Gabrielle Poisson ’17 would like your feedback regarding the order of the scenes in this play, as well as the title. Please be generous with your thoughtful, helpful suggestions in the comment section below. Thank you!
THE BLUE DRESS
CHARACTERS:
MORGANA, mid 40’s, mother of Pamena. She is strikingly beautiful but desperately sad. She sits at the table, never leaving her room. Everyday she plays with her cards and journals, drinking steadily, but not enough to make her too apparently drunk. She has no obvious physical disabilities, but her mental instability becomes more and more evident as the play progresses.
PAMENA, 15, poised and polite, and very timid. She is incredibly bitter, but she keeps it hidden. She is completely in awe of her mother, but is pained watching her downfall.
DOROTHY, 47, Single mother. Housekeeper and somewhat of a nurse for MORGANA. Very kind, sensible, and hard-working. Mother of JAMES and a mother-figure for PAMENA.
JAMES, 16, a “cool” kid with a sensitive side. He is mature and takes his place as “man of the house” very seriously. Has a soft spot for PAMENA and is tongue-tied awkward around her.
ROBERT, 35, wealthy, over-worked, short-tempered. Father of PAMENA. He has always cared for MORGANA, but overtime he becomes unfaithful to his wife, whom he finds is losing her attractiveness with motherhood.
SCENE 1:
TIME: A beautiful sunny June 25, 1969. 9:30 A.M..
(Lights up on a dusty, but immaculately arranged, king-size bedroom room. The bed in the corner is made crisply, but barely slept in. A polished wooden table sits at the center stage with a plush armchair at one side. There is a dressing screen at the back of the room. MORGANA sits in the chair, shuffling old and ornate playing cards. There is a decanter half-full of brandy at the end of the table. PAMENA sits in a small wooden chair across the table from her mother.)
MORGANA
(Holding up a dingy yellowing Queen of Diamonds playing card)
The Queen symbolizes beauty, wealth, and…
(rifles through the deck, pulling out the Jack of Spades and gasps playfully)
Romance? Pamena, sweetheart, is there a secret you’ve been keeping from me?
(She rises from the table and moves to get herself a drink. PAMENA begins to organize the cards.)
PAMENA
(Honest)
Of course not, mother. You know I don’t keep secrets.
(A thought)
They cause wrinkles.
MORGANA
(Laughing)
That’s right dear.
(Returning to her chair now with a glass of brandy)
Now what shall we play today? Checkers? Chess?
PAMENA
I was thinking maybe a walk outside?
MORGANA
(She freezes for a moment, shocked before recovering with a false smile.)
Yes. Alright, I’ve been keeping you to myself all summer haven’t I? Surely you want to go off with your friends once in a while. Just be back before your father gets home. He’d be very disappointed if he knew I just let you go off. What if you got hurt?
(Progressively more uncomfortable)
What if you rode your bike and you fell and scraped those pretty knees? Or got your hair all tangled, or, or… lost a tooth? Loss of teeth is fairly permanent you know. And you have such a pretty smile. Alright I’ve decided it, we’re staying inside today. You’ll stand by the window and… and… I’ll play my cards while you sing that pretty song you’ve been learning.
PAMENA
Mother, I only meant for us to go for a walk, together, around the neighborhood. I would never leave you alone all day.
MORGANA
(Fairly agitated at this point)
Pamena! Do you honestly believe I’d go out on a day, hot like this? My skin would burn like wildfire! And don’t you remember what Doctor Franz said? I really don’t think he would like this sort of contradiction, young lady. Now, if you would….
(gestures to window)
I asked you very nicely to sing.
(PAMENA walks softly to the window, her back to MORGANA, who deals the cards for Solitaire)
MORGANA
Bum, badum, ba one, two, three, four
PAMENA
(Singing softly and beautifully)
Stars shining bright above you. Night breezes seem to whisper “I love you.” Birds singing in the sycamore trees. Dream a little dream of me.
(MORGANA hums along as PAMENA continues to sing. She begins to place the cards down on the table in the rhythm of the music.)
Say nighty-night and kiss me. Just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me. While I’m alone and blue as can be, dream a little dream of me.
(MORGANA is immersed in the music at this point. She has her eyes closed and has completely stopped playing. She begins to murmur along with PAMENA, completely out of pitch)
PAMENA and MORGANA
Stars fading but I linger on dear. Still craving your kiss. I’m longing to linger till dawn dear. Just saying this.
(PAMENA hast stopped singing but MORGANA continues on. As she sings she begins to realize that PAMENA is no longer accompanying her)
MORGANA
Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you. Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you.
(She rises quietly from the table, and begins to creep up behind PAMENA)
But in your dreams whatever they be. Dream a little dream of me.
(Pause)
Why did you stop?
PAMENA
You sounded so lovely mother. I couldn’t help but admire your pretty voice.
MORGANA
Oh shut up. You know I don’t sound any good. We don’t tell lies, darling.
PAMENA
(Softly)
It isn’t a lie if you believe in it.
MORGANA
Now aren’t you a smart thing. Come here baby. Let’s have lunch, shall we? What do you want? Let’s have sandwiches. Let’s have Swiss cheese and tomato sandwiches. Does that sound nice? Why don’t I make us some, okay?
(She walks to the door but freezes in the threshold and slowly takes a few steps backwards)
On second thought, I’m getting a little doughy, am I? Pamena, sweet, how about we scrap the sandwiches and you and I play some dress-up, yes? Now dear, run downstairs and get me something to drink.
(She chokes down the rest of the drink.)
Something a bit stronger.
(PAMENA runs quickly from the room. Once she leaves, MORGANA begins to hum Dream a Little Dream of Me and strolls to a chest in the side of the room, pulling out costume jewelry, pretty dresses, makeup, and an ornate hairbrush. She starts to shimmy to the music and turns to look in the mirror, holding a simple, sleek, blue dress up to her. Suddenly her expression turns sour. Just then, PAMENA returns obediently with a bottle of vodka and a tall glass. MORGANA smiles, holding out the dress to PAMENA.)
Here darling.
(PAMENA takes it and goes behind the dressing screen. MORGANA putters around the room, fixing little details and drinking as she waits.)
I wore that dress once upon a time with your father. It was some New Years party at his office. All the men were showing off their girls and the girls were showing off who got the shiniest rock for Christmas. All the girls were so glamorous. He was so handsome, I knew I had to look my—
(PAMENA walks out in the dress. It is a little too big for her, but she looks very pretty and the effect on MORGANA is visible.)
Oh my stars. Pamena… I didn’t realize how beautiful you’ve been getting.
PAMENA
You really think so? I thought it was a little too big.
MORGANA
Oh, no. It’s perfect. God, it’s like looking right into the past. I look a little sloppy though, compared to my little princess.
(She begins ruffling through the trunk looking for something for herself and pulls out a bright gold sequin gown.)
Ah, here we go.
PAMENA
(Shyly)
Isn’t that a bit… formal?
MORGANA
(Nastily)
Jealous?
PAMENA
No!
(Pause. Growing strength)
You shouldn’t say something like that.
MORGANA
Don’t talk back Pamena. It’s unbecoming.
PAMENA
No mother, I—
MORGANA
God, Pamena what’s gotten into you? I guess you make the girl a princess and she becomes a royal pain.
(PAMENA is speechless and begins to look angry)
Oh lighten up Pamena! You’re such a bore sometimes.
PAMENA
(Almost to herself)
Oh because your life is so fascinating.
MORGANA
That attitude is getting a little out of hand Pamena. I can’t imagine if your father heard the tone you’re using…
PAMENA
I don’t think I can imagine that either.
MORGANA
And what is that supposed to mean?
PAMENA
Well I think that would require my father to be here at all to receive any punishment.
MORGANA
Your father is the most dedicated man I know.
PAMENA
To what? His family? I haven’t really noticed any of that actually.
MORGANA
(Shrieky)
He’s at work!
(Pause)
I’m getting bored of all this yelling. We don’t fight. No? No. I’m going to try this on and then we’ll have a real party!
(She whirls behind the dressing screen with the gold dress.)
PAMENA
Mother I’m not done talking about–
(Standing in front of the mirror, whispering.)
I see. Like looking in a mirror, huh?
(She sees the bottle of Vodka in the corner and grabs it.)
This is more like it.
(She chokes down some of the bottle.)
MORGANA
(Emerging from behind the screen regally wearing the gaudy bright gold dress when she sees PAMENA drinking.)
How do I—Pamena! What the hell are you doing?
PAMENA
I wanted to look like you.
MORGANA
Like me? No! Don’t you see, Pamena? You’re not supposed to become me! Now give me that bottle.
PAMENA
No.
MORGANA
(Softly threatening)
Pamena.
PAMENA
No!
MORGANA
Pamena!
PAMENA
(Mimicking)
I know mother. Contradictions are the leading cause of divorce for disobedient young women!
(MORGANA snatches for the bottle and PAMENA drops it, letting it smash on the floor.)
PAMENA
(Sarcastically)
Oops.
MORGANA
You little bitch.
PAMENA
Cursing is for lowlifes and the ungodly, mother.
MORGANA
Go downstairs and get me a new bottle, please.
PAMENA
No.
MORGANA
Excuse me?
PAMENA
I said no. Get it yourself.
MORGANA
I could, if I wanted to.
PAMENA
Do it.
MORGANA
(MORGANA strides to the door and freezes in the frame, unable to exit the room.)
On second thought, I’m a little bored of drinking. It’s terrible for the skin.
(MORGANA heads to her table, but PAMENA intercepts her and grabs the deck of tarot cards, shoving past her mother towards the door and throwing them one at a time down the stairs.)
PAMENA
I predict in your future, great happiness, mother.
(Picking a few at random)
Queen of spades, bloody dagger… and, oh diamond chalice. Wow, you really hit the jackpot!
MORGANA
(Frantic)
Why do you hate me? All I’ve done is love you. All I’ve done is to make you beautiful and sweet!
PAMENA
You’ve made me weak.
MORGANA
Oh come on, Pamena, I love you.
PAMENA
If you love me, let’s go outside and take a walk.
MORGANA
Why would I go out into a world so determined to break me apart?
PAMENA
This place is a prison. These dresses are shackles. That grin is a jail cell, and with each drink you add another life sentence!
MORGANA
Sometimes honey, it’s smarter to wear a paper mask than it is to actually smile. If you’re lucky enough, the warmth might just soak into your skin.
PAMENA
(Pulling away)
Mother, this room is burning you.
MORGANA
(Screaming, MORGANA turns around and knocks the books off the table)
This room is a sanctuary! It has everything I love. I have my books, my cards, my beautiful, beautiful little girl. I have everything in here and I get to keep it as long as I want. I’ve lived a beautiful life and I’ve looked the part every second. Now everything is all mine. All mine to play with whenever I want.
PAMENA
Mother, not everything is worth destroying.
MORGANA
It’s all like a picture book isn’t it? Only God’s making the illustrations and all his little creations are singing the poetry? Crisscross applesauce and Little Tom Thumb are jumping over candlesticks and locking the cupboards to doors I didn’t know had keys.
(She grabs a book of fairytales, rifling through it)
And all I feel is water in my throat, and in my brain, and sometimes if I focus hard enough I can see it starting in you. Rising in your toes and creeping up your ankles.
(She stops decisively on a page, nodding, growing more and more agitated.)
I always thought you were the little girl bringing cookies to poor sick Grandma, and I was the red cape that made her beautiful. Even on my worst days, I thought perhaps I was Grandma and maybe you were here to make me well again.
PAMENA
(Sinks down to MORGANA’s level and holds her hands)
Mother, I’m here because I love you.
MORGANA
No! Pamena, sweetheart, I’m the wolf and one of these days I will eat you.
PAMENA
Mama, I don’t care what you’ve done or could do. All I care is what happens tomorrow!
MORGANA
Baby girl, you say that now, but the moment I show you the world, it will turn you against me.
PAMENA
That’s not true. That’s not—
MORGANA
It is true!
(A long pause. She mutters then to herself)
It is true.
(Pause)
I’m so sorry.
PAMENA
No, mama you don’t have to be.
MORGANA
Get out.
PAMENA
(Moving towards MORGANA)
What?
MORGANA
(She slaps PAMENA away so that she falls to the ground)
Get out of this room!
PAMENA
(Sobbing)
No, Mama, no. I love you. I love you, Mama. I love you.
(MORGANA grabs PAMENA and drags her across the floor, pushing her through the door and slamming the door behind her. During all of this, PAMENA is muttering softly “I love you, I love you, I love you.” After she has slammed the door, MORGANA sinks down against the wood, listening to the other side. She is crying.)
MORGANA
I know baby, I love you too.
(Lights down as MORGANA sobs quietly with her forehead pressed into the wood of the door. We can still hear PAMENA muttering “I love you” on the other side.)
SCENE 2:
TIME: A beautiful sunny June 25, 1969. 9:30 A.M.
(Lights up on a brightly it kitchen in what seems to be a large and nicely furnished house. DOROTHY is baking a cake at the counter. She is whistling cheerfully, but looks a little apprehensive. Throughout the scene, there is noise coming from upstairs. JAMES enters with mud all over his clothes and a shovel. Upon entering, he heads straight into the pantry.)
DOROTHY
Wait one moment mister. Park it right there.
JAMES
(emerging sheepishly from the pantry with handfuls of food)
Hi, Ma. How’s it going?
DOROTHY
And what are you doing inside so soon? You couldn’t have only been out for more than half an hour.
JAMES
I could hear you whistling that cake-baking song from the yard so I finished up. I thought maybe you could save something extra for your favorite son?
DOROTHY
Did you plant the tulips in a checkered formation like Miss Lennox asked?
JAMES
You could play tic-tac-toe in ‘em.
DOROTHY
Well alright. But if you’re going to be lounging about inside, you might as well help out.
JAMES
(DOROTHY hands him the bowl of batter and he begins to mix it. There is yelling heard from upstairs.)
So how’s Miss Havisham doing anyways?
DOROTHY
James!
(She swats him)
Watch your volume. We aren’t at home.
JAMES
What? You don’t think Miss Lennox would take kindly being compared to literature’s greatest loon?
DOROTHY
More importantly, I think I keep a much cleaner home than that old mansion she lived in.
JAMES
(Jokingly, but there is sincerity.)
Ohh definitely, Ma.
DOROTHY
Watch it young man. I take my job seriously.
JAMES
Oh I know you do.
(Heading over to the refrigerator, JAMES takes out a milk carton and takes a swig.)
A little too seriously if you ask me.
DOROTHY
Oh, James please.
JAMES
Come on, Ma have a little fun.
DOROTHY
(She takes back the bowl of cake batter)
You’ve got to know the right time for work and the right time for play.
JAMES
I think this place could use some play.
(There is a faint sound of someone singing upstairs.)
Where’s the music coming from?
DOROTHY
Miss Lennox’s room.
JAMES
I thought she didn’t like the radio. She always said the sound waves caused ulcers.
DOROTHY
Oh that’s not the radio. That’s, Pamena.
JAMES
Little Pammy? God, she sounds like Doris Day.
DOROTHY
Starting to look like her too.
JAMES
What are you talking about? Pammy was always much more… uh… beautiful on the inside.
DOROTHY
Well you haven’t really seen her in years.
JAMES
I’ve seen her.
DOROTHY
When have you seen Pamena Lennox?
JAMES
I’m sure I’ve seen her during the school year. She’s only a grade below me.
DOROTHY
That girl arrives on school right before homeroom and leaves the moment the bell rings. I doubt anyone’s really seen her there.
JAMES
I must’ve seen her since. We used to play out in the yard all the time. I must have.
DOROTHY
What are you shaking your head about?
JAMES
I just can’t remember the last time we were really face-to-face.
DOROTHY
I don’t see her too often myself. She only comes down when Morgana’s having a fit.
JAMES
Well that sounds like a fun time.
DOROTHY
Don’t judge what you don’t know.
(She shakes her arm out as she’s mixing the batter)
JAMES
Here let me take over.
(He grabs the bowl and mixes for a little while in silence. Both he and DOROTHY are deep in thought. After a bit he takes the spoon out and starts licking it.)
DOROTHY
Oo you’re such a little rat.
(JAMES throws some flour at her)
Don’t even think about it young man.
(JAMES grabs the sack of flour and begins to run around the kitchen, throwing it in the air)
DOROTHY
Oh Mother Mary give me patience. James, get back here.
(She chases after him. Although she is yelling, you can tell she’s enjoying herself. Amongst all the ruckus, PAMENA sneaks silently into the kitchen and is shocked by all the commotion. JAMES, running backwards, crashes straight into her and when he turns around is struck by how pretty she is.)
JAMES
Oh hullo Pammy. Wow. Gosh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, uh…
(He clumsily tries to rub some flour off her face, but ends up getting more all over her. He speaks sheepishly.)
Better?
PAMENA
(Ignoring him)
Dorothy? Mother wants something to drink.
DOROTHY
(Back at the mixing bowl)
I filled her decanter before she woke this morning.
PAMENA
She finished that. She wants something stronger.
DOROTHY
I see. Just a moment, I’ll go find something. Pamena, could you be a dear and grab me another sack of flour from the pantry down the hall. I’d ask James, but apparently he can’t be trusted with baking products.
JAMES
(Defensively)
I can—
(DOROTHY shoots him a look to be quiet)
What can I say? I’m a klutz.
PAMENA
(to DOROTHY)
Of course.
(She heads down the hall)
DOROTHY
Quick, James, grab that bottle up in the cupboard for me.
JAMES
This one?
DOROTHY
No, love that’s cranberry juice.
JAMES
I don’t see any other bottles.
DOROTHY
The big glass one that says vodka you ninny.
(She walks over and grabs it)
JAMES
Seems a little early for vodka, don’t you think?
DOROTHY
I agree completely.
JAMES
Then why don’t you just tell Pamena that we’re out?
DOROTHY
Unfortunately, we’re never out. Miss Lennox gets them ordered right to the doorstep.
JAMES
I just don’t think it’s good for Pamena to—
DOROTHY
James just be quiet and watch the door please?
(She begins pouring the vodka down the sink until only about half is left. She fills it again to the top with water and shakes it.)
That should do the trick.
(PAMENA enters the room)
PAMENA
I’m sorry Dorothy, I couldn’t find any flour.
DOROTHY
Bless my old soul, I’ve got some right in the cupboard. That was quite silly of me. Anyways, here you are. If you need anything else dear, just give a yell.
PAMENA
Thank you so much Dorothy. And… it was nice seeing you James.
JAMES
Always a pleasure Miss Pamena.
(She exits)
Wow she’s grown up quite a bit.
DOROTHY
Too bad she’s only beautiful on the inside.
JAMES
Ma, don’t say such a thing.
DOROTHY
Oh calm down Romeo.
JAMES
Ma… maybe I could help her?
DOROTHY
I think that would be unwise.
JAMES
Oh come on, Ma. I could… take her out for a soda! Ask her to a dance? I’ll get her out of the house now and again. What do you think? There’s this great Western playing downtown. I’ll go ask her right now.
(He runs to the door)
DOROTHY
(Frighteningly stern)
Hold it right there.
(He freezes.)
And get back to that mixing bowl.
JAMES
Ma, why can’t I¬–
DOROTHY
No ifs, ands, or buts, mister.
JAMES
Ma these are real people that really need us. And what’s so awful about going out for sundaes?
DOROTHY
Oh lord, James. You know Miss Lennox won’t even let me upstairs anymore.
JAMES
Yes, but Pamena—
DOROTHY
And Mr. Lennox is another story entirely. That man would have me gone in a heartbeat if you so much as tousled a hair on Pamena’s pretty little head.
JAMES
(Sarcastically)
Oh good old Mr. Lennox.
(Pause.)
He’s hardly the man Dad ever was.
DOROTHY
That’s for sure.
JAMES
He always smelled like cigars. And Pammy used to tell me that he never even gave her a goodnight kiss.
(Beat.)
But Pammy liked when he bought her china dolls. She would never let me touch them.
DOROTHY
Yes, Mr. Lennox liked dolls and Morgana was his prize one.
JAMES
What happened?
DOROTHY
Oh lord, I don’t know, James. They’d had some argument years ago. Morgana began to shut herself in her room. Now all I get is a letter under the door each morning with specific instructions like—
JAMES
Plant the flowers in a crisscross formation please and thank you.
(All of a sudden the talking upstairs gets very loud and the door opens. Some playing cards come flying down the stairs. PAMENA’s voice screams “I love you!” There is the brusque sound of a door opening, a thud, and a slam of the door closing again. PAMENA’s voice can still be heard muttering “I love you.” JAMES looks towards the door with worry.)
DOROTHY
Oh dear.
(She runs out the door and we can hear her running up the stairs.)
DOROTHY (offstage)
Pamena, love, what’s wrong?
PAMENA (offstage)
I love you mama. I love you.
DOROTHY (offstage)
James, get over here!
(JAMES runs up the stairs after his mother.)
Come here. Now help me get her.
(DOROTHY returns down the stairs followed by JAMES, practically carrying PAMENA.)
Place her down now.
(He does and DOROTHY goes to get water, leaving JAMES AND PAMENA alone. JAMES notices PAMENA’s blue dress.)
JAMES
What’s with the gown, Cinderella?
PAMENA
We were playing dress up.
JAMES
Oh come on Pamena, enough of this pretending. You need to get out of here.
PAMENA
I don’t know how.
JAMES
All it takes is walking through that door.
PAMENA
I can’t leave her.
JAMES
Oh because she’d never leave you.
PAMENA
(Angry)
What’s that supposed to mean?
DOROTHY
(DOROTHY comes back with a glass of milk)
Oh, James, stop pestering the poor girl. Now love, look at me. Pamena, sweet, what’s happened?
PAMENA
It’s just too much.
DOROTHY
I know baby.
PAMENA
It’s like she’s here, but she’s not. I don’t know where she is.
DOROTHY
(hugging PAMENA)
Oh, honey. Honey, I’m so sorry.
PAMENA
I don’t know what to do.
DOROTHY
I’m going to phone your father.
PAMENA
No! He’s going take me away, and then I’ll be stuck with him. I don’t want to be stuck like my mother.
JAMES
I promise you. I won’t let that happen.
DOROTHY
Pamena I have to call your father.
JAMES
She asked you to leave her father out of it, Ma.
DOROTHY
You’re both just children. James, how are you supposed to know what’s best for her? Now Pamena dear, I’ll be right back. Everything is going to be alright sweetheart.
(DOROTHY walks out of the room, we can faintly hear her dialing the telephone.)
PAMENA
(There is a long silence before PAMENA speaks)
Do you remember, when we were kids how we used to steal the shopping list and add things we wanted to it? Cake and meat pies. I can’t believe Dorothy never noticed…
JAMES
You got so good at doing your mother’s handwriting, but Miss Lennox always had such a way of dotting the i’s and the j’s.
PAMENA
If you turned the paper one way the little dots would disappear, but if you looked the other, there they were, clear as day.
JAMES
Ma would’ve noticed in a heartbeat if those dots were wrong.
PAMENA
And mother always wrote in lowercase. God it took us months before we could sneak ice cream onto the list. I bet she would have just bought it for us if we asked.
JAMES
I guess the game was more fun.
PAMENA
I’d like some ice cream now.
JAMES
I’ll check the—
PAMENA
Don’t bother, Mother would never ask for ice cream and the game stopped being fun when you stopped coming around.
(Pause.)
Why did you stop?
(DOROTHY enters the room silently. JAMES and PAMENA do not notice her entrance.)
JAMES
Ma said I couldn’t.
PAMENA
It would have been nice. The house got awful empty. All I ever saw was me and I got pretty tired of myself soon enough.
JAMES
I’d never get tired of you.
DOROTHY
Pamena.
(PAMENA jumps.)
Your father is on his way home.
JAMES
Ma I told you not to involve Pamena’s—
PAMENA
James, please. It’s not her fault.
DOROTHY
Pamena, love, I’m sorry I had to call him, but it’s not my place to do anything other than that.
PAMENA
I understand.
DOROTHY
Is there anything I can do for you?
PAMENA
(Long pause before she speaks again)
I’d really like some ice cream.
(JAMES laughs)
DOROTHY
Ice cream?
PAMENA
Strawberry ice cream. With chopped up bananas.
JAMES
And whipped cream?
PAMENA
(PAMENA and JAMES begin talking at once, becoming more and more gleeful.)
Yes! And whipped cream. And rainbow sprinkles and// cherries and chocolate chips and marshmallow sauce and
JAMES
//Almonds and syrup and caramel and strawberries and crushed walnuts//
PAMENA
Please, Dorothy. It’s been ages since I’ve had a sundae.
DOROTHY
Alright, love. I don’t see why not. James why don’t you and I—
PAMENA
Could he stay?
DOROTHY
Stay?
PAMENA
I just would rather if you didn’t leave me alone.
JAMES
I can stay Ma. It’ll be alright.
DOROTHY
(Hesitantly)
Ok. I’ll be right back.
(She exits. There is a very long silence, and PAMENA and JAMES both fidget uncomfortably.)
JAMES
What about those dolls?
PAMENA
Hm?
JAMES
I remember you used to like to collect those dolls, the porcelain ones your father gave you.
PAMENA
Oh.
JAMES
Do you still do that? You know, collect them?
(PAMENA starts crying a little bit.)
Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—
PAMENA
It’s alright. No. No, I don’t.
JAMES
(He pats PAMENA awkwardly on the shoulder.)
Oh ok.
PAMENA
I’m sorry. I don’t really cry often. I haven’t cried in—
(She gasps and lets loose a large sob.)
JAMES
Pamena please you don’t ever have to apologize to me.
(He wraps his arms around her and she sobs for a few moments until she starts gasping again.)
PAMENA
It’s just this dress. It’s so big everywhere else, but so tight around my stomach. I can’t breathe. I never can breathe and I just need to get it off.
(She struggles at the clasp at the back.)
Could you please unzip it?
JAMES
Of course. Yes. Alright.
(He clumsily unzips it halfway)
PAMENA
Thank you.
(PAMENA leans in and kisses him softly until she starts giggling.)
JAMES
What? What’s so funny?
PAMENA
Mother was right. Magic does exist.
JAMES
Pardon?
PAMENA
Well… you’re certainly not a frog anymore.
JAMES
You did always like to play the princess.
PAMENA
Were you the prince? I can’t remember.
JAMES
No. I was everyone else. The knight, the dragon, the king, the queen. I think I was a whole flock of peasants once.
PAMENA
Thank you.
JAMES
What for?
PAMENA
Everything.
(DOROTHY enters the room quietly with a paper bag of groceries. PAMENA looks up brightly as she enters, but tenses up instantly when ROBERT, her father storms through the door past DOROTHY, looking stern but worried.)
Daddy?
ROBERT
What the hell is going on? Where is your mother? I ought to have a word with her—
PAMENA
(Forcefully)
Daddy!
ROBERT
Pamena? What is it? Are you alright?
PAMENA
(Weakly)
Daddy, she’s sick.
ROBERT
I don’t care if she’s dying, she has no right to bring you down—
JAMES
Sir! I think Pamena’s had a rough day.
ROBERT
(ROBERT stares at JAMES for a while and then recognition floods into his eyes.)
Dorothy is this your boy.
DOROTHY
(She nods.)
James.
ROBERT
Go home James.
JAMES
I’m not leaving Pamena.
ROBERT
Dorothy, tell your boy to watch who he’s speaking to.
DOROTHY
James stand beside me.
JAMES
Ma, no.
DOROTHY
James!
ROBERT
Listen to your mother. Dorothy, I think it would be best if you left us now. I’ll see you tomorrow morning, preferably without the boy.
DOROTHY
Of course sir. James, lets go.
JAMES
But, Pamena…
DOROTHY
Will be alright. Lets go.
(DOROTHY and JAMES walk to the door where JAMES freezes and turns again to PAMENA)
JAMES
Pammy?
PAMENA
Yes?
JAMES
Remember that there is magic. You’re magic.
(He forces himself to walk through the door and DOROTHY follows behind.)
ROBERT
Seriously Pamena this is ridiculous. I’m very disappointed in your mother. No I’m more than disappointed, I’m furious. Now on the topic of what’s going to happen to you, young lady—
PAMENA
Father!
(ROBERT looks at her, stunned.)
I’d like to go for a walk.
ROBERT
Pamena.
PAMENA
I’m not a fool; our family is shattered, my mother is destroyed, you are broken, I am cracking.
(Pause)
But today is a beautiful day outside and I want to smell the flowers. So I am going for a walk outside and you are going to stay here.
(She stands and strolls through the door, leaving ROBERT alone. Blackout.)
SCENE 3:
(Lights up on a kitchen bathed in blue light. It is about twilight. MORGANA (early 30’s) paces across the stage wearing a beautiful blue gown. She fidgets with her wedding ring. After a few moments of silence, ROBERT lounges into the room, coming up to MORGANA and grabbing her softly from behind. He is slightly intoxicated.)
MORGANA
(Startled)
Robert! I didn’t hear you come in.
ROBERT
Surprise.
MORGANA
(A long pause)
You’re late.
(ROBERT rocks her back and forth. MORGANA is uncomfortable in his arms and pushes him off)
I’m not really in the mood.
ROBERT
Oh come on. You look pretty tonight.
MORGANA
Can we just go? The party will be starting soon. And I really, really need a night out of here.
ROBERT
(Grabbing her again)
Real quick? We’re already late.
MORGANA
I’m all dressed and ready to go.
ROBERT
(Trying to kiss her)
Loosen up a little.
MORGANA
(Shoving him off brusquely)
Not tonight, Robert! Not here, not now, not with you the way you are right now!
ROBERT
What’s that supposed to mean?
MORGANA
Oh, it’s been a long day, Pamena had an accident and made such a mess upstairs. It was disgusting. I cleaned the steps while Dorothy cleaned the bathroom, and all I want now is to just get out of here.
(ROBERT does not respond and there is a long pause.)
Do you like my dress?
ROBERT
Yes. I told you already. You like nice.
MORGANA
I didn’t hear you.
ROBERT
Well you do.
(Loosening up)
That dress is a work of art though. The way you walk in it… I don’t think the men at the party will stop staring.
MORGANA
(Grabbing a flower sitting on the table.)
Do you like this? Dorothy’s little boy picked it for Pamena, and she asked me to wear it in my hair. It’s sweet isn’t it?
(She puts the flower behind her ear. ROBERT strides over and grabs it.)
ROBERT
(ROBERT’s temper starts to build.)
Please Morgana, don’t be silly.
MORGANA
I thought it was youthful.
ROBERT
Yes. And you’re not a child.
MORGANA
I wasn’t suggesting—
ROBERT
I don’t know who you’re trying to please Morgana.
MORGANA
Maybe I was trying to please you?
(ROBERT ignores her. He walks over to the coat rack by the corner and finds a cigarette in his coat pocket. He lights it.)
Robert, do you still love me?
ROBERT
(Quickly)
Yea.
MORGANA
No. I mean do you really, really love me. Would you cross oceans, scorch cities, wage wars, kill yourself out of love for me?
(ROBERT chuckles.)
I still love you.
ROBERT
Please don’t kill yourself on my account.
MORGANA
Oh come on Robert, be romantic!
ROBERT
(Flippantly)
You’re right. It’s getting late. We should get going. You can wear the stupid flower.
MORGANA
Don’t you think you’re a little too…
ROBERT
Yes, Morgana?
MORGANA
Well, you’re drunk.
(Long silence)
I’ll make coffee.
ROBERT
Where’s Dorothy? Your coffee tastes like rubber.
MORGANA
(MORGANA continues to make the coffee.)
She’s upstairs watching Pamena. The two of us were playing make-believe earlier. I told her we were princesses in a faraway land. I think Dorothy’s supposed to be the dragon.
ROBERT
Oh don’t encourage Pamena with that make-believe nonsense.
MORGANA
(She pours him a mug of her coffee)
Why?
ROBERT
It’s bad for her character.
MORGANA
What do you think of the color of my hair?
ROBERT
It’s fine. Not as fair as it used to be. What about it?
MORGANA
Well do you think I should color it?
ROBERT
If covering the grey will make you happier.
MORGANA
(Even more insecure)
You really see the grey that clearly?
(ROBERT snatches a grey strand from MORGANA’s head and holds it up to her. She sees it and looks heartbroken.)
Oh.
ROBERT
You’re right, you might want to start. It’s not so becoming on you.
MORGANA
Grey hairs are so silly. Your head is full of them.
ROBERT
And so is my chest and my legs. We have a bit of different standards my dear.
MORGANA
(She begins to tidy feverishly, moving things around and refilling ROBERT’s coffee cup with each sip)
That’s funny. Isn’t it? How women do things like shave their legs and clean the kitchens while men wear the suits and do the jobs?
ROBERT
Not really. It’s just life.
MORGANA
But why?
ROBERT
Not everything is for you to know and understand. Now can we please go to the damn party!
MORGANA
It’s too late now. I’ll just call Mary-Ann and tell her I’m sick.
ROBERT
What’s the point of me buying you all this jewelry and these fancy dresses if you don’t go out and show them off!
MORGANA
That new receptionist in your office is quite pretty.
ROBERT
There’s plenty of beauty in the world.
MORGANA
Yes, but only one Mona Lisa is hanging in the Louvre!
ROBERT
Doesn’t mean Da Vinci stopped painting.
MORGANA
I don’t know what you’re saying.
ROBERT
There’s nothing to say.
MORGANA
Then why does it sound like a confession?
ROBERT
(MORGANA is visibly shaken)
I could’ve had any girl, Morgana, but I saw you typing away behind that desk in your little pink jacket, with your hair tied back in a bow at your neck, and I chose you. I chose you Morgana. Why can’t that be enough?
MORGANA
Why can’t I be enough?
ROBERT
Oh, Morgana listen to yourself.
MORGANA
I can still be that pretty little girl!
ROBERT
You can’t stay young forever.
MORGANA
(She runs to ROBERT, desperately grabbing him from behind and rocking him as he did to her earlier)
Darling, hold me.
ROBERT
Let’s go to that party, Morgana.
MORGANA
And live a lie?
(ROBERT grabs his coat from the door and walks to the edge of the room and waits for MORGANA, who sits in a chair and does not move to follow him.)
I’m not coming. I don’t want to leave hear. My hair is a mess. I’m tired, Robert. I’m too tired.
ROBERT
It’s only a lie, Morgana, if you believe in it.
(ROBERT walks out of the room, leaving MORGANA alone inside.)