Episode 2 (Act 1 Scene 3,4)
1336 Words
SCENE 3 - MISS MILLER’S PRISON CELL
Miss Miller lights up a cigarette and sit down and stares at the dirty wall.
MISS MILLER
Why am I here, you ask? The story begins in 1957 on a warm summer night. My parents were found dead in their newly purchased Cadillac on the same night. They were found by the Police before midnight. Because I am the one sitting here now, do I understand that you think I murdered my parents that night. That night is hazy in my memory, but it could not be me.
She stubs out the cigarette and starts to walk around the cell.
Before eleven, witnesses have seen someone who looked like me at their car. Due to this, I was convicted of my parent's murder. I've tried to remember this night, but it seems to have disappeared like a black hole. Honestly, I cannot understand why I would want to kill my parents. It is all my fault that I am here today. When they needed me most, I was not there.
She becomes anxious and feels her breathing become hasty.
My pain is a punishment for not being there for them. Like a parasite, guilt and shame grow within me. Why would witnesses lie? I am here because I killed my parents. Otherwise, I would still be at home.
The lights go down.
SCENE 4 - MRS WHEELER’S PAST
A light is turned on. Mrs Wheeler and Miss Miller are on stage cleaning up a cell in section C. Wheeler begins to talk about her life before she ended up here. Mrs.Hoffman keeps an eye on them.
MRS WHEELER
In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined becoming a prisoner at 43 years old. When I was little, I dreamed of getting married and having children and becoming a housewife. When I chose to follow that vision, I had no idea how deeply I would regret it...
MISS MILLER
Just a question ... It was nothing. It's not my business...
MRS WHEELER
What would you like to know, dear?
MISS MILLER
What year did you get married? Did you have children?
MRS HOFFMAN
You two are here to clean up the cells. Not to become acquainted. Work more, talk less.
Miss Miller nods.
MRS WHEELER
Our wedding took place on a beautiful spring day. Although I had a child, I did not have one with my husband – we had a hard time getting pregnant. Doctors couldn't figure out what caused it. Consequently, I believed that God had punished me for my sins.
MISS MILLER
How did your husband react to the fact that you had a child with someone else?
MRS WHEELER
It disgusted him so much that he made sure that I never forgot it. However, I deserved it. Perhaps.
Wheeler appears thoughtful and uncomfortable. She grew silent. Then they move on to the next cell.
MISS MILLER
It is my deepest regret if I made you uncomfortable, Mrs Wheeler. That was not my intention.
MRS WHEELER
You do not have to worry about it. It is I who needs to apologize.
The conversation is interrupted by Mrs Hoffman.
MRS HOFFMAN
Both of you have a job to do - clean all the cells in silence. Don't talk about your lives with each other. Despite the fact that it is a little moving.
MRS WHEELER
My apologies, Mrs. Hoffman
MRS HOFFMAN
There will be no more apologies. Keep your mouth shut and focus on your chores instead.
As Mrs Hoffman looks at them irritated, Miss Miller nods nervously.
MRS WHEELER
She is as irritated as usual.
MISS MILLER
What made you tell me this?
MRS WHEELER
You are relatively new here. Yet I have the sense that I can trust you with my story.
MISS MILLER
I appreciate your trust. However, why do you want to share your past with me? Neither of us knows the other at all.
The two women make their way to the next cell and meet Mr. Powell and Mrs.Raffery.
MR POWELL
Ruby, what did you do?
MRS WHEELER
In the morning, we missed the signal for the line-up.
MR POWELL
Then you will always get a clean job. Someone being late for the morning lineup does not sit well with Mrs. Hoffman.
MISS MILLER
We should keep going. The two of you are being stared at very angrily by Mrs. Hoffman.
Mrs. Miller stands beside Mr. Powell. There's a look of boredom on Mrs. Raffey's face.
MRS WHEELER
I guess you are the new prisoner here. I have not seen you before. I am Gertude and you are?
Mrs Wheeler reached out to shake hands with Mrs Raffery. With a firm and steady grip, Mrs Raffery responded to the handshake.
MRS RAFFERY
Mrs Raffery
MRS WHEELER
Mrs. Raffery, it was nice to meet you.
MRS HOFFMAN
Now, Mrs. Raffery and Mr. Powell will continue. Miss Miller and Mrs Wheeler are working. Do not disturb them. What happened to Miss Wagner?
MR POWELL
Miss Wagner is just behind us. Her plan was to pick up our tools. Today we will be working outside.
MRS HOFFMAN
Mrs. Raffery, when we have a line-up, do you appear as prisoner 200 TE. As soon as the signal goes, you must be ready when the staff calls 200 TE.
Moments after Miss Wagner arrives, the signal goes for lining up and counting the prisoners.
MISS WAGNER
Line up (pointing right).
MRS HOFFMAN
It is extremely important that you respond to my calls even if there are few of you here.
MRS RAFFERY
Is there any point in counting four prisoners? The ones you see here can just be checked off.
MRS HOFFMAN
Sometimes you work with other prisoners in the garden and at the bagwash. If everyone stands up at the same time, the prison guards will have time to notice if someone is missing. Or If they are in a different location than they should be. You do not need to ask anymore questions. Mrs Raffery.
MRS RAFFERY
It is completely unnecessary. There are four prisoners in this room.
MRS HOFFMAN
The more you question our methods, the more trouble you create for yourself. TE 23.
Raffery is surprised and uncomfortable at the same time.
MR POWELL
23 TE are present
MRS HOFFMAN
TE 50 present?
MISS MILLER
50 TE are present
MRS HOFFMAN
You mutter to yourself, (a little higher).
MISS MILLER
50 TE are present. (A little higher).
MRS HOFFMAN
That should be enough for now. Next time, you should talk so that I can hear you. 199 TE?
MRS WHEELER
199 TE are here
MRS HOFFMAN
200 TE?
MRS RAFFERY
I am here, as you can see
MRS HOFFMAN
You might want to change your attitude towards me. What the staff says is what you do. Having that attitude won't get you very far. You decide nothing here.
MISS WAGNER
Relax. The process of adapting takes time.
MRS HOFFMAN
It's just as well that she knows her place from day one.
MISS WAGNER
Now when we are gathered, I want to inform you that you are all going to meet Mr. Mason today. We are going to accompany you to Mr. Mason's office. So you need to report to me or Mrs Hoffman.
MRS HOFFMAN
200 TE?
The irritation in Mrs. Raffery increases.
MRS RAFFERY
200 TE. (irritated)
MRS HOFFMAN
It is better, but tone down your attitude. You will need to adjust to the fact that you will not have a lot to say here. This is a prison not a hotel.
MISS WAGNER
Mrs Raffey you have 20 minutes left to your meeting with Mr Mason. When you report, you should just say 200 TE and when you meet Mr. Mason. Do not forget to mention your time if you shall meet Miss Carter. 23 TE will be there at 9.20. 199 TE will be there at 9.40. Now can you all start working again.
The lighting is turned off.
- Writer
