The Unsuccessful Puppets (english version)

Episode 5 (Act 1 Scene 9, 10)

SCENE 9 - THE MEETING OF THE PRISON STAFF

Around a conference table, Miss Wagner, Mr Mason, Miss Welsh, Mrs Hoffman, Miss Collins, Mrs Thomson and Miss Carter sit.

MRS THOMSON

You might be wondering why I called you in for a meeting so soon. I have important new information to share with you all. You will take notes at this meeting, Miss Wagner. 

Mrs. Thomson holds out a book and a pen. Miss Wagner looks confused as she takes the notebook and pen from Mrs. Thomson.

MISS WAGNER

Would you please tell me what to write down?

MRS THOMSON

Where have you been to all the other meetings? Could you show Miss Wagner how to do it, Mrs. Hoffman? To begin with, we need to review our meeting topics. We have much to cover so we need to get started.

MRS HOFFMAN

Jesus, Miss. Wagner! It is unclear to me what your problem is. Your job is to write down today's date. You then write down what each of us says. After that write a summary of what we agreed upon in this meeting.

MISS WAGNER

Thanks for your help, I understand now.

MRS HOFFMAN

Do not forget to write down who is present.

MRS WAGNER

You can count on me to fix it.

MRS THOMSON

In this meeting, we will discuss the following: 1. A new trainee. 2. The visit of Mrs. Powell. 3. Mr. Mason experiments. 4. The future of this prison.

Mrs Thomson goes to look at Miss Wagner’s notes.

MRS THOMSON

Miss Wagner, you have not written it down in the correct order. Date, who is in attendance. Who then says what. Lastly, write what was decided in this meeting. Is that clear?

MISS WAGNER

Mrs Thomson, I will fix it right away. 

MRS THOMSON

Just write it down, nothing else. This week, a trainee will arrive. Your work will be followed by her in the coming months, Mr. Mason. The trainee studies at the University of Louisville. Her name is Carre... leave it out. Obviously, I am referring to Claire Fisher. She will be referred to as Miss Fisher. 

Mr. Mason looks a little confused.

MRS THOMSON

Do you have anything to add to Mr. Mason?

MR MASON

What is the point of  a having snoopy trainee in the middle of my work (bitterly)

MRS THOMSON

Bring yourself together. Consider her an assistant. It is vital that you maintain a positive tone with her. When you are too old, we need someone who can take your place.

MR MASON

Is it already time to replace me? I am not old. I am only 42 years old. (bitterly)

MRS THOMSON

It is like you are a teacher who is trying to pass on your knowledge. You are now informed. Moving forward, let us look at the next topic.

Mr Mason looks troubled.

MRS THOMSON

Did Mrs Powell meet you yesterday, Miss Carter? 

MISS CARTER

Yesterday, she was in my office.

MRS THOMSON

Was there anything special she wanted to know…?

MISS CARTER

The only thing she wanted to know was if her husband was doing well.

MRS THOMSON

Was that all?

MISS CARTER

She asked only about that.

MRS THOMSON

She might have come here for more than just meeting her husband. Miss Welsh... Miss Collins... have you heard anything suspicious?

MISS WELSH

My presence would have been known to you if something had been heard or seen.

MISS COLLINS

I have not seen or heard anything suspicious.

MRS THOMSON

All of you need to keep your ears and eyes open. I want to know what Mrs Powell is doing. Last time I saw her, her behavior was at least strange. Mr Mason's experiments is the next topic.

MR MASON

The CIA came to me recently and asked if I would like to conduct some experiments. Which is a great honor. The experiment will be conducted in section C. There will be no work for the inmates participating in the experiment. 

MISS CARTER

Can you describe the arrangement?

MR MASON

Several substances will be studied in the experiments. To find a medical treatment for mental disorders.

MISS CARTER

Are you aware of the potential health effects of the substances? 

MR MASON

For my experiments, I will only use inmates who have given their consent.

MISS CARTER

I did not receive an answer to my question.

MR MASON

You are always looking for errors in my work. As a result of your disbelief in medical treatment. My goal is not to harm the inmates, I assure you. 

Miss Carter nods insecurely.

MRS THOMSON

Any objections from someone else. 

MRS COLLINS

Will the experiments stop if the inmate requests it?

MR MASON

You do not need to worry about that.

MRS WELSH

It sounds like you have everything under control, Mr. Mason.

MR MASON

I am glad that you think I have the competence needed for my profession. 

MRS THOMSON

Whenever you have questions about these experiments, please feel free to contact me. I have given my approval for these experiments. You can come to my office and there we can discuss it. The last topic is now up for discussion. 

The notes of Miss Wagner are again examined by Mrs Thomson.

MRS THOMSON

This is much better. The only thing you should improve is your handwriting.

MISS WAGNER

Can you tell me what is wrong with my handwriting?

Miss Wagnee's question is ignored by Mrs. Thomson. There is a look of hurt on Mrs. Wagner's face. 

MRS THOMSON

The CIA has promised us an amount for renovations. Additionally, everyone who works will receive a salary increase. But only if you accept a condition.

MISS CARTER

What is the condition?

MRS THOMSON

You do not tell anyone about these experiments. Not for your daughters, sons, fathers, or mothers. No one outside the prison's boundaries. You can leave if you do not accept the condition. But then you lose your job.

Mason looks proud, no one protests or complains.

MRS THOMSON

Then we have made a decision. The meeting is over. You can all get back to work now.  Except for you, Miss Wagner. Please give me the meeting book first.

Everyone except Mrs Thomson and Miss Wagner leaves the stage. After giving the book to Mrs Thomson, Miss Wagner leaves the stage. The notes are read quickly by Mrs. Thomson. Her exit from the stage followed shortly thereafter. Lights are off.

SCEN 10 - MISS WAGNER’S DOUBTS

Mrs. Hoffman and Miss Wagner prepare for the evening lineup.

MISS WAGNER

I cannot imagine how humiliating it must be for the prisoner to wear those grey and boring clothes. Their clothes look like they were worn by factory workers a century ago.

MRS HOFFMAN

It should be a source of gratitude that they have clothes to wear at all. If you followed the laws of our country, you would not be sitting here in the first place.

MISS WAGNER

If you treat the prisoners like animals, I do not believe they will be more motivated to follow the law. 

MRS HOFFMAN

You need to frighten them away from committing crimes again. From my point of view, they should never leave. The worst prisoners should be put to death. 

MISS WAGNER

Do you not believe in second chances? Can people change, according to you?

MRS HOFFMAN

My experience indicates that it does not exist. A person's actions must have appropriate consequences. Therefore, these prisoners should continue to wear the clothes they are wearing. Those who committed horrible crimes should not be rewarded for them.

MISS WAGNER

Perhaps there is a reason for their crimes. People are more than their bad choices, according to me. It is not much to demand that clothing be less derogatory, is it?

MRS HOFFMAN

We are punishing their sins and immoral actions here. Thus, they should not request anything. Instead, be grateful for what you already have.

MISS WAGNER

What are your thoughts on Mr. Mason conducting experiments in section C?

MRS HOFFMAN

The fact that inmates can contribute to American society is a good thing.

MISS WAGNER

Is it really okay to experiment on people regardless of what they have done?

MRS HOFFMAN

What would you think if someone brutally killed your mother, sister, brother, or anyone else you love?

MISS WAGNER

My wishes for them will not be very warm.  What does that have to do with the experiments?

MRS HOFFMAN

We put criminals behind bars. The inmates who participate in the experiment give back to American society. When they turned to crime, they turned their backs on society. Additionally, the prisoners have agreed to participate in these experiments. Consequently, they are not required to work...

MISS WAGNER

I find it very scary. There is no indication of what type of experiments or research is being conducted. Outside of prison, we are not allowed to discuss it. Does it not bother you at all?

MRS HOFFMAN

I trust Mr Mason, as well as the president of the United States. Their job is to protect citizens. Even if it does not always feel that way.

MISS WAGNER

The same goes for me. However, I have a strange gut feeling. It just a feeling.

MRS HOFFMAN

There is probably nothing to worry about. Facts and the prison director's orders are what you need to follow, not your emotions.

They walk past a window.

MISS WAGNER

Rain has stopped, look at that. Once I get home, I might go for a walk in the neighborhood.

MRS HOFFMAN

According to the radio reports, there would be rain all day. If you want to avoid the rain, you should probably stay inside. There is no point in walking around a block you have seen several hundred times. It is a waste of time, in my opinion.

MISS WAGNER

It is important to rejoice in what you have. Do not dig yourself further into your worries.

MRS HOFFMAN

It is not in my nature to dig deep into my worries. As you can see, I have decided not to ignore what I see. Everywhere I look, I see evil. You cannot turn a blind eye to that.

MISS WAGNER

Instead, you choose to turn a blind eye to the good around you.

MRS HOFFMAN

No, I do not. I see reality as you walk in a world that does not exist.

MISS WAGNER

This is your issue... Whatever the case may be... No matter what I tell you, you will just get angry...

MRS HOFFMAN

I am not angry. I get a little annoyed when I am tired.

MISS WAGNER

In that case, you must always be tired. You are constantly annoyed. How is your husband doing? What about your daughter?

MRS HOFFMAN

They are fine, not much more to say.

Mrs Hoffman looks at Miss Wagner seriously and sighs.

MISS WAGNER

It will soon be time to count the prisoners in ward B. Do you have the list? You can then go home for the night. My night shift is tonight.  It is good for you to be able to go home. 

Mrs. Hoffman appears to be annoyed. Mrs. Hoffman  gives a glance that  tells her to stop talking.