REMEMBRANCE DAY 2012 SCRIPT
1 Choir “O Canada”
2 B Imagine
3 D Overlapping Lines Goodbye
4 B/D 3 Scenes of Chaos into Silence
5 D 3 Soldiers’ Families’ Stories
6 B/D They Lied
7 B Children in the Holocaust
8 B/D An Adaptation of “That Damned Fence”
9 B Saviour/Savee
10 D Soldiers at the Door
11 B Dad’s Spirit
12 D Career Day
13 B Canadian Classroom/Wartorn Classroom
14 D Returning Soldiers’ P.O.V.
15 D PTSD A Child’s Story
16 D I Should Have...
17 Band “Sleepers Awake”
B/D “I Remember” by Amelia Petch
18 Choir “In Flanders Fields”
19 All “Last Post” and “Reveille”
______________________________________________________________________________
choir “O CANADA”
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B IMAGINE
F voice: Shaniya
S voice: Sam
1 S ...the day it is your turn to go ---
2 F ...waving goodbye until you can’t seem him anymore girls waving
3 S ...drills until you can’t walk boys push ups
4 S ...stepping onto foreign soil ---
5 B ...waiting weeks and weeks for a letter ---
6 F ...not knowing where he is ---
7 S ...not knowing where the next trap is set ---
8 S ...starving Adam S with tin can
9 S ...freezing Adam F shivering
10 B ...being too scared to sleep ---
11 F ...knowing every day could be his last ---
12 S ...knowing you’re walking into certain death ---
13 S ...the only protection is another man’s corpse boys with guns
14 B ...feeling helpless Cory gets up
15 S ...seeing his face as the bullet hits Cory gets shot
16 S ...watching your best friend die in your arms Adam F cradles
17 F ...the guilt of the relief that it wasn’t your son comforting/praying
18 F ...knowing that he’ll never come home ---
19 S ...never meeting your daughter Cory with photo
20 F ...never knowing your father Danika at wedding
21 F ...seeing his eyes when you look at your child Tatiana with baby
22 B ...being scared to death ---
23 S ...making one wrong step ---
24 S ...taking your last breath ---
25 F ...never getting to say goodbye ---
26 F ...he was a father, a husband, a brother, a son funeral scene
(Cedar) (Chloe) (Madi) (Sydney)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D OVERLAPPING LINES GOODBYE
Lucas I can’t believe you’re leaving.
Katie I was hoping this day would never come.
Sarah K I hope you understand what this is doing to me.
Lucas My son, the soldier. I can’t...
Katie ...bear the thought of you leaving. How...
Sarah ...dare you go off and decide this on your own. You didn’t
Lucas You didn’t have to come to me for approval, you knew
Katie You knew what this would do to the kids. Look at
Sarah Look at me! How am I supposed to go through this by myself? What if
Katie What if the worst happens? What if you
Lucas If you don’t come home, know that I will always be proud of your decision.
Sarah Your decision could mean our daughter never meets her dad.
Danika Dad, please don’t go.
Lucas Go. Fight for your country.
Sarah Your country can manage with one less soldier. What
Katie What will we do if you never come back?
Lucas Back when I was shipping out I remember
Sarah I remember when we first met, you said you’d always be there
Katie There will never be a night when I’m not thinking of you
Lucas You are strong. You can do this
Sarah This is not what I imagined. I guess...
Katie I guess this is goodbye.
All I love you.
______________________________________________________________________________
blks B and D 3 SCENES OF CHAOS INTO SILENCE: IN THE TRENCH, IN THE TOWN, AND IN TRIAGE
(Lights come up on “THE TRENCH.” We hear the sounds of battle. Some are returning fire, some are tending to the injured, some are injured, and Tay is on the radio trying to get help. Simultaneous lines are shouted during the chaos of the scene.)
Jamie “They’re closing in!” Cory “I got one!”
Zac “Medic! We need a medic!” Tay “We are under fire!”
Ian “Covering fire” Mckenzie “Get down!”
Emma “My arm! My arm!” Tatiana “Oh my God!”
(On cue, everyone freezes, and Jesse steps out of the tableau. The lights on the tableau dim, and a special pool of light comes up for Jesse who speaks directly to the audience.)
Jesse “We didn’t train for this. We were unprepared for the chaos of the battlefield: the thunderous sound, the smell of smoke and blood, and the countless bodies. The dead were everywhere.”
(Lights black out on the trench and on Jesse, and come up on “THE TOWN” where we hear the sounds of planes flying overhead, and then the sound of an air raid siren followed by the sound of bombs dropping and explosions. The people of the town are looking to the sky and trying to take cover. Simultaneous lines are shouted in the chaos.)
Sarah K “What’s going on?” Adam S “The church is on fire!”
Isabela “What is happening?” Shaniya “Somebody help me! She’s trapped!”
Yuvi “What is that sound?” Danika “Let’s get out of here!”
Michelle “Are those our planes?” Montana “Why? Why are they bombing us?”
Erinn “They’re dropping bombs!” Cedar “Mommy? Where’s my Mommy?”
Chelsea “Get out of the street!”
(Again, on cue, the chaos freezes, the lighting changes and Katie steps out of the tableau.)
Katie “We never believed the war would be fought on our street. The peace of our neighbourhood was shattered and what were once our homes were turned into rubble.”
(Lights black out on the town and on Katie and come up on “TRIAGE” where we hear the sounds of helicopters, people in pain from war wounds, and medical personnel trying to help.)
Megan “Incoming wounded!” Maddi “Try to stay calm. I need to wrap your wound.”
Kate “We need supplies”
Nicole “There’s nothing I can do.” Sydney “I can’t see!”
Raylene “Make it stop!” Sam incoherent screaming
Jamie H “Please help him!” Sarah A “I can’t stop the bleeding!”
Sabrina “Over there!”
(Once again, on cue, the chaos freezes, the lights dim, and Lucas steps into a pool of light.)
Lucas “It never seemed to end. We didn’t have enough of anything – bandages, beds, personnel, or even time. It was hell – for us, and especially for them: the dying and the dead.”
(Lights come up very dimly on all 3 tableaux, and brighter on the the three individual speakers.)
Jesse, Katie and Lucas (together) “We didn’t expect this.”
(Lights black out)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D 3 SOLDIERS’ FAMILIES’ STORIES
Part I BEFORE LEAVING
(lights up on supportive family)
JESSE Don’t you worry son. The college will still be here when you get back. We’re very proud of you son. Your grandfather was a veteran. I served overseas, and now you’re keeping up the family tradition. Take this pocket watch. It belonged to your grandfather. It'll bring you good luck. It worked for me.
ZAC I’ll try to make you proud, Dad. And I’ll see you when I get back.
(crossfade to mean dad)
LUCAS Why don’t you join the army. Maybe they can teach you some discipline. Your anger isn’t welcome here anymore. You can get it out of your system as a soldier.
IAN And why do you think I’m so mad, dad? Ever think about that? Fine. I’ll leave this nightmare of a family. I’ll be better off on my own.
(crossfade to Tay who has no family)
TAY (listening to radio)
V/O ...so enlist today and join our efforts. We need you to be a part of our military family.
TAY (silently nods)
Part II ON TRANSPORT PLANE
(we hear the sound of an airplane engine)
V/O ZAC Maybe I’ll be sent to a quiet area, far from the front. I wonder how my grandfather and father had the courage to face the fear – to kill or be killed?
V/O IAN I’ll show him. My dad thinks he’s seen my anger – the enemy will know my anger. I hope they put me right in the middle of it. I was made for this: cold, no emotion, a killing machine.
V/O TAY My unit can count on me to be there no matter what. I just hope that if something happens to me, they don’t leave me behind.
Part III NIGHTTIME SCENE
(lighting is dark, and we hear crickets, or no sound)
ZAC Are you hungry? My folks sent this. Do you want to try some? I have lots.
IAN No. I’m fine with the rations. The hunger keeps me sharp and focused. Besides, it’s my turn to sleep. The mission tomorrow is going to be tough.
ZAC What about you?
TAY (takes food) Thanks. (eats) I’ve never tasted anything so good. (yawns)
ZAC You sleep.
TAY But it’s my shift I wish I wasn’t so tired.
ZAC Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you.
TAY Thanks. You’re a good friend. My friend. Thanks so much.
Part IV IN BATTLE
(we hear yelling and war sounds and we see that Zac’s character is already dead.)
TAY I’m cold. It’s so cold.
(Ian gives him a jacket or a blanket)
TAY What about...(gestures to Zac)
IAN (shakes his head) He’s gone.
TAY I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t want to die alone.
IAN You’re not going to die. Don’t you die. Wake up. Hey! Wake up!
(Tay dies)
IAN (to Zac’s body) I’ll be back for you. I promised him he wouldn’t be left alone.
(picks up Tay’s body and carries him offstage)
______________________________________________________________________________
blks B/D “THEY LIED” by Rebekah Coomber
D Sabrina Sent to a better life, they told us. They lied.
D Yuvi Packed to go, our lives in a suitcase.
D Kate Forced on a train, sardines in a tin.
D Mckenzie Destination?
D Raylene Unknown.
D Emma We’ll be there soon, they told us.
All 6 previous speakers They lied.
D Zac Half of us dead,
D Chelsea most of us dying.
D Lucas We arrived, our lives thrust into Nazi fists.
D Nicole Families separated, people alone.
D Erinn You’ll see them again, they told us.
All 11 previous speakers They lied.
D Jamie M They picked us out, worthy from useless.
D Sarah K Was this just a sick game?
D Ian Who were they to say?
D Isabela Who were they to judge?
D Sarah A It’ll be over in a while, they told us.
All 16 previous speakers They lied.
D Tay Fear for our lives.
D Michelle People left and never came back.
D Megan Our backs broken,
B Tatiana our bodies broken,
B Shaniya our hearts broken.
B Coletyn “Heil Hitler, he will save the world,” they told us.
All 22 previous speakers They lied.
D Katie No bravery in our eyes anymore.
B Cedar Only tears. Sore from weeping.
D Jamie H Sore from sleeping.
B Maddi “Work will set you free. Harder!” they told us.
All 27 previous speakers They lied.
B Danika The innocent forsaken.
B Sam The faithful destroyed.
B Chloe How so uncompassionate?
B Sydney How so empty?
B Montana How so cold?
B Jesse You are all bad Jews they told us.
All 32 previous speakers They lied.
B Cory I am God’s child, I told them.
B Adam S I am a light in the darkness, I told them.
D Liam It’s just a shower, they told me.
All 35 previous speakers They lied.
First 16 speakers (to Sarah A) They lied.
D Sabrina They lied.
____________________________________________________________________________
blk B CHILDREN IN THE HOLOCAUST
Dad: Cory
Girl: Maddi
Girl 2: Montana
Body: Chloe
Boy: Coletyn
Soldiers: Tatiana and Shaniya
Twins: Cedar and Sydney, Adam and Adam
(Lights come up on a girl being physically separated from her father by Nazi soldiers.)
Shaniya Halt! Get in line!
Tatiana Halt! Go! Galen!
Dad Don’t worry honey, I promise everything will be fine. I will see you later. Just do what they say. Please don’t fight them.
Girl No, daddy! Please don’t leave me. Please. I’m scared!
Dad I love you sweetie. Everything is fine. I love you! I will see you again.
(Lights black out. We hear a gunshot. A spot comes up on the girl)
Girl They forced me into a line with the other children and they pointed guns at our heads. But before they marched us to the barracks, I saw them shoot my father. He didn’t resist at all, but they shot him anyway.
(Lights black out, then come up on the line of children being guarded by soldiers. One child is dead on the ground having just been shot. The first girl is forced into the line. She is crying.)
Girl 2 Don’t cry. They will shoot you.
Boy Stand up tall. Don’t let them think you are weak.
Shaniya Stvilingah.
(The soldiers pull out the two sets of twins and exit with them. Lights black out and all exit except Coletyn and Maddi; Cedar reenters. Lights come up on them standing in formation.)
Cedar They experimented on twins. They wanted to know if I could feel her pain, and if she could feel mine. It didn’t work. She couldn’t feel my pain, but she had to watch as it killed me.
Coletyn I was strong, so they kept me alive. They made me work. My job was with the bodies in the crematorium. I taught myself not to think about what I was doing. And it worked. It worked until the day I saw her in the pile. I ran away. I ran to the fence. I knew it was electrified. (pause) I could never have put her in that oven.
Maddi For years I endured the hunger, the cold, and the fear. Alone. And I almost made it to the liberation day, but there was no medicine. I couldn’t fight the sickness.
All We died in that camp. (Black out)
______________________________________________________________________________
blks B and D AN ADAPTATION OF THE ANONYMOUS POEM, “THAT DAMNED FENCE”
Voice over: Danika
GROUP 1
They’ve sunk the posts deep into the ground
They’ve strung out wires all the way around.
With machine gun nests just over there,
and sentries and soldiers everywhere.
GROUP 2
They’re trapped like rats in a wired cage,
To fret and fume with impotent rage;
Yonder whispers the lure of the night,
But that damned fence assails our sight.
GROUP 3
Imprisoned in here for a long, long time,
They know they’re punished – though they’ve committed no crime,
Their thoughts are gloomy and enthusiasm damp,
To be locked up in an internment camp.
ALL
Loyalty we know, and patriotism we feel,
To sacrifice was our utmost ideal,
To fight for our country and die overseas;
But they’re in here because they’re Japanese.
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B SAVIOUR/SAVEE
Son: Cory
Dad 1: Jesse
Daughter: Montana
Dad 2: Coletyn
Son Dad, What’s wrong? Why are you always so quiet this time of year?
Dad 1 I’m sorry son. I don’t mean to be distant. It’s just hard to remember...to think about...
Son ...the time you were wounded?
(crossfade)
Daughter Why are you so sad, dad?
Dad 2 I hate this time of year. It makes me think of what we went through when we were fighting in the war...
(crossfade)
Dad 1 It was the day when I thought I might never see you again. I had three shrapnel wounds – in my shoulder, my knee and my left hand.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 ...but we did what we had to do. We made sacrifices for what we believed in. We had to do some horrible things, but there was one day...one story I’ve never told anyone before.
(crossfade)
Dad 1 I was in so much pain, and I was so scared, and all I could think about was how much I loved you and your mom. And then...I saw him.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 I was on armed patrol when I came across a soldier from the other side who had been badly wounded.
(crossfade)
Dad 1 He was walking toward me with his weapon pointed at my head. I was certain that it was the end and that I’d never see you again.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 Our orders were to take no prisoners, but the way he was looking me...the look in his eyes...
(crossfade)
Dad 1 He stared into my face as I looked up at him, but he never pulled the trigger.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 I couldn’t bring myself to do it. All I could think of was you and how you would feel if I didn’t come home.
(lights up on both pairs)
Son/Daughter So you saved his life?/So he saved your life?
Dad 2/Dad 1 Yes, I/he did.
Son/Daughter Then why are you sad?
(blackout)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D SOLDIERS AT THE DOOR
Voice of Dad: Lucas
Girl: Erinn
Mom: Kate
Soldiers: Zac and Ian
Future girls: Megan, Mckenzie, Jamie M, Emma
Three dads: Lucas, Tay, Liam
(2 soldiers walk up to the door and knock. A girl answers the door.)
Soldier 1 Is your mother home?
Girl What’s going on? Is my dad okay? Is he coming home?
Soldier 2 Is your mother home?
Girl No, she isn’t. What’s wrong?
Soldier 1 Do you know when she will be home?
Girl Dinner time. Please tell me what’s wrong? Has something happened to my dad?
Soldier 1 I’m sorry, but we have to come back when your mother is at home.
Soldier 2 We’re sorry.
(The soldiers exit.)
Girl (numb and confused) Dad.
(Lights change to isolate the girl, and we begin to hear her memories.)
V/O (overlapping childhood memories)
1. Girl (laughing and giggling)
Dad Look at you getting so big.
2. Girl (a bit older now) How do I look daddy?
Dad Amazing. You’ll make a beautiful bride one day.
3. Dad (concerned) You be careful with this car, and drive slow.
Girl I will, dad. Thanks, dad.
(lights restore to original intensity)
Girl (realizing what it means) No.
(Lights dim on girl, and come up on one spot filled with tableau of her future. She turns to look at the tableau. Emma is at a grave site with flowers. Mckenzie is in a grad gown and cap, Jamie M is in a wedding veil and holding flowers, and Megan is holding a baby. Each girl (except Emma) has a proud and smiling dad who slowly walks backwards out of the tableau, and each girl turns and walks toward exit with an expressionless face. Lights change as Mom enters and sees girl’s expression.)
Mom What is it? What’s wrong?
Girl Mom, the soldiers were here.
(Mom hesitates for a moment and they just look at each other, then they embrace because they both know what it means.)
(Lights black out.)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B DAD’S SPIRIT
Emily CHLOE
Dad COLETYN
Mom TATIANA
(Chloe is sitting on her bed with a cassette recorder and memento box open beside her. She’s holding a photo of her dad and his dog tags. Tatiana enters.)
Tatiana Don’t stay up too late Emily. You need your sleep.
Chloe I know Mom. I won’t. I’m just thinking about Dad. I miss him so much. I can’t believe we’ll never see him again.
Tatiana Honey, your dad will always be with us. Right here. (Puts hand on heart.)
Chloe Thanks Mom. Goodnight.
Tatiana Goodnight honey.
(Tatiana exits, and Chloe picks up a cassette recorder and presses play.)
Coletyn (Voice over) Hi Emily. I hope everything is going well. I hope you’re being good for your mom. My CO tells me we’re shipping out tomorrow so I wanted to send you this before I leave. It might be a while before I can phone you again. I want you to be able to hear my voice whenever you’re missing me, and I want you to know that I’m missing you even more. I love you honey. I’ll see you when I get home.
(Chloe replaces the objects, closes the box and gets into the bed. She presses play again and we hear the message a second time as the sound and lights fade.)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D CAREER DAY
Abby: Chelsea
Teacher: Yuvi
Rebecca: Raylene
Dad: Lucas
Mom: Isabela
Classmates: Katie, Nicole, Jamie H, Liam, Sarah K
Abby: (smiling) ...and because of my dad, everyone got out safely. Even Mrs. Henderson’s two cats! My dad is the most amazing firefighter ever. He is my hero.
Teacher: Well done Abby. Is there anyone else who would like to come up to the speaking chair and tell the class about their mom or dad and about the work they do?
(nobody puts up hand)
Teacher: What about you Rebecca? Would you please come up to the front and tell us about your dad?
Rebecca: Me? (pause) Okay. (looks sad as she walks up to the front of the class) My father is a soldier in the Canadian Army. He is serving his country and helping to make the world a safer place. He’s been gone a long time, but we sometimes get to talk to him on the phone. And even though I haven’t see him in a long time... (voice starts to break) ...I just miss him so much... (tearing up but regaining strength) I’m so proud of what he is doing. I know he’ll come home as soon as he can.
(there is a knock on the door and her dad and mom walk in with the mum)
Dad: And I am proud of you too.
Rebecca (runs to him and her mom)Dad!
Dad: I’m back now and I’m not going anywhere for a long, long, time.
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B CANADIAN CLASSROOM/WARTORN CLASSROOM
(Lights up on half stage Canadian Class Room - teacher is speaking to class)
Cedar Good morning class. Today is going to start a little differently. As some of you may know, during an attack on a small village in Afghanistan another Canadian soldier, Private Mathew Jones was killed. Mathew graduated from our school and this morning we will be holding a memorial assembly in his honour. Although you may not have known Mathew, as Canadians we all feel the pain when one of our own dies protecting the lives of the innocent
(Lights dim as class freezes into tableau. One student stands and spotlight follows her downstage)
Sydney Wait a second... One soldier died, one person we never knew, and we are expected to be sad. I mean sure, morally, ethically I know its sad. A person has died, that's sad. But personally I'm not hurt, I'm sad because society says I should be. Maybe it would be different if it actually happened here.
(blackout on girl, and lights come up on other side of stage Afghanistan small class of students sitting on floor - the teacher speaking to class)
Adam S Thank you for joining me today boys. Today will just be a short lesson so you can get home to your families. It's very nice to see so many of you here after yesterdays' attack on our village, many hundreds are still missing. Which means some of our classmates will not be joining us again. Let's be sure to pray for them, for all of them (long sad pause) Now let's get on with our studies.
Lights dim as class freezes into tableau. One student stands and spotlight follows him downstage)
Jesse Our studies? This isn't fair, how can we move on with our studies? This is sad, for us all. Everyday we lose more and more of the people we knew. “Its part of life” they say, “we must move on” they say. Papa says if we stopped to remember them all we would never get anything done. But this is sad, they were my friends.
Black out
V/O headlines as girls get into position onstage with signs and tape over their mouths
light up on cluster of girls. Black out after final headline is read.
____________________________________________________________________________
blk D RETURNING SOLDIERS’ P.O.V.
(Three soldiers sitting on a plane, one empty seat with a Canadian flag and dog tags sitting on it.)
Solder1: (picks up a photo and smiles, turns to look at soldier 2) I can’t wait to see my dad, these last few months felt like years.
Soldier2: I know its been almost 18 months, my daughter is going to be so big. My wife’s been doing everything all by herself. She even taught Ellie to ride her first bike.
(Soldier3 looks sad, holding dog tags and puts them back down on the flag, loud enough for other soldiers to notice him. Soldier 1 & 2 look over at Soldier 3)
Soldier1: Did you know him?
Soldier3: (Shakes head in remorse) He was my brother.
Soldier2: I’m sorry for your loss.
Soldier1: Who are you going back to?
Soldier3: No one, we were coming back together...
(All soldiers are silent and go back into their own thought. Black out. Lights up on airport gate)
Raylene: Do you think dad will bike ride with me?
Sarah: Of course Hun, he’d love too.
Ian: (looking around for his family, cant see them right away, looks at another family) can you see them?
(father will be fidgeting with his hat)
Michelle: I see them! They're coming!
(Happy faces all around as Soldiers walk in)
(Soldier 2 enters first)
Raylene : DAD!!
(Soldier 2 runs over, hugs Raylene)
Soldier2: You’ve gotten so big! (turns head over to Sarah) You look so beautiful.
Sarah: I’ve missed you so much (hugs)
(Soldier1 walks in and sees Ian, drops her bags and runs to hug him)
Ian: I missed you kiddo.
Soldier1: I love you dad, I’m home for good this time.
(Soldier3 walks in holding flag& dog tags)
(Michelle sees the flag and instantly knows , she stumbles and begins to cry)
Soldier3: Hannah, I’m so sorry...I tried...I...I couldn’t save him.
(Soldier3 tries to hug Michelle, she pushes him away)
Michelle: NO! You said you’d bring him home, you promised.
(black out)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D PTSD: A CHILD’S STORY
Alexis: Sarah A
Mom: Michelle
Voice of Dad: Lucas
(Lights come up on Alexis who is barricading her door with furniture.)
V/O (yelling and screaming between mom and dad)
Lucas Don’t ever come up behind me like that! Do you hear me?
Michelle I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.
Lucas I can’t stay here. I have to leave. I feel like I don’t belong here anymore.
Michelle What are you talking about? Of course you belong here.
Lucas Hearing you two laugh – the short bursts of chaos. I can’t stand it. The bombs, the gunshots – that’s all I can think about.
Michelle You’re home now. It’s over. It’s okay.
Lucas It’s not okay. It’ll never be over. Death...dying...watching that house explode...the children inside...
Michelle I want to help you.
Lucas No you don’t. You wish I would’ve died over there. You can’t stand the sight of me, knowing that I’ve killed people.
Michelle You know that’s not true! Please calm down! Where are you going?
(We hear a huge bang. The lights dim on Alexis and come up on mom on the phone.)
Mom (on phone) He’s doing it again. He’s punching holes in the walls! I don’t know what to do! Alexis is terrified. He just won’t listen. I don’t know what to do! (pause, look over shoulder as if looking out window) He’s in the backyard. You need to come over here. Maybe he’ll calm down if he sees you.
(Lights black out on mom and come back up on Alexis who is sitting curled up on the floor with her back against the barricade. Mom moves to door and knocks.)
Mom Alexis? It’s okay. It’s all going to be alright. Honey, he’s still your dad. Nothing’s changed.
(Mom exits when she gets no response.)
Alexis (to the audience) Everything has changed.
(Lights black out.)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D I SHOULD HAVE
(Eleven crosses on the stage with one person standing behind each cross.)
Sarah K I should have sensed the danger.
Isabela I should have stayed alert.
Yuvi I should have suspected a trap.
Chelsea I should have looked behind me.
Sarah A I should have checked the building.
Sabrina I should have watched my step.
Jamie H I should have heard the warning.
Michelle I should have shot first.
Katie I should have had a life.
Raylene I should have had the chance.
Liam I should have gone home.
All I should NOT have died.
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B/D “I REMEMBER” by Amelia Petch
poem is accompanied by the SKSS band performing “SLEEPERS AWAKE” by Bach
offstage speakers onstage actions
CHLOE (B) I remember the boots. MEGAN
Black boots, stained with the mud of the battlefield. boots
Stiff leather boots, soaked through with the blood (from SL)
Of friends and enemies alike.
Boots made for killers going out to be killed.
TATIANA (B) I remember the trenches. TAY/MCKENZIE
Chest-high, narrow muddy trenches. shovel
Packed tightly with scared, sweaty bodies, (from SR)
Everybody wondering if they’ll ever see their families again.
Trenches dug for killers going out to be killed.
CEDAR (B) I remember the guns. EMMA
Heavy guns, held against my shoulder. rifle
The recoil bruising me with each killing shot. (from SL)
The bullets singing past my ear on their deadly path.
Guns made for killers going out to be killed.
LIAM (D) I remember the blood. LX changes
Scarlet blood, staining my hands and my clothes. to red
Too much blood for me to know
If it’s others’ or my own.
Blood of the killers going out to be killed.
SARAH K (D) I remember the poppies POPPIES are
Covering the gravestones. flown in
As red as the blood the dead men shed.
Mourning their passing.
Poppies for killers who went out to be killed.
NICOLE (D) I remember because no one else can. LX changes
They are all dead, one way or another. back to white
Soon I will be too.
Free form the nightmares, awake and asleep.
Dreams of a killer who went out to be killed.
I remember / for the dead / and for the living, / for enemies / and friends.
I remember for everyone / lest we forget.
______________________________________________________________________________
choir “IN FLANDERS FIELDS” by John McRae
_____________________________________________________________________________
blk B/D + band and choir “LAST POST” AND “REVEILLE”
1 Choir “O Canada”
2 B Imagine
3 D Overlapping Lines Goodbye
4 B/D 3 Scenes of Chaos into Silence
5 D 3 Soldiers’ Families’ Stories
6 B/D They Lied
7 B Children in the Holocaust
8 B/D An Adaptation of “That Damned Fence”
9 B Saviour/Savee
10 D Soldiers at the Door
11 B Dad’s Spirit
12 D Career Day
13 B Canadian Classroom/Wartorn Classroom
14 D Returning Soldiers’ P.O.V.
15 D PTSD A Child’s Story
16 D I Should Have...
17 Band “Sleepers Awake”
B/D “I Remember” by Amelia Petch
18 Choir “In Flanders Fields”
19 All “Last Post” and “Reveille”
______________________________________________________________________________
choir “O CANADA”
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B IMAGINE
F voice: Shaniya
S voice: Sam
1 S ...the day it is your turn to go ---
2 F ...waving goodbye until you can’t seem him anymore girls waving
3 S ...drills until you can’t walk boys push ups
4 S ...stepping onto foreign soil ---
5 B ...waiting weeks and weeks for a letter ---
6 F ...not knowing where he is ---
7 S ...not knowing where the next trap is set ---
8 S ...starving Adam S with tin can
9 S ...freezing Adam F shivering
10 B ...being too scared to sleep ---
11 F ...knowing every day could be his last ---
12 S ...knowing you’re walking into certain death ---
13 S ...the only protection is another man’s corpse boys with guns
14 B ...feeling helpless Cory gets up
15 S ...seeing his face as the bullet hits Cory gets shot
16 S ...watching your best friend die in your arms Adam F cradles
17 F ...the guilt of the relief that it wasn’t your son comforting/praying
18 F ...knowing that he’ll never come home ---
19 S ...never meeting your daughter Cory with photo
20 F ...never knowing your father Danika at wedding
21 F ...seeing his eyes when you look at your child Tatiana with baby
22 B ...being scared to death ---
23 S ...making one wrong step ---
24 S ...taking your last breath ---
25 F ...never getting to say goodbye ---
26 F ...he was a father, a husband, a brother, a son funeral scene
(Cedar) (Chloe) (Madi) (Sydney)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D OVERLAPPING LINES GOODBYE
Lucas I can’t believe you’re leaving.
Katie I was hoping this day would never come.
Sarah K I hope you understand what this is doing to me.
Lucas My son, the soldier. I can’t...
Katie ...bear the thought of you leaving. How...
Sarah ...dare you go off and decide this on your own. You didn’t
Lucas You didn’t have to come to me for approval, you knew
Katie You knew what this would do to the kids. Look at
Sarah Look at me! How am I supposed to go through this by myself? What if
Katie What if the worst happens? What if you
Lucas If you don’t come home, know that I will always be proud of your decision.
Sarah Your decision could mean our daughter never meets her dad.
Danika Dad, please don’t go.
Lucas Go. Fight for your country.
Sarah Your country can manage with one less soldier. What
Katie What will we do if you never come back?
Lucas Back when I was shipping out I remember
Sarah I remember when we first met, you said you’d always be there
Katie There will never be a night when I’m not thinking of you
Lucas You are strong. You can do this
Sarah This is not what I imagined. I guess...
Katie I guess this is goodbye.
All I love you.
______________________________________________________________________________
blks B and D 3 SCENES OF CHAOS INTO SILENCE: IN THE TRENCH, IN THE TOWN, AND IN TRIAGE
(Lights come up on “THE TRENCH.” We hear the sounds of battle. Some are returning fire, some are tending to the injured, some are injured, and Tay is on the radio trying to get help. Simultaneous lines are shouted during the chaos of the scene.)
Jamie “They’re closing in!” Cory “I got one!”
Zac “Medic! We need a medic!” Tay “We are under fire!”
Ian “Covering fire” Mckenzie “Get down!”
Emma “My arm! My arm!” Tatiana “Oh my God!”
(On cue, everyone freezes, and Jesse steps out of the tableau. The lights on the tableau dim, and a special pool of light comes up for Jesse who speaks directly to the audience.)
Jesse “We didn’t train for this. We were unprepared for the chaos of the battlefield: the thunderous sound, the smell of smoke and blood, and the countless bodies. The dead were everywhere.”
(Lights black out on the trench and on Jesse, and come up on “THE TOWN” where we hear the sounds of planes flying overhead, and then the sound of an air raid siren followed by the sound of bombs dropping and explosions. The people of the town are looking to the sky and trying to take cover. Simultaneous lines are shouted in the chaos.)
Sarah K “What’s going on?” Adam S “The church is on fire!”
Isabela “What is happening?” Shaniya “Somebody help me! She’s trapped!”
Yuvi “What is that sound?” Danika “Let’s get out of here!”
Michelle “Are those our planes?” Montana “Why? Why are they bombing us?”
Erinn “They’re dropping bombs!” Cedar “Mommy? Where’s my Mommy?”
Chelsea “Get out of the street!”
(Again, on cue, the chaos freezes, the lighting changes and Katie steps out of the tableau.)
Katie “We never believed the war would be fought on our street. The peace of our neighbourhood was shattered and what were once our homes were turned into rubble.”
(Lights black out on the town and on Katie and come up on “TRIAGE” where we hear the sounds of helicopters, people in pain from war wounds, and medical personnel trying to help.)
Megan “Incoming wounded!” Maddi “Try to stay calm. I need to wrap your wound.”
Kate “We need supplies”
Nicole “There’s nothing I can do.” Sydney “I can’t see!”
Raylene “Make it stop!” Sam incoherent screaming
Jamie H “Please help him!” Sarah A “I can’t stop the bleeding!”
Sabrina “Over there!”
(Once again, on cue, the chaos freezes, the lights dim, and Lucas steps into a pool of light.)
Lucas “It never seemed to end. We didn’t have enough of anything – bandages, beds, personnel, or even time. It was hell – for us, and especially for them: the dying and the dead.”
(Lights come up very dimly on all 3 tableaux, and brighter on the the three individual speakers.)
Jesse, Katie and Lucas (together) “We didn’t expect this.”
(Lights black out)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D 3 SOLDIERS’ FAMILIES’ STORIES
Part I BEFORE LEAVING
(lights up on supportive family)
JESSE Don’t you worry son. The college will still be here when you get back. We’re very proud of you son. Your grandfather was a veteran. I served overseas, and now you’re keeping up the family tradition. Take this pocket watch. It belonged to your grandfather. It'll bring you good luck. It worked for me.
ZAC I’ll try to make you proud, Dad. And I’ll see you when I get back.
(crossfade to mean dad)
LUCAS Why don’t you join the army. Maybe they can teach you some discipline. Your anger isn’t welcome here anymore. You can get it out of your system as a soldier.
IAN And why do you think I’m so mad, dad? Ever think about that? Fine. I’ll leave this nightmare of a family. I’ll be better off on my own.
(crossfade to Tay who has no family)
TAY (listening to radio)
V/O ...so enlist today and join our efforts. We need you to be a part of our military family.
TAY (silently nods)
Part II ON TRANSPORT PLANE
(we hear the sound of an airplane engine)
V/O ZAC Maybe I’ll be sent to a quiet area, far from the front. I wonder how my grandfather and father had the courage to face the fear – to kill or be killed?
V/O IAN I’ll show him. My dad thinks he’s seen my anger – the enemy will know my anger. I hope they put me right in the middle of it. I was made for this: cold, no emotion, a killing machine.
V/O TAY My unit can count on me to be there no matter what. I just hope that if something happens to me, they don’t leave me behind.
Part III NIGHTTIME SCENE
(lighting is dark, and we hear crickets, or no sound)
ZAC Are you hungry? My folks sent this. Do you want to try some? I have lots.
IAN No. I’m fine with the rations. The hunger keeps me sharp and focused. Besides, it’s my turn to sleep. The mission tomorrow is going to be tough.
ZAC What about you?
TAY (takes food) Thanks. (eats) I’ve never tasted anything so good. (yawns)
ZAC You sleep.
TAY But it’s my shift I wish I wasn’t so tired.
ZAC Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you.
TAY Thanks. You’re a good friend. My friend. Thanks so much.
Part IV IN BATTLE
(we hear yelling and war sounds and we see that Zac’s character is already dead.)
TAY I’m cold. It’s so cold.
(Ian gives him a jacket or a blanket)
TAY What about...(gestures to Zac)
IAN (shakes his head) He’s gone.
TAY I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t want to die alone.
IAN You’re not going to die. Don’t you die. Wake up. Hey! Wake up!
(Tay dies)
IAN (to Zac’s body) I’ll be back for you. I promised him he wouldn’t be left alone.
(picks up Tay’s body and carries him offstage)
______________________________________________________________________________
blks B/D “THEY LIED” by Rebekah Coomber
D Sabrina Sent to a better life, they told us. They lied.
D Yuvi Packed to go, our lives in a suitcase.
D Kate Forced on a train, sardines in a tin.
D Mckenzie Destination?
D Raylene Unknown.
D Emma We’ll be there soon, they told us.
All 6 previous speakers They lied.
D Zac Half of us dead,
D Chelsea most of us dying.
D Lucas We arrived, our lives thrust into Nazi fists.
D Nicole Families separated, people alone.
D Erinn You’ll see them again, they told us.
All 11 previous speakers They lied.
D Jamie M They picked us out, worthy from useless.
D Sarah K Was this just a sick game?
D Ian Who were they to say?
D Isabela Who were they to judge?
D Sarah A It’ll be over in a while, they told us.
All 16 previous speakers They lied.
D Tay Fear for our lives.
D Michelle People left and never came back.
D Megan Our backs broken,
B Tatiana our bodies broken,
B Shaniya our hearts broken.
B Coletyn “Heil Hitler, he will save the world,” they told us.
All 22 previous speakers They lied.
D Katie No bravery in our eyes anymore.
B Cedar Only tears. Sore from weeping.
D Jamie H Sore from sleeping.
B Maddi “Work will set you free. Harder!” they told us.
All 27 previous speakers They lied.
B Danika The innocent forsaken.
B Sam The faithful destroyed.
B Chloe How so uncompassionate?
B Sydney How so empty?
B Montana How so cold?
B Jesse You are all bad Jews they told us.
All 32 previous speakers They lied.
B Cory I am God’s child, I told them.
B Adam S I am a light in the darkness, I told them.
D Liam It’s just a shower, they told me.
All 35 previous speakers They lied.
First 16 speakers (to Sarah A) They lied.
D Sabrina They lied.
____________________________________________________________________________
blk B CHILDREN IN THE HOLOCAUST
Dad: Cory
Girl: Maddi
Girl 2: Montana
Body: Chloe
Boy: Coletyn
Soldiers: Tatiana and Shaniya
Twins: Cedar and Sydney, Adam and Adam
(Lights come up on a girl being physically separated from her father by Nazi soldiers.)
Shaniya Halt! Get in line!
Tatiana Halt! Go! Galen!
Dad Don’t worry honey, I promise everything will be fine. I will see you later. Just do what they say. Please don’t fight them.
Girl No, daddy! Please don’t leave me. Please. I’m scared!
Dad I love you sweetie. Everything is fine. I love you! I will see you again.
(Lights black out. We hear a gunshot. A spot comes up on the girl)
Girl They forced me into a line with the other children and they pointed guns at our heads. But before they marched us to the barracks, I saw them shoot my father. He didn’t resist at all, but they shot him anyway.
(Lights black out, then come up on the line of children being guarded by soldiers. One child is dead on the ground having just been shot. The first girl is forced into the line. She is crying.)
Girl 2 Don’t cry. They will shoot you.
Boy Stand up tall. Don’t let them think you are weak.
Shaniya Stvilingah.
(The soldiers pull out the two sets of twins and exit with them. Lights black out and all exit except Coletyn and Maddi; Cedar reenters. Lights come up on them standing in formation.)
Cedar They experimented on twins. They wanted to know if I could feel her pain, and if she could feel mine. It didn’t work. She couldn’t feel my pain, but she had to watch as it killed me.
Coletyn I was strong, so they kept me alive. They made me work. My job was with the bodies in the crematorium. I taught myself not to think about what I was doing. And it worked. It worked until the day I saw her in the pile. I ran away. I ran to the fence. I knew it was electrified. (pause) I could never have put her in that oven.
Maddi For years I endured the hunger, the cold, and the fear. Alone. And I almost made it to the liberation day, but there was no medicine. I couldn’t fight the sickness.
All We died in that camp. (Black out)
______________________________________________________________________________
blks B and D AN ADAPTATION OF THE ANONYMOUS POEM, “THAT DAMNED FENCE”
Voice over: Danika
GROUP 1
They’ve sunk the posts deep into the ground
They’ve strung out wires all the way around.
With machine gun nests just over there,
and sentries and soldiers everywhere.
GROUP 2
They’re trapped like rats in a wired cage,
To fret and fume with impotent rage;
Yonder whispers the lure of the night,
But that damned fence assails our sight.
GROUP 3
Imprisoned in here for a long, long time,
They know they’re punished – though they’ve committed no crime,
Their thoughts are gloomy and enthusiasm damp,
To be locked up in an internment camp.
ALL
Loyalty we know, and patriotism we feel,
To sacrifice was our utmost ideal,
To fight for our country and die overseas;
But they’re in here because they’re Japanese.
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B SAVIOUR/SAVEE
Son: Cory
Dad 1: Jesse
Daughter: Montana
Dad 2: Coletyn
Son Dad, What’s wrong? Why are you always so quiet this time of year?
Dad 1 I’m sorry son. I don’t mean to be distant. It’s just hard to remember...to think about...
Son ...the time you were wounded?
(crossfade)
Daughter Why are you so sad, dad?
Dad 2 I hate this time of year. It makes me think of what we went through when we were fighting in the war...
(crossfade)
Dad 1 It was the day when I thought I might never see you again. I had three shrapnel wounds – in my shoulder, my knee and my left hand.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 ...but we did what we had to do. We made sacrifices for what we believed in. We had to do some horrible things, but there was one day...one story I’ve never told anyone before.
(crossfade)
Dad 1 I was in so much pain, and I was so scared, and all I could think about was how much I loved you and your mom. And then...I saw him.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 I was on armed patrol when I came across a soldier from the other side who had been badly wounded.
(crossfade)
Dad 1 He was walking toward me with his weapon pointed at my head. I was certain that it was the end and that I’d never see you again.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 Our orders were to take no prisoners, but the way he was looking me...the look in his eyes...
(crossfade)
Dad 1 He stared into my face as I looked up at him, but he never pulled the trigger.
(crossfade)
Dad 2 I couldn’t bring myself to do it. All I could think of was you and how you would feel if I didn’t come home.
(lights up on both pairs)
Son/Daughter So you saved his life?/So he saved your life?
Dad 2/Dad 1 Yes, I/he did.
Son/Daughter Then why are you sad?
(blackout)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D SOLDIERS AT THE DOOR
Voice of Dad: Lucas
Girl: Erinn
Mom: Kate
Soldiers: Zac and Ian
Future girls: Megan, Mckenzie, Jamie M, Emma
Three dads: Lucas, Tay, Liam
(2 soldiers walk up to the door and knock. A girl answers the door.)
Soldier 1 Is your mother home?
Girl What’s going on? Is my dad okay? Is he coming home?
Soldier 2 Is your mother home?
Girl No, she isn’t. What’s wrong?
Soldier 1 Do you know when she will be home?
Girl Dinner time. Please tell me what’s wrong? Has something happened to my dad?
Soldier 1 I’m sorry, but we have to come back when your mother is at home.
Soldier 2 We’re sorry.
(The soldiers exit.)
Girl (numb and confused) Dad.
(Lights change to isolate the girl, and we begin to hear her memories.)
V/O (overlapping childhood memories)
1. Girl (laughing and giggling)
Dad Look at you getting so big.
2. Girl (a bit older now) How do I look daddy?
Dad Amazing. You’ll make a beautiful bride one day.
3. Dad (concerned) You be careful with this car, and drive slow.
Girl I will, dad. Thanks, dad.
(lights restore to original intensity)
Girl (realizing what it means) No.
(Lights dim on girl, and come up on one spot filled with tableau of her future. She turns to look at the tableau. Emma is at a grave site with flowers. Mckenzie is in a grad gown and cap, Jamie M is in a wedding veil and holding flowers, and Megan is holding a baby. Each girl (except Emma) has a proud and smiling dad who slowly walks backwards out of the tableau, and each girl turns and walks toward exit with an expressionless face. Lights change as Mom enters and sees girl’s expression.)
Mom What is it? What’s wrong?
Girl Mom, the soldiers were here.
(Mom hesitates for a moment and they just look at each other, then they embrace because they both know what it means.)
(Lights black out.)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B DAD’S SPIRIT
Emily CHLOE
Dad COLETYN
Mom TATIANA
(Chloe is sitting on her bed with a cassette recorder and memento box open beside her. She’s holding a photo of her dad and his dog tags. Tatiana enters.)
Tatiana Don’t stay up too late Emily. You need your sleep.
Chloe I know Mom. I won’t. I’m just thinking about Dad. I miss him so much. I can’t believe we’ll never see him again.
Tatiana Honey, your dad will always be with us. Right here. (Puts hand on heart.)
Chloe Thanks Mom. Goodnight.
Tatiana Goodnight honey.
(Tatiana exits, and Chloe picks up a cassette recorder and presses play.)
Coletyn (Voice over) Hi Emily. I hope everything is going well. I hope you’re being good for your mom. My CO tells me we’re shipping out tomorrow so I wanted to send you this before I leave. It might be a while before I can phone you again. I want you to be able to hear my voice whenever you’re missing me, and I want you to know that I’m missing you even more. I love you honey. I’ll see you when I get home.
(Chloe replaces the objects, closes the box and gets into the bed. She presses play again and we hear the message a second time as the sound and lights fade.)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D CAREER DAY
Abby: Chelsea
Teacher: Yuvi
Rebecca: Raylene
Dad: Lucas
Mom: Isabela
Classmates: Katie, Nicole, Jamie H, Liam, Sarah K
Abby: (smiling) ...and because of my dad, everyone got out safely. Even Mrs. Henderson’s two cats! My dad is the most amazing firefighter ever. He is my hero.
Teacher: Well done Abby. Is there anyone else who would like to come up to the speaking chair and tell the class about their mom or dad and about the work they do?
(nobody puts up hand)
Teacher: What about you Rebecca? Would you please come up to the front and tell us about your dad?
Rebecca: Me? (pause) Okay. (looks sad as she walks up to the front of the class) My father is a soldier in the Canadian Army. He is serving his country and helping to make the world a safer place. He’s been gone a long time, but we sometimes get to talk to him on the phone. And even though I haven’t see him in a long time... (voice starts to break) ...I just miss him so much... (tearing up but regaining strength) I’m so proud of what he is doing. I know he’ll come home as soon as he can.
(there is a knock on the door and her dad and mom walk in with the mum)
Dad: And I am proud of you too.
Rebecca (runs to him and her mom)Dad!
Dad: I’m back now and I’m not going anywhere for a long, long, time.
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B CANADIAN CLASSROOM/WARTORN CLASSROOM
(Lights up on half stage Canadian Class Room - teacher is speaking to class)
Cedar Good morning class. Today is going to start a little differently. As some of you may know, during an attack on a small village in Afghanistan another Canadian soldier, Private Mathew Jones was killed. Mathew graduated from our school and this morning we will be holding a memorial assembly in his honour. Although you may not have known Mathew, as Canadians we all feel the pain when one of our own dies protecting the lives of the innocent
(Lights dim as class freezes into tableau. One student stands and spotlight follows her downstage)
Sydney Wait a second... One soldier died, one person we never knew, and we are expected to be sad. I mean sure, morally, ethically I know its sad. A person has died, that's sad. But personally I'm not hurt, I'm sad because society says I should be. Maybe it would be different if it actually happened here.
(blackout on girl, and lights come up on other side of stage Afghanistan small class of students sitting on floor - the teacher speaking to class)
Adam S Thank you for joining me today boys. Today will just be a short lesson so you can get home to your families. It's very nice to see so many of you here after yesterdays' attack on our village, many hundreds are still missing. Which means some of our classmates will not be joining us again. Let's be sure to pray for them, for all of them (long sad pause) Now let's get on with our studies.
Lights dim as class freezes into tableau. One student stands and spotlight follows him downstage)
Jesse Our studies? This isn't fair, how can we move on with our studies? This is sad, for us all. Everyday we lose more and more of the people we knew. “Its part of life” they say, “we must move on” they say. Papa says if we stopped to remember them all we would never get anything done. But this is sad, they were my friends.
Black out
V/O headlines as girls get into position onstage with signs and tape over their mouths
light up on cluster of girls. Black out after final headline is read.
____________________________________________________________________________
blk D RETURNING SOLDIERS’ P.O.V.
(Three soldiers sitting on a plane, one empty seat with a Canadian flag and dog tags sitting on it.)
Solder1: (picks up a photo and smiles, turns to look at soldier 2) I can’t wait to see my dad, these last few months felt like years.
Soldier2: I know its been almost 18 months, my daughter is going to be so big. My wife’s been doing everything all by herself. She even taught Ellie to ride her first bike.
(Soldier3 looks sad, holding dog tags and puts them back down on the flag, loud enough for other soldiers to notice him. Soldier 1 & 2 look over at Soldier 3)
Soldier1: Did you know him?
Soldier3: (Shakes head in remorse) He was my brother.
Soldier2: I’m sorry for your loss.
Soldier1: Who are you going back to?
Soldier3: No one, we were coming back together...
(All soldiers are silent and go back into their own thought. Black out. Lights up on airport gate)
Raylene: Do you think dad will bike ride with me?
Sarah: Of course Hun, he’d love too.
Ian: (looking around for his family, cant see them right away, looks at another family) can you see them?
(father will be fidgeting with his hat)
Michelle: I see them! They're coming!
(Happy faces all around as Soldiers walk in)
(Soldier 2 enters first)
Raylene : DAD!!
(Soldier 2 runs over, hugs Raylene)
Soldier2: You’ve gotten so big! (turns head over to Sarah) You look so beautiful.
Sarah: I’ve missed you so much (hugs)
(Soldier1 walks in and sees Ian, drops her bags and runs to hug him)
Ian: I missed you kiddo.
Soldier1: I love you dad, I’m home for good this time.
(Soldier3 walks in holding flag& dog tags)
(Michelle sees the flag and instantly knows , she stumbles and begins to cry)
Soldier3: Hannah, I’m so sorry...I tried...I...I couldn’t save him.
(Soldier3 tries to hug Michelle, she pushes him away)
Michelle: NO! You said you’d bring him home, you promised.
(black out)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D PTSD: A CHILD’S STORY
Alexis: Sarah A
Mom: Michelle
Voice of Dad: Lucas
(Lights come up on Alexis who is barricading her door with furniture.)
V/O (yelling and screaming between mom and dad)
Lucas Don’t ever come up behind me like that! Do you hear me?
Michelle I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.
Lucas I can’t stay here. I have to leave. I feel like I don’t belong here anymore.
Michelle What are you talking about? Of course you belong here.
Lucas Hearing you two laugh – the short bursts of chaos. I can’t stand it. The bombs, the gunshots – that’s all I can think about.
Michelle You’re home now. It’s over. It’s okay.
Lucas It’s not okay. It’ll never be over. Death...dying...watching that house explode...the children inside...
Michelle I want to help you.
Lucas No you don’t. You wish I would’ve died over there. You can’t stand the sight of me, knowing that I’ve killed people.
Michelle You know that’s not true! Please calm down! Where are you going?
(We hear a huge bang. The lights dim on Alexis and come up on mom on the phone.)
Mom (on phone) He’s doing it again. He’s punching holes in the walls! I don’t know what to do! Alexis is terrified. He just won’t listen. I don’t know what to do! (pause, look over shoulder as if looking out window) He’s in the backyard. You need to come over here. Maybe he’ll calm down if he sees you.
(Lights black out on mom and come back up on Alexis who is sitting curled up on the floor with her back against the barricade. Mom moves to door and knocks.)
Mom Alexis? It’s okay. It’s all going to be alright. Honey, he’s still your dad. Nothing’s changed.
(Mom exits when she gets no response.)
Alexis (to the audience) Everything has changed.
(Lights black out.)
______________________________________________________________________________
blk D I SHOULD HAVE
(Eleven crosses on the stage with one person standing behind each cross.)
Sarah K I should have sensed the danger.
Isabela I should have stayed alert.
Yuvi I should have suspected a trap.
Chelsea I should have looked behind me.
Sarah A I should have checked the building.
Sabrina I should have watched my step.
Jamie H I should have heard the warning.
Michelle I should have shot first.
Katie I should have had a life.
Raylene I should have had the chance.
Liam I should have gone home.
All I should NOT have died.
______________________________________________________________________________
blk B/D “I REMEMBER” by Amelia Petch
poem is accompanied by the SKSS band performing “SLEEPERS AWAKE” by Bach
offstage speakers onstage actions
CHLOE (B) I remember the boots. MEGAN
Black boots, stained with the mud of the battlefield. boots
Stiff leather boots, soaked through with the blood (from SL)
Of friends and enemies alike.
Boots made for killers going out to be killed.
TATIANA (B) I remember the trenches. TAY/MCKENZIE
Chest-high, narrow muddy trenches. shovel
Packed tightly with scared, sweaty bodies, (from SR)
Everybody wondering if they’ll ever see their families again.
Trenches dug for killers going out to be killed.
CEDAR (B) I remember the guns. EMMA
Heavy guns, held against my shoulder. rifle
The recoil bruising me with each killing shot. (from SL)
The bullets singing past my ear on their deadly path.
Guns made for killers going out to be killed.
LIAM (D) I remember the blood. LX changes
Scarlet blood, staining my hands and my clothes. to red
Too much blood for me to know
If it’s others’ or my own.
Blood of the killers going out to be killed.
SARAH K (D) I remember the poppies POPPIES are
Covering the gravestones. flown in
As red as the blood the dead men shed.
Mourning their passing.
Poppies for killers who went out to be killed.
NICOLE (D) I remember because no one else can. LX changes
They are all dead, one way or another. back to white
Soon I will be too.
Free form the nightmares, awake and asleep.
Dreams of a killer who went out to be killed.
I remember / for the dead / and for the living, / for enemies / and friends.
I remember for everyone / lest we forget.
______________________________________________________________________________
choir “IN FLANDERS FIELDS” by John McRae
_____________________________________________________________________________
blk B/D + band and choir “LAST POST” AND “REVEILLE”