me to the airport. Uh oh. What if he kidnaps me? My frugality will be the death of me!
Swimming last night in the Lourdes pool – skinny dip! Just me & Jodi playing “Loch Ness monster!” Nice nuns caught us and showed us the door. All the cancan girls met in the smoker and munched cherries.
Raced up to the fourth floor sundeck to watch the sun come up over the bluffs. Wake bring in huge breakfast – hot chocolate, mushroom omelet and doughnuts!
Picked up my tickets from the travel agent – they are incredibly cheap – I don’t understand it at all. Three hours sleep in the afternoon. Parents called from Block Island where they are stranded by rough winds so Mom can’t come. I wasn’t depending on her so unsurprised. No point going to bed now! Second sunrise in a row! Shared with Joan Peska who suffers from an abscessed tooth.
This summer’s been worth it. 1) take bath 2) clean room 3) finish packing 4) iron dress 5) ? My tea is cold. I can sleep on the plane.
So much has happened! I covet every moment! Screwtape Letters remind me every day is a gift and warn me against reverting to self-pity. CS Lewis amusing & cultured. Unfortunately his God demands belief and I do not believe in a jealous God. Jealousy’s a sin! Also don’t care for “forcing” prayer. Is it a tribute? I pray to my inner resources every day!
Finished Quennell’s Byron – Years of Fame and started Miss Bigland’s Lord Byron; sheer plagiarism!
Reading Waugh’s Men at Arms instead. He is a genius! I think we would look like his stumbling, bumbling characters if we could view ourselves objectively. The weird part is Waugh LIKES the army! I guess he makes fun of everybody.
The Madwoman of Chaillot is a failure because everyone knows going in that rag pickers with daisies are Good and Presidents in tall black hats are bad. But we don’t live life like that!
Spent half an hour putting on my gypsy makeup. Jodi very worried that I don’t do it the same way every night! Looking forward to Tiplady’s party – having someone interesting to talk to makes everything worthwhile.
Tues. 27 June 67 Everyone got drunk on beer at Tiplady’s party. I hate beer! I guess I should be glad there weren’t whisky sours or Purple Jesuses. I cold-shouldered Robin and he grabbed me and kissed me in front of everybody! Told him I forgive him. I’m the forgiving type. We danced and sat around. He stroked my thigh beneath the table.
Horrible letter from Shawn – a more prosaic and fatherly epistle cannot be imagined. Why do all boys flunk writing? If they knew the power it confers! Maybe Robin will do better.
Shawn is a Victorian – working hard to separate girls into “types”. (He’s the “Victorian type!”) This is the boy who bit my breast! I ran right up to dorm after and refused to talk to him until he apologized over and over. Obviously to his way of thinking it’s somehow subtly my fault! His bad letter had the good result of keeping me from missing him so much. I let Robin stroke my belly, even though if he was Shawn it would have given him “dangerous ideas”.
Got a coveted part of Dodo in The Merry Widow – a Maxim’s dancer! I didn’t even want to try out I was so convinced of my own inferiority but Mr. Johnson made me! Abject humility! Mr. Dolan was very polite about my reading – he is the best of the professional actors here. (He completely saved the last play.)
Alas the play is hopelessly insipid. But we do get a lot of fun costume changes. (I run right up to the audience, throw my skirts over my head and show them my backside! This will be especially fun with a theatre full of nuns!)
We have been working so hard I am a living bruise. Back to the dorm to boil myself pink, enjoying Gladys Schmitt’s very well-written Rembrandt. It’s full of trivia but LIFE is trivia. She’s latched onto a great theme – birthright sold for a mess of pottage. Of course if you need pottage, what are you going to do?
Solitude is as refreshing as a meal. Starting to feel bad for Casey – she doesn’t know what she’s getting into. I must be a trial to live with.
Wed Jun 28 67 The girls here are a really good bunch. I am sorry I was such a snob. Outward differences really are skin deep. Shows how prejudice can be defensive.
I am happy, struggling to achieve the balance between solitude and group endeavor. Carrie Benoit, Jeannie Morrison and Kathy Knoop are all the dancing girls – we have such fun together. We have to lace each other into ridiculous children’s tutus that barely cover our backs!
Thurs. June 29 – 67 Today was the sorest I’ve ever been. I am cross-eyed with exhaustion and half way through the ballet I was shot. I can’t believe they picked me for this! They must be crazy! The worst part is doing it over and over. I can see all sorts of shortcuts but I am not allowed to take them (I’m already faking a split beneath my skirt.) Ballet is a punishing discipline. I think it may have been made up originally as a punishment. Sleep without dinner (two oranges and iced tea) my jeans are HANGING on me. Mr. Johnson says the soreness goes away and leaves fine muscle. I hope so. I think I’ve just about stretched myself out.
Robin invited me out but I didn’t want to be alone with him so we went to the Black Hawk. Fran and John sat with us – I think they have the ideal relationship (they live together but it’s a secret.) Fran’s a dancer now that poor Jeannie threw her knee out. Occupational hazard of cancan dancers! Feeling indestructible (fingers crossed.) Think I am finally growing up – I hate it when Casey or Aynsley say they wish they were children again! UGH! To be my own mistress at last is all of my dream. Letter from Casey that she 69’d with Dan! Shudder. I can’t visualize it – what do you do with your knees? Letter I longed for from Mom I didn’t get.
Tues 4 July 67 Coldest July fourth in history! No tan possible under these conditions. Last year I had to rub my body with ice cubes and 4711 to get the fever down, now I lie beneath 2 blankets and a spread, swilling tea. Sooner or later all this tannic acid is going to catch up with me. On the other hand Mr. Nichols says tea’s the reason the Brits conquered the world – their insides had turned to leather and they could tolerate anything.
First day we’ve had off! Washed my hair, did my laundry, finished Waugh’s Men At Arms. His Catholic confusion really starting to show. He hates everybody for not following the rules, on the other hand they think they ARE following “the rules”. Constantly changing the rules is not helping. Also finished The Killing of Sister George, which reminded me of A Thousand Clowns. Preferred George for technical reasons, Clowns as a play. Study of the individual floundering in a cage a lot more interesting than the cage myself, if you get my meaning.
Reading Sean O’Faolain’s tales with occasional snacks of Shelley and Baudelaire, when I get bored which happens often because he’s no Chekhov or Henry James. The Darling and Europe still stand alone. Luckily Baudelaire comes with the original French. Would you translate:
“Des costumes qui sont pour les yeux une ivresse Des femmes don’t les dent et les ongles son teints Et des jongleurs savants qui le serpent caresse”
As
“we have seen wonder-striking robes and dresses women whose nails and teeth the betel stains and jugglers whom the rearing snake caresses” sacrificing beauty for rhyme?
Makes me wonder what’s really going on when I read Yevtushenko.
My feelings for Robin are a wild seesaw through indifference, unaffected affection and outright rudeness. Had it out with him on our walk. I hate this “game” – can I get my hand up her thigh? Will she let me touch both breasts? It pushes us apart.
He said “Do you realize after three weeks we may never meet again?”
I said, “If we stand long enough in Piccadilly Circus they say we’re bound to see each other.” He was very huffy: “I’m not going to Piccadilly Circus!”
He called me a “prick teaser” so I called him a bastard. There’s even less in it for me than there was with Aiken! I refuse to walk with him any more, will only see him at The Black Hawk.
My diet of One Meal a Day (can’t be bothered to leave my room) plus constant dancing has exposed all my ribs. I’d like to be even more emaciated but have no will power (two ice creams for dinner!)
Frannie’s having a party tonight and Robin WON’T be there! A welcome change.
(Scene 10 – The Deep Woods. DIGGER dragging, carrying, lifting PERSEY’s unconscious body into the trees. He stands guard, howling dramatically. The WOLF SPIRITS appear, nose her, cherish her, lift her, clean her with leaves. They dress her in a wolf skin, prop her up, and dance with her. She slowly comes to life, dancing like a Maenad with leaves in her hair. The WOLF SPIRITS pull back and PERSEY’s house opens up stage left where BABE stands waiting to greet DIGGER & PERSEY)
BABE Persey! What happened to you? (Looking disapprovingly at the litter of champagne bottles) This place is a mess!
PERSEY Jarod happened to me. I’m changed forever.
(Throws herself into a chair. DIGGER, thorns & thistles in his fur, settles down protectively beside her to clean his fur.)
BABE (Kicking an empty champagne bottle) You’re too old for wild parties. Time to act like the mother Of my future grandkids!
PERSEY I am nobody’s mother and I never will be, Babe. It’s over. Everything’s broken. Broken and lost.
BABE (Shrieking) Here’s the thanks I get for Giving you everything! I’m a sick woman! And you’re the one killing me!
(DIGGER leaps to his feet and bares his teeth. BABE halts her attack before physical violence)
PERSEY Roy murdered Bruce, Babe, He told me himself! Roy loves Jarod more than he’ll ever love me. I think he wishes he WAS Jarod Who’s probably a wife-killer. THAT’S your real family!
BABE (Forcing calm, sits down beside her) Oh, I see what went wrong. Persey, you must understand; Roy talks crazy sometimes But he never means it. It’s fun scaring girls. This is really YOUR fault. Admit, you love provoking him With dubious friendships.
PERSEY Why does the world need a scapegoat? None of this is my friend’s doing!
BABE Persey, set your heart At rest. I’ll prove to you Roy didn’t kill Bruce!
PERSEY How can you POSSIBLY do that?
BABE Because Roy IS Bruce.
(The WOLF SPIRITS howl. Portrait lights up. DIGGER sits up at attention.)
Everyone knows it but you! Don’t tell me YOU never figured it out!
PERSEY Now YOU’RE talking crazy, Babe! Bruce went to jail! A felon and rapist A cowardly bully.
BABE It’s YOUR fault I’m telling you. You chose college over Roy, You broke my poor boy’s heart. He was so angry at women At men who pretend He became dangerous. I lived in fear daily All because of you!
PERSEY I just don’t get it, Babe. What are you telling me? I know Bruce was born. You had twins – did you or didn’t you?
BABE I gave birth to twin boys While a child myself In a foreign country, don’t forget, With a shaky young marriage. I had no help at all. I tried so hard but I had no milk for twins. Roy was the weakest who Needed me most. Bruce seemed strong but died anyway – Roy’s father was furious! Our marriage Dead at that moment. There were two separate trust funds, Persey! The old ones didn’t need it. Wasting money is wrong!
PERSEY Let me get this straight. You PRETENDED Bruce was alive?
BABE It was a game at first, understand; A rainy-day joke! A beleaguered mother’s brave effort To turn frowns upside down. Without Roy’s father we needed the money! When Roy was bad, he was Bruce. When he behaved, he was Roy. But when he grew up he became Bruce all the time – Doing terrible things. It wasn’t my fault! I Couldn’t manage him and his Dad was ghosting us!
(She spits into a lace-trimmed handkerchief.)
Weak men run away! Don’t you see that, poor Persey? At least Roy is still here! We’re Lucky to have him!
(PERSEY covers her face. So BABE argues with the audience.)
BABE After my husband died, I saw so much Possibility. Second chances! We could Get rid of Bruce for once and for all. A beautiful ceremony – burying The things Bruce had broken. The costliest grave site With doves and balloons. Roy swore it was over. He promised GOD. When he forgets We go there to remind him.
PERSEY (Struggling to keep up) You’re saying Roy is the one…
BABE (Ignoring interruptions) I admit I made errors. These were Battlefield choices. When you’re a mother, Persey, You’ll understand. There’s SO MUCH regret. But How is Roy’s acting out my fault? YOU had abandoned him Saying you wanted OTHERS! Take responsibility, Persey! I’ve owned up to my part. Roy gave himself to you. He’s a one-woman man. You toyed with his heart, Chose COLLEGE over love! Of course he was angry. Of course he went crazy Bruce came back with a vengeance! You didn’t help MY life, I’ll tell you that. He offered you everything!
PERSEY Roy attacked and raped people? It was Roy who went to jail?
BABE When Roy went to prison it was a miracle I was so grateful we had A spare name to give him! Clever planning and foresight is what Breeds second chances. Young men founder with blotted Escutcheons! Jarod was SUCH A good friend; claiming Roy had been In his unit. When Roy was released Bruce could just vanish. But when Roy’s Unpredictable I MUST be Trustee. Increasing our holdings Made my son hate me more! We need to start over, Persey! This time you must help.
PERSEY (Slow, incredulous) Your son is a killer! I’ll have nothing to do with it!
BABE He only kills teases! Vermin and tramps! I thought I’d explained. You weren’t getting pregnant! You Forced Roy into testing, Questioned his virility! What man Accepts THAT? Now, this misery’s Behind us, if Brucie stays DEAD. Don’t rile Roy up! There’s the future to think about.
PERSEY (Launching to her feet) Why can’t you face truth? Your son is a murderer And Jarod is helping him! Roy murdered Jarod’s wife In some sort of pay off!’
BABE (Slaps PERSEY’s face hard.) Keep your voice down in my house! Don’t say this around Roy! Jarod’s keeping him safe! He’s the only man Roy can Look up to, or even respect. Boys need role models, don’t you see? To learn how to play! Jarod’s my hero.
PERSEY Your family is poisoned, Babe. Your “truth” is a lie.
(ROY’s voice offstage)
ROY We got him, Darlin’! We captured the guy!
BABE (Grabbing PERSEY’s arm) Don’t tell him you know! Roy will kill me, Persey I’m a sick woman!
PERSEY Babe, please understand. Only truth lets us breathe.
BABE (Pointing to the door) Get out! Get out of my house!
(Scene 9. Lights up on PERSEY House set where ROY & JAROD wrestle by firelight while the hot tub smokes suggestively and the eyes in the portrait track their movements. NED & PERSEY at the door. WOLF SPIRITS gather around and on top of the house, eyes blinking on & off. NED beckons JAROD aside, puts an arm around him – they exit together)
(PERSEY throws herself into ROY’s arms – he seems unresponsive)
ROY (Holding PERSEY at arm’s length) What did you do?
PERSEY (Still trying to connect with him) Oh, Roy, it was awful! Poor Stormee is dead!
ROY She was disloyal. Didn’t she deserve it?
PERSEY What do you mean? Jarod controlled her every move.
ROY Naw. I’m hearing she strayed. Seems there’s lots of that Going around.
(ROY pushes her away – DIGGER growls and poises for attack. ROY kicks at him. PERSEY orders him out of the house – DIGGER slinks away – to gather with the WOLF SPIRITS protecting the house. PERSEY thinks ROY just doesn’t understand.)
PERSEY I found her dead, Roy. Stormee’s been murdered.
ROY That’s not all you found, is it? Better stop lying!
PERSEY (Very offended) I’m not lying!
ROY Oh yeah? Weren’t you making kissy face With that snooping cop who’s harassing my mother?
PERSEY What are you talking about? I’m making “kissy face” With nobody but you!
ROY And then there’s that she-male You pal around with! What’s that about? Don’t my wishes mean anything? Those creatures spread sickness.
PERSEY Bish is my friend! YOU’RE covered with “Wrestling burns”, thanks to Jarod! What’s THAT about? I found Stormee the way you two wanted – And now I’ll have nightmares Forever and ever.
(Dispiritedly she undresses and climbs into hot tub)
ROY Welcome to reality, princess. I know you’re still hiding something! That cop’s got your number!
(WOLF SPIRITS & DIGGER howl without restraint – ROY snatches a shotgun out of the umbrella stand)
PERSEY Roy, for God’s sake! Who’s hiding from whom? That cop asked ME to find out If Bruce is really dead!
(Eyes move as portrait lights dramatically)
ROY Bruce? Of course Bruce is dead! I killed him myself! In a battle to the death There’s only one winner.
PERSEY You did not! You couldn’t have!
ROY That’s all the credit you give me! No wonder my buddies are thinking I’m de-balled, like your mutt! Nobody tames ME, Sweetmeat. And you know what else I’m gonna do? I’m going to shoot me a canine!
PERSEY DON’T YOU DARE!
(Marches to the door where he almost runs into JAROD who is wheeling a case of champagne on a dolly)
JAROD Whoa, buddy! Where are you headed?
(Wrestles shotgun away, dumps it) This party just started!
ROY Aren’t I your alibi?
JAROD Hell no! DNA! They got a condom Overflowing with man juice!
ROY Where’d they get that, I wonder?
JAROD You ought to know! Don’t you trust me, ol’ buddy? Everything’s Fixed. They got a culprit! We’re partyin’ here.
ROY Hear that, Persey? They caught the guy that did Stormee!
JAROD First, capture the love juice, then String the guy up.
(WOLF SPIRITS & DIGGER howl)
Man, you’ve got a wolf problem.
ROY I know! Let’s go hunting!
JAROD You kidding me?
ROY Party first, fireworks after!
(He shakes up a bottle of champagne and shoots it at ROY. ROY, dripping, grabs a bottle to shoot at JAROD. Merriment – not shared by PERSEY)
PERSEY I take it we’re celebrating Your instant divorce?
JAROD (Kneeling by the hot tub) Birthday champagne for you, Persey. Primo stuff. Some people die Some people get born. The party goes on. Word on the street is You like champagne.
PERSEY You know nothing about What I love and hate.
ROY This Champagne’s Persey’s favorite. She uses a glass, though.
(He exits. JAROD leans over, looking suggestively into the water)
JAROD Looking for company?
PERSEY (Flicking water on him) No. Go away.
(JAROD strips down, slides in, clutching his champagne bottle.)
JAROD Can’t dampen the drowned, darlin’. I’m ALWAYS all in.
(He starts climbing in – PERSEY turns her back on him, tries to climb out – he stops her)
Have a heart, Persey. You’re being mean To a heartbroken widower.
PERSEY You better get your hands off me Before Roy sees you.
JAROD Sweet cheeks This was ALL his idea.
(ROY appears with champagne glass and kneels on PERSEY’s other side)
ROY Here you go, cupcake’. Fertility meds served up in Baccarat Just how you like ‘em.
(He holds her jaw, pours champagne in her mouth. PERSEY tries to get out, they both hold her down.)
Not so fast, hon. It’s past time to make babies.
(PERSEY begins to thrash wildly)
JAROD Don’t waste energy, Persey. Two against one.
Act 3 Scene 8 (The forest outside JAROD’s house. PERSEY is dragging DIGGER along by his collar.)
PERSEY
DIGGER! I need you! What the heck is your problem?
(DIGGER is doing everything he can to stall and resist. TREES surge, rustle, threaten. WOLVES howl.)
Are you scared of coyotes? I thought they were your friends.
(DIGGER covers his ears with his paws and cowers.) I’m ashamed of you. Such a scaredy cat!
(Bossy mother)
They’re more afraid of you Than you are of them. We trespass in THEIR forest. Ssssh! Hear them talking? Maybe if we listen We‘ll understand their secret.
(Calls softly)
Cookie, Monica, Jean, Mina and Jo Lee … DaToy and Mary Louise… Jane and John Doe…
(The TREES moan and shiver their leaves)
See? They’re helpers, not haters! Believe me, a forest is safer Than most strangers are! Native Americans say The trees are our home.
(Eyes appear glittering between the trees. DIGGER and PERSEY react fearfully. PERSEY tries to master her fear to be brave for DIGGER)
Cookie, Monica, Jean, Mina, DaToy and Jo Lee, Jane and John Are you there? (The eyes turn into beautiful women wearing wolf heads; the WOLF SPIRITS.)
WOLF SPIRITS (Sing) Welcome to The Forest…the center of life… Holds the mystery of death.
(They dance with DIGGER and PERSEY who are at first frightened and awkward, then ecstatic & surrendering. One Spirit gives PERSEY a gift. Then slowly they pull back into the dancing trees. DIGGER wants to go with them but PERSEY jerks him back)
PERSEY Digger, I need you to stay with me now. Did you see them? So many – I never expected …
(DIGGER waves his tail sadly at the departing WOLF SPIRITS. PERSEY studies her gift…a hairclip with a hair extension attached.)
I’ve seen this before. (Falls to her knees) This is Stormee’s. Now I’m REALLY scared.
(At last DIGGER alerts. Sniffs the clip and commences racing around. Finds more bloodied “evidence” to lay at PERSEY’s feet. STORMEE emerges from the trees looking different – scary yet exalted. Her dress is a mass of red streamers. She dances, then collapses gracefully in a heap – PERSEY finds the body – scream – light out.)
(NED the cop exits; having to push vines aside. DIGGER runs out between his legs to dance with his friends. PERSEY throws herself on sofa, dials phone. Cell phone rings on BISH making his way through audience. Ring tone is Strangers In Paradise.)
BISH Persey! You’re just the person!
(He leans on an audience chair arm, settling down for a nice chat.) What’s up?
PERSEY You’ll never believe what happened!
BISH I can’t wait to hear! And I‘ve got news of my own. I… Met some special someone.
PERSEY Well, this is incredible! We’ll have to celebrate! That cop came here… The cop I told you about…
BISH Oh, the wordsmith? Persey, don’t we want action?
PERSEY He doesn’t think Roy’s brother Really is dead!
BISH Persey, how bizarre!
PERSEY Turns out Bruce was a rapist Who served four years in jail Then he vanished. But his fingerprints turned up At my woodland crime scene!
BISH Oooo PERSEY I’m shivering! It’s so sick what you’re saying!
PERSEY If BRUCE is alive…
(She hesitates with a shocking realization)
BISH Persey! What? Tell me.
PERSEY Roy would kill him. Remember that portrait?
(The Portrait lights up & participates, the little boys writhe like spirits in hell)
BISH That you said he’d destroy?
PERSEY He says he’s keeping it To remind him that Bruce Can never hurt him again.
BISH Oooo Persey, your husband Is so full of surprises.
PERSEY Wait. I’m getting a call. It’s Roy. Gotta go. Talk about your crush next time?
BISH Hard to compete with a family like yours. My life was SO unexciting till I met Mr. Right Now!
PERSEY Bish! Hasta Manana!
(Lights off on BISH who perambulates along his way, Lights up on ROY and JAROD lounging together at the side of the theatre)
PERSEY Hi, hon. What can I do for you?
ROY Puddin’, Jarod and I need you To check up on Stormee. She was coming for lunch but She never showed and her phone Has gone dead.
PERSEY Oh, Roy…
(Writhing – she just LOATHES STORMEE)
Can’t Jarod go look?
JAROD (Taking the phone) Sweetmeat, we’re stuck here. Payin’ the bill. Gotta Get back to work. You’re close by. I’m … concerned.
(Wheedling)
Won’t you do this one little thing For your favorite guys?
PERSEY (Totally furious at hearing from JAROD) Fine. Tell Roy I love him.
JAROD Oh, we know, sugartits. Believe me, we know.
(The men giggle conspiratorially and lean together. Lights off.)
Scene 7 (Later. PERSEY’s house. She wears cleaning overall and carries duster & spray can. NED the cop in plain clothes knocks at the door. She’s surprised to see him.)
NED (Very relaxed, strides in carrying folders) Some place you’ve got here. Looks like your help has help.
PERSEY We’re do-it-yourselfers. Um…how can I assist?
NED Ready to work? (Shakes the folders at her)
PERSEY I am working.
NED This is real work, Not playing house. Aren’t you supposed to be My confidential Informant? Saw your husband depart so figured Now’s a good time. Keepin’ it downlow. How about coffee?
PERSEY (She looks appalled but can’t think how to get out of this. DIGGER lifts an uninterested head and goes back to sleep.) Um…sure.
(She wanders out. NED strides around the room, looking at everything. Scratches DIGGER behind ears, Pokes into things, wanders up to the portrait, which glares at him)
NED Whoa, Nellie!
(PERSEY returns sans housecoat & duster, bearing a tray of coffee. NED gestures at the portrait)
NED This is quite something.
PERSEY Yes, isn’t it? (She pours)
NED That’s a lot of knives. Your husband’s a collector?
PERSEY Boys love toys. Sugar? Cream?
NED I could use something sweet. One of those painted kids is Your man, I presume?
PERSEY (Sitting down – she’s had it with that portrait) That’s what they say. But no one knows which.
NED (Confident) Sure. One is a felon and the other Married you. Think that wouldn’t show?
PERSEY A felon?
NED (Less certain) Nobody told you?
PERSEY Bruce went to jail?
NED The guy was a rapist. (He opens file) He served four years.
PERSEY My God!
NED That’s my question, in fact. There’s a gravesite and obituary… But I can’t find a certificate.
PERSEY Let me see.
(He hands her the file – contents projected on walls. Disturbing newspaper articles, black and white photos)
I was worlds away in college Roy was in the army. I never met Bruce. Babe– she’s my mother-in-law Says Bruce killed himself.
NED Suicide never makes obits. Family shame – there’s the rub. Good coffee by the way. You like it strong, just like I do. Most people can’t handle that. (Studied calm) So you think something’s funny About Bruce’s demise?
PERSEY For the first time that seems likely. A handsome young man, With his own trust fund, A bully who adored showing others his power. Suddenly he has an actual motive for offing himself.
NED (His turn to be disbelieving) Family shame, you are thinking? Some sense of remorse?
PERSEY I know his mom pretty well. Rape she could cover. But prison…
NED Mom’s OK with rape?
PERSEY She’s a tad narcissistic.
NED Ah. Would you say that it’s possible… That Bruce is alive?
(WOLVES howl. DIGGER lifts his head and joins in. NED catches PERSEY’s cup as PERSEY drops it)
PERSEY JESUS!
(DIGGER goes to window – all excited.)
It’s those coyotes. I’m afraid Digger’s in love with them.
NED Hey, we all envy the wild. Sorry I upset you.
PERSEY (Filled with revulsion and distaste) Bruce CAN’T be alive. . If he is alive, then where is he? Roy says that he’s dead and He couldn’t fool Roy. Roy hated his brother but now He’s been set free. He replaced Bruce with Jarod who Gives him esteem. Not even their mother Keeps that kind of secret.
NED Work with me here. Let’s imagine – Just for argument – Bruce was paid to vanish and The money ran out. What would he do?
PERSEY (Cynically) The money NEVER runs out.
NED Wow. If you say so!
PERSEY Roy’s mom isn’t clever And she’s not really subtle. I can read between HER lines. She acts like something’s missing That Roy took away. Bruce’s death explains that.
NED You think your husband Murdered his brother?
PERSEY What is it with everyone? That’s NOT what I think!
NED But somebody does?
PERSEY One thing’s guaranteed; If Bruce is alive, Roy knows nothing about it.
NED (Gentle irony) So, in your case the wife Is the first one to know? Your husband can’t lie? Kudos to both of you.
PERSEY I know my own husband! YOUR marriages didn’t take So, what do YOU know? Bruce was Roy’s twin! It’s a special relationship.
NED Would you say he loved his brother?
PERSEY Hated him. Bruce was the favorite. Roy never came into his own Till his brother died. But if he thought for a moment that Bruce could appear…he’d act totally different. I just know it.
NED You’re pretty confident In your ability to read people.
PERSEY I can read THESE people.
NED Kudos to ME picking Confidential Informants.
PERSEY (She fears he is mocking her but he’s very straight faced.) So, what is it you want Me to do for you exactly?
NED Get me a death certificate.
PERSEY This was supposed to concern Jarod!
NED I say what this concerns. That’s how this thing works. You’re a better authority On this family than on Gunver.
PERSEY (She just hates this job) Well, Babe is a packrat and Bruce’s room is a shrine. Her house is a castle. I could look for it there. Or… I could ask her.
NED I’d appreciate it. She won’t return calls.
(PERSEY rises as if to show him out but NED sits like a log. He not going anywhere.)
PERSEY (A bit desperately) Why Bruce? And why now?
NED His fingerprints turned up Recall that pink shoe in the woods?
PERSEY Really? You’re kidding!
NED Who knows how long A fingerprint lasts? Still – There’s no coincidences Only new patterns. Bruce gets out of jail… Disappears – bodies appear. They say Rapists who serve time Stop leaving witnesses.
(WOLVES howl. Now DIGGER wants to go out.)
PERSEY (To DIGGER) You lie down!
(DIGGER plays dead)
(To NED)
But that’s horrible!
NED Horrible’s my job. How long have you had This feral dog problem?
PERSEY There isn’t a problem! If Digger’s friends choose to go feral We can respect that.
NED You promise to help me?
PERSEY (Pacing, trying not to panic) You’re looking in the wrong place.
NED What makes you think so?
PERSEY (Determinedly) MY suspect’s a cop, that’s why You’ll never see it.
(NED leans forward)
NED Jarod’s got no criminal jacket. He isn’t good for this. The question is Why your husband has bad taste in friends. Gunver physically violent That you personally know of?
PERSEY He brags about hurting prisoners. The whole street’s afraid of him. He and Stormee fight constantly.
NED He’s got no complaints.
PERSEY It’s a rigged system!
NED This is circular reasoning.
PERSEY He’s a parasite!
NED Parasites don’t kill. If they know what is good for them. You’re emotionally involved.
PERSEY And that cancels evidence?
NED Hey, everyone’s suspect. I promised to study it.
PERSEY (Points to the folders he hasn’t opened) So, what’s that doing here? Those extra files?
NED Oh. You wanted those names. Of the missing.
(WOLVES emerge howling and gather around house.)
Sounds like…they’re singing.
PERSEY Wouldn’t we all if we could?
NED You mean feel one with nature?
PERSEY Dance with the trees.
(She whirls. THE WOLF-SPIRITS stand up as humans with wolf heads & masks)
NED In our dreams!
(Words & photos projected on walls. Names.)
WOLF SPIRITS (Eerie chanting) Cookie Louise, Monica Falkin, Jean Jane McComber, Ernie “DaToy”, Jo Lee Ann Jeffries, Miss Mina Ha, Jane Does 1 through Jane Doe 4, John Doe 1,2,3.
PERSEY Can I keep these?
NED Do you want them?
PERSEY Names are important. I’d like to study them.
NED The murderer didn’t care who they were.
PERSEY I think he killed them because of Who they were becoming.
(The TREES send protective vines over the house; DIGGER howls)
NED That’s an eerie effect! Really makes you shiver.
(PERSEY opens the door and looks out pointedly)
How about your name – Persey. Where did that come from?
Alysse Aallyn 