A noble lady of late forties to fifties perhaps late fifties. She is stern seeming.
Servant (m or f):
A long-suffering member of the countess’ household. They are one of the countess’ confidantes.
Location
A hall in the countess’ castle.
Time
Takes place in an unknown time. It is a medieval looking setting, but with some modern styling.
SETTING: A hall in the countess’ castle.
AT RISE:COUNTESS is alone on stage. She is pacing nervously. She carries herself with a regal air. She appears anxious and frustrated. Eventually she is joined by SERVANT.
COUNTESS
Is it here yet?
SERVANT
It is Madame Countess.
COUNTESS
[keeping her back to the servant, gazing off in
contemplation.]
And what was it?
SERVANT
A girl, madame.
COUNTESS
[Smiling an unkind smile.]
You can tell the mother she is free to go. The child stays here though.
SERVANT
Madame, I’m afraid the mother died. She didn’t make it.
[COUNTESS smiles again. This time it seems like it is good news she is receiving.]
COUNTESS
Isn’t that fortunate for her.
SERVANT
About the girl, madame. Might I suggest finding a family for her? With the mother gone there is really no reason to keep her here. She has no place amongst us.
[COUNTESS finally turns to SERVANT]
COUNTESS
She has the perfect place here. That disgusting child will be forever a living, breathing reminder of my husband’s infidelity. His betrayal of our vows for some serving girl whore.
SERVANT
Even more reason to have her as far away from here as possible. Perhaps send her oversees?
COUNTESS
Absolutely not. She stays here with me. She will live and grow, but she will never leave. She will serve my household as her mother did and I will watch her closely.
SERVANT
The girl is innocent, madame. The count’s betrayal is nothing to do with she who has only just started to take breath.
Heather is a socialite. Her family own a fishing corporation. Both of her parents are deceased, so her trust is in the hands of her elder brother, Hugo. She has a younger brother, Fergie, whom she is close to. She feels trapped in her life as Hugo can be demanding and controlling.
[As though speaking to a friend.]
HEATHER
I swear it’s getting worse. It’s like being in a prison in that house. Every time I step inside the door he quizzes me on where I’ve been. Whenever I go anywhere he asks me who I’ll be with. He demands that I text him on the hour whenever I’m away from him. He checks my phone. He chooses how I am to dress. It’s disgusting. He says it’s because he’s my brother and he needs to look after me but it’s smothering. There’s nothing I can do about it. He controls our money, he controls what we eat and he is the one who tells us where to be and when. If he doesn’t like my friends he calls them and tells them to stay away from me. I’ve started gathering a bit of a reputation because of it. Noone wants to know. I can deal with that. That doesn’t bother me so much. What really frustrates me is the way he treats our little brother, Fergie. He should be enjoying his life right now and instead it’s all mapped out in front of him. I know Fergie is scared of him. I suppose I can be a bit too. Hugo can be a real monster sometimes. It can be difficult to tell what mood you’ll find him in. Just the other day he lashed out at Fergie. He beat him terribly. Even if he could fight back he wouldn’t. Hugo says he’s just trying to protect us and keep us together. Fergie and I already have a plan. As soon as we can gather enough money we’re going to get out of there. We’re going get as far away from him as possible. It’s not easy though. He’s still our brother. Hugo can be nasty. There are times when he can be so kind too. When he says he’s just doing what is necessary to keep us together I believe him. After our parents died he didn’t have to stick around. He could have gone anywhere. He chose to take care of us and we should be grateful for that I suppose. We should be thanking him every day he didn’t abandon us.
He’s not always possessive. There are times when he is so charming and loving. When we were younger Hugo was the best big brother. He hated to see either of us upset. He would always go out of his way to make us laugh. He doesn’t seem much like it these days but he does have a really great sense of humour. Whenever we were down he would say, ‘cheer up little ones,’ in such a kindly way it would always make us smile. Maybe I’ve just made it that way in my head. Reality can be quite different when you look at it from the outside. We’re grown ups now and he still calls us ‘little’. We thought it was sweet before. Now it just sounds patronising. We’re grown ups. We’re not little. Fergie’s seventeen now. Hugo will always see him as a baby. It’s how he sees both of us.
He makes me doubt myself. He makes me wonder if I am even capable of looking after myself. I’ve never held a real job. I’ve lived off my trust my whole life, at least what Hugo allows from it. I don’t know where I would even start. I could do it though. I know I could do it because Fergie would be relying on me. I could do it for my little brother. I’m the middle child so it seems only fitting I have to be strong for one brother against the other. It’s such a long road ahead. Someone once told me you will never get any further if you never take those first steps. I can do it. I know I can do it …
AT RISE: A young boy in his mid teens, BENNY, is seated at a rickety, small table center stage. A bowl with a single apple sits in the middle. He is wearing an old threadbare shirt. He is busy rolling a cigarette. He already has another clenched between his lips. A door can be heard closing as another young man, late teens, JAMIE, enters. JAMIE removes the Harvester coat he is wearing and drops it over his chair at the table. BENNY throws him a cigarette and JAMIE leans back as though he has had a long day.
BENNY
Let it all out.
JAMIE
[Looking at his brother he smiles]
Just the same old same old at the factory. What did you do?
BENNY
I found some really nice watches. I took them to pawn and got a hundred for them.
JAMIE
[Looks at his brother a little suspiciously]
Where did you find them?
BENNY
Someone threw them away at Waldens. You know? The wine bar?
JAMIE
Just threw them away, did they?
BENNY
You know the hoity toity types that go there. They have more money than sense. They must have just not wanted them anymore. One hundred is nothing to them. It means everything to us though.
JAMIE
People don’t just throw watches away.
BENNY
[Unable to keep the rouse continuing]
They were drunk. It was only lunchtime too. They came staggering out of Waldens and the watches were practically falling off their wrists.
JAMIE
[Becoming a little irate]
We’ve talked about this! You shouldn’t have done that.
BENNY
I needed to do something. You’re out all day at that factory busting your nuts for us. I wanted to help. I wanted to play my part.
JAMIE
Damnit Benny! We promised no more stealing.
BENNY
It was just a couple of watches. I just wanted to help. You are always tired. The factory is draining the life out of you. One hundred isn’t to be sneezed at, is it?
JAMIE
I don’t mind the factory. I work there to get us out of this place. I bust my nuts so we don’t have to steal. What were you doing hanging around Walden’s anyway? Shouldn’t you have been in class?
BENNY
[Looking a little shy.]
Class was cancelled for today.
[Takes notes from his pocket and places them on the table.]
It’ll help, right?
JAMIE
[Leans across the table and clasps his brother around the back of his neck affectionately.]
I want us to have a good life. We are going legit. We’re going to do well.
BENNY
If going legit means you working yourself sick then I don’t know if I want it.
JAMIE
You can help by going to class. Get a bit of education in you. You can make it out of here and make something of yourself.
BENNY
Class was cancelled.
JAMIE
Will it still be cancelled tomorrow?
[BENNY scoops up the notes as JAMIE continues watching him.]
You don’t have to worry. We’re not going back. I promise.
BENNY
I can’t even think about that.
JAMIE
You don’t have to. We’re out of it. We’re on our own and we’ll do alright.
BENNY
I’m sorry about the watches.
JAMIE
Too late to give them back now, like.
BENNY
I’ll stop. I was just trying to help.
JAMIE
You have to. We’re never going to get anywhere if we keep stealing. We were desperate before but I’ve got the job at the factory now. We don’t have to do be doing any of that. It’s tough but the work has to be done if we’re going to do well.
BENNY
The old man said we’d amount to nothing. He called me a no good lowlife. Who was he to judge?
JAMIE
Then prove him wrong. You can’t steal, little man. Get to class and get some book smarts.
BENNY
What about you?
JAMIE
Don’t worry about me. I’m just the dumb big brother, right? I’ve got a job and I’m doing good. You will do even better. Don’t mess it up.
[Leaning over again he shoves BENNY playfully, causing BENNY to smile warmly]
BENNY
Maybe if I got a job at the factory too you wouldn’t have to do so many hours.
JAMIE
Not at least until you’ve finished your classes. Then I’ll practically retire and let my brainy little brother take care of me.
BENNY
[Chuckling merrily.]
If the old man could see us now, huh? He said we’d be back within a week. Calling us no users, throwing us out with nowhere to go. It wasn’t our fault he lost the practice. He was drunk on the job. Who wants to visit a dentist who stinks of booze? No one.
JAMIE
Alright, Benny, I know.
BENNY
He lost everything and he blamed us! The old girl didn’t exactly stick up for us either. She took his side. What would she know anyway? Pills, pills, pills all day. It was a wonder she didn’t rattle when she walked.
JAMIE
[sternly]
Enough. We’re out of it now.
BENNY
And we’re never going back.
JAMIE
There’s no use being bitter then, is there? We’ll do fine but we got to keep straight. If we want to make something of ourselves we can’t do the things we did before. We got into a lot of trouble as kids. We’ll get into even more now if we’re not careful.
[BENNY nods morosely.]
Right?
[He picks the apple and rolls it at his young brother. BENNY chuckles, cheered by his brothers playfulness. BENNY takes a bite of the apple.]
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Head of the Church of St Wigan. Sometimes referred to as His Eminence.
Confessor (m or f):
An anonymous member of the church who has come to Dominick seeking forgiveness for a grave sin they have committed. Age, gender and race are all open.
Location
Set in the cultish Church of St Wigan.
Time
Takes place in an unknown time. It is modern but with some noir, old fashioned elements to the styling.
SETTING: A church confessional.
AT RISE: The stage is set with a partition. DOMINICK is already seated on his side. The CONFESSOR takes their place. A blessing in the Wigan fashion is given.
CONFESSOR
I ask for forgiveness. I am a flawed being. I have committed a great many sins.
DOMINICK
You’ve come to the right place. St Wigan knows we are imperfect. Our imperfections are the reason he wished to embrace us all and bring us closer to God.
CONFESSOR
Do you believe that no one is beyond redemption?
DOMINICK
We cannot be saved. None of us can. If we repent though, we may be redeemed.
CONFESSOR
I’m worried I’ve fallen to far.
DOMINICK
Then unburden yourself. Confess to me as St Wigan’s ear and He’ll listen.
CONFESSOR
I’ve been lustful.
DOMINICK
Haven’t we all …
CONFESSOR
I’ve stolen property that isn’t mine.
DOMINICK
Then you must give it back.
CONFESSOR
Lies have been on my tongue many times.
DOMINICK
Then you must learn to speak the truth.
CONFESSOR
I get jealous and angry.
DOMINICK
Unfortunately, that’s what it means to be human. What did you find yourself coveting?
CONFESSOR
A perfect life. I knew a woman who seemed to have a perfect life. She was beautiful, bright and she sang with the tones of the waves. She would help anyone. She was loved for it.
At first I wanted to be near her. Her very presence was comforting. Then I couldn’t be without her. I thought I might have loved her but that wasn’t it. I didn’t love her. I didn’t want to be with her. I wanted to be her. She had everything that I never had. I’ve always been on my own and she had swarms of admirers around her. Her face was fair where I’ve always been the sullen sort. Her body was healthier than mine too. She had it all and she lived a blessed life. The more I thought about it the angrier it made me until eventually I couldn’t look upon her pretty features without wanting to hurt her. She didn’t notice any of this. She still wanted to make me her friend.
Above all things she had a stepbrother who adored her. I guess that was the thing I coveted the most.
DOMINICK
What did you do?
CONFESSOR
I think you already know.
DOMINICK
They found her body. Her heart was torn out. Her tongue was removed. Her remains were burned as a whore because they claimed she tried to run away from the commune.
CONFESSOR
I know. I told her you had gone to the city. You had left the church behind. She went looking for you, her precious stepbrother. When we got there I plunged a knife into her chest.
DOMINICK
Why!?
CONFESSOR
I already told you. I coveted everything she had. She was a light in this world and if I couldn’t have that or be that it might as well be extinguished. We’re only human. You said so yourself.
(DOMINICK remains quite on his side.)
Can I ask you something?
(DOMINICK sniffs but doesn’t reply.)
If I tell you I repent, can I still be redeemed?
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Jamie and his little brother, Benny, have left their abusive home. As the elder brother Jamie has taken the responsibility of protecting his brother and seeing that he provides for him. Despite the difficulties they face Jamie has to explain to social services why they are better off.
JAMIE
He’s been worried about me working all the hours I can so he’s been looking for ways to help out. I don’t want him stealing or getting into trouble. I’ve told him he needs to finish school. That’s the best way for him to help. He’s agreed with that. He’ll catch up on anything he missed. He’s really smart. He soaks up books like a sponge.
This is just temporary for us. We’re trying to save some money and get ourselves something real nice, like. It’s just these things take time. Just give us some time! We’re on the right track. Benny will stay in school. He’ll stay out of trouble. I’ve got plenty of hours at the factory so we’ll be out of here as soon as we can.
I can’t let him go back there. It won’t end well. He stands a much better chance with me. Our old lady might be giving the sob story about reconciling. She probably shed a tear or two about her baby boy and how I’m leading him down a bad path but I’m looking out for him which is more than she ever did. She can be convincing. I’ll give her that. I don’t forget she’s the same one that told us to have it away quick and she never wanted to see us again. Our old lady sided with him. She always did. I had taken the beatings my whole life. It just hit the limit when it landed on Benny. I had to get him out of there. He was left in a real state.
We’re good. We’re set for life. Some teething problems is all. The Woodson brothers will do well. The boy genius and his dumb, protective older brother – Hah! Can you see it? It’s the Woodson brothers against the world.
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Standing outside the Church of St Wigan, FATHER VERGER is greeting his congregates as they leave. He is approached by DELORES and her daughter TAWNY. DELORES Is dressed in a sombre black dress with a Wigan pin on her chest. TAWNY is dressed in a cheerful red dress with white polka dots.
DELORES
It was a beautiful service Father.
VERGER
Thank you Mrs McInney. I trust you are keeping well?
Turning his attention to TAWNY.
I would have thought you would have worn a more mournful outfit on account of your father.
TAWNY
Smiling warmly.
Pa hated to see people glum.
VERGER
Still, show a little respect.
TAWNY
Not paying much attention to the priest her focus is caught by someone waving to her from offstage.
Hi honey! It’s good to see ye. When did you get back?
Speaking to Delores.
Excuse me, ma.
TAWNY exits the stage.
DELORES
Shaking her head
I’m sorry Father. I thought with Reuben’s passing she would pray with me. Every week is a struggle to get her to come along.
VERGER
Looking over in TAWNY’S direction.
She needs the church’s guidance now more than ever. As her mother it is up to you to take care of her. Her immortal soul is at stake. St Wigan will impart the strength you need to correct her.
DELORES
I don’t want to lose her.
They both look towards offstage where TAWNY has just exited.
VERGER
Praise Wigan.
DELORES
Still looking after TAWNY.
Praise Wigan…
SCENE 2
Delores’ lounge. Evening.
DELORES is sat at home. The home appears draughty and uncomfortable. She is seated at a table centre stage where lighting is focused on a single empty plate and a Wigan book. DELORES is holding her Wigan pin in her hand. TAWNY is not present but her voice can be heard off stagein a dream like sound as DELORES reflects on her words.
TAWNY
Sounding as though she was in some pain when the words were spoken.
I am who I am!
DELORES
Rests her hand on the Wigan book.
I was worried about you. You were my daughter and you were putting yourself in mortal danger. I wish you could understand. If you turned to the Church maybe you could find forgiveness.
TAWNY
Crying.
Why can’t ye just love me for who I am?!
DELORES
Sighing she sniffs back the emotion.
I do love you. You’re my daughter. You wouldn’t listen to me and you made me angry. I was losing you and I had to do something. Ye were embarrassing yerself night after night like a wanton hussy.
TAWNY
If your church is asking you do this what kind of religion is it! Help me Ma!
DELORES raises a napkin to her lips.
DELORES
it was for your own good.
She sniffs again and composes herself.
You cannot be saved …
When Tabitha is sent to Hathfield Bay to meet her estranged grandma, she is given an inside look at the Cult of Wigan of which granny is a member.
