An example of how I am moving towards fulfilling my responsibility as an innovator is my Op-Ed. My Op-Ed is about the differences between Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission and it was more of a science paper but there is a quote from it that shows I’m trying to improve the world. “Overall, the need for fusion is desperate, especially after what we have and are witnessing with the Fukushima Incident in Japan, with all that radiation from the nuclear fission in the reactors.”

Over the year, I realized that I can create incredible works and teach about what is needed and what is going on even though I’m not a specialist in any field. This is part of another understanding I came to learn, that Experts aren’t the only ones that can create great works of art in certain fields.

My benchmark for the second quarter was the religion benchmark I named “The Huge Psychological Deception. In it I explained how religion affects the world from a psychologist’s view instead of my view. Here is a quote I included in the article by Sigmund Fraud: "In the future of an illusion, the latent content behind religious conceptions remains associated with the 'father complex,' but here this is linked to the helplessness that elicits innate infantile desires for wish fulfillment." 

The final fact I came to learn is that collaboration is key to pro level work. Collaboration is what every person needs to do to create pro work, no matter how many times they need to peer edit, record as a group, or whatever is needed through collaboration. 

An example of this is the video of an edited scene from a book called Their Eyes Are Watching God in the Marxist lens and normal lens. It took us three days to produce it and we had to do many, many edits to the video.

To give a bigger message about what I learned this year, it would have to be that effort is what brings out the greatness in people and changes the world. I can envision truly changing the world in the future through science, the kind of change I want to make in the world. Specifically, Biomedical Engineering in space. 

Monologue 4:

(Takes place in Cheng’s Grandfather’s house)

(Grandpa is at the market with Grandma. He stops at the fruit store.)

(Says hello to the store clerk in Mandarin) 

Nǐ hǎo. 

(Walks around the store browsing the store’s collection of fruit and eventually goes up to the store clerk) 

How much do 3 of these jackfruit cost? 

66.05 Yuans, Are you crazy!?!?!?!?!

(Throws his hands up as if mad and pointing towards stuff and complaining) 

Thats a rip-off! The economy is poor I know that but that doesn’t mean you have to raise the cost 7 Yuan more!! 

(Looks away in disgust) 

Hmmmff! How much are 5 of the Dorian? 

98.92 Yuans!?

Are you crazy!? 

(Swings his cane around and causes the clerk to think Grandpa is going to hit him so he reaches under the desk and pulls out a shotgun which he loads and points at Grandpa)

(Grandpa looks at the clerk and then at the barrel of the shotgun and gets a frightened and mad face and voice) 

W-Why are you pointing a shotgun at me? 

What are you talking about? 

I was swinging my cane around in the air because I was angry but I wasn’t, am not, and will never hit you with my cane, I would get sued. 

(Grandpa tries to calm the clerk down and tries to convince him to lower the shotgun and puts his arms up as if trying to stop something from hitting him.) 

So would you be so kind as to lower the shotgun and I will pay for these fruits? 

(Calms down and speaks in a tired voice) 

Well I guess that isn’t that much of an increase since before it was 81 Yuans. 

But still this economy is killing the population and bleeding the civilians’ accounts dry. 

(Starts to try a barter. So move your hands in front of you as if trying to reason or explain something to a person) 

Are you absolutely sure you can’t lower the price on the fruit for me? 

(His face turns to a sad face due to the clerk not lowering the price on the fruit) 

Ugh, fine i’ll buy 2 Jackfruit and 3 Dorian. 

(Sighs) 

42.85 Yuan is such a rip-off but i’ll buy it for my grandkids. 

(In an angry and sarcastic voice) 

Have a nice day. 

(Walks out the door with Grandma)

Characters: 

Waan - Mother who becomes a prostitute for a “better” life. About 17 years old. 

Dao - Waan’s daughter. About 5 years old. 

Jake - Typical 19 year old American kid just out of high school. 

Chailai - Woman 25 years old. Realizing she has nothing/no one to work for.

*All characters are on stage. Light shines on one person at a time. Extra people who aren’t speaking are like extra props.*

ACT 1 Scene 1

WAAN

(Waan looking through old family pictures and thinking of everything in her hotel room alone. thinking to herself.)

So I'm not even 18 and I've gone through hell. I never really had the ability to live the life of a child. I had to take care of my family ever since I could remember and I even started a family of my own already. Crazy, huh? Well that's just how it is. I can't be free and live my own life. So sure there are plenty of teen mothers out in the world. What makes me so special? Like every other teen mother out there, I needed to find a job. I started out finding any other job that was suitable for our area - being a day laborer. I made 100 baht a day. Seems like a lot, doesn't it? It's really only $3. That's the only I have considering I live in the countryside.

One day, my friend who moved to the city came back to visit and told everyone how well she was doing in the city. People started rumors because she sends 10,000 baht home to her family every month. That's $300 - not a typical wage for a waitress. Of course, she denied everything everyone accused her of. She tried to convince me to return to the city with her since the pay was so good and it'd be good for my daughter.

(Flashback: Waan is talking to her best female friend.)

“Want me to go to Bangkok with you? Yeaahhh, I'm not sure about that. I don't think “waitressing” is suitable for me considering I’m a mother and all... Air quotes? Nah, it’s nothing. Just letting you know I know you don’t waitress. It’s obvious... Oh so you’re not a hooker? That’s highly doubtful... I know I’m your friend, but come on, you don’t make that kind of money walking around giving people food. It’s just not likely... Fine, want to prove it to me? I’ll go then.”

I left my daughter with her father. I wish I didn’t have to, but I had no choice. This is already hard enough as it is. I have to leave my daughter with my ex-husband and his new wife. Of all people. I’ll try my best to get her back when I get the money.

(Lights fade out and onto Dao)

...........................................................................................................

ACT 1 Scene 2

(Dao playing in the dining room playing with her toys talking to a visitor.)

Mommy is never here for me. I know she’s out there trying to create a better future for me, but I doubt it’s in the right way. I need my mother’s presence here. I can’t stand another day with my father and his wife. I mean, I love him and all, but this is too much. His wife already hates my guts just because I resemble my mother.

(begins to get crayons and paper to draw a society full of men.)

What’s up with women, they either love you so much that they end up leaving to get “a better life” or they hate you so much they’re only here because they have no other choice. I can’t stand women. Yeah, she’s doing it for me, but I don’t ask for much. She can actually go to school and get a better job because I’m living in hell anyways. So what difference would it make if she tried to go out and get a better career? I’m mad that she’s only thinking about herself. Just because it’s ‘easier’ to be a sex worker does NOT make her a better mother.  

(Lights fade out back onto Waan standing next to Chailai or close to her.)

...........................................................................................................

Act 1 Scene 3

(Waan is walking down the street watching as other women are being picked up by men for ‘services’ and sees Chailai in a distance just waiting around.)

..this is not what I expected it to be at all. All these men - mainly tourists think that we enjoy this misery. It’s just good pay to us. But they are total perverts. Give them an offer where there’s more affordable sex compared to every other place and they’re all over it. This is against my religion to have sex before marriage or for married people to sleep with anyone except for their significant other. I’ve gone far from my religion. I’ve broken the biggest rule out there. I’m a home wrecker. How would I feel in their shoes? Well I’ve done so much damage already as it is. It’s not like me continuing would change anything. Wives shouldn’t blame me. Blame their husbands, blame themselves for not being able to satisfy their husbands to the point they go out paying for what they can get from their wife. That was mean - but honestly, women need to keep a hold on their men. I know that women have absolutely no power here, but we need to do something. I’ve already screwed my life over by becoming a sex worker and leaving my daughter, but I can help warn other women that they should never leave a good thing behind to find what they believe might be better. That’s what’s wrong with people, they are never satisfied with their happiness. All we do is find something better and half of the time, it backfires.

(Sees a little boy through a window across the street coloring.)

I need to find a way back to my daughter’s warm hugs who was always there to wipe my tears away. Her little innocence is refreshing. I’m going to find the next train to her and spend all the time I have with her until she’s all grown up. But know one thing, I’m not ever going to allow her to make the same mistake I did. I’m going to let her know that if you have something good, don’t seek something better. Be happy with what she has.

(goes off to buy a train ticket back home.)

(Lights fade out and onto Jake who is standing next to a random girl.)

...........................................................................................................

ACT 1 Scene 4

(Jake is roaming the streets of Bangkok checking the women out because the only reason he’s there is to find a girl to have fun with.)

HEYO! What’s up?... Do you offer the (clears throat) “services?” Mhmm, we both know you do... Wait what?! You’re not a you-know-what?

(Starts fixing his shirt and gets closer to the girl.)

Hey sweetheart, I’m not a cop. I know everything about this business. Come on, not every guy out there will be hot enough for you be able to actually enjoy this job of yours. Now, I’m not the hottest guy in the bunch, but I sure can hit it. Oh, how old am I? I’m 18. You know, just passing in after high school.. My buddies and I decided to hit up this fantasy land for a little bang bang, know what I mean? We heard wonders about this place. Every hot chick in this place is a prostitute and the sex sure is cheaper here than everywhere else. Wait - if you’re all hot, why aren’t you guys married or with someone?.... oh yeah, you did say that you weren’t in the business. Are you sure? Because I thought you were just making sure I wasn’t a cop... Whoops, my bad. Well now I know you’re not a hoe, wanna go out to dinner some time? Why not?.... It was an honest mistake. Don’t other guys mistake you for a street walker? Well see, you should be used to it by now. I mean, dressed the way you are who wouldn’t come to that conclusion?

(He gets smacked) 

Daaaamn, I’m sorry hun, just letting you know how it is. If you didn’t want the wrong attention, be a bit classier.

(Girl walks away.)

Oh you’re just gonna walk away now, huh? Awww, don’t be like that. WAIT!... you didn’t gimme your number.

(Jake tries to follow behind the girl and light goes onto Chailai)

...........................................................................................................

ACT 1 Scene 5

(Chailai speaks in ‘broken English’ at the corner, feeling overwhelmed with her life she doesn’t think she can handle it. She’s lost it and is muttering to herself.)

I don’t like being called bad things all over Bangkok. All the mean people just say “She is a hoe” and they throw stuff at me. I not smart like other people because my family can’t do nothing for me. I want to be like everybody who do this for the family, but I have nobody to take care of except for my grandma who is sick. I have no husband, no kids, no brothers, no sisters, no anybody. What if my grandma die? She is so old. What am I going to do? No body there for me. Nobody wants to love me because they say I am stupid. All they want is my body. They run around and say “Oh hey there sexy lady” I feel happy they like me. But only to sleep. They don’t care if I die tomorrow or right now. They only want to sleep in the bed with me. I am a nobody. I have nobody. You know what? I don’t care anymore. I am 25 year old. Soon no body want to sleep with me either. I am too old to go sleep with everybody and be the sexy woman. All the man want is the little girl that 15 year old. So nasty.

(Lights go off and Chailai is in her hotel room full of suitcases and is in front of the mirror.)

...........................................................................................................

ACT 1 Scene 6

(Chailai is looking at herself in the mirror and getting ready.)

This is so new to me! I finally have first boyfriend. Not the one where the guy want to pay me to be with him. The one where he want to spend time with me. This is a new beginning for me. I can go to school and try to learn to speak the English language and get a real job. How someone like me meet a guy like this? All I need to do is don’t go stand and wait for the guy anymore. I find respect for me, then someone find respect too. This guy so nice too. He promise something and he pull through with it. It’s not like the guy I work for who promise a better future. This guy let me move in with him in beautiful house. It’s not whore house where he do that to a lot of people. I’m the only woman in the house. He make me feel like I am the angel, but he know what I used to do. You can’t have relationship without communication.

(Looks off into a distance and pauses with makeup.)

Sometime I still have nightmare that nuk lang, that mean gangster, is going to come find me and kill me. But, Adam is always there for me. He comfort me when I have nightmare and cry.

(Gets back to Earth and continues to apply makeup.)

Oh well, everything is okay. We going to move to America to start new life and forget about everything that happen here. The past is past. Time to burn it all and let the ashes blow with the wind.

(Gets up and gathers suitcase to leave.)

Stage Directions: One a corner wait for your next client when your boss [pimp] walk up and ask for his money.

(you are talking to a client) Hi Handsome what would you like to do with me today....Oh i got to go sorry come back next time...Hi Mr.Smith...Do i have your money?....no im not stalling...i have it...well only 1,000, i promise i will have the other 500 in two days i promise boss please....no please sir it will never be late again...(the boss grabs her by her arm, slaps her and now she is crying)...im sorry...the men aren’t really coming around...i men they are but they aren’t interested...How ?...yes sir...In two days boss i promise...yes i like my life..no please don’t hurt my daughter PLEASE !!!...I will i promise just don’t hurt her...Yes Sir...(goes back to pulling cars) Hi Handsome what would (5 second pause)...what would you like to do to me tonight ?

Monologue :

Stage directions: 

watches your dad walk out the door after he hands you his dirty dish then walk to the kitchen to start washing the dishes from the day. [your name is maria]

(in her own head while washing the dishes) My dad so nasty, how can he just go over there and fool around with these young girls, let alone my friends may, she i the same age as me, she is only 16, how can you look at a child and want to do that to her, and then for them to be forced and not even get paid for what they are doing to them, Thailand is a horrible place for girls, i can’t believe what people do for money, my mother was a sex worker, oooooo i wish a guy would put his hands on me,...i would have....i would....i would give in, i don’t know why im standing here lying to myself. i wouldn’t do a damn thing to stop him from rapping me, he would kill me with one shot to the head for refusing, ha a girl like me has no place or high demand in these streets, i am just a toy, someones get off, no ones daughter, i am just a girl waiting for her turn to be put up for sale, the next one to be kidnapped....(father calls her)....Yes Father !

I don’t know where your wallet is...Yes Sir !....Her you go father....Okay, Breakfast will be ready in the morning when you get back father....(thinks to herself)...another girls life while be changed ! 

Monologue :

Stage directions: [ standing outside your building with a maria’s father kevin talking about what girl her wants] [ your name is Sean aka boss]

• This is Shi. she is 17 and untouched, what do you think....of course i have younger ones...what is the ages you like....i only have three 16 yeas old and two 15 years olds in right now.....okay...Mike go get them...we have Nancy, Kim, May.....Okay May do your thing...Don’t put any brews on her....no she is a virgin...okay you can bite...Okay Have Fun !

Monolodgue : [in a green room with paint coming of the walls talking to your friend maria’s dad kevin. you have a nervous look on your face and you are standing by the bed]

• Please sir don’t do this...but im only 16 years old please....im sorry...do you have a daughter?....then why are you doing this?...i know your daughter..Maria !..how can you come in here and have sex with someone the same age as your daughter...please just turn around and walk out the room, don’t do this sir...KEVIN PLEASE !!!....[he slaps you and you fall to the ground facing the audience. he bends over your and start speaking to you {this is where they switch of on to Kevin’s monologue}]

Cast 

Mrs. Mustang Jonathon’s mother 

Craig Jury member

Reporter Reporter for the NY Times

Mrs.Okar Radhi’s mother 

Jonathon Mustang Military officer

Radhi Okar Child in the Sierra Leone military

Mr.Krooks Radhi’s Lawyer

Woman Jury member 

Monologues   
MONOLOGUES TAKE PLACE AROUND MISSISSIPPI (JONATHON’S HOME TOWN

 Mother of the recently killed white officer spoke to her therapist of ten years. Mother is an older Catholic woman. She is lying in chair crying and sobbing.

Mrs. Mustang: You don’t understand! That child killed em he’s the devil, I’m telling you that Nigger child killed my sweet baby Jonathon! My husband died in the military. Ya know that? Of course you did, course you did. My husband … that damn bastard, good for nothing drunk. When he got back from the war he drank his weight in beer, sat back while I raised our son and one day he just up and left us. He left me... now John. John left me. Oh lord what am I ‘posed ta do now! 

[Pause]

[The mother pulls a tissue from the therapist’s desk and begins to tab away tears. She then sits back down still sobbing slightly.]

Mrs. Mustang: The report said the children there all look about uh …around… nine or ten years old. Can you believe that? Ten years old, fighting a war that has nothing to do with them. They aren’t innocent. Jonathon was innocent. That bastard deserves to die. They all deserve to have their lives taken from them. They haveta pay for what they took from me. They have too…

[Looks away slowly and out of the window]

[Looks back furiously]

Mrs. Mustang: The hell I’m gonna calm down [say’s mockingly similar to the therapist], Mr. Limens! You sit there with your notebook and pen and get paid to do what? Tell people to calm down! I refuse to just sit back and take this. I want the death penalty when we go to trial. I want my baby to have peace of mind knowing he

Mrs. Mustang: Oh, I am so sorry!  I’ve got to answer this.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man preparing to go to court he is apart of the jury.

[Brushing his teeth in the mirror]

Craig: Yes your honor we the jury have come to a verdict. We find the defendant, Radhi Okar, guilty of first degree murder and sentence him to deat...
No no no no. It just isn’t right it doesn’t even sound right. A ten year old child sentenced to death. He had been promised a better life than in poverty but naive as he must seem that child made a choice I wouldn’t even dream of. All these children in poverty in Sierra Leone and when someone gives them a choice we prosecute them for it. 

[Sighs]

What am I saying? The other members of the jury would never listen to me. Made of mostly racist men anyway. Damn bastards. I fucking hate this trial. 1.10.11

[Continues brushing teeth then spits, fixes his tie and turns off the bathroom light]

Craig: I’m not ready for this. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Reporter telling his co-worker about the Okar/ Mustang case before it is made public. Is in cubicle. He is sitting. The story has moved nation wide so the trial is being held in New York instead of Mississippi.

Reporter: So, there’s this kid right? And the kid killed uhm the Lieutenant, Jonathon Mustang, right? But see this guy he jus’ came back a year ago to receive some medal or something but anyway the child was taken into custody after some soldiers picked em up after the shooting in Sierra Leone.

[Pause]

Reporter: Yea, … yea … yea. Ya I know that alright? You really think if I could get an interview with him I’d be talking to your slacker ass right now?

[Swings arm in frustration knocks hot coffee on to self]

Reporter: Damn it! Ah, hot. Damn. *wipes*Crap these are new.

[Pause]

Reporter is now furious talking in a loud dramatic manner while still dabbing away at the coffee stain casually and subconsciously.

Reporter: What’da’ya mean what’s the problem? The problem is the damn FBI has him in custody but you know how that works. All the questions never get one damn answer and all of a sudden poof the story’s gone. No kid no story cause ya know anyone with an ounce of tie to the government don’t have a comment for shit. [Pause]

Reporter: *Huff* Can somebody get me some paper towels damn it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Mother of Radhi Okar. She is speaking to a man that wants to take Radhi to join the Sierra Leone military. Mother is a widow who’s husband died in the cross fire of war.

Mrs.Okar: Wa da ya mean you want ta take Radhi! What gud he gon’ do you out there! All you men seem ta do is give a gun to a baby and tell him ta fi-ya at da white man. Ah know men like you.

[Points finger in man’s face and then is hit]

Mrs.Okar: You bastard.  

[Pause]

Mrs.Okar: O, mah baby. Radhi, my baby. I’m fine don’t you worry bout mama. She gonna be alright.

[Man grabs Radhi by the arm and begins to drag him from the small shabby hut.]

Mrs.Okar: No! No! No! Don take em. Please! I beg you! He is my only son! I will do whateva you want!

[Grabs leg of man and looks up at man with tears in her eyes]

Mrs. Okar: I will be your woman. Take me! Leave my son!

[Sobs and crying]

Mrs. Okar: I’m sorry Radhi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uprising in Sierra Leone. Men from the United States have been called in to take control of the situation. In Sierra Leone, before Jonathon’s death.
       
Jonathon: We gotta move, move, move! Wait! Solider you better get down they’re firing like animals! What have ya lost your mind!

[Pew pew pew]

Jonathon: Okay, so this is what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna take the hut. We need someone to distract them while I sneak up from behind and take out the guard with the machine gun. And then you gotta…

[Boom]

Jonathon: Ah! Holy fuck! My arm!

[Clutching left arm filled with glass shards. Wound is only skin deep not fatal but painful and takes a deep breath]

Jonathon: I’m okay. I’m okay.

[Tone lowers to become very sentimental]

Jonathon: Boys, it got real dangerous real fast. We lost our comrades, communications with base are severed and the war zone out there left us no way to retreat. I feel as though I have failed you. As your lieutenant I made a sworn promise to bring you home safely or at least intact. Ha. I never thought I’d make it this far so fast.

[Makes a thoughtful grin]

Jonathon: Back then I never thought I’d be in charge of men like you by my thirties while I still got so much to learn. Everyone here has honored my living by fighting beside me today and for all these years. I’m forever grateful.

[Smiles then releases arm and puts both hands back onto gun, clutching it. Puts a determined face on]

Jonathon: So, do me this one last favor would ya’? Give it your all and avenge these people who’ve been slain by the war lords do not let them get away with it. We must put it to an end, for good. If you won’t do it for me, do it for them. So lets go men, no time to waste. Get into position. Aim for the truck over there and, you, point your laser right there, on the gas tank. Everyone else, follow me and fire on my command. Ready? Let’s Go!

[Runs out from behind the concrete pillar that was shielding them and begins their assault]

Jonathon: Now! Fire! Fire! Go go go! Come on men, we gotta surround the hut. You go that way I’ll cover this side.

[Runs behind the hut and continues shooting]

Jonathon: Hold your fire, Hold your fire! There’s a child, a young boy! Don’t shoot!

[Walks towards Radhi cautiously and squints]

Jonathon: What’s that ya got there? Is that … a gun?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radhi is sitting in an FBI interrogation room sobbing and scared. Two FBI men are interrogating him harshly about the killing of Jonathon Mustang. He has an African accent.

Radhi: Huh? … Uhm. Ah don know. Ah don know his name... The man who uh took me? Pa pa pa pa pa please. Please. Please stop... 

[Pause] 

[Begins crying solemnly] 

[White interrogator walks in and the door slams itself shut behind him] 

[Radhi slightly jumps in his chair. He is frantic, wide eyed]

 
Radhi: Huh. Who is dat? What’s he doin here? Let me go leave me alone. Let me out, let me go. 

[pause]

Radhi: Why are you asking all dees questions? Dat man said I need a lawyer or somefin and I'm not loud to talk to you. 

[Pause] 

[Sobs and sniffles]

Radhi: Ya, Ah remember dat. Ah wus scared, Kojana told me dat if … 

[Pause]

Radhi: He’s da man who took me from my mama he told me to take da gun and grab on it if a white man came near me. He said it would stop dem from taking me away from mah mama. He said if ah took da gun dat my mama would be happy and mah papa would come home. 

Radhi: Ah don’t know who dat man was or what happened to em. Do ya know where my mama?
Ah miss her.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lawyer of Radhi is having a casual coffee break with a colleague at Starbucks. He is currently in New York City before his flight out the Mississippi for the trial.

Mr. Krooks: How much was that? 

[Pause]
Mr. Krooks: Oh uh … three. . Four. Here you go. 

[Drops a coin on the floor and bends down to get it.]

Mr. Krooks: Oops, ha ha. Here ya go. 

[Turns around to walk out of the Starbucks with colleague]

[Its winter in New York City and they are walking around the city looking for a non-crowded lunch cart]  

Mr. Krooks: Yea, so I leave for my flight tomorrow. Haven’t met the kid yet but I have a bad feeling bout this case. Things I’ve heard make it seem like I got a hard defense ahead of me. Evidence is dead on and I’m gonna try for a plea bargain. Which is a little hard considering it’s not on my turf. I’m gonna be surrounded by racists so I’ve got my work cut out for me with a black client. This kids mom raised up quite a buzz with a media with all those protest hippies and stuff she somehow managed to pull off enough money to pay for a city lawyer like me. I’m not the best or anything but I try, work my ass off for my paycheck. 

[Pause]

[Chris says something] 

Mr. Krooks: Ha ha. No, Chris, I don’t think he’s innocent but that’s not what this job is about. It’s about getting enough money to support my wife and kids before she leaves me and takes them with her. I can’t afford ta do another pro-bono, ‘specially not with this kid. The occupation calls for a defense and that’s what I’m gonna do, defend.

[Pause]

[Chris says something]

Mr. Krooks: My son? My son would never KILL a man. That’s ridiculous, Chris. 

[Says in a mocking tone]

Mr. Krooks: Imagine that though, “We find Patrick Krooks guilty of first degree murder.” Ha ha, little, can’t throw a football, even at the age of 12, Patrick. Ya really think he’d ever be in this situation?

[Pause]

[Chris says something]

Mr. Krooks: *sigh* Ya but guess you’re right a little bit. Way too young for the death sentence. Aw! C’mon, Chris! I always swore up and down on my mother’s grave I’d never make my job personal! That’s how I survive doing what I do, knowing what I know. No, child, man, woman is ever innocent if they give me a call and I know that all too well but like I said it’s my job to turn a blind eye to it all and defend a guilty man. 

[Pause] 

Mr.Krooks: Ha ha, but yea on a lighter note look over there, that one doesn’t have too much of a line and our breaks almost over anyway. 

[Mr.Krooks glances at his watch]

Mr.Krooks: Phew, It’s already 2:30. C’mon my treat.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the trial Mrs. Mustang is brought to the stand as part of the prosecution and begins her heartwarming story. She has her hand on the bible and is being sworn in.
She is standing. 

Mrs. Mustang: I swear. 

[Sits down]

Mrs. Mustang: Well, lets see... the night Jonathon was killed I was … hmm, watching Wheel of Fortune and having a nice lunch with a few girlfriends that I’ve known for years. I met them in church bout... 8 years ago. We’d always watch a bit of television and I’d make small sandwiches. We all knew what it was like to lose a husband or a son to the service. Marcie Jefferson lost her husband a few years back. I remember how she fell apart. It was so tragic. And did you know that...

[Pause] 

[Mood changes to depressed] 

Mrs. Mustang: Oh right right, forgive me. I got the phone call later that night. 

[Takes a deep breath]  

Mrs. Mustang: He was gone. I was angry and hurt and I couldn’t believe mah baby boy...

[Pause] 

Mrs. Mustang: I’m sorry so sorry … just one minute? 

[Sobbing]

[Dabbing her eyes looking up trying to hold back tears] 

[Deep breath]

Mrs. Mustang: Phew okay, I apologize. It’s just so hard for me. Every night I go into his room and smell his pillows and hold his baseball glove to my heart. 

[Closes eyes and imagines holding the glove to her chest] 

[Opens eyes and becomes angry]

Mrs. Mustang: That young man right there took him away from me my pride and joy. He should be executed. 

[Pause] 

[Face changes to a defeated look] 

Mrs. Mustang: That’s what I would’ve truly believed a couple months ago. A strong catholic woman lost her path in the Lord Almighty and Jesus Christ. But …

[Eyes widen and she is choking back tears behind a remembering smile]

Mrs. Mustang: He came to me. Last night in my dreams, he came to me with his beautiful face. 

[Pause]

Mrs. Mustang: No no no no no. Jonathon. HE came to me. Told me to forgive. I woke up in tears shaking. He reminded me of my faith. I want nothing more than my baby boy to rest in peace and last night he came to me and showed me what it meant to be in peace. I will never forget what kind of monster killed my son but I HAVE forgiven this child he does not know. 

[Pause]

[She says quietly]

Mrs. Mustang: Is that all? Can I get down now?

[Gets up and walks back to the defense side and sobs in the arms of her friend Marcie]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig (jury member) is going into deliberation with the other jury members. He is anxious and fidgety fiddling with his hands once and a while.

Craig: Ladies and gentleman. Please. Settle down. We heard many sides to this trial and we have a tough decision to make and with the information given we gotta make an honest choice for the child. 

[Pause] 

[A bunch of mumbled voices in the background]

[Voice changes to confident and disapproving]

Craig: People! Are you honestly gonna even take a second thought of execution. I mean, maybe it’s something out of the ordinary for you people to do but there is such thing as mercy and rehabilitation. You people wanna pass yourselves off as “ pure Catholics” but where is it in the bible to kill a child cause of color or cause of something someone else told him to do? I’m not gonna sit here and listen to this bickering and back and forth talk of kill or life sentence. Are you seriously forgetting how old he is? Ten. 

[Points to a man] 

Craig: You, you have kids right? What if this young boy was your kid? 

[Pause]

[Tone gets furious]

Craig: Doesn’t matter if he’s purple! He has rights or are you forgetting that? Gonna brainwash your kids to think like that too? No one else matters if you’re white? 

[Pause]

[Tone becomes sad and he looks down]

Craig: I had a daughter. She passed away in a car crash last year. Her mother was driving. A drunk driver swerved on the road hit them dead on. We had just gotten a divorce. I went to church every day blamed myself blamed that drunk driver. He didn’t deserve to live. But he did. And I hated him for it. Some catholic I was. I lost myself in revenge and pay back and only end up hurting myself. 

[Pause]

Craig: A chance for forgiveness. A chance for this boy to change and learn and grow.  That’s all I’m asking. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Woman from the jury announces the verdict for Radhi Okar and the final hearing.

Woman: Yes, your honor. We the jury finds Radhi Okar guilty of first degree murder. We the jury also finds Radhi Okar not guilty of all other arms charges. We sentence him to 10 years in juvenile confinement with no chance of bail or probation. He must also see a therapist a regular basis. We the jury would also like to give our condolences to both mothers. They each loss a son to the fight in Sierra Leone.

Cast:

Villager

Act I, Scence I

Abkar

As I sit here in my village and watch my family sleep, I wonder if I’ll see them tomorrow. Everyday I’m fighting for my life, and I don’t know if I will live to see another day so I make the best of what I have. I run for duck and cover to prevent being seen by one of the Janjaweed men. If they saw me God knows what could happen. I feel like I’m being held hostage in my own country fighting for the right to live.

(Man sitting on the floor in his village in front of camera)

Charles Norman

Monologue Project

A man in a jail cell looking out the window thinking to himself.
            I’m sitting here in my cell and I’m thinking; how did I end up in here? I mean is this what people get for fighting against cruelty to humans. I was fighting for rights for all south Africans, “Equal Rights”. I felt relieved that people were actually by my side, and they were fighting with me, blacks and whites. We were people fighting for each other’s rights. If we people don’t fight for our rights then who will? I sit here and I feel confused everyday that I am in this jail cell. I don’t deserve this. I was doing the right thing, or was I? I mean are we supposed to do the wrong thing in this cruel world? Maybe it’s the opposite right is wrong and wrong is right. Either way I will keep faith, and I shall continue to fight for our rights, until things change. One day all South Africans will have “Equal Rights”. We must keep this fight going.


A girl laying down on her bed writing in her diary under her cover with a flash light.
            Dear Diary,
Its been a long time since I last talked to you, today I am writing to you today to inform you about my idol Nelson Mandela. He is in jail, and I wonder when is he is going to get out of jail. When he does could this mean that South Africans all over will be treated equally. I love that Nelson Mandela stands up for everyone in our country. His vision is a vision that can not be ignored. I’m only 9 years old, but I can get some adults involved, and we can start protest, just thinking about this makes me happy. I can make big signs, and we will stand outside of the jail, chanting let him free let him free. We will make sure that Nelson Mandela is set free out of jail. Thank You Diary You Gave Me Some Great Ideas, I will be back later I have to go talk mom and dad, so we can get started! See you.  
                                                                                                            Sincerely,
                                                                                                                        Jackie Wells


A girl talking to her parents, she is very excited!
Jackie- Mom! Dad! I have a big master plan, and it involves helping someone very important to me.
Mom- Who is it honey?
Dad- Yeah who is it.
Jackie- NELSON MANDELA!
Mom- Isn’t he in jail?
Jackie- Yes he is.
Dad- Jackie I forbid you to go anywhere near a jail, he got himself in there with his mouth, so let him get himself out. We don’t have no business helping someone of that color out anyway. What good has he done for white people?
Jackie- Dad he isn’t just standing up for black people, he is helping everyone, not just blacks. He isn’t racist and by the way you are talking it seems that you are!
Smack.
Dad- Now you go upstairs in your room. I will not have any thing to do with any of your shenanigans, and I will not have a child disrespecting me.
Mom- John you didn’t have to hit her, she is only trying to help someone. Her heart is in the right place, and it shouldn’t matter if they are black or white. I think what she is trying to do is a good thing. I am a big supporter of fighting for rights for all people black and white, and I am ashamed that you would even give a hell about his color. He seems to be a really good man, and I’m going to support our daughter whether you like it or not.
Dad- Sarah you know I’m not racist, but we could get in to some deep trouble for siding on the black man’s side. We will been seen as traders. My family won’t be seen as traders and that’s final.
Mom- Well I’m helping him whether you like it or not, and I don’t give a damn what people think.

Yeah who is it. Jackie I forbid you to go anywhere near a jail, he got himself in there with his mouth, so let him get himself out. We don’t have no business helping someone of that color out anyway. What good has he done for white people? Now you go upstairs in your room. I will not have any thing to do with any of your shenanigans, and I will not have a child disrespecting me. Helping him out, would be getting involved with government business, and that could lad to serious trouble. Like us being locked down right along with Nelson Mandela, and we don’t need to be in jail. If we go to jail your mother and I both could lose our jobs, and you would be kicked out of your school. We have to pay a lot of money for you to be able to attend private school. Be happy that you are getting a great education at the top private school in all of South Africa. Plus you should be occupied with homework so I don’t know how you would have time for helping out someone else, you got to take care of yourself first.

Who is it honey? Isn’t he in jail? Oh I would say yes right away, but we will have have to see what your father has to say. You know how he can be, and for the most part what he says goes.

John you didn’t have to hit her, she is only trying to help someone. Her heart is in the right place, and it shouldn’t matter if they are black or white. I think what she is trying to do is a good thing. I am a big supporter of fighting for rights for all people black and white, and I am ashamed that you would even give a hell about his color. He seems to be a really good man, and I’m going to support our daughter whether you like it or not. Well I’m helping him whether you like it or not, and I don’t give a damn what people think.

Sarah you know I’m not racist, but we could get in to some deep trouble for siding on the black man’s side. We will been seen as traders. My family won’t be seen as traders and that’s final.

Robert Mugabe: Greedy President of Zimbabwe.

Gono:  Head of Zimbabwe’s main bank that helps Mugabe steal money.

Maid: Works at Mugabe’s place just for work but.

Archbishop of Canterbury: talks about Zimbabwe and how it is going under.

Act 1: Scene 1

The reason Why Zimbabwe is going under nowadays is because Mugabe steals all this money while he pays people like me very little money. That greedy little bastard. I’m thankful his wife is cheating is cheating on him. Haha. I find it kind of funny that his (makes air quotes) “friend” slept with his wife. (Points finger at interviewer) Just think what it would have been like if he did not take all that money (puts finger down). Zimbabwe would have been the best vacation getaway instead of this shithole of a plaace. Excuse my language its just he makes me extremely mad. (Acts Cautious) He won’t see this will he?

Act 1: Scene 2

(Trying to avoid eye contact by picking up random things in the living room)

I just wanted to let you know i am really happy to be your friend and business partner. It isn't all for just the money but you are a really good listener. I came here to discuss the future of our relationship. We have been cheating Zimbabwe out of millions for a long time and I feel that I have grown really close to you over the years. I think that any misunderstandings that we might have in the future should be disregarded. I mean you being the president and me being the head power of the bank we can take over this country



Act 1: Scene 3

(Pacing across the floor slowly throughout the whole scene) do you believe this? I had a life set. Why did he have to find out? We were going to live in my house, rule this country and keep getting money. (Being cocky) I mean who wouldn’t want to live in my house 47 bedrooms, a pool, a gym, and a mini movie theater.  NO but seriously I need to do something and quickly, I mean he is going to kill me. (Talking to the voices in his head really fast) How do I know he is going to kill me? For the fact that his bodyguard was suspiciously poisoned for just knowing about this, that two other people she had an affair with were in trouble, one died in a mysterious car accident and the other had to flee the country. Wait a minute I have an idea what if I can go and try to win the citizens over at the protest that they are having in a couple of days. If I win them over I can become leader and not get killed by Mugabe. Ha its genius. (Exits stage)






Act 1: Scene 4

Citizens of Zimbabwe. Over the years you have come to think of me as a liar, a cheater and a robber. I may be that entire list but I have come here today to seek your forgiveness. I know most of you people are thinking, “Why would I forgive this man” well let me give you some reasons. Sure I am scared for my life. But the main reason is that I am willing to make a very large donation to Zimbabwe.  I promise that what I did will never happen again. Many are probably wondering why I am even trying to convince all of you to come to my side, well let me say this would you rather have a man who has basically ruined your lives as president or someone who was a mere victim of that person. The next thing I… Wait… what… (background voice) “sir we need you to come with us” … What are you doing to these people… Taking them to jail. Why?

Act 1: Scene 5

Robert Mugabe

(In his room talking to himself reminding him of all the power he has)

(Starts singing) Money, Money, Money. I love money (stops singing). With all of this money I have (picks up a stack of money and counts it)  I can basically buy this country even though I already controlled it for 30 years. The best thing is that I can manipulate anyone I want by just simply changing the way I am around them or simply including violence. Though I am sad that my wife cheated on me. But I don’t care that much because I(singing) I I I get money, money I get (pauses) ( says it as if ending) and I will just kill him.

Act 1: Scene 6

ABC: I think the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe is now at an appalling level. It's estimated that perhaps half the population is now under threat of starvation; and the deaths from cholera have been climbing in just the last couple of weeks from 3,000 towards 4,000. Everyone knows about the rate of inflation, but I think the main thing is the sheer level at which people are at risk of starvation. I mean if

Act 1: Scene 7

 (Wife walks into the room) Why would you cheat on me... Because im old... But why with one of my close friends... Why do I care because Gono is the only person that I thought I could really trust and not only are we good friends he is the owner of the bank that got me and you a lot of money and having friends that are in power too can help me out a lot, but you screwed everything up. Now I have basically no friends. Everybody hates me and I don't even have a faithful wife. How would you feel if I had a Heart attack. (Wife leaves)