entarcplay

YARD SALE

2006-08-11T06:37:29Z

So our Yard Sale starts.... in 9 hours. What the fuck are we thinking?

Anyways-- if you want to add your junk to my lawn, or your talent to the lawn?, feel free to drop by between 10:30 and four-ish.

And Kayla, I do remember meeting your mom.

And Kelsey, I'm sorry about the pass today, I didn't realize that Christof had it until I got to the venue. Shitty.

-Emily

And don't forget to tell everyone you know about the show on Sunday. Or, like.... everyone should just try to get at least five people to go; aim for ten, but let five be your minimum, eh? We could totally sell out and then we'd be on the list of shows that sold out and I would like, pee myself. No kidding.

A few thangs..

2006-08-09T06:55:11Z

Numero uno: Wonderful job, all of you. You make me so proud. And so nervous! And then proud. It's an exciting time in the audience of ENTARC.

2: Do ya'll want to rehearse at all before the Sunday show, or do you feel file? If we don't have any rehearsel, please just look over your lines to refresh yourself and think of your character's 2 major pet peeves, and if you buy coffee at all in these next few days think about how your character would do it and what they would buy, and what bills they would use and the sentence structure they'd use to ask for it and if they'd be prepared by the time they got to the counter or if it would be impulsive. Or, you know, look over your lines (although I think it'd be cool if you did the rest and had that experience or some shit like that).

3: Tell everyone you know that hasn't come about our final show. Like... relatives! Aunts and uncles! Neighbors! Teachers! Etc. Make e-mails and phone calls reminding people to come.

4: ...Yard Sale? Do you all have stuff you want to sell? I'm thinking we should either do it... This Friday, from 9 till 4 ish, maybe starting at more like 10 or 11... Or, after Fringe. But it could be sweet promo.

5: I hope you all are square away on the passes and stuff. If any of you want to go Fringing with me, you should tell me, because I think I've got a pretty kickass schedule lines up for myself. Doot doot doot.

6: Did I mention how amazing all of you are?

7: Hopefully Sarah's mom will have more flyers so that we can litter them everywhere. Wahoo.

8: Do you know how cool it would be if we sold out our final show? It'd be mother-fucking cool, that's how cool.

9: Do ya'll want to do some kind of Cast party thing? There are some super delicious places to Eat (yeah, capitalized, that's how good) near the Playwright's center, like Seward Cafe and Pizza Luce... Also, Sunday night at 9 is the Fringe Closing party, and it'd be neato if we all went to that because Masquerade ball attendance was minimal.

10: Okay, there's not really a ten, I just thought it would be cool if these were like... Commandments or something. Make myself feel all powerful? Yeh, that.

love and kisses,
Emily

to my ever-talented cast,

2006-08-07T04:22:20Z

<3

Holy shit. So many people. We are amazing, we are emerging, we are brilliant. I'm so excited, you guys. Fucking nearly full house!!! Ahh!! We did that!! Holy crap.

Okay. Amazingness. I'm glowing.

Sigh :)

Some super-sweet reviews

2006-08-06T22:17:15Z

By the way, my amazing cast, we've got some very sweet reviews to read. I think one of them is from Sarah's mom? And then, the other two is from some couple, or siblings, or something.

Anyways, basically, we're awesome, and I feel silly for ever worrying. Tonight's show is going to blow everyone out of the water. Energy, ya'll, energy.

I'm giddy with excitement.

a quick deconstruction

2006-08-06T06:51:59Z

"Entertaining but contrived...." by Carly Feroe: The acting in this was good, but the Gertrude character sort of bothered me. Her character is accused of being arrogant, but potrayed as nearly saint-like. Most of the characters seemed somewhat stock to me. An interesting story but obviously a potrayal of a life too far romantisized. It wasn't real enough for me, and appeared very one-sided. (Posted on Aug. 5)
MORE FROM THIS REVIEWER

I think that our play has some deeper issues within the plot that never got worked out, along with a bit of lacking inspiration on the writer's parts... but here's my take on this review:

1- "accused of being arrogant...." Uh, by her boyfriend. Who was being defensive in a fight with her and was obviously making it up. (p.s.- Jonah needs to remember to keep yelling)

2- "portrayed as nearly saint-like"/"too far romantisized" Yeah, maybe... but I think it's justified because it's a play about ideals. Saint-like... I still don't know what to make of it. As in, she's lacking flaws? I think that she's just strong enough to work through her issues; in the beginning, we see her spouting off her goals as well, and yet she's got this disconnection with them, even as she tries to play that off.... And then she gets her shit together. Romantisized....

3- I can see how romantisized and "characters seemed somewhat stock" tied together... I mean, we've got the grandpa who gets dementia, the alcoholic single mother, the "edgey" best friend, artsy boyfriend, and the... sister? Yes, it does follow the show structure of "the people you look up to must not be able to be looked up to for you to find yourself", but I think that it's an important process that people go through... claiming their lives for themselves. And sometimes, show structures are popular for a reason.
Plus, some thoughts on our characters: They all seem so.. alive. They're the stock characters because in so many lives, these people do exist. And I feel like the cast has gone so beyond it...

4- Contrived? I don't know, man. That's not a word that really comes to mind when I think of our play... Contrived.... Uhm, I think I liked it better when someone in the audience from the first night described it as "Sincere." Pish posh.

5- Once again-- Romantisized/unreal? While maybe it's accurate, I feel like it misses the point. Partially because, 1- We're drawing from a lot of pretty real experiences here. As in, a lot of this shit has actually happened.
I can understand how maybe an audience needs to see more change in Gertrude-- something that she references a lot but is harder to see in her actions--- but I think that if you really look at her... You see it. It's just not blunt change, which I think does stay true to people a lot of the time (at least, it does looking at myself). That whole "change comes from within" thing. And then, also, because, 2- This is absolutely an idealistic play. It's not suggesting that life is this easy, and maybe the struggles weren't blunt enough, but damn, I felt like we had enough bluntness.

6- Appeared one-sided-- I'm not going to try to counter it because, along with me not having the perspective to do so... I'm not sure exactly what she's referring to.

But she called your acting good! And it was! Wahoo. And we're 'entertaining.' And have an interesting story.

So, that was some of my take on the things she said. Some of which I agree with, to a point, a lot of which makes me wish she'd look deeper? Or maybe that's my one-sidedness talking. Also, audiences often leave plays with just a gut reaction, as opposed to a... desire to deconstruct a show for a long time, especially with such a high volume of show-seeing at Fringe, and... this is how someone feels.

I also realize that it's easy for somewhat amateur theatre-doers to fall into.... regurgitated structures that they've seen before, and I did have some worry about that this year.

Point being: Our play is by no means perfect. But I like it a lot. And I've learned a hell of a lot in the past 24 hours, watching plays, getting my neurons buzzing again... Taking into account last years show and this years, I'm mother fucking excited for next year. I'm also contemplating writing a one-act. Anyways- I'm excited for our show tomorrow night.

And, this deconstruction isn't so much me pretending like the reviewer is BS, because her reaction is valid, as it is... contemplation? I'm really curious to hear what Phillip Low, the blogger, has to say; I think he'll be really dead on.

Also, if I had more of a sure idea of what I wanted the audience to take away with them when they left, aside from "follow your dreams", that might be helpful filter.

-Emily

p.s. I think this sounds much more defensive than I intend it to. I'm actually quite happy with the review >

entarcplay @ 2006-08-05T22:44:00

2006-08-06T03:44:14Z

KELSEY- yeah, I definitely like the idea of you being amused at him. Kind of skeptical, but amused. And when you leave, it can be more of a "wink wink, nudge nudge" leaving then a "yuck" leaving... because you're excited for her, it's the first romance.
I dig that change.

And then... we're going to attempt to keep the apartment set up at one point; leave it set up during after "shitty job" for the two room scenes, then do the selfish scene, then take it down.

We'll see if it works.

And then... I think we're all just meeting there tomorrow? Be there by eight, or feel free to come to my place beforehand. I might call ya'll just to make sure we're cool.

entarcplay @ 2006-08-05T17:29:00

2006-08-05T23:32:18Z

Alright, CAST! This is Kelsey here and I would like to figure out this whole fringe pass thing. Here's what I want you to do. Go back and view the original schedule for the fringe passes and make sure that you have all of the shows that you want the pass for on there. If you do not, then you are pineapple-cunt and need to respond to this with the show/s that are missing if you do not do this then I sure as hell will not be working to get you a pass. So far....Let's see. Jonah, you are scheduled for shit on Tuesday, so I can drop it off at your house on Tuesday morning. Tell me your address again though. And then Kayla! There is a day that you are seeing Calculus the musical. That day, I can meet you at watershed where they are selling the tickets. That sound cool? I certainly hope you said yes. So these are all of the transactions I am planning on making based off of the schedule. Please, please tell me what the fuck is going on because either nobody is communicating, or no one is telling me. Pickle in the middle...WAH!WAH!WAHHHHHHHH! I'm a little high-energy right now. Can you tell?
Our audience fucking sucked today. However, Nathaniel, you made my dad's girlfriend cry. She liked watching you grow old. And my father said that it was a pretty okay show. And I believe him. Oh and he had a suggestion for me for the coffee shop scene, Em and Katie. So if you have pages of notes on that scene, he gave me a solution. Instead of completely hating him like I did today, it would make more sense fir me to be amused by his existence based off of how I viewed the 'dirty book' person.

...To all of you. Omigawd.

2006-08-04T05:13:48Z

Holy shit. I would like to passionately kiss all of you on all parts of your body, and I probably will.

No, but, really, holy shit, cast... You all are so beautiful and so talented and have made me so proud. No one else says my words as good as ya'll do.

Ahhh.

So much love.

Oh, and, uhm, we have a scent-free venue. We need to get some unscented talc-powder for G-pa hair (oops).

And then... Masquerade!!! It'll be great!!! Sarah, if your mom made a few more flyers for the M it'd be sweet, but I realize it's short notice and I didn't even think of it tonight.

Ahhh.

You are all so smart. I'm really happy.

Okay, sweet.

-Emily

(p.s. This message will self destruct... out of joy!!!!)

And p.p.s---- when you look at shows, it shows what other shows out scheduled, and it's usually like... the top five big shows or whatever. But dig this!!! This show... http://www.fringefestival.org/showDetail.cfm?showid=560.... has our shows name on the "people also scheduled...." holyyyy shiitt!!!! (at least, it has it on there as of right now; that stuff is prone to change). And I repeat: holeeeyy sheeeyyyiiiiitt.

<3

TO SARAH AND KAYLA

2006-08-02T20:56:39Z

G:Sometimes we'll be up late, walking and talking,and we'll just have so much to say... we'll finally realize its like four am and he has to work the next day or I have to get home, but by then its so late that we just... keep walking. We were on the bridge that connects the east and west bank, having walked nearly all the way from his house to mine, and he just starts... singing. He's singing to me, totally making it up as he goes along.

Sister: What did he sing?

G: Its silly... just, "Gertrude! I really really like you! I hope you like me too! Because I'm going to keep calling you so tell me right now if you don't want me to!"

Sister: Huh. Romantic...

G: Oh come on, he was being funny... but it was also just so honest of him.

To Katie

2006-08-02T07:41:04Z

1- Your cell phone is at my house, off in order to save the battery.
2- We need to make the program today, and talk to my cute neighbor, so maybe you should come earlier.
3- Speaking of programs, my writers notes are kind of long. Uh.

Speaking of it nearly being three AM (how does this happen?), we'll talk tomorrow >

WHAT EVERYONE DOES!!

2006-08-01T06:35:38Z

So, I'll give you copies of this in person. It's actually all bolded, you just can't tell on livejournal.

Eating Next to a Rubik's Cube

SCENE ONE.

Sarah, Kira, Nathaniel: Lights Dim, load from backstage left.
Kelsey: Load from backstage right.
Gertrude: go on from backstage left as the lights come up.

Mother: Once confronted with our own wishes, we admit that they were only said in passing, wistfully.
G: Why?
....
Gpa: Because it's important to believe in you ideals, and spend your whole life fighting for them.
(maybe after the explanation she'll say "oh" or "thanks, grandpa" or kiss his cheek or something) (..scampers to friend)

Lora: Come on, let's play pretend.....

Sarah, Kira: Exit left.
Nathaniel: Exit left, bring CHAIR.

SCENE 2:
Lora: How about I’m a doctor, and you’re a princess, and you hurt your toe.
Gertie: But I don’t want to be a princess
.......
L: Okay, so, let’s pretend that I’m a cat, and you’re a monster.
G: What kind of monster?
L: A friendly monster.

Nathaniel carries on TABLE with CAKE. the drawer should face the curtains.
Sarah brings TOYS
Mother brings WINE and CUPS.
Gertrude TAKES OUT BRAIDS
SCENE 3:
(Gertie’s 8th birthday w/ the family. Mother has a glass of wine)
Grandpa, sister, mother, singing:
"happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Gertrude, happy birthday to you!"
Sister: Make a wish, Gertie!
------

Mom: It’s a Rubik’s cube. You mess up the order of the colors, and then if you can put it back together, it means that you’re smart.

Gertie: Aw, cool! Thanks, mom!

Mom: You’re welcome, honey.
Grandpa pats Gertie on the back, hands her a BIRTHDAY CARD, and walks off the stage. A second later Shelly and Mom exit with the table and cake,
Gertrude gets up, puts HAIR UP IN HIGH PONYTAIL, goes over to telescope.

SCENE 4:
Gertie just turned 13. She recieved a telescope for her birthday, and she's really excited about it. And her G-pa is really proud, and at first is watching her play with it, and then he comes up and puts his hand on her shoulder, and the dialogue ensues

G-pa: Do you prefer a telescope to the company of your friends? You've walked nearly a mile from your party.
------
Gertrude: Grandpa! (she looks a little bit worried) You're not off the hook. You and I still have a universe to explore together. Look at this. Thats the future... I wish I could promise you that I'll reach that star...

(GRANDPA: Takes off cane (it would be cool if he could bring the telescope...)
GERTRUDE: Low ponytail. TAKES OFF CLOTHES.
ABBY brings TABLE (drawer still facing curtains)
LIAM brings 1 CHAIR and has MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK IN POCKET
KELSEY brings on CHAIR
CHRIS brings on CHAIR and 2 CUPS

SCENE 5:
Gertie and Lora (downstage center) are sitting in a coffeeshop together, chit chattin', Liam (upstage right) in the corner, flashing Gertie glances.

Lora: (signaling towards a girl in the corner) I bet she's reading something dirty.
Gertie: Why?
Lora: Don't you ever do that in public? Just for shits? Come on, look at her face.
----
Gertrude: Do you want to pull up a chair? <---remember to cut him off and say that. you’re excited.
Liam: I was hoping you’d ask.

LIAM brings chair to the other two chairs, then steps back.
ABBY adjusts TABLE and puts 4 SIDED RUBIK’S CUBE and THE STUFF IN THE DRAWER (namely SELF PORTRAIT) on top of it. Drawer can be left open.
CHRIS does the couch.
PICTURE OF GERTRUDE is sitting on prop table

Scene 6:
Liam: Welcome to my palace. I’m the king of this shithole.
Gertrude: Well, I suppose its good to be the king of something. At least its yours, you know?
-----
Gertrude: Liam... this is beautiful. I can't believe I inspired that.
Liam: Oh... you have no idea. This painting was a complete failure.
Gertrude: What? Why?
Liam: Well... it just isn't nearly as beautiful as you are.

As soon as they start the kiss, brown-out

LIAM carries out the TABLE, exits STAGE LEFT
GERTRUDE moves cushions/drapery.
ABBY takes CHAIR off stage.
CHRIS adjusts CHAIRS into a CAR and grabs any LOOSE STUFF
SISTER enters from STAGE LEFT and gets seated with her SUNGLASSES

SCENE 7:
G: You talked to mom at all recently?
S: Mm-mm. It’s hard to deal with someone who takes such little responsibility for her own life.
---------
S: Gertrude!
G: (a little suprised by the tone) What?
S: Are you still a virgin?

GERTRUDE exits STAGE RIGHT, where CHRIS hands her a PURSE W/ CUBE IN I
SARAH takes off CHAIRS
NATHANIEL brings on G-PA CHAIR

SCENE 8: Visiting granda.
Grandpa’s asleep.

Gertrude: Hey grandpa?
Grandpa: hmm?
Gertrude: Grandpa, it’s Gertie.
Grandpa: Oh, my. A visitor to my cell. Did you bring the provisions? (laughs) Sorry, Gertie. I’m here.

Grandpa: My little astronomer, you have more important challenges ahead of you.
(beat)
Ah, there goes another horse. She’s...... well, you see, she bucks.

NATHANIEL exits STAGE LEFT with CHAIR
JONAH brings on 3 FOLDING CHAIRS (...Gertie could grab one, too)
CHRIS assembles COUCH
ABBY grabs the TABLE

SCENE 9:
Gertrude and Liam are chilling at his house. Cuddlin’.
Liam: 10 more minutes of this bliss... and then I'm off to my shitty job. On my bike . In this beautiful, freezing fucking October weather.
(slight laugh)
Liam: I should just quit. Give my boss two weeks notice and split.
Getrude: You said the same thing a month ago.
----
G: Can you promise to only compliain with a purpose from now on? I'll promise to do the same.
L: Okay, Gertrude, I will. I'm sorry to be so tense with you, I've just got a lot of work cut out for me, and-- (looks at watch/clock) Fuck, I've gotta go. I'm running late. I'll see you later. LIAM exits, lights go out.

Things are sitting on the side... Stage Right.
KAYLA grabs stage right stuff (BREAKABLE CUBE, NOTEBOOK STUFF, BOOKS) throws a PENNY on the ground.
ABBY takes off TABLE, comes back and takes off CHAIRS
CHRIS assembled the BED out of COUCH stuff, throws a PURSE on the floor then moves ANYTHING REMAINING off the stage

SCENNE 10:
(Gertrude is in her room.
"Find a penny, pick it up..."
(voice trails off. sits with the penny.)
Gertrude: Yo penny, we have some talking to do.... you see.... well..... (gets stern)
I want my wishes back.
------
And when I'm about to die, when its all over, I want to look at the world, and I want to see...
Frequent interplanetary travel!
I want everyone, everywhere to have access to an expansive public library. everyone is educated, everyone has resources.
I want energy efficient ground travel and I want life on earth to thrive.
I want to have inspired.
MOTHER enters from UPSTAGE CENTER.
Mom (knocks on the door)(in that sugary sweet voice): Hey Gertrude, sweetheart? There's a message for you on the phone, I think it's from Lora, something about homework. Also, we just ordered pizza, I ordered your usual, pepperoni and black olives... (She looks down at the dismembered cube) What happened here?
------
Gertrude: Alright. Alright, Gertrude. I'm going to be honest and aware and stay. on. track. Whatever happens from here on in.... I'm creating it.

LORA enters from STAGE RIGHT, gets situated with a notebook and pencil (...one with conjugated spanish words in it???)
GERTRUDE hides the RUBIK’S CUBE in.. her PURSE (which chris brought out earlier)
Scene 11:
Lora and Gertrude sprawled on the floor of Gertrude's room.... Gertrude immersed in a fat astonomy book, Lora reading a spanish book with a page nearly full of writing in a notebook; by now she's begun writing on the margins.
L: You know, I like just being around you in this physical world, even when I know we're both off somewhere else.
Gertrude: Yeah, me too. Being ourselves around each other.....
-------
L: And then I saved downtown singlehandedly.... Or at least, I was about to-- I was throwing these glowing energy balls at the aliens, and flying around and holding the buildings together like superman-- but then it all went black... and I woke up
G: Right at the good part, too.
L: Yup.
G: So, how *did* you spend your day yesterday?

LIAM brings on THREE CHAIRS
ABBY brings on TABLE
LORA takes off BOOKS, NOTE BOOKS
CHRIS reassembles COUCH
GERTRUDE brings her PURSE along, sets it on the couch to grab when “..it’s over.”

SCENE 12:
Liam: You are so fucking selfish. (said with a lot of disgust)
Gertrude: Define selfish
Liam: Don't play dumb, and stop teasing me. You know what selfish means. You're... it.
--------
Liam (not even really listening): You've just been going about it all the wrong way. You think you're so much better than everyone, up on your high horse. What makes you so sure you're right?
Gertrude (gathering her stuff): Liam- we’re done.
Liam: (keeps yelling shit as she walks out)
From here: Gertrude walks out, the lights stay up on Liam for a bit, who’s fuming or something, then slowly fade.

ABBY takes off TABLE
CHRIS de-assembles COUCH, adjusts 2 CHAIRS INTO CAR POSITION
JONAH brings off CHAIR
KIRA enters from CENTER STAGE, and DRIVES WELL

Gertrude: So how was your day?

Mom: (Said kind of lackadaisically) Oh, same old same old. Not enough money to pay the bills...
-----
Gertrude: Yes, it counts for something. Of course it does. Mom... I wish you'd open up to me like this more often. Of course I want you to be happy... but I don't want your hapiness to come from a bottle. I want you to be proud of me... but I really want you to be proud of yourself.

Mom: Well... Gertie, I'm proud to be your mother. That's enough for me.

(Lights fade, music starts)
KIRA and GERTRUDE each take their CHAIR off to STAGE RIGHT
GRANDPA comes from STAGE LEFT with CHAIR!!

SCENE 15: Grandpa is slouched down in a chair, wearing slippers and pajamas. He has the newspaper or a "science news" magazine in hand, and perhaps some water on a table nearby (with a pill cup?), but he's staring blankly or dozing off.

Gert: (puts her hands on her grandpa's shoulders) Hey... Grandpa, I'm here.
Grandpa smiles and pats her hands, becoming a little bit more alert.
Gert: I've got good news... I haven't told anyone else yet. Are you ready for this?
----
Grandfather gets teary eyed, smiles a little.
Grandpa: My little astronomer...

then all that music stuff happens. When the lights fade...
NATHANIEL takes his CHAIR off the STAGE, goddamnit.
SARAH brings a BEER BOTTLE and RUBIK’s CUBE onto the fucking STAG!E!

SCENE 16: sitting on the ground, leaning back, maybe looking up at the stars.

Sister (putzing with a rubik's cube, peeling off the sides): You know, we're doing a lot better than our parents were.
Gertrude: ...yeah, I'd agree with that.
Sister: Look at us... going to college.
---
Gertrude: No... its more than luck. Don't kid yourself. We're strong girls. It sounds cheesy... but, we're going to make it. We're going to do a damn good job.
Sis: I'll drink to that.
Gertrude: You'll drink to anything. (they both laugh)

KELSEY aka LORA brings on the LAWN CHAIRS and GERTRUDE grabs CUPS. WAHOO.
SCENE 17:
G: I always figured you'd move somewhere warm.
L: Oh yeah?
----
L: But, if you wanted to do your monster impression again.... I wouldn't complain.
G: Only for you, Lora...... And, only if you're a cat.
L: Okay. I'm in.
and then ABBY and CHRIS quickly remove LAWN CHAIR and then ya’ll BOW with GERTRUDE in the MIDDLE. then katie and I say adorable things then cake happens.. outside

pleaaasssseee post any questions, my beautiful cast.

entarcplay @ 2006-07-31T14:07:00

2006-07-31T18:10:02Z

This is it! complete!

Eating Next to a Rubik's Cube

note: this script is a little muddled in strcture. Tech notes are in bold. Awesome.

SCENE 1. Mother, Sister, Grandfather, Friend. Maybe they're all still, and when Gertrude approaches each of them, they move. Soft, dim wash, spots on each as she aproaches them.

Mother: Once confronted with our own wishes, we admit that they were only said in passing, wistfully.

G: Why?

M: That's just the way it is, sweetie.

(scampers to sister)

S:... And when you turn seven like me, you get till stay up 'till ten!

G: Why?

S: Because seven plus three is ten.

(...to G-pa)

Gpa: Gertie, my little astronomer, always remember: Live by the sword, die by the sword.

G: Why, Grandpa? (and her why's will sound different, too; perplexed, the first time, excited the second time... a different kind of perplexed this time?)

Gpa: Because it's important to believe in you ideals, and spend your whole life fighting for them.

(maybe after the explanation she'll say "oh" or "thanks, grandpa" or kiss his cheek or something) (..scampers to friend)

Lora: Come on, let's play pretend.....

(girls run to center, wash fades/cuts, warm pool of light around the girls)

SCENE 2:
Lora: How about I’m a doctor, and you’re a princess, and you hurt your toe.
Gertie: But I don’t want to be a princess
L: What?
G: I mean, I want to be pretty, and princesses are pretty, but I want to be.... a spy.
L: Why would you want to be a spy?
G: Because I’d be really fast and- and I could do gymnastics.
L (calculating): Oh. Well, if you’re a spy, then I’m a cheetah. Only, I’m really another spy, I’m just pretending to be a cheetah. (beat) Do you think we’ll be spies when we grow up?
G: I dunno. I think I’ll be a writer.
L: Well, maybe I’ll be a musician.
G: Or I could be.... a boat captain.
L: Then I’d be a pirate and steal your ship!
G: Well... I’ll be the ocean, and swallow your ship!
L: You can’t be the ocean.
G: Why not?
L: Because... Because... Because then you couldn’t breathe and you’d die and I’d be really sad.
G: Oh. Well that’s okay. I didn’t really want to be the ocean anyways.
L: Good. I wouldn’t have liked that.
G: What I really want to be... is an alien planet explorer.
L: Really? Why’s that?
G: Because... well, then I could be friends with aliens and they could teach me fun alien games. (???)
L: Well... I guess I could help you build a rocket ship.
G: Okay.
(beat) (they start waling offstage)
L: Okay, so, let’s pretend that I’m a cat, and you’re a monster.
G: What kind of monster?
L: A friendly monster.

(both exit right, family enters left, bright wash as they enter singing)

SCENE 3:
(Gertie’s 8th birthday w/ the family. Mother has a glass of wine)
Grandpa, sister, mother, singing:
"happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Gertrude, happy birthday to you!"
Sister: Make a wish, Gertie!
(*pause*... then Gertrude excitedly blows out the candles. Quick dim, then lights back up. Like Candles I guess.)

Gertrude: *grins really wide* Well? don't you want to know what I wished for? (Imagine a kid with gappy teeth grinning hugely and being all cutesy)

Mom: No, Gertie don't you tell. If you tell it won't come true honey!

Gertrude: Really? Why not?

Mom: Oh I don't know, for the same reason that the tooth fairy leaves you a quarter when you lose your teeth, and why the sky is blue and why Santa brings you presents if you're good.

Grandpa walks over and hugs Gertie around the shoulders, and says just to her: Sometimes your mom forgets that you don't believe in that stuff anymore. Tell her your wishes if you want to.

Gertrude: well Mom, I'm going to tell you my wish anyway. I'll make it come true! You'll see. (beat. Glances at Grandpa) I wish that we could all travel into space on a rocket ship!

Mom: Oh great. Gertie... honey, thats great. (She looks angrily at grandpa, and then pulls him aside.)
Mom: Stop feeding my daughter those pipe dreams! You're just setting her up for dissapointment!

Grandpa: Olivia, let your daughter reach as high as she wants to. You should just hope that she reaches that high forever, and doesn't let anyone tell her that her dreams are impractical. Besides, isn't it better to believe in science than santa claus? Some day Olivia, her dreams are going to become her ideals, what she works for on a daily basis. You just better support her, or she won't take you with on the family rocket ship! (he laughs at his own joke)

Mom: You spent your whole life trying to reach mars, and where did that get you?

Grandpa: (A little offended. He starts to walk towards Gertrude, and then turns back to the mother) I worked hard, and I failed. So it goes. But the life I've led in pursuit of my ideals is one I would never trade. Gertrude is an ambitious 8-year-old... if she doesn't aim high, she'll end up regretting her life... don't take your limitations and fears out on her, Olivia. She doesn't have to settle. Neither did you."

Mom: Well, ever since Marty died...

Grandfather: Seven years ago..

Mom: ...It still hurts.

Grandfather: I know, Olive. I know. But if you keep indulging in your sorrow without working through it...

(Mom doesn’t want to hear it; walks back to the table. pushes a present that was sitting on a table closer to Gertie and takes a large gulp from her wineglass. )

Mom: Here, sweetie. This is for you.

Gertie: (excitedly opens it. it’s a Rubik’s cube) Wow! what is it?

Mom: It’s a Rubik’s cube. You mess up the order of the colors, and then if you can put it back together, it means that you’re smart.

Gertie: Aw, cool! Thanks, mom!

Mom: You’re welcome, honey.

(Grandpa pats Gertie on the back, hands her a birthday card, and walks off the stage. A second later Shelly and Mom exit with the table and cake, gertie gets up, gets a little older, goes over to telescope - far down right - lights fade from wash to a pretty small spot around her)

SCENE 4:
Gertie just turned 13. She recieved a telescope for her birthday, and she's really excited about it. And her G-pa is really proud, and at first is watching her play with it, and then he comes up and puts his hand on her shoulder, and the dialogue ensues

G-pa: Do you prefer a telescope to the company of your friends? You've walked nearly a mile from your party.

Gertrude: Oh... no, I suppose I'm being kind of antisocial. But... I'll be honest. The night sky interests me than they do.

G-pa: Theres a lot to learn no matter what direction you're looking in. Don't forget... there will always be someone stronger, smarter and faster than you right here on earth.

Gertrude: Yeah I know... I know. You've been telling me that for years... and I'm starting to understand why. I feel so big around these people, like I'm the only one changing... sometimes I get so frustrated. But then I read the news or look up at the stars and I realize that I'll only ever be a small piece of the world... that I may or may not do more than anyone else... but I want to save the world. I want to be a superhero. I still think some day I might wake up with super powers... Its silly, childish I guess...

G-pa: it is childish, Gertie. But maybe not for the reasons you think. You are going to wake up, every day from this day forth, with great power - the power you already have, and the power you gain through knowledge and conviction. But trust me when I tell you this. If you don't use it, you will lose it. We have limited time on this earth... especially if you're planning on space travel. (chuckle) You're on the right track though... you're not afraid of hard work.

Gertie: No, quite the contrary. I'm afraid of things getting too easy. Grampa... if you had to choose one thing that you could do for the world, one improvement you could leave with humanity... what would it be?

G-pa: (he looks up at the sky, maybe sighs a little, with a thoughtful expression and a bit of a smirk. Then he looks pridefully at Gertie.)I always thought the greatest thing for mankind would be a world devoted to interplanetary travel. All of the scientific minds of the century focusing all of their energy on getting off of this rock. That's why I became an aerospace engineer. But... I learned too late in life that a scientist with no social skills isn't going to have much political influence. And right now, space travel is very much a matter of politics. (he looks back down to Gertie, who is staring intently through her telescope. He smiles widely, maybe a little teary eyed.) Gertie, my little astronomer. You couldn't possibly know how proud I am of you. That I could leave this world with you still in it gives me so much joy.

Gertrude: Grandpa! (she looks a little bit worried) You're not off the hook. You and I still have a universe to explore together. Look at this. Thats the future... I wish I could promise you that I'll reach that star...

(Fades; Cue the song “I.O.U." by Metric, which fades into 'Short Skirt, Long Jacket" by cake. Track ... signifying change or some shit like that. Brown out as coffee shop gets set up, then back up into bright wash)

SCENE 5:
Gertie and Lora (downstage center) are sitting in a coffeeshop together, chit chattin', Liam (upstage right) in the corner, flashing Gertie glances.

Lora: (signaling towards a girl in the corner) I bet she's reading something dirty.

Gertie: Why?

Lora: Don't you ever do that in public? Just for shits? Come on, look at her face.

Gertie: (slight laugh) Yeah, okay, I could see it. She looks kind of disappointed, though, like the saucy part just ended.
(beat)
Lora: So, I've decided to stop sleeping.

G: Stop sleeping? Whaddo you mean?

Lo: I mean... wasting my time. No more napping, sleeping in, sleeping around.... None of it. I want to use my time better while I'm awake.

G: What do you want to do with it?

Lo: Fuck, I don't know. Learn Spanish? I just want to keep moving. I might pick up piano again, I like how it made my brain feel. And I want to really earn my sleep at night.

G (she's been checkin' out Liam this whole time): Is he looking at me?

Lo: Not only is he looking at you, he's coming over to the table.

Liam (to Gertrude): Excuse me, but you don’t happen to have a two syllable name, do you?

G: Yeah... It’s Gertrude.

Lo: You always cringe when you say that.

Liam: Gertrude? Gertrude... It’s perfect! When you say it, it makes your whole mouth sing, the air pulses in a perfect circle from throat to lips. Thank you for sharing that with me, Gertrude- I’ll be right back.

(Lora and Gertrude have this filler dialogue while Liam goes back to the table. Liam stands next to it, writes her name into the poem holds it up to read, giving one of those “ah! perfect” looks at it.... and then he comes back.)

Lora: Not that this is really important or anything.... But I bet he has a really tiny penis.

Gertrude: No, it really isn’t important. And, not like I’ll ever see it anyways./ Or? I don’t know... (sort of shy about it) I’m not too experienced in... uh... guessing of that nature.

Liam (..returns): Hi again. Sorry for not introducing myself- my name is Liam.

Gertrude: It’s nice to meet you, Liam.

Liam: The pleasure is mine. May I... May I read you a poem? Your name completed it.

Gertrude: (giddy/nervous/excited) Of course.

Liam: ....dramatically reads a haiku.

Lora: You’re a... haiku artist?

Gertrude (sort of said to herself?): It was wonderful.

Liam: You liked it? And, yes (proudly) I am. An aspiring one, at least. I’m in the midst of a number artistic endeavors right now--

Gertrude: Do you want to pull up a chair?

Liam: I was hoping you’d ask.

(Brown out again, apartment gets set up. Aprtment’s center left on stage Maybe sort of dim light on it. It’s shitty.)

Scene 6:
Liam: Welcome to my palace. I’m the king of this shithole.

Gertrude: Well I suppose its good to be the king of something. At least its yours, you know?

Liam: Thats a really good way to look at it.

Gertrude: Do you care if I poke around?

Liam: Knock yourself out.

Gertrude eyes the paintings/drawings/etc.

Liam (feeling the need to explain): I've been working on these pictures for a while... its like they're never really done, I'm never satisfied, but... I think they're getting close. As soon as I have enough stuff together I'm going to try to get my work out in public, some kind of showing.

Gertrude (gesturing towards a picture on the wall):
How long did that one take you?

Liam: Oh... yeah, that one, surprisingly enough only took me about 20 minutes. And its also the only piece I have that I'd consider finished. its a self portrait, if you can tell.

Gertrude (smiles): Yeah I can tell. That ones my favorite... you're pretty good at this stuff aren't you.

Liam: Thanks, that really does mean a lot to me. I'm always a little bit apprehensive about showing my unfinished art... (Liam continues talking, perhaps about the process of drawing or something)... You find a muse, and you can spend months just producing crap, trying to truly embody the beauty, the power of that image or idea, just trying to create that concise perfection, to spell out an irrefutable message in your strokes. And sometimes you just happen to get inspired on a morning when you have a ten hour shift, and its between feeding yourself and getting your creative energy out...
(picks up a Rubik’s cube)
Gertrude kind of interrupts him a little, she was listening and nodding to his words a little bit while roaming around his apartment until she saw the cube. She picks it up, throws it to herself.
Gertrude: A four by four, eh? I could never even get the normal ones... (She motions as if to start working on it herself)

Liam: Ooh don't change it though, It took me forever to get it that way!

Gertrude: Oh, ok. (beat.) (here Gertrude is laughing a little and teasing him)You know... this one side is really (emphasis on really) nice, but you're going to have to screw it up if you ever want to finish it.

Liam: Of course, of course. (pause, maybe a laugh or a smile. Then he gets a little bit more serious) This is going to sound a bit strange but... I really only want one finished side. I feel its more realistic that way. Human's are always trying to organize things, to make everything look neat, coordinated, synthetic. But in reality you can only make things appear orderly. My rubik's cube is like a little art project in its self - one dimension to represent the neuroticism of humanity, the surface - the others to represent the true CHAOS (he should kind of enunciate chaos, like its a psychadellic word or something), the unpredictable mess that is life.

(Gertrude sinks into the sofa, sorta tired)
Gertrude: But ... a rubik's cube is logical... The Rubik's cube, whether messed up or not, is still just a game of patterns, inputs and outputs. And really nature is the same way, I think. Chemistry, biology, physics - we've got all of these different sciences that explain... well, the order to that chaos. How everything is connected.

Liam: Gertie you have no idea how long its been since I've spoken to someone who really thinks about things. (he kind of ignores what she said, drops the argument and compliments her instead.) You really are something...

Gertrude is maybe a bit distracted by the flattery. Maybe she blushes or gets humble.
Gertrude: Oh... well, thanks? I guess. (she smiles)

And here I have an idea for the kiss/flirtation factor.
Liam: Hey, stay right there! I have something I want to show you. Hold on, I'll be right back. (Here Liam runs off stage or to a distant part of the stage, where he picks up a canvass. In the meantime Gertrude is a little surprised and maybe uncomfortable because she's never dealt with being courted before.)
Liam returns, and Gertrude smiles at him.
Liam: Alright... here it is.

Gertrude looks at it, and her eyes widen. She smiles and looks really flattered, maybe she gets a little emotional.
Gertrude: Liam... this is... just amazing! . But, we've only known each other for a week... when did you... how could you have done this?
Liam: Gertrude... I hope you don't think this is too creepy, but I actually started painting that the first day I ever saw you. I'd sketched your face in the coffee shop a few months ago, and seen you a few times since... you just radiated this ... this strength, you were like no one I'd ever seen before. I had to try and capture it.
Gertrude: Liam... this is beautiful. I can't believe I inspired that.
Liam: Oh... you have no idea. This painting was a complete failure.
Gertrude: What? Why?
Liam: Well... it just isn't nearly as beautiful as you are.

(Here Liam puts his hand in Gertie's hair, and they both lean together. And there is your kiss. As soon as they start the kiss, brown-out. Apartment gets taken down, car is set up. Light pretty well focused on it.)

scene 7:
G: You talked to mom at all recently?

S: Mm-mm. It’s hard to deal with someone who takes such little responsibility for her own life.

G: Yeah, exactly. It’s like she’s so frightened that she has the power to create something that she wants that she settles for living someone else’s dream... Like she gave up at some point, and just stopped aiming for anything, but kept chugging along, bobbing for apples. She's the best apple bobber in town but she's ... bored, overqualified...

S: ...what? Gertie, sometimes I wonder if you're really on planet earth.

G: I just mean that she's filled her days with mundane tasks, rituals, even superstitions... but when she was our age... she must have had dreams, right? She's always working now, but she's never satisfied, never... never proud of her accomplishments. She can't even fake a smile without a couple glasses of wine.

S: Whatever her dreams were, they didn't involve us. I remember all of the tactics she used to keep us in line... everything from taking our toys away to threatening to tranquilize us. Chances are she didn't want kids. I remember once, when you were... maybe 4 years old, she was having a terrible day. It was about a year after dad had passed on, and you know how she mourns a little extra around THAT day. Anyway, you'd left your legos all over the living room floor, you were always trying to build something

Gertie (cuts in): Rocket ships.

S: yeah, yeah, rocket ships, airplanes, barbie dream houses, whatever. Anyway, we were just settling in for bed, and mom peeks her head in, totally fuming, she's got a handfull of legos and she sprinkles them across our bedroom floor, and she looks at you and says, "Gertie, if you don't pick up your mess I'm going to cut your hands off." (takes hands off wheel during gesture)

Gertie: (lunges towards wheel) Hey!

S: Sorry.

(beat)

Gertrude: I don't remember that...

S: Well, you looked her right in the face and started giggling. You thought she was joking. Your giggle turned into laughter, and then she starting laughing too. She hugged you and said she was sorry. I on the other hand was so angry at her... and worried. I was 7 years old, old enough to know that she was angry and sad... but young enough to worry that she might really hurt you. I stayed up all night, convinved that I was going to have to protect you... I remember hearing her crying later that night. I even wrote all about it in my diary, with my terrible little chicken scratches...

G: ... she wanted kids. She wanted kids with our father. She never thought she'd be raising us alone. Mom loved him so much... I remember Grandpa telling me that mom, before she met dad, had planned on becoming a doctor. She had graduated at the top of her class in highschool, and she made it a few years in college before falling in love. When she met dad, she was so eager to start a family that she actually quit college when she became pregnant with you! She thought she'd be happy forever as a stay at home mom as long as he was around.

S: ... do you remember dad at all?

G: No, not really.

S: I do... a little. I was only six when he died. But I remember little things... like his heart shaped waffles on sunday mornings. I remember he called me "the philosopher", because even then I was coming up with strange little explanations for everything. Like once, I peed outside on the lawn, and dad got mad, but I explained to him "daddy, it wasn't my fault.... the grass was pretending to be a potty."

G: You were a cute kid.

S: Yeah, and look at me now...

G: What happened?

S: you know- drugs, sex, the usual.

G: huh.

S: I’m not saying that I make all the smartest decisions..... but they’re my decisions, and I stand by them.

G: What’s so appealing about that kind of life? I’ve never really understood it.

S: That's just how we roll.

G: Man, you have no idea how sick I am of people who want to escape from their own lives-- why would you want to live a life that you’re constantly trying to escape from? What’s the point? Why wouldn’t you try to change where you’re at instead of giving a temporary solution to a more permanent problem? It’s like... covering acne up with foundation and powder instead of buying some benzoyl peroxide.

(beat)

S: so, what, you think I should wash my face more often?

G: (looks at her for a second) Nevermind. (beat) Soo.... I may or may not have met a really cute boy.

S: Oh?

G: Yeah... And I slept at his house... two nights in a row.

S: Scandalous. Just scandalous.

G: And I really like him. He writes me poetry, Shelly- haiku! Isn’t that romantic?

S (slight laugh to self): Totally.

G: (insert really romantic story here)

S: That’s awesome, Gertrude. Is he good enough for you? Because if he does anything to hurt you, I will eat his heart right out of his chest cavity which I will rip open with the claws I will proceed to grow.

G: Thanks, sis. It's comforting to know that I've got someone looking out for me, and plotting to kill my boyfriend.

S: Hey- that's what family's for.

G: (slight laugh) But I think he is good enough for me. He’s got his issues, but who doesn’t, you know? I feel like I’m pretty good for him right now, too.

S: (car stops suddenly. Faint sounds of schreeching tires? If you have a stock sound like that, cool, if not, also cool.) Gertrude (said as if she'd just thought of something important).

G: (a little suprised by the tone) What?

S: Are you still a virgin?

(Gertrude gets out without response as the lights cut. Car gets struck, grandpa chair is set up. a small part of the stage is lit up; they look small, isolated.)

SCENE 8: Visiting granda.
Grandpa’s asleep.

Gertrude: Hey grandpa?

Grandpa: hmm?

Gertrude: Grandpa, it’s Gertie.

Grandpa: Oh, my. A visitor to my cell. Did you bring the provisions? (laughs) Sorry, Gertie. I’m here.

(pause)

Gertrude: So, what have you been doing lately?

Grandpa: Oh, nothing. Tending to the horses, mostly.

Gertrude: The horses?

Grandpa: Yes, well, they’re very.... ... .. .. .. wiley.

Gertrude: Grandpa... I was wondering if you could help me with this. Do you still remember how to do it?

Grandpa (examines it for a bit): You know what I say, Gertie? I say, I say fuck it.

Gertrude: You say... fuck it?

Grandpa: Yes. (...muttering) And the gestapo don't much like the French either....(...not muttering) But you don’t need to waste your time with that thing.

Gertrude: I’m not sure that I understand, Grandpa.

Grandpa: My little astronomer, you have more important challenges ahead of you.
(beat)
Ah, there goes another horse. She’s...... well, you see, she bucks.

(aprtment set up again. Same lights as previous apartment set-up.)
Scene 9:
Gertrude and Liam are chilling at his house... maybe cudding, maybe spooning, maybe he has his arm around her, maybe they're eating breakfast....

Liam: 10 more minutes of this bliss... and then I'm off to my shitty job. On my bike . In this beautiful, freezing fucking October weather.

(slight laugh)

Liam: I should just quit. Give my boss two weeks notice and split the whole town.

Getrude: You said the same thing a month ago.

Liam: Well, it's still true. I still hate the job just as much. Can you imagine it? I pick up cardboard, put it into a machine.... Then I take it out of the machine. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Getrude: (...slight beat) Why do you keep going to it if you hate it so much?

Liam: It pays well.

Gertrude (this line should be clear, emphasized): Yeah, but you're selling you life at a going rate of--

L: 14.60 per hour!

G: Is it worth it?

L: Gertrude, I need to eat. I don't have a choice.

G: I just don't think it has to be like this... you spout off your dreams like they're really important to you, you talk about traveling and getting your paintings in galleries or getting your work published or at least finishing the next haiku... you get so excited about all these dreams- and yet as you say them, it's like you don't really believe that they're possible. Like your ideals are things that only happen in some parallel but unreachable universe. I don't get it. If you know what you want, and you really want it, how can anything be stopping you from it?

L: (kinda frazzled) I'm just trying ot keep my head above the water, you know? I really do want to do all of those things, I'm just-- I'm not ready yet.

G: Liam, I know that you're working on it, I know that it's hard... But I hate hearing you complain without making any changes.

L: I know...

G: Can you promise me something?

L: Of course, Gertrude, anything.

G: Can you promise to only compliain with a purpose from now on? I'll promise to do the same.

L: Okay, Gertrude, I will. I'm sorry to be so tense with you, I've just got a lot of work cut out for me, and-- (looks at watch/clock) Fuck, I've gotta go. I'm running late. I'll see you later. (splits quickly? gives her a kiss?)

(This time it’s gertrude’s room. Stage right. brighter lights tham Liam’s shitty apartment)

scene10:
(Gertrude enters her room.... Stressed out. Frustrated, but sort of hiding it. Moving around idly, trying to find something to do. Rubik's cube sitting on a table...
anyways, she pages through a magazine... opens a notebook momentarily, or eyes it, but decides against it... just feeling restless....
then she starts talking to objects, to herself.
walking around her room, finds a penny:)
"Find a penny, pick it up..."
(voice trails off. sits with the penny.)
Gertrude: Yo penny, we have some talking to do.... you see.... well..... (gets stern)
I want my damn wishes back.

(beat. stands, or something)
I know it sounds silly, ridiculous, but, I've got all this stuff I want to do, these accomplishments that seem so impossible, how will I ever get there? ... fly through the o-zone layer, or at least save it, or.... live on mars (beat. change of.... face, whatever)

Am I really even thinking this? Someones gotta do it, why not me? I just need to... pick an objective, maybe even arbitrarily... and go for it.

Alright, Gertrude. I want to... (trails off) (...looks frustrated. thinking, blah blah) (grabs the rubik's cube as the thinks. scoping it out, maybe turning it? This is going to be hard to set up because it's supposed to break. hmm)
Well, if I was.. If I was Liam, I guess I'd... write a poem about my future or something.
And if I was my grandfather (grandpa?) I'd make a plan, maybe. And I'd follow the plan.. and my heart... And if I was my mother.... I'd try. For a while. ....and then, I'd mess up once, and get discouraged... And if I was my sister... (sigh, or something) But, I'm not my sister. I'm not any of them. I'm Gertrude. I'm Gertrude, and I still can't solve this goddamn thing (throws it, and breaks it a part). (another change of her face)
Fuck the Rubik's cube... it doesn't mean anything. Just some patterns that I can't freaking figure out.

Maybe if I could just figure out my own patterns... or even how I want it to go... but people aren't so logical, its not so damn easy. Everything is subjective to desire, and what if I really desire nothing?

This.... well, this... this broken piece of shit is me.
Now one or all of these things must come true in my lifetime.

one. (somehow she's handling a piece of the rubiks cube, maybe four different colors, she puts them on four different sides.) I'm going to save the world.
Two. I'm going to work hard. I won't give up, I won't quit, I'll never give in.
Three. I'm going to teach, I'm going to lead.
Four. I'm going to invent.

And... and I'm gonna find someone who is really all of these things, "I want someone... who will never grow old. No... not that. Someone who will never stop learning, who will never be half alive..."
I want someone who makes no excuses, who won't accept failure, who won't settle for less.
I want someone who sees distant planets when he looks into my eyes, someone who inspires me and is inspired with me.

And when I'm about to die, when its all over, I want to look at the world, and I want to see...
Frequent interplanetary travel!
I want everyone, everywhere to have access to an expansive public library. everyone is educated, everyone has resources.
I want energy efficient ground travel and I want life on earth to thrive.
I want to have inspired.

so she's listing this shit out somehow. where she's come from, where she is, where she's going....
and then.....
her mom walks in.

Mom (knocks on the door)(in that sugary sweet voice): Hey Gertrude, sweetheart? (she says this next line as she opens the door. I don't really care what it is) There's a message for you on the phone, I think it's from Lora, something about homework. Also, we just ordered pizza, I ordered your usual, pepperoni and black olives... (She looks down at the dismembered cube) What happened here?

Gertrude: (a little shocked. the happy "I'm figuring my life out!!!!" look sinks from her face) .... it Broke.

Mom: That was a birthday present... you remember? I got that for you when you were eight.

Gertrude: (not sure what to say) Yeah, I remember that.

Mom (sorts huffy sounding): Well... everything's gotta fall apart eventually. Thats just how it works I guess. I wish you'd be more careful, though. (beat)Oh, hon your laundry's finished, it's sitting on dining room table. (beat) I guess I'm gonna go catch the evening news... I'm really tired... Love you dear. (maybe Gertie just watches her as she says it, smiles slightly)

(mom leaves)

Gertrude: Alright. Alright, Gertrude. I'm going to be honest and aware and stay. on. track. Whatever happens from here on in.... I'm creating it.

(Quick brown as the actors assume the position)

Scene 11:
Lora and Gertrude sprawled on the floor of Gertrude's room.... Gertrude immersed in a fat astonomy book, Lora reading a spanish book with a page nearly full of writing in a notebook; by now she's begun writing on the margins.

L: You know, I like just being around you in this physical world, even when I know we're both off somewhere else.

Gertrude: Yeah, me too. Being ourselves around each other.....

(beat. they look occupied for a bit) (Gertie makes a face at her book, then says as she sits up more, holding it)

G: Okay, I can't makes heads or tails of this..... (reads some complicated sounding astronomical sentence)

Lora: No comprendo.

G: I mean, I know I'll be able to get it eventually... But right now... My brain is full. I need a break.

Lora: Yeah, good idea.

They stretch. Do bridges, do the splits, touch your toes in various ways, looks... flexible? Maybe it's a metaphor for your flexible potential! Or maybe you're just cramped. Anyways- it'd be sweet if you had this following conversation while breaking into yoga moves, and stuff like that. It could be a cool use of movement.

G: Man, I had the weirdest dream last night (Lora puts her attention on Gertie). I was driving a car- which was scary in itself because I'm not used to having that much control in a vehicle-- but that's beside the point. So, my grandpa was in the passenger seat, he'd escaped from the nursing home, and he was... Well, he was there. He was all there, like he used to be. And he said to me, in that way he had (mimicing) "all right, my little astronomer, you can drop me off right here." and I looked at him kind of shocked, because... Well, first of all, we were in some vague location, it was some open, fieldy area.... But then he said to me, unassumingly, but yet, all knowingly... He looked at me and he said "No matter where you go, you'll always have yourself".

Lora: Is that when you woke up?

G: No, I think I kept dreaming, but it was nothing as interesting... Something about cats.

Lora: I usually just dream about... things in my day. But, like, a lot more fucked up.

G: How do you mean?

Lora: Well, in my dream last night... I was sitting downtown, alone, on top of the IDS .... looking out towards the Foshay tower. And it was snowing, but I was back in shorts, and the sun was beating down... When suddenly, everything started to shake, and buildings were collapsing all over, and the sun starts speeding towards me, I barely duck out of the way... I open my eyes, and it's crashed into the roof of the IDS, five feet away from me.

G: The sun?

L: Well, it wasn't the sun.... It was an alien space ship.

G (more interested): Why are you the one dreaming about aliens....

L: I think because I was playing video games with my brother. Anyways, the aliens were shaped like.... Big snowflakes. So they blended in, and were really hard to see. And then... they started zapping things. They were zapping downtown, just, incinerating it. (Lora's getting pretty into it, acting it out... Gertrude is entrhalled)

G: And then?

L: And then I saved downtown singlehandedly.... Or at least, I was about to-- I was throwing these glowing energy balls at the aliens, and flying around and holding the buildings together like superman-- but then it all went black... and I woke up,

G: Right at the good part, too.

L: Yup.

G: So, how *did* you spend your day yesterday?

(we could cut it there? or...)
Lora: Me and my brother went and saw a movie together, you know those rare but cute little brother sister bonding moments that I'm so fond of, and there was this guy outside of the bookstore talking really loudly on his cell phone. He was obviously having like a fight with his girlfriend or something, and he was gradually getting louder and louder and he seemed like he was getting kind of embarrassed about it, he'd look around and see if anyone was watching and me and Zack would pretend to look away, and that went on for a while until finally he got really flustered and yelled, "YOU SAID YOU LIKED IT WHEN I DID THAT!" and from here he turns beat red, mutters "I can't have this conversation now! Goodbye!" (this sentence is said urgently, angrily/frantically,... think comedic improvisation. This is a funny sentence from a really pathetically emotional guy.) and hangs up.

... (in the meantime Gertrude is laughing at the story, she's maybe a little surprised by it. Thats not something you see every day.)

Oh, And I fought some aliens.
G: Oh good, so its all coming together.

(apartment again. Shitty apartment lights)

SCENE 12:
Liam: You are so fucking selfish. (said with a lot of disgust)

Gertrude reacts angrlilly physically, is about to yell at him, but closes her mouth/composes herself, and calmly says: Define selfish

Liam: Don't play dumb, and stop teasing me. You know what selfish means. You're... it.

Gertrude: Define selfish.

Liam: You're only concerned with yourself, you don't care how you affect others. You don't care that I love you, that you're hurting me.

Gertrude: If by that you mean that I want to see the people around me improve, not stagnate... then, fine, I’m selfish. I’m completely and utterly selfish. And if I’m really hurting you, Liam... you’re a lot weaker than I gave you credit for.

Liam: You are a nut case. (laughs condescendingly) You must be in denial or something.

Gertrude: (Gets kind of angry) Explain that.

Liam: I don't want to. You're too emotional to get it right now anyway.

Gertrude: (beat) Liam, I’m going to leave. This is over.

Liam (not even really listening): You've just been going about it all the wrong way. You think you're so much better than everyone, up on your high horse. What makes you so sure you're right?

Gertrude (gathering her stuff): Liam- we’re done.

Liam: (keeps yelling shit as she walks out)

From here: Gertrude walks out, onto the other side of the screen; the lights stay up on both for a bit. Liam fumes, maybe paces, maybe puts his head in his hands. Gertrude’s doing sit-ups, getting strong, something liek that... the lights go out on Liam, stay on her.

So- Gertrude enters her room, sets her shit down. Sits for a second, just letting it sink it, then shakes herself out of it... And starts doing sit ups. At this point, the lights go out to liam, maybe the music dims, if we have music, and she'll say, simply) "I want to be... strong."

Scene 13:
takes place in a car (different car, similar lights to the previous car)... and ends when they arrive at their destination. The mom gets out of the car at the end of the convo... and Gertrude sits there, holding onto the words for a bit longer, until the lights go out.

Gertrude: So how was your day?

Mom: (Said kind of lackadaisically) Oh, same old same old. Not enough money to pay the bills, and (.....complaint!!!!)/.And your sister is still being such a jerk, I just don't even know what to do with her anymore (said really dramatically). Whenever I talk to her, its just "Mom, leave me the hell alone". She's so ungrateful its rediculous. I wish I hadn't spent so much damn money on her over the years. You're such a good kid Gertrude, I'm glad you love your mother.

Gertrude: Yeah... of course I do.

Mom: Good honey! (Imagine how my mom talks to the cats.) You know, this is going to sound weird... but if I did win the lottery one of these days, I think you're the only person I would trust to love me for more than my money.
Gertrude is a little shocked by this.

Gertrude: Wow... mom.. where did that come from?

Mom: Oh I don't know. I love you, dear. You know I really want you to be happy, and I think you really want me to be happy, too. All those years you'd ask me, "Why?" And I'd give you some bullshit answer, some dated mom answer. Despite that though, you grew up well. You grew up like your grandpa wanted me to grow up. I just hope you know that whatever you do, I love you.

Gertrude: Mom... are you listening to yourself? Are you dying or something? I've never heard you talk like this before.

Mom: I don't know... just watching you grow up, after all these years... I'm proud of you. I helped you become this amazing woman that you are, and that has to count for something.

Gertrude: Yes, it counts for something. Of course it does. Mom... I wish you'd open up to me like this more often. Of course I want you to be happy... but I don't want your hapiness to come from a bottle. I want you to be proud of me... but I really want you to be proud of yourself.

Mom: Well... Gertie, I'm proud to be your mother. That's enough for me.
(Gertrude is silent, a little dazed looking. Car lights go out, grandpa set-up, including isolationist lights. Yellow Flower of Texas begins)

SCENE 15: Grandpa is lying in a bed or slouched down in a chair, wearing slippers and pajamas. He has the newspaper or a "science news" magazine in hand, and perhaps some water on a table nearby (with a pill cup?), but he's staring blankly or dozing off.

Gert: (puts her hands on her grandpa's shoulders) Hey... Grandpa, I'm here.

Grandpa smiles and pats her hands, becoming a little bit more alert.

Gert: I've got good news... I haven't told anyone else yet. Are you ready for this?

Grandpa squeezes her hand, smiles. "Ready for what, dear?"

Gert: I was accepted. I'm going to be majoring in Aerospace engineering... I got in, Grandpa! My life ... its really going to begin now.

Grandpa is smiling... theres a bit of a pause.

Grandpa: "Gertie? Is that you?"

Gertrude: Yes, Grandpa... I'm here. (Still smiling, looking excited.)

Grandpa: Gertie... I'm not myself anymore. I'm no longer conscious...
Gertrude leans down, hugs her grandpa tightly.
Grandpa: I would've rather died than lost this much of myself...

Gertrude squeezes her grandpa's hand, her expression changes to a serious one.
Gert: you're the greatest man I'll ever know. (Said very emotionally)

Grandfather gets teary eyed, smiles a little.
Grandpa: My little astronomer...

(Maybe she kneels beside him... The song Don't Fence Me In Begins to play, same track, so you don’t actually have to do anything to make that happen; He begins to sing... eyes still tearing, or you could cry, but god, that would make me cry, too. Misses some of the words, sometimes a beat too slow, but always hits "don't fence me in", and Gertrude starts to sing along with him, only hitting that part because that's all she knows, maybe harmonizing a bit. The lights go out. Stage is cleared. Lights go back up in a blue wash (?) with a white spot around Shelly and Gertrude)

SCENE 16: sitting on the ground, leaning back, maybe looking up at the stars.

Sister (putzing with a rubik's cube, peeling off the sides): You know, we're doing a lot better than our parents were.

Gertrude: ...yeah, I'd agree with that.

Sister: Look at us... going to college. We've got the whole world ahead of us... no excuses, nothing to hold us back. We, every day from this day forward, are a series of decisions continue to make.

Gertrude: What did you say you were? A philosophy major? (they both laugh)

Sister: Major... I still haven't picked one. But... who knows. I could sit around on a rock all day like Socrates, telling the youth whats up.

Gertrude: You'd get restless. Besides, will you ever really grow up? (she snickers)

Sister: Hopefully not completely. But where it counts, you know? I've got to maintain that balance between young heart and old soul.

Gertrude: You know... we've changed pretty dramatically in these last few months. I can't even relate to who I was in the Liam days, let alone who you were in the height of your partying. That is a bit confusing to me... how some people can change so much, while others just get... stuck.

Sis: Don't speak too soon. We've got a good 60 years in which to find ourselves stuck. We've been lucky - so far, nothing has been able to break us.

Gertrude: No... its more than luck. Don't kid yourself. We're strong girls. It sounds cheesy... but, we're going to make it. We're going to do a damn good job.

Sis: I'll drink to that.

Gertrude: You'll drink to anything. (they both laugh)

(Lights out/down. When they come back it’s a very similar set up, but not a blue wash. You know, cause it’s not night anymore.)

Scene 17:
I guess it's the end of the summer. So, they're drinking lemonade.

G: I always figured you'd move somewhere warm.

L: Oh yeah?

G: Well, then you can show off your hot body in all the seasons.

L: One season year round... I like the idea. I wont be able to use seasonal affectiveness disorder as an excuse anymore, I'll just be positive and hard working all the time... and I won't settle for less.

G: A toast- to not settling.

L: To not settling. (...clink they're little lemonade, probably in paper cups.)

L: I knew you'd never really settle. I mean, I wondered sometimes- That whole thing with Liam was... well... It was..

G: It was a learning experience.

L: I was going to say the stupidist thing I've ever seen a girl as bright as yourself put yourself through, but, all right, I'll settle for that.

G: I thought you said you'd never settle.

L: Well, I can make an exception.

G: That's how it starts though... Come on, Lora, constant vigilance!

L: You're not my drill sargeant, you're my best friend.

G: But that's what we're here for, too, right? to keep each other in line?

L: Yeah... and to still be there for each other, even when we really fuck up.

G: Like that time when you thought you'd scale that one guy's apartment... barefoot, at 4 in the morning, to slip in through his window and crash that party you weren't invited to?

L: Yeah, well, it was a learning experience.

(beat)

L: Do you believe in loving unconditionally?

G: I don't believe that much of anything is unconditional. Especially not things that constantly change. Like humans! Some laws are unconditional maybe... like the laws of physics.

L: Well... I know its weird but sometimes I wish that I could just rely on you to love me no matter what, like even if I'm a total idiot and I fail at life.

G: The thing is, you're not a total idiot. If Lora became a total idiot, she would no longer be the Lora that I know. I will always love you, as you are now... I can promise that much. And... are you really worried about failing at life? Come on.

L: Well... sure I am. Not like I've never failed before. And its hard to imagine that I'll keep learning at this rate forever... its scary to think that at some point, I might stop improving.

G: Well thats how we keep each other in line! Highly conditional love.

L: A toast! To highly conditional love! (Said purposefully cheesily... like she's imitating the previous toast)

I don't know what you want to put here, but I think its best if it just cuts directly to this sentence:

G: Sometimes we're a little ridiculous.

L: Do you remember when we used to playpretend?

G: Of course I do. But look at us now-- you're off to South america, your yoga poses put me to shame, you're writing puts anyone to shame... I doubt we could have dreamt up the kinds of things we're doing now.

L: And you're just freakin amazing-- I'm sure your on the verge of discovering another galaxy....

G: Well I don't know about that. But we don't need to pretend anymore, thats for sure, because.... here we are. We're producers, we're adults. We are everything we've done up to this point. We're part of this world, this world that owes us nothing... we're...

L: We're living.

(beat)

L: But, if you wanted to do your monster impression again.... I wouldn't complain.

G: Only for you, Lora...... And, only if you're a cat.

L: Okay. I'm in.

Uh, and then they do that off that stage as the light s cut entirely. Back up in a wash for curtain call and we’re DONE! Yes!

HEY CAST! READ THIS!

2006-07-31T04:45:57Z

We'll go over this tomorrow, too- and, I'm going to call you all and tell you to get to my house at 4 and, if you have a car.. to volunteer it ><.

So, this is the tech-rehearsel letter.

"Hello everyone,

Over the last few years, I’ve seen hundreds of Fringe tech rehearsals (yeah, it’s an exciting job) and have been able to put together an idea of how the most successful ones work, which I’ve included here. This is not a firm schedule, or instructions on exactly how to use your time. You are completely free to use the tech rehearsal in any way you want. If you are prepared and thoughtful, both you and the technicians can get what you need in this all-important single opportunity to be in the space before opening night.

First, a few things to remember:

-The only sound format we officially support, and is present in every venue, is CD. If you want to use MP3, Minidisc, vinyl, or whatever, bring the appropriate device and cables to connect it to the system. Make sure your CDs are labeled with your group name and track titles.

-Bring two blank scripts for the venue technicians. They will write in the cues in their own brand of hieroglyphics that they can understand in the dark.

-Directors: The tech rehearsal, if you can avoid it, should not be an acting rehearsal. It will save you a lot of time and improve the quality of your show if you can resist the urge to give acting notes. Of course, some things will need to be adjusted for the new space, but try to work through them quickly or save them until after every tech issue has been taken care of.

-Rehearse your strike and set up! During the festival, you have ten minutes to strike and ten minutes to set up for your show, and it goes fast. If the venue technicians have doubts, they’ll ask to see a dry run during your tech rehearsal.

-On the venue technicians: All of the venue techs are professional sound and/ or lighting designers who work full time in theater. Come in with ideas, but don’t worry if you don’t know anything about technical theater. We’re there to help you make your show the best it can be. Your venue techs will cue and run your show, but are not there to help you set up or strike. Bring enough people to get your show in without outside help. Some technicians may be willing to be bribed with beer for extra assistance.

-If it does not happen at your tech, it will not happen during your performances. Be sure to rehearse all special effects and stunts at your tech. These are where problems arise during shows. Do not skip the difficult parts!

Alright, enough of that, here’s your timeline for a near- ideal tech rehearsal:

Up to 1 hour before: Show up and begin loading in your set, props, performers, etc. The technician(s) may be present, but not able to help with anything short of an emergency, as I make them take a meal break between rehearsals. Use this time to get acquainted with the room, practice your setup, and figure out entrances and exits. You can roam around the space during this time, but the booth will not be open. Any electronics you’re bringing in can be set up at the top of the tech rehearsal.

Hour 1 of the tech: The technician(s) will come out, introduce themselves to everyone in your group, and tell you some important safety information. This will go fastest if you gather everyone up quickly, maybe even a couple minutes before the start of the rehearsal. Then, the director and/ or stage manager can sit down with the technician and go through cues. The techs can get the cues into their scripts, and light and sound levels for each cue can be set. While this is happening, the performers can have a spacing rehearsal to get used to the room. If the meeting between the techs and director/ SM goes fast enough (most shows can do this in half an hour), the second half of the hour can be used for a cue-to-cue, where the performers run just the parts of the show with cues in them while the techs practice running the cues.

Hours 2 and 3: If everything has gone well, you can use this time to run the show twice while tweaking light and sound levels, or run the show once and then re-run particularly troublesome bits. If you get done early, practice setting up and striking your show within the 10 minutes you’ll have for the festival. Make sure to get your questions answered before the end of the rehearsal, so the technicians can run away to let in the next group and get a break.

After the rehearsal: Strike the show quickly, preferably within 10 minutes so you can see that it’s possible. The next group will be arriving, so try to clear the stage quickly so they can set up.

For your show run:

- Keep your venue and dressing rooms clean.
- Label all set pieces and hand props with your group name.
- Keep all of your gear as compact as possible.
- Be silent backstage- especially if another group is performing.
- Do not bring guests into the dressing room or backstage area. This is a general courtesy to the groups you work with. No guests allowed, under any circumstances.

Strike:

- Monday, August 14th, 9am-1pm is the official Fringe Strike Day. If you wish to access your venue, please schedule this with your technician.
- Most groups find it more convenient to load out immediately after their final performance, or to come back after the final show on August 13th. If you load out after your final show, please remember- the 10 minute limitation still holds!

Again, this is just a general guideline you can adjust to fit your show. Obviously it will be very different for shows that are 90 minutes or have a lot of video content, for instance. You are free to use the tech rehearsal time in any way you wish. As always, email me at jeff@fringefestival.org if anything here doesn’t make any sense, or you have any other questions.

Thanks, and good luck,

-Jeff"

bwahahahah

2006-07-31T03:44:54Z

http://www.fringefestival.org/blg_showPost.cfm?blogID=23&id=1347

dig THAT, bitches.

FRINGE PASS TIMES

2006-07-30T00:40:48Z

Friday, August 4th:
Kelsey & Kira, 5:30 PM (Rebel Girl @ Interact)
Jonah, 7:30 PM (Depth of the Ocean @ YWCA)

Saturday, August 5th:
Kelsey, 7:30 (Depth of the Ocean @ YWCA)

Sunday, August 6th:
Kayla, 1:00 PM (Unbearable Lightness..... @ Intermedia Arts), 4:00 PM (Japonesque @ Southern Theater)
Kelsey, 2:30 PM (Fresh Meat @ Red Eye) 4:00 PM (Body Bazaar @ Intermedia Arts)

Monday, August 7th:

Tuesday, August 8th:
Jonah, 5:30 (The Hitchhiker @ Theatre Garage)

Wednesday, August 9th:
Kayla, 8:30 (Wonderland @ U of M Rarig)

Thursday, August 10th:
Kelsey, 5:30 (Viva Venezuaela @ U of M Rarig)
Kayla, 7:00 PM (Calculus: The Musical! @ Watershed)
Jonah, 8:30 (Die, Clowns, Die! @ U of M Rarig)

Friday, August 11th:
Kelsey & Kira, 5:30 (She, So Beloved @ U of M Rarig)

Saturday, August 12th:
Kelsey & Kira, 2:00 (Angst: A New Teen Musical @ Bryant Lake Bowl)

Okay, you guys- looking cool. Lots of open spots still for those of the cast that haven't turned in their info to me yet. And then, in regards to passing the passes around... You guys should discuss rendezvous points with each other. We can do some of it at our shows.... Also, if you notice that you're seeing the same show as someone, but on a different date, you might contemplate going together to make pass swapping a bit easier.

Prelim. prop list

2006-07-29T16:32:32Z

Scene 1- Chair.

3- Cake, wine, paper party cups, party hats??, folding table, perhaps a chair or two but I think we decided against that. Wrapped rubik's cube.
4- Friggin' telescope, and Cane for G-pa
5- three chairs, same style, one table, perhaps glasses on the table. notebook and pencil.
6- this will be one of the more elaborate rooms... coffee table/lamp table, couch, paintings... we'll find some good furniture for this. Also , 4 sided rubik's cube. (with one side solved... I'll get on that)
7- Car seat (at first I wrote "car sweet"... because it's just that cool.)
8- Chair... like... an armchair.
9- same as 6, potentially plus breakfast.
10- also one of the more elaborate rooms. Thinkin, mattress, small dresser, other small table? It'd be cool if we could have a doorframe, but I don't really expect that. And then... Rubik's cube that's easily deconstructed.
11- I guess this is in the same room as ten.... we can throw some shit around or something??? Or, she could be at Lora's house... gah.
12- Liam's and Gertrude's are both still set up on stage.
13- yeah, ditto to 12, because it's really just a continuation.
14- car junk
15- grandpa's chair
16- bottle, rubik's cube to peel off stuff.
17- lemondate cups.... hmm. maybe they're outside as well? I hadn't figured out a setting. Maybe they're up north together? uh....

finis.

Remember that furniture bin at the Woman's Club? We should potentially look through it.

The last scene, w/ Lora and Gertrude..... rough... With Esther's addition

2006-07-28T01:55:16Z

So, some background:
Lora's decided to move somewhere in central or south america; some place warm that remains like that all four seasons. somewhere where they speak spanish (representing how those spur of the moment/whim decisions can really affect your life).

I guess it's the end of the summer. So, they're drinking lemonade.

G: I always figured you'd move somewhere warm.

L: Oh yeah?

G: Well, then you can show off your hot body in all the seasons.

L: One season year round... I like the idea. I wont be able to use seasonal affectiveness disorder as an excuse anymore, I'll just be positive and hard working all the time... and I won't settle for less.

G: A toast- to not settling.

L: To not settling. (...clink they're little lemonade, probably in paper cups.)

L: I knew you'd never really settle. I mean, I wondered sometimes- That whole thing with Liam was... well... It was..

G: It was a learning experience.

L: I was going to say the stupidist thing I've ever seen a girl as bright as yourself put yourself through, but, all right, I'll settle for that.

G: I thought you said you'd never settle.

L: Well, I can make an exception.

G: That's how it starts though... Come on, Lora, constant vigilance!

L: You're not my drill sargeant, you're my best friend.

G: But that's what we're here for, too, right? to keep each other in line?

L: Yeah... and to still be there for each other, even when we really fuck up.

G: Like that time when you thought you'd scale that one guy's apartment... barefoot, at 4 in the morning, to slip in through his window and crash that party you weren't invited to?

L: Yeah, well, it was a learning experience.

(beat)

L: Do you believe in loving unconditionally?

G: I don't believe that much of anything is unconditional. Especially not things that constantly change. Like humans! Some laws are unconditional maybe... like the laws of physics.

L: Well... I know its weird but sometimes I wish that I could just rely on you to love me no matter what, like even if I'm a total idiot and I fail at life.

G: The thing is, you're not a total idiot. If Lora became a total idiot, she would no longer be the Lora that I know. I will always love you, as you are now... I can promise that much. And... are you really worried about failing at life? Come on.

L: Well... sure I am. Not like I've never failed before. And its hard to imagine that I'll keep learning at this rate forever... its scary to think that at some point, I might stop improving.

G: Well thats how we keep each other in line! Highly conditional love.

L: A toast! To highly conditional love! (Said purposefully cheesily... like she's imitating the previous toast)

I don't know what you want to put here, but I think its best if it just cuts directly to this sentence:

G: Sometimes we're a little ridiculous.

L: Do you remember when we used to playpretend?

G: Of course I do. But look at us now-- you're off to South america, your yoga poses put me to shame, you're writing puts anyone to shame... I doubt we could have dreamt up the kinds of things we're doing now.

L: And you're just freakin amazing-- I'm sure your on the verge of discovering another galaxy....

G: Well I don't know about that. But we don't need to pretend anymore, thats for sure, because.... here we are. We're producers, we're adults. We are everything we've done up to this point. We're part of this world, this world that owes us nothing... we're...

L: We're living.

(beat)

L: But, if you wanted to do your monster impression again.... I wouldn't complain.

G: Only for you, Lora...... And, only if you're a cat.

L: Okay. I'm in.

Uh, and then they do that off that stage.

Okay. that's the end of our play. Comments? Questions? Concerns? ..pure brilliance? too corny? gimme thoughts.

I like that monster ending! Thats great. Perfect. Way to make them both human. - Esther

Some scriptin' ideas- give me yer thoughts.

2006-07-28T01:28:33Z

Gertrude enters her room.... Stressed out. Frustrated, but sort of hiding it. Moving around idly, trying to find something to do. Rubik's cube sitting on a table...
anyways, she pages through a magazine... opens a notebook momentarily, or eyes it, but decides against it... just feeling restless....
then she starts talking to objects, to herself.
walking around her room, finds a penny:
"Find a penny, pick it up..." voice trails off.

sits with the penny. (just so you know, Talking to a penny makes Gertrude seem... well blatantly skitzo. kind of crazy. but w/e.)

I know you wrote: "You, my dearest penny." But if anything Gertrude knows she is being absurd. She'd be more obviously funny about it. I like this:

Gertrude: Yo penny, we have some talking to do.... you see.... well..... (gets stern)
I want my damn wishes back.

(beat. stands, or something)
I know it sounds silly, ridiculous, but, I've got all this stuff I want to do, these accomplishments that seem so impossible, how will I ever get there? ... fly through the o-zone layer, or at least save it, or.... live on mars (beat. change of.... face, whatever)

Am I really even thinking this? Someones gotta do it, why not me? I just need to... pick an objective, maybe even arbitrarily... and go for it.

Alright, Gertrude. I want to... (trails off) (...looks frustrated. thinking, blah blah) (grabs the rubik's cube as the thinks. scoping it out, maybe turning it? This is going to be hard to set up because it's supposed to break. hmm)
Well, if I was.. If I was Liam, I guess I'd... write a poem about my future or something.
And if I was my grandfather (grandpa?) I'd make a plan, maybe. And I'd follow the plan.. and my heart... And if I was my mother.... I'd try. For a while. ....and then, I'd mess up once, and get discouraged... And if I was my sister... (sigh, or something) But, I'm not my sister. I'm not any of them. I'm Gertrude. I'm Gertrude, and I still can't solve this goddamn thing (throws it, and breaks it a part). (another change of her face)
Fuck the Rubik's cube... it doesn't mean anything. Just some patterns that I can't freaking figure out.

Maybe if I could just figure out my own patterns... or even how I want it to go... but people aren't so logical, its not so damn easy. Everything is subjective to desire, and what if I really desire nothing?

This.... well, this... this broken piece of shit is me.
Now one or all of these things must come true in my lifetime.

one. (somehow she's handling a piece of the rubiks cube, maybe four different colors, she puts them on four different sides.) I'm going to save the world.
Two. I'm going to work hard. I won't give up, I won't quit, I'll never give in.
Three. I'm going to teach, I'm going to lead.
Four. I'm going to invent.

And... and I'm gonna find someone who is really all of these things, "I want someone... who will never grow old. No... not that. Someone who will never stop learning, who will never be half alive..."
I want someone who makes no excuses, who won't accept failure, who won't settle for less.
I want someone who sees distant planets when he looks into my eyes, someone who inspires me and is inspired with me.

And when I'm about to die, when its all over, I want to look at the world, and I want to see...
Frequent interplanetary travel!
I want everyone, everywhere to have access to an expansive public library. everyone is educated, everyone has resources.
I want energy efficient ground travel and I want life on earth to thrive.
I want to have inspired.

so she's listing this shit out somehow. where she's come from, where she is, where she's going....
and then.....
her mom walks in.

Mom (knocks on the door)(in that sugary sweet voice): Hey Gertrude, sweetheart? (she says this next line as she opens the door. I don't really care what it is) There's a message for you on the phone, I think it's from Lora, something about homework. Also, we just ordered pizza, I ordered your usual, pepperoni and black olives... (She looks down at the dismembered cube) What happened here?

Gertrude: (a little shocked. the happy "I'm figuring my life out!!!!" look sinks from her face) .... it Broke.

Mom: That was a birthday present... you remember? I got that for you when you were eight.

Gertrude: (not sure what to say) Yeah, I remember that.

Mom (sorts huffy sounding): Well... everything's gotta fall apart eventually. Thats just how it works I guess. I wish you'd be more careful, though. (beat)Oh, hon your laundry's finished, it's sitting on dining room table. (beat) I guess I'm gonna go catch the evening news... I'm really tired... Love you dear. (maybe Gertie just watches her as she says it, smiles slightly)

(mom leaves)

Gertrude: Alright. Alright, Gertrude. I'm going to be honest and aware and stay. on. track. Whatever happens from here on in.... I'm creating it.

(...brown out)

in the later scene, after the breakup, with Gertie alone... I want her to emphasize that she wants to be Strong (physically and mentally),

gah gah gah.

thoughts?

SCENE 1: Gertrude, Mother, Sister, Grandpa, Friend

2006-07-19T18:07:47Z

SCENE 8: Gertrude, Grandfather

2006-07-19T12:21:36Z

SCENE 8: Visiting granda. a small part of the stage is lit up; they look small, isolated.

Grandpa’s asleep.

Gertrude: Hey grandpa?

Grandpa: hmm?

Gertrude: Grandpa, it’s Gertie.

Grandpa: Oh, my. A visitor to my cell. Did you bring the provisions? (laughs) Sorry, Gertie. I’m here.

(pause)

Gertrude: So, what have you been doing lately?

Grandpa: Oh, nothing. Tending to the horses, mostly.

Gertrude: The horses?

Grandpa: Yes, well, they’re very.... ... .. .. .. wiley.

Gertrude: Grandpa... I was wondering if you could help me with this. Do you still remember how to do it?

Grandpa (examines it for a bit): You know what I say, Gertie? I say, I say fuck it.

Gertrude: You say... fuck it?

Grandpa: Yes. (...muttering) And the gestapo don't much like the French either....(...not muttering) But you don’t need to waste your time with that thing.

Gertrude: I’m not sure that I understand, Grandpa.

Grandpa: My little astronomer, you have more important challenges ahead of you.
(beat)
Ah, there goes another horse. She’s...... well, you see, she bucks.

SCENE 15: Getrude, Grandfather

2006-07-19T10:35:28Z

SCENE 15: Grandpa is lying in a bed or slouched down in a chair, wearing slippers and pajamas. He has the newspaper or a "science news" magazine in hand, and perhaps some water on a table nearby (with a pill cup?), but he's staring blankly or dozing off.

Gert: (puts her hands on her grandpa's shoulders) Hey... Grandpa, I'm here.

Grandpa smiles and pats her hands, becoming a little bit more alert.

Gert: I've got good news... I haven't told anyone else yet. Are you ready for this?

Grandpa squeezes her hand, smiles. "Ready for what, dear?"

Gert: I was accepted. I'm going to be majoring in Aerospace engineering... I got in, Grandpa! My life ... its really going to begin now.

Grandpa is smiling... theres a bit of a pause.

Grandpa: "Gertie? Is that you?"

Gertrude: Yes, Grandpa... I'm here. (Still smiling, looking excited.)

Grandpa: Gertie... I'm not myself anymore. I'm no longer conscious...
Gertrude leans down, hugs her grandpa tightly.
Grandpa: I would've rather died than lost this much of myself...

Gertrude squeezes her grandpa's hand, her expression changes to a serious one.
Gert: you're the greatest man I'll ever know. (Said very emotionally)

Grandfather gets teary eyed, smiles a little.
Grandpa: My little astronomer...

Maybe she kneels beside him... The song Don't Fence Me In Begins to play; maybe it was soft in the background before, or another old song going softly. He begins to sing... eyes still tearing, or you could cry, but god, that would make me cry, too. Misses some of the words, sometimes a beat too slow, but always hits "don't fence me in", and Gertrude starts to sing along with him, only hitting that part because that's all she knows, maybe harmonizing a bit. The lights go out.

SCENE 16: Gertrude/Sister

2006-07-19T10:20:41Z

SCENE 16: sitting on the ground, leaning back, maybe looking up at the stars.

Sister (putzing with a rubik's cube, peeling off the sides): You know, we're doing a lot better than our parents were.

Gertrude: ...yeah, I'd agree with that.

Sister: Look at us... going to college. We've got the whole world ahead of us... no excuses, nothing to hold us back. We, every day from this day forward, are a series of decisions continue to make.

Gertrude: What did you say you were? A philosophy major? (they both laugh)

Sister: Major... I still haven't picked one. But... who knows. I could sit around on a rock all day like Socrates, telling the youth whats up.

Gertrude: You'd get restless. Besides, will you ever really grow up? (she snickers)

Sister: Hopefully not completely. But where it counts, you know? I've got to maintain that balance between young heart and old soul.

Gertrude: You know... we've changed pretty dramatically in these last few months. I can't even relate to who I was in the Liam days, let alone who you were in the height of your partying. That is a bit confusing to me... how some people can change so much, while others just get... stuck.

Sis: Don't speak too soon. We've got a good 60 years in which to find ourselves stuck. We've been lucky - so far, nothing has been able to break us.

Gertrude: No... its more than luck. Don't kid yourself. We're strong girls. It sounds cheesy... but, we're going to make it. We're going to do a damn good job.

Sis: I'll drink to that.

Gertrude: You'll drink to anything. (they both laugh)

script.

2006-07-17T23:56:27Z

SCENE 1. Mother, Sister, Grandfather, Friend. Maybe they're all still, and when Gertrude approaches each of them, they... move? Gertrude will sit with them in different ways, too... On lap, next to, looking up at, etc.

Mother: Once confronted with our own wishes, we admit that they were only said in passing, wistfully.

G: Why?

M: That's just the way it is, sweetie.

(scampers to sister)

S:... And when you turn seven like me, you get till stay up 'till ten!

G: Why?

S: Because seven plus three is ten.

(...to G-pa)

Gpa: Gertie, my little astronomer, always remember: Live by the sword, die by the sword.

G: Why, Grandpa? (and her why's will sound different, too; perplexed, the first time, excited the second time... a different kind of perplexed this time?)

Gpa: Because it's important to believe in you ideals, and spend your whole life fighting for them.

(maybe after the explanation she'll say "oh" or "thanks, grandpa" or kiss his cheek or something) (..scampers to friend)

Lora: Come on, let's play pretend.....

SCENE 2: Gertrude, Lora
Jul. 21st, 2006 | 12:09 pm
SCENE 2:
Lora: How about I’m a doctor, and you’re a princess, and you hurt your toe.
Gertie: But I don’t want to be a princess
L: What?
G: I mean, I want to be pretty, and princesses are pretty, but I want to be.... a spy.
L: Why would you want to be a spy?
G: Because I’d be really fast and- and I could do gymnastics.
L (calculating): Oh. Well, if you’re a spy, then I’m a cheetah. Only, I’m really another spy, I’m just pretending to be a cheetah. (beat) Do you think we’ll be spies when we grow up?
G: I dunno. I think I’ll be a writer.
L: Well, maybe I’ll be a musician.
G: Or I could be.... a boat captain.
L: Then I’d be a pirate and steal your ship!
G: Well... I’ll be the ocean, and swallow your ship!
L: You can’t be the ocean.
G: Why not?
L: Because... Because... Because then you couldn’t breathe and you’d die and I’d be really sad.
G: Oh. Well that’s okay. I didn’t really want to be the ocean anyways.
L: Good. I wouldn’t have liked that.
G: What I really want to be... is an alien planet explorer.
L: Really? Why’s that?
G: Because... well, then I could be friends with aliens and they could teach me fun alien games. (???)
L: Well... I guess I could help you build a rocket ship.
G: Okay.
(beat) (they start waling offstage)
L: Okay, so, let’s pretend that I’m a cat, and you’re a monster.
G: What kind of monster?
L: A friendly monster. (at this point, Lora is offstage, so that Gertie can transition into the next scene)

SCENE 3: Gertrude, Sister, Mother, Grandfather
SCENE 3:
(Gertie’s 8th birthday w/ the family. Mother has a glass of wine)
Grandpa, sister, mother, singing:
"happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Gertrude, happy birthday to you!"
Sister: Make a wish, Gertie!
(*pause*... then Gertrude excitedly blows out the candles. I figure we’ll do something with the lighting. Or just fake it.)

Gertrude: *grins really wide* Well? don't you want to know what I wished for? (Imagine a kid with gappy teeth grinning hugely and being all cutesy)

Mom: No, Gertie don't you tell. If you tell it won't come true honey!

Gertrude: Really? Why not?

Mom: Oh I don't know, for the same reason that the tooth fairy leaves you a quarter when you lose your teeth, and why the sky is blue and why Santa brings you presents if you're good.

Grandpa walks over and hugs Gertie around the shoulders, and says just to her: Sometimes your mom forgets that you don't believe in that stuff anymore. Tell her your wishes if you want to.

Gertrude: well Mom, I'm going to tell you my wish anyway. I'll make it come true! You'll see. (beat. Glances at Grandpa) I wish that we could all travel into space on a rocket ship!

Mom: Oh great. Gertie... honey, thats great. (She looks angrily at grandpa, and then pulls him aside.)
Mom: Stop feeding my daughter those pipe dreams! You're just setting her up for dissapointment!

Grandpa: Olivia, let your daughter reach as high as she wants to. You should just hope that she reaches that high forever, and doesn't let anyone tell her that her dreams are impractical. Besides, isn't it better to believe in science than santa claus? Some day Olivia, her dreams are going to become her ideals, what she works for on a daily basis. You just better support her, or she won't take you with on the family rocket ship! (he laughs at his own joke)

Mom: You spent your whole life trying to reach mars, and where did that get you?

Grandpa: (A little offended. He starts to walk towards Gertrude, and then turns back to the mother) I worked hard, and I failed. So it goes. But the life I've led in pursuit of my ideals is one I would never trade. Gertrude is an ambitious 8-year-old... if she doesn't aim high, she'll end up regretting her life... don't take your limitations and fears out on her, Olivia. She doesn't have to settle. Neither did you."

Mom: Well, ever since Marty died...

Grandfather: Seven years ago..

Mom: ...It still hurts.

Grandfather: I know, Olive. I know. But if you keep indulging in your sorrow without working through it...

(Mom doesn’t want to hear it; walks back to the table. pushes a present that was sitting on a table closer to Gertie and takes a large gulp from her wineglass. )

Mom: Here, sweetie. This is for you.

Gertie: (excitedly opens it. it’s a Rubik’s cube) Wow! what is it?

Mom: It’s a Rubik’s cube. You mess up the order of the colors, and then if you can put it back together, it means that you’re smart.

Gertie: Aw, cool! Thanks, mom!

Mom: You’re welcome, honey.

(Grandpa pats Gertie on the back, hands her a birthday card, and walks off the stage.)

SCENE 4: Gertrude, Granndpa
SCENE 4:
Gertie just turned 13. She recieved a telescope for her birthday, and she's really excited about it. And her G-pa is really proud, and at first is watching her play with it, and then he comes up and puts his hand on her shoulder, and the dialogue ensues... some kind of music should be playing, something soft but ... space-like? haha, like an old scifi flick

G-pa: Do you prefer a telescope to the company of your friends? You've walked nearly a mile from your party.

Gertrude: Oh... no, I suppose I'm being kind of antisocial. But... I'll be honest. The night sky interests me than they do.

G-pa: Theres a lot to learn no matter what direction you're looking in. Don't forget... there will always be someone stronger, smarter and faster than you right here on earth.

Gertrude: Yeah I know... I know. You've been telling me that for years... and I'm starting to understand why. I feel so big around these people, like I'm the only one changing... sometimes I get so frustrated. But then I read the news or look up at the stars and I realize that I'll only ever be a small piece of the world... that I may or may not do more than anyone else... but I want to save the world. I want to be a superhero. I still think some day I might wake up with super powers... Its silly, childish I guess...

G-pa: it is childish, Gertie. But maybe not for the reasons you think. You are going to wake up, every day from this day forth, with great power - the power you already have, and the power you gain through knowledge and conviction. But trust me when I tell you this. If you don't use it, you will lose it. We have limited time on this earth... especially if you're planning on space travel. (chuckle) You're on the right track though... you're not afraid of hard work.

Gertie: No, quite the contrary. I'm afraid of things getting too easy. Grampa... if you had to choose one thing that you could do for the world, one improvement you could leave with humanity... what would it be?

G-pa: (he looks up at the sky, maybe sighs a little, with a thoughtful expression and a bit of a smirk. Then he looks pridefully at Gertie.)I always thought the greatest thing for mankind would be a world devoted to interplanetary travel. All of the scientific minds of the century focusing all of their energy on getting off of this rock. That's why I became an aerospace engineer. But... I learned too late in life that a scientist with no social skills isn't going to have much political influence. And right now, space travel is very much a matter of politics. (he looks back down to Gertie, who is staring intently through her telescope. He smiles widely, maybe a little teary eyed.) Gertie, my little astronomer. You couldn't possibly know how proud I am of you. That I could leave this world with you still in it gives me so much joy.

Gertrude: Grandpa! (she looks a little bit worried) You're not off the hook. You and I still have a universe to explore together. Look at this. Thats the future... I wish I could promise you that I'll reach that star...

(Fades; Cue the song “I.O.U." by Metric, which fades into 'Short Skirt, Long Jacket" by cake.... signifying change or some shit like that.)

SCENE 5: Gertrude, Lora, Liam
SCENE 5:
Gertie and Lora (downstage center) are sitting in a coffeeshop together, chit chattin', Liam (upstage right) in the corner, flashing Gertie glances.

Lora: (signaling towards a girl in the corner) I bet she's reading something dirty.

Gertie: Why?

Lora: Don't you ever do that in public? Just for shits? Come on, look at her face.

Gertie: (slight laugh) Yeah, okay, I could see it. She looks kind of disappointed, though, like the saucy part just ended.
(beat)
Lora: So, I've decided to stop sleeping.

G: Stop sleeping? Whaddo you mean?

Lo: I mean... wasting my time. No more napping, sleeping in, sleeping around.... None of it. I want to use my time better while I'm awake.

G: What do you want to do with it?

Lo: Fuck, I don't know. Learn Spanish? I just want to keep moving. I might pick up piano again, I like how it made my brain feel. And I want to really earn my sleep at night.

G (she's been checkin' out Liam this whole time): Is he looking at me?

Lo: Not only is he looking at you, he's coming over to the table.

Liam (to Gertrude): Excuse me, but you don’t happen to have a two syllable name, do you?

G: Yeah... It’s Gertrude.

Lo: You always cringe when you say that.

Liam: Gertrude? Gertrude... It’s perfect! When you say it, it makes your whole mouth sing, the air pulses in a perfect circle from throat to lips. Thank you for sharing that with me, Gertrude- I’ll be right back.

(Lora and Gertrude have this filler dialogue while Liam goes back to the table. Liam stands next to it, writes her name into the poem holds it up to read, giving one of those “ah! perfect” looks at it.... and then he comes back.)

Lora: Not that this is really important or anything.... But I bet he has a really tiny penis.

Gertrude: No, it really isn’t important. And, not like I’ll ever see it anyways./ Or? I don’t know... (sort of shy about it) I’m not too experienced in... uh... guessing of that nature.

Liam (..returns): Hi again. Sorry for not introducing myself- my name is Liam.

Gertrude: It’s nice to meet you, Liam.

Liam: The pleasure is mine. May I... May I read you a poem? Your name completed it.

Gertrude: (giddy/nervous/excited) Of course.

Liam: ....dramatically reads a haiku.

Lora: You’re a... haiku artist?

Gertrude (sort of said to herself?): It was wonderful.

Liam: You liked it? And, yes (proudly) I am. An aspiring one, at least. I’m in the midst of a number artistic endeavors right now--

Gertrude: Do you want to pull up a chair?

Liam: I was hoping you’d ask.

------ maybe we show them getting to know each other; maybe we leave it implied. Thoughts????

SCENE 6: Gertrude, Liam
Jul. 19th, 2006 | 12:20 pm
Liam: Welcome to my palace. I’m the king of this shithole.

Gertrude: Well I suppose its good to be the king of something. At least its yours, you know?

Liam: Thats a really good way to look at it.

Gertrude: Do you care if I poke around?

Liam: Knock yourself out.

Gertrude eyes the paintings/drawings/etc.

Liam (feeling the need to explain): I've been working on these pictures for a while... its like they're never really done, I'm never satisfied, but... I think they're getting close. As soon as I have enough stuff together I'm going to try to get my work out in public, some kind of showing.

Gertrude (gesturing towards a picture on the wall):
How long did that one take you?

Liam: Oh... yeah, that one, surprisingly enough only took me about 20 minutes. And its also the only piece I have that I'd consider finished. its a self portrait, if you can tell.

Gertrude (smiles): Yeah I can tell. That ones my favorite... you're pretty good at this stuff aren't you.

Liam: Thanks, that really does mean a lot to me. I'm always a little bit apprehensive about showing my unfinished art... (Liam continues talking, perhaps about the process of drawing or something)... You find a muse, and you can spend months just producing crap, trying to truly embody the beauty, the power of that image or idea, just trying to create that concise perfection, to spell out an irrefutable message in your strokes. And sometimes you just happen to get inspired on a morning when you have a ten hour shift, and its between feeding yourself and getting your creative energy out...
(picks up a Rubik’s cube)
Gertrude kind of interrupts him a little, she was listening and nodding to his words a little bit while roaming around his apartment until she saw the cube. She picks it up, throws it to herself.
Gertrude: A four by four, eh? I could never even get the normal ones... (She motions as if to start working on it herself)

Liam: Ooh don't change it though, It took me forever to get it that way!

Gertrude: Oh, ok. (beat.) (here Gertrude is laughing a little and teasing him)You know... this one side is really (emphasis on really) nice, but you're going to have to screw it up if you ever want to finish it.

Liam: Of course, of course. (pause, maybe a laugh or a smile. Then he gets a little bit more serious) This is going to sound a bit strange but... I really only want one finished side. I feel its more realistic that way. Human's are always trying to organize things, to make everything look neat, coordinated, synthetic. But in reality you can only make things appear orderly. My rubik's cube is like a little art project in its self - one dimension to represent the neuroticism of humanity, the surface - the others to represent the true CHAOS (he should kind of enunciate chaos, like its a psychadellic word or something), the unpredictable mess that is life.

(Gertrude sinks into the sofa, sorta tired)
Gertrude: But ... a rubik's cube is logical... The Rubik's cube, whether messed up or not, is still just a game of patterns, inputs and outputs. And really nature is the same way, I think. Chemistry, biology, physics - we've got all of these different sciences that explain... well, the order to that chaos. How everything is connected.

Liam: Gertie you have no idea how long its been since I've spoken to someone who really thinks about things. (he kind of ignores what she said, drops the argument and compliments her instead.) You really are something...

Gertrude is maybe a bit distracted by the flattery. Maybe she blushes or gets humble.
Gertrude: Oh... well, thanks? I guess. (she smiles)

And here I have an idea for the kiss/flirtation factor.
Liam: Hey, stay right there! I have something I want to show you. Hold on, I'll be right back. (Here Liam runs off stage or to a distant part of the stage, where he picks up a canvass. In the meantime Gertrude is a little surprised and maybe uncomfortable because she's never dealt with being courted before.)
Liam returns, and Gertrude smiles at him.
Liam: Alright... here it is.

Gertrude looks at it, and her eyes widen. She smiles and looks really flattered, maybe she gets a little emotional.
Gertrude: Liam... this is... just amazing! . But, we've only known each other for a week... when did you... how could you have done this?
Liam: Gertrude... I hope you don't think this is too creepy, but I actually started painting that the first day I ever saw you. I'd sketched your face in the coffee shop a few months ago, and seen you a few times since... you just radiated this ... this strength, you were like no one I'd ever seen before. I had to try and capture it.
Gertrude: Liam... this is beautiful. I can't believe I inspired that.
Liam: Oh... you have no idea. This painting was a complete failure.
Gertrude: What? Why?
Liam: Well... it just isn't nearly as beautiful as you are.
(Here Liam puts his hand in Gertie's hair, and they both lean together. And there is your kiss.)

SCENE 7: Gertrude, Sister
G: You talked to mom at all recently?

S: Mm-mm. It’s hard to deal with someone who takes such little responsibility for her own life.

G: Yeah, exactly. It’s like she’s so frightened that she has the power to create something that she wants that she settles for living someone else’s dream... Like she gave up at some point, and just stopped aiming for anything, but kept chugging along, bobbing for apples. She's the best apple bobber in town but she's ... bored, overqualified...

S: ...what? Gertie, sometimes I wonder if you're really on planet earth.

G: I just mean that she's filled her days with mundane tasks, rituals, even superstitions... but when she was our age... she must have had dreams, right? She's always working now, but she's never satisfied, never... never proud of her accomplishments. She can't even fake a smile without a couple glasses of wine.

S: Whatever her dreams were, they didn't involve us. I remember all of the tactics she used to keep us in line... everything from taking our toys away to threatening to tranquilize us. Chances are she didn't want kids. I remember once, when you were... maybe 4 years old, she was having a terrible day. It was about a year after dad had passed on, and you know how she mourns a little extra around THAT day. Anyway, you'd left your legos all over the living room floor, you were always trying to build something

Gertie (cuts in): Rocket ships.

S: yeah, yeah, rocket ships, airplanes, barbie dream houses, whatever. Anyway, we were just settling in for bed, and mom peeks her head in, totally fuming, she's got a handfull of legos and she sprinkles them across our bedroom floor, and she looks at you and says, "Gertie, if you don't pick up your mess I'm going to cut your hands off." (takes hands off wheel during gesture)

Gertie: (lunges towards wheel) Hey!

S: Sorry.

(beat)

Gertrude: I don't remember that...

S: Well, you looked her right in the face and started giggling. You thought she was joking. Your giggle turned into laughter, and then she starting laughing too. She hugged you and said she was sorry. I on the other hand was so angry at her... and worried. I was 7 years old, old enough to know that she was angry and sad... but young enough to worry that she might really hurt you. I stayed up all night, convinved that I was going to have to protect you... I remember hearing her crying later that night. I even wrote all about it in my diary, with my terrible little chicken scratches...

G: ... she wanted kids. She wanted kids with our father. She never thought she'd be raising us alone. Mom loved him so much... I remember Grandpa telling me that mom, before she met dad, had planned on becoming a doctor. She had graduated at the top of her class in highschool, and she made it a few years in college before falling in love. When she met dad, she was so eager to start a family that she actually quit college when she became pregnant with you! She thought she'd be happy forever as a stay at home mom as long as he was around.

S: ... do you remember dad at all?

G: No, not really.

S: I do... a little. I was only six when he died. But I remember little things... like his heart shaped waffles on sunday mornings. I remember he called me "the philosopher", because even then I was coming up with strange little explanations for everything. Like once, I peed outside on the lawn, and dad got mad, but I explained to him "daddy, it wasn't my fault.... the grass was pretending to be a potty."

G: You were a cute kid.

S: Yeah, and look at me now...

G: What happened?

S: you know- drugs, sex, the usual.

G: huh.

S: I’m not saying that I make all the smartest decisions..... but they’re my decisions, and I stand by them.

G: What’s so appealing about that kind of life? I’ve never really understood it.

S: That's just how we roll.

G: Man, you have no idea how sick I am of people who want to escape from their own lives-- why would you want to live a life that you’re constantly trying to escape from? What’s the point? Why wouldn’t you try to change where you’re at instead of giving a temporary solution to a more permanent problem? It’s like... covering acne up with foundation and powder instead of buying some benzoyl peroxide.

(beat)

S: so, what, you think I should wash my face more often?

G: (looks at her for a second) Nevermind. (beat) Soo.... I may or may not have met a really cute boy.

S: Oh?

G: Yeah... And I slept at his house... two nights in a row.

S: Scandalous. Just scandalous.

G: And I really like him. He writes me poetry, Shelly- haiku! Isn’t that romantic?

S (slight laugh to self): Totally.

G: (insert really romantic story here)

S: That’s awesome, Gertrude. Is he good enough for you? Because if he does anything to hurt you, I will eat his heart right out of his chest cavity which I will rip open with the claws I will proceed to grow.

G: Thanks, sis. It's comforting to know that I've got someone looking out for me, and plotting to kill my boyfriend.

S: Hey- that's what family's for.

G: (slight laugh) But I think he is good enough for me. He’s got his issues, but who doesn’t, you know? I feel like I’m pretty good for him right now, too.

S: (beat) Gertrude (said as if she'd just thought of something important).

G: (a little suprised by the tone) What?

S: Are you still a virgin?

(cut the lights.)

SCENE 8: Gertrude, Grandfather
SCENE 8: Visiting granda. a small part of the stage is lit up; they look small, isolated.

Grandpa’s asleep.

Gertrude: Hey grandpa?

Grandpa: hmm?

Gertrude: Grandpa, it’s Gertie.

Grandpa: Oh, my. A visitor to my cell. Did you bring the provisions? (laughs) Sorry, Gertie. I’m here.

(pause)

Gertrude: So, what have you been doing lately?

Grandpa: Oh, nothing. Tending to the horses, mostly.

Gertrude: The horses?

Grandpa: Yes, well, they’re very.... ... .. .. .. wiley.

Gertrude: Grandpa... I was wondering if you could help me with this. Do you still remember how to do it?

Grandpa (examines it for a bit): You know what I say, Gertie? I say, I say fuck it.

Gertrude: You say... fuck it?

Grandpa: Yes. (...muttering) And the gestapo don't much like the French either....(...not muttering) But you don’t need to waste your time with that thing.

Gertrude: I’m not sure that I understand, Grandpa.

Grandpa: My little astronomer, you have more important challenges ahead of you.
(beat)
Ah, there goes another horse. She’s...... well, you see, she bucks.

SCENE 9: Gertrude, Liam.
Gertrude and Liam are chilling at his house... maybe cudding, maybe spooning, maybe he has his arm around her, maybe they're eating breakfast....

Liam: 10 more minutes of this bliss... and then I'm off to my shitty job. On my bike . In this beautiful, freezing fucking October weather.

(slight laugh)

Liam: I should just quit. Give my boss two weeks notice and split the whole town.

Getrude: You said the same thing a month ago.

Liam: Well, it's still true. I still hate the job just as much. Can you imagine it? I pick up cardboard, put it into a machine.... Then I take it out of the machine. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Getrude: (...slight beat) Why do you keep going to it if you hate it so much?

Liam: It pays well.

Gertrude (this line should be clear, emphasized): Yeah, but you're selling you life at a going rate of--

L: 14.60 per hour!

G: Is it worth it?

L: Gertrude, I need to eat. I don't have a choice.

G: I just don't think it has to be like this... you spout off your dreams like they're really important to you, you talk about traveling and getting your paintings in galleries or getting your work published or at least finishing the next haiku... you get so excited about all these dreams- and yet as you say them, it's like you don't really believe that they're possible. Like your ideals are things that only happen in some parallel but unreachable universe. I don't get it. If you know what you want, and you really want it, how can anything be stopping you from it?

L: (kinda frazzled) I'm just trying ot keep my head above the water, you know? I really do want to do all of those things, I'm just-- I'm not ready yet.

G: Liam, I know that you're working on it, I know that it's hard... But I hate hearing you complain without making any changes.

L: I know...

G: Can you promise me something?

L: Of course, Gertrude, anything.

G: Can you promise to only compliain with a purpose from now on? I'll promise to do the same.

L: Okay, Gertrude, I will. I'm sorry to be so tense with you, I've just got a lot of work cut out for me, and-- (looks at watch/clock) Fuck, I've gotta go. I'm running late. I'll see you later. (splits quickly? gives her a kiss?)

She looks kind of frustrated. Maybe sits to finish her breakfast? Or.. gathers her stuff and starts to leave....

SCENE 11: Gertrude and Lora

Lora and Gertrude sprawled on the floor of Gertrude's room.... Gertrude immersed in a fat astonomy book, Lora reading a spanish book with a page nearly full of writing in a notebook; by now she's begun writing on the margins.

L: You know, I like just being around you in this physical world, even when I know we're both off somewhere else.

Gertrude: Yeah, me too. Being ourselves around each other.....

(beat. they look occupied for a bit) (Gertie makes a face at her book, then says as she sits up more, holding it)

G: Okay, I can't makes heads or tails of this..... (reads some complicated sounding astronomical sentence)

Lora: No comprendo.

G: I mean, I know I'll be able to get it eventually... But right now... My brain is full. I need a break.

Lora: Yeah, good idea.

They stretch. Do bridges, do the splits, touch your toes in various ways, looks... flexible? Maybe it's a metaphor for your flexible potential! Or maybe you're just cramped. Anyways- it'd be sweet if you had this following conversation while breaking into yoga moves, and stuff like that. It could be a cool use of movement.

G: Man, I had the weirdest dream last night (Lora puts her attention on Gertie). I was driving a car- which was scary in itself because I'm not used to having that much control in a vehicle-- but that's beside the point. So, my grandpa was in the passenger seat, he'd escaped from the nursing home, and he was... Well, he was there. He was all there, like he used to be. And he said to me, in that way he had (mimicing) "all right, my little astronomer, you can drop me off right here." and I looked at him kind of shocked, because... Well, first of all, we were in some vague location, it was some open, fieldy area.... But then he said to me, unassumingly, but yet, all knowingly... He looked at me and he said "No matter where you go, you'll always have yourself".

Lora: Is that when you woke up?

G: No, I think I kept dreaming, but it was nothing as interesting... Something about cats.

Lora: I usually just dream about (x)

a tiny bit more. but this scene is mostly done.

SCENE 12: Getrude, Liam

SCENE 12:
Liam: You are so fucking selfish. (said with a lot of disgust)

Gertrude reacts angrlilly physically, is about to yell at him, but closes her mouth/composes herself, and calmly says: Define selfish

Liam: Don't play dumb, and stop teasing me. You know what selfish means. You're... it.

Gertrude: Define selfish.

Liam: You're only concerned with yourself, you don't care how you affect others. You don't care that I love you, that you're hurting me.

Gertrude: If by that you mean that I want to see the people around me improve, not stagnate... then, fine, I’m selfish. I’m completely and utterly selfish. And if I’m really hurting you, Liam... you’re a lot weaker than I gave you credit for.

Liam: You are a nut case. (laughs condescendingly) You must be in denial or something.

Gertrude: (Gets kind of angry) Explain that.

Liam: I don't want to. You're too emotional to get it right now anyway.

Gertrude: (beat) Liam, I’m going to leave. This is over.

Liam (not even really listening): You've just been going about it all the wrong way. You think you're so much better than everyone, up on your high horse. What makes you so sure you're right?

Gertrude (gathering her stuff): Liam- we’re done.

Liam: (keeps yelling shit as she walks out)

From here: Gertrude walks out, onto the other side of the screen; the lights stay up on both for a bit. Liam fumes, maybe paces, maybe puts his head in his hands. Gertrude’s doing sit-ups, getting strong, something liek that... the lights go out on Liam, stay on her, and she starts talking about shit with herself.)

SCENE 14: Getrude and Mother

takes place in a car... and ends when they arrive at their destination. The mom gets out of the car at the end of the convo... and Gertrude sits there, holding onto the words for a bit longer, until the lights go out.

Gertrude: So how was your day?

Mom: (Said kind of lackadaisically) Oh, same old same old. Not enough money to pay the bills, and (.....complaint!!!!)/.And your sister is still being such a jerk, I just don't even know what to do with her anymore (said really dramatically). Whenever I talk to her, its just "Mom, leave me the hell alone". She's so ungrateful its rediculous. I wish I hadn't spent so much damn money on her over the years. You're such a good kid Gertrude, I'm glad you love your mother.

Gertrude: Yeah... of course I do.

Mom: Good honey! (Imagine how my mom talks to the cats.) You know, this is going to sound weird... but if I did win the lottery one of these days, I think you're the only person I would trust to love me for more than my money.
Gertrude is a little shocked by this.

Gertrude: Wow... mom.. where did that come from?

Mom: Oh I don't know. I love you, dear. You know I really want you to be happy, and I think you really want me to be happy, too. All those years you'd ask me, "Why?" And I'd give you some bullshit answer, some dated mom answer. Despite that though, you grew up well. You grew up like your grandpa wanted me to grow up. I just hope you know that whatever you do, I love you.

Gertrude: Mom... are you listening to yourself? Are you dying or something? I've never heard you talk like this before.

Mom: I don't know... just watching you grow up, after all these years... I'm proud of you. I helped you become this amazing woman that you are, and that has to count for something.

Gertrude: Yes, it counts for something. Of course it does. Mom... I wish you'd open up to me like this more often. Of course I want you to be happy... but I don't want your hapiness to come from a bottle. I want you to be proud of me... but I really want you to be proud of yourself.

Mom: Well... Gertie, I'm proud to be your mother. That's enough for me.
(Gertrude is silent, a little dazed looking.)

SCENE 15: Getrude, Grandfather
Jul. 19th, 2006 | 05:21 am
SCENE 15: Grandpa is lying in a bed or slouched down in a chair, wearing slippers and pajamas. He has the newspaper or a "science news" magazine in hand, and perhaps some water on a table nearby (with a pill cup?), but he's staring blankly or dozing off.

Gert: (puts her hands on her grandpa's shoulders) Hey... Grandpa, I'm here.

Grandpa smiles and pats her hands, becoming a little bit more alert.

Gert: I've got good news... I haven't told anyone else yet. Are you ready for this?

Grandpa squeezes her hand, smiles. "Ready for what, dear?"

Gert: I was accepted. I'm going to be majoring in Aerospace engineering... I got in, Grandpa! My life ... its really going to begin now.

Grandpa is smiling... theres a bit of a pause.

Grandpa: "Gertie? Is that you?"

Gertrude: Yes, Grandpa... I'm here. (Still smiling, looking excited.)

Grandpa: Gertie... I'm not myself anymore. I'm no longer conscious...
Gertrude leans down, hugs her grandpa tightly.
Grandpa: I would've rather died than lost this much of myself...

Gertrude squeezes her grandpa's hand, her expression changes to a serious one.
Gert: you're the greatest man I'll ever know. (Said very emotionally)

Grandfather gets teary eyed, smiles a little.
Grandpa: My little astronomer...

Maybe she kneels beside him... The song Don't Fence Me In Begins to play; maybe it was soft in the background before, or another old song going softly. He begins to sing... eyes still tearing, or you could cry, but god, that would make me cry, too. Misses some of the words, sometimes a beat too slow, but always hits "don't fence me in", and Gertrude starts to sing along with him, only hitting that part because that's all she knows, maybe harmonizing a bit. The lights go out.

SCENE 16: Gertrude/Sister

SCENE 16: sitting on the ground, leaning back, maybe looking up at the stars.

Sister (putzing with a rubik's cube, peeling off the sides): You know, we're doing a lot better than our parents were.

Gertrude: ...yeah, I'd agree with that.

Sister: Look at us... going to college. We've got the whole world ahead of us... no excuses, nothing to hold us back. We, every day from this day forward, are a series of decisions continue to make.

Gertrude: What did you say you were? A philosophy major? (they both laugh)

Sister: Major... I still haven't picked one. But... who knows. I could sit around on a rock all day like Socrates, telling the youth whats up.

Gertrude: You'd get restless. Besides, will you ever really grow up? (she snickers)

Sister: Hopefully not completely. But where it counts, you know? I've got to maintain that balance between young heart and old soul.

Gertrude: You know... we've changed pretty dramatically in these last few months. I can't even relate to who I was in the Liam days, let alone who you were in the height of your partying. That is a bit confusing to me... how some people can change so much, while others just get... stuck.

Sis: Don't speak too soon. We've got a good 60 years in which to find ourselves stuck. We've been lucky - so far, nothing has been able to break us.

Gertrude: No... its more than luck. Don't kid yourself. We're strong girls. It sounds cheesy... but, we're going to make it. We're going to do a damn good job.

Sis: I'll drink to that.

Gertrude: You'll drink to anything. (they both laugh)