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THE DOE FILES

Amber Grant
(704)-589-2202
6608 Mimosa St. Indian Trail, NC 28079
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Total Cast- 16-62

8-34 Males
8-28 Females
45 minutes- 1 hour
Genre- Tragedy
Synopsis
The Doe Files follows the stories of 16 missing children throughout four decades, the
30’s, 60’s, 80’s, and 2000’s. Every child was either abandoned, taken, running away
from something, or running off for the thrill of adventure. Each missing kid goes through
different experiences and emotions as they relive their stories through memories of the
past. This story is meant to bring awareness to the different hardships runaways and
missing children face while gone.

Production History-​ The Doe Files was produced by the students of Porter Ridge High
School to be performed at the NCTC High School Play Festival Regionals.

Set-​ A simple set, able to be easily moved around the stage during transitions.
Decorated with missing child posters, graffiti, and homeless signs. Two benches, four
wooden boxes, two moveable platforms.

Lights-​ No colored lights were used during the production, no spotlight.

Sound-​ Several songs were used during the transitions in between decade scenes and
throughout the entire show.
Opening-​ Secrets by OneRepublic
30’s-60’s Transition-​ ​War by Edwin Starr
60’s-80’s Transition-​ Oh Freedom​ (​Sung on stage by Heather Locklear)
80’s​ ​Rave Scene-​ ​Just When You Thought It Was Safe by DJ Excel
80’s-2000’s Transition-​ ​Scream by Michael Jackson
Ending Song-​ ​Runaway by Kanye West (Instrumental Version)
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Awards:
All awards were received in the NCTC 2015 Regionals hosted at Porter Ridge High
School on November 6th and 7th.
Excellence in Stage Movement and Composition
Excellence in Ensemble Acting
Excellence in Set Design- awarded to Madeline Traywick and Ellen Snelson
Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting- awarded to Amber Grant
Outstanding Achievement in Direction- awarded to Jessica Briggs

Warning-​ Drug and Alcohol Use. References to rape and sex. Mild Language. Cultural
References. Violence and suicide. Gang Violence.

Cast of Characters and Acknowledgments

Director- Jessica Briggs

Assistant Director- Mason Wikfors
Stage Manager- Connor Edwards

Scene 1- Depression
BETTY ELLIOT- Forsaken- Heather Locklear
A girl abandoned by her family during the Depression after they found out they
can no longer afford her. Betty begins to live on an orphan train with other abandoned
children. An emotional young girl, fierce in character and often times angry. Stern face,
tougher appearance, raggedy poor clothing. Hair and makeup should be dirty.
MARY TATE- Taken- Taylor Reed
A girl desperate for money begins to work in a textile factory, where the owner
treats her and the other workers like slaves. Feminine and anxious girl, desperate to
make some money. Round face yet slim body of a dancer. Hair is pinned up, but can
easily become unruly. Wearing a worker’s apron.
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CHARLES BLAKE- Escaped- Kevin Lynch

A boy who escaped from his abusive foster mother and begins living alone out on
the streets. He slowly begins to starve and becomes desperate for food. Sly and dirty
face, untidy hair, taller and skinny, can easily escape from certain situations. He has a
cunning attitude and will do anything to get what he wants. Dirtier clothing through entire
scene.
RAYMOND ALDAMA- Adventure- David Fernandez
A man seeking a life away from his Cuban Farm travels over to America during
the worst times of the Great Depression. He soon realizes America isn’t all he thought it
was and that many people hate him because of where he comes from. Young man with
a darker Cuban complexion. Neatly styled hair and clean attire that can easily become
ruined as the scene progresses. Has the desire for adventure and rebellion.

Scene 2- Love
DOUGLAS RICHARDSON- Forsaken- Paxton Doby
A young man who falls in love with a black girl, runs off with her after his father
refuses to accept his love. A taller, slimmer white man with a wealthier look and preppy
clothes, shorter cut hair. Often walks with a posture of nervousness, looking over his
back occasionally.
SANDRA MALCOLM- Taken- Madeline Farris
A naive girl who was pushed aside by everyone all her life becomes obsessed
with the first man who pays any bit of attention to her, this man happens to be a cult
leader. She begins to follow all of her leader’s orders. Shorter, very feminine in
appearance. Wild look in her eyes, almost like she’s daydreaming. A non-intimidating
appearance, never seen without a bewildered smile.
DONNA MATTHEWS- Adventure- Jillian Hollingsworth
A snoody teenage girl with a fierce determination to express her thoughts runs off
for a taste of adventure, joining a hippie group and protesting the Vietnam War. Long
flowing hair, hippie-like appearance. Often looks as if she doesn’t care about anything.
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RODNEY WASHINGTON- Escaped - Jared VanderVoort

A man who is terrified of war is picked in the Draft Lottery to head over to
Vietnam immediately, so he becomes a draft evader and runs from the law towards the
border of Canada. Not necessarily weak, but a very prestigious looking boy with slicked
back hair and wealthier clothes. Often has a worried or even terrified face. A momma’s
boy, never had a male figure in his life.

Scene 3- Crime
DANNY JONES- Forsaken- Grant Morgan
A once youthful and caring boy gets into a car accident and has a blood
transfusion but finds out that he’s been infected with AIDS. Slowly grows weaker and
colder as the scene progresses. Is often seen coughing, will never touch objects without
cleaning them off first. Makeup arranged to make him look sicker as scene progresses.
MELISSA JORDAN- Adventure- Corine Olarte
A girl who is constantly criticized and overworked by her strict parents turns to
drugs and partying to find a relief from all the stress. A teenager with unruly hair and
stressed out appearance, will do anything to get some freedom from her strict parents
and her constant school work.
MICHAEL ROBINSON- Escaped- Darius Hines
A man in a gang caught selling drugs by undercover cops is offered freedom, but
only if he gives up the name of some of his gang friends, begins to think that his fellow
gang members are coming to kill him. Race doesn’t matter, tougher appearance.
Common leather jacket, scene with a gun and a bandana. Gets angry easily, but slowly
grows paranoid that someone is following him.
NICOLE WHITE- Taken- Angelina Yermakov
A once pretty high school girl goes out on a date, but is kidnapped by a sex
trafficker. While locked in a mysterious area with other kidnapped kids, Nicole thinks
things would be better if she found a way to end her constant suffering. Very pretty and
youthful, often sought after by all the boys. Lots of makeup, styled hair. Once she is
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kidnapped, her appearance grows darker and dirtier. Torn clothes, bruises, and messy
hair.

Scene 4- Lost
AVA TRAVIS- Taken- Rachel Johnson
A girl who is kidnapped by a pedophile when walking home from school, thinks
she’s going crazy as she begins to have feelings for her kidnapper. She is suffering
from Stockholm Syndrome. A younger girl, possibly 13, wearing more kiddish looking
clothes and carries herself innocently. Naive and easily manipulated, weak minded.
RYAN CARLTON- Forsaken- Greyson Rath
A popular boy who sleeps with his best friend’s girlfriend, getting her pregnant.
He runs away when everyone begins to hate him for his mistakes. In the newest clothes
and occasionally a football jersey. Carries himself confidently as the ‘coolest’ person in
school. When he runs away, he grows more and more depressed, begins to drink
heavily and slurs his speech.
MIA HANNIGAN- Escaped- Sarah Hudson
A girl who is doing a missing kids project for school finds her picture on the
missing children website. She begins to question who her mother is and finds herself
wanting to return to her real family. Dressed in comfortable clothing, never seen without
a computer in her hands, a somewhat nerdy teenager appearance. Carries herself
stubbornly, yet grows nervous once she realizes she’s not who she thought she was.
RAUL GONZALEZ- Adventure- Alex Avila
A boy wanting to escape from his horrible neighborhood in Mexico jumps the
border to America, on the run from Immigration Control Officers and facing
discrimination from politicians all over the United States. First dressed in dirty and
tattered clothing, but changes into something tidier once over the border. Walks around
with a paranoid, yet excited look. He’s enjoying his time, yet he is nervous someone is
going to catch him.
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1930’s Outside Characters

MOTHER- Angelina Yermakov
FATHER- Greyson Rath
FOSTER PARENT- Corine Olarte
SIBLING- Jillian Hollingsworth
OWNER- Jared VanderVoort
WORKER X3- Madeline Farris, Rachel Johnson, Sarah Hudson
KID X2- Darius Hines, Alex Avila
CRIMINAL X2- Grant Morgan, Paxton Doby
CITIZENS- Ensemble

1960’s Outside Characters

ANNOUNCER- Greyson Rath
CULTIST X2- Corine Olarte, Rachel Johnson
CULT LEADER- Kevin Lynch
MOTHER D- Sarah Hudson
FATHER- David Fernandez
MOTHER R- Rachel Johnson
LISA- Taylor Reed
PROTESTERS- Ensemble
THUG X6- Greyson Rath, Kevin Lynch, David Fernandez, Grant Morgan, Darius Hines,
Alex Avila

1980’s Outside Characters

BOY- Kevin Lynch
COP X2- Taylor Reed, Jared VanderVoort
MOTHER- Heather Locklear
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FATHER- Greyson Rath

GIRLFRIEND- Sarah Hudson
TRAFFICKER- Madeline Farris
HENCHMEN X2- David Fernandez, Paxton Doby
TEEN- Jillian Hollingsworth
GANGSTER- Alex Avila

2000’s Outside Characters

TJ- Grant Morgan
GIRLFRIEND- Jillian Hollingsworth
PEDOPHILE- David Fernandez
MOTHER- Madeline Farris
FRIEND- Corine Olarte
POLITICIAN X2- Taylor Reed, Paxton Doby
COACH- Jared VanderVoort
NEWSCASTER- Kevin Lynch
CITIZENS- Ensemble
PEERS- Ensemble
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OPENING

First Scene- 1930s- Depression

BETTY.​ Betty Elliott went missing May 31, 1933

CHARLES.​ Charles Blake went missing April 13, 1931
MARY.​ Mary Tate went missing January 11, 1930
RAYMOND.​ Raymond Aldama went missing October 28, 1936
BETTY.​ How can a family abandon their own child? Did I mean nothing to them, am I
actually worth something?
MARY.​ Working day and night, all to make just a ​little​ bit of money. Is it really worth all
the trouble?
CHARLES.​ Sometimes, I go to sleep on the side of the road or in some alleyway… and
I wonder if I am going to wake up the next morning.
RAYMOND.​ I had dreams, I wanted to make my life worth something. I didn’t want to
spend all my time working on some bleak farm out in the middle of nowhere.
BETTY.​ When the depression hit, it surprised everyone. My family fell apart and the
next thing I knew, I was being kicked to the curb by my own parents.
MOTHER.​ I’m sorry, but we can’t do this anymore
FATHER.​ We have to give you away, we can’t afford you.
BETTY.​ Please, no, you can’t do this to me. Please!
FATHER.​ You have to leave Betty
BETTY.​ Think, both of you, think about what you’re doing! You’re giving your
only daughter away. For what?
MOTHER.​ The market crash surprised us all, Betty, there’s nothing we can do.
All of our money is gone…
BETTY.​ Please don’t do this, please don’t leave me.
FATHER.​ We have to.
MOTHER.​ Just try to understand, we don’t ​want​ to do this…
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FATHER.​ ...but we don’t have a choice.

MARY.​ I’m just a girl, I’ve been living on the streets for most of my life, so I have no
money to my name. At this point, I would do practically anything for money.
OWNER.​ If you need a few extra bucks, I have something for ya.
MARY.​ Really? What kind of work?
OWNER.​ There’s an opening at the textile factory, just a block away from here.
MARY.​ How much would I be making?
OWNER.​ Enough. ​(eyeing MARY up) ​You’ll be making some money, so it
doesn’t really matter how much you get.
MARY.​ I figured it would be okay, working in the factory. But it definitely wasn’t
what I was expecting.
CHARLES.​ My parents gave me away when I was smaller, and I’ve been living in foster
homes my entire childhood. It was absolute torture. I was treated like a slave instead of
the child I that I am. .
FOSTER PARENT.​ Charles! Charles, I need these stairs cleaned immediately!
Get up and go get the mop, you lazy, good-for-nothing dimwit.
CHARLES.​ I’m coming ma’am, I’ve been cleaning the baseboards all evening.
FOSTER PARENT.​ Good to know you’ve actually made yourself useful. I want
those stairs spotless by the time I get back, no excuses!
CHARLES.​ (​sighs​) Of course, miss. (​mumbles​) Whatever you need.
RAYMOND.​ I left my home in Cuba, expecting to find some solitude in America. In my
mind, anywhere was better than Cuba.
SIBLING.​ Please Raymond, stay here with us.
RAYMOND.​ I can’t, I’m tired of living here, I don’t want this to be my life.
SIBLING.​ But what about Mom and Dad, you know they’re going to miss you.
RAYMOND.​ I know, but I can’t stay here. Don’t tell them where I’m going alright,
it’ll be better if they don’t find me. Do you understand?
SIBLING.​ (​nods​) Fine, I won’t tell, but just be safe Raymond, please. Promise?
(​gives RAYMOND a scarf)
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RAYMOND.​ I will, I promise. (​wraps scarf around neck)

BEAT

MARY.​ ​The textile factory wasn’t a horrible job, at the time at least, but it certainly
wasn’t an easy one.
OWNER.​ ​Get to work ladies, come on, we don’t have all day!
WORKER 1.​ ​He’s working us like slaves.
WORKER 2.​ How long do we have to do this?
WORKER 3.​ ​Can’t we take a break?
WORKER 2.​ Rest our hands... just for a little while?
MARY.​ Ladies, shhh, stop complaining. (​OWNER​ ​leaves​) It’s true that none of
us like this job, but you have to look on the brightside, at least we’re making some
money. ​(to audience)​ Soon, things will begin to change but if they don’t, I don’t know
what I’ll do. ​(walks back to ENSEMBLE)

BEAT

BETTY.​ ​I heard stories about these freight trains that go all over the country. Apparently
the trains are a great place for the homeless to live, so I was able to catch one, and
there I met a few other kids who were given up like I was.
BETTY.​ ​(turns to KIDS) ​Are you sure this train is safe?
KID 1.​ ​We’re positive
KID 2.​ We’ve been all over the country on this train, never really ran into any
problems. Don’t be so nervous.
BETTY.​ ​(nodding head)​ Alright, of course, we’ll be fine. ​(runs off)
RAYMOND.​ I thought Cuba was bad, but I didn’t realize that America was ruined until
after I got off the boat.
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CRIMINAL 2.​ ​(blocking RAYMOND’S path)​ Hey, hey, hey, hold up. You an
immigrant?
RAYMOND.​ Uh, yes, actually, I am. Excuse me, ​(criminal pushes RAYMOND)​ I
have a train to catch. ​(CRIMINAL pushes RAYMOND down)
CRIMINAL 1.​ Now hold on for just a second,
CRIMINAL 2. ​I think you should leave friend, most people don’t want you here,
CRIMINAL 1.​ Especially not now.
RAYMOND.​ Why wouldn’t they want me, it’s not like I’m a criminal. I came here
to live a normal American life.
CRIMINAL 2.​ You’re not gonna get that here,
CRIMINAL 1.​ Not anymore, now I’m warning you, get back on your little boat and
leave.
CRIMINAL 2. ​We don’t need anymore mouths to feed, ya hear? (​takes scarf)
RAYMOND.​ No, wait, I promised her. ​(fighting over scarf)​ No!. Dammit! ​(run off
stage)
CHARLES.​ When I got so fed up with how my foster parents had been treating me, I
ran. But when I ran away, I took nothing with me. I’m so stupid! I don’t own anything, not
a single coin. So I decided to make ends meet by stealing from more fortunate people.
(takes out wallet, looks through disappointingly) ​But as it turns out I’m not the only one
who’s broke.
BETTY.​ I’ve spent practically my whole life on that train with those other kids, and it’s
comforting knowing that I’m not the only child who was thrown away.
MARY.​ I’m working day and night for him, for this factory. I feel like I’m nothing but a
hostage forced to work in this filthy, disgusting warehouse. I try to leave at night but ​he
won’t let me, he says that I still have work to do. I’m just going to be stuck in here
forever!

(RAYMOND walks on stage, ENSEMBLE starts insulting him)

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RAYMOND.​ Why does everyone here despise me?

CITIZEN.​ We need to start accepting more immigrants into the country.
CITIZEN.​ We should just put up a giant wall to keep you out
CITIZEN.​ Can’t you have some sympathy for them?
RAYMOND.​ America was practically built by immigrants from all over the world.
CHARLES.​ After stealing, I tried to beg for money, but no one ever hears me. The
adults, the adults, they have no pity… and the kids, they all laugh at me. They don’t
realize how hard it is.
ENSEMBLE.​ Worthless Boy!
BETTY.​ I don’t know where I’m going anymore, how could my parents do this to me?
KID 1.​ You’re not alone,
ENSEMBLE.​ Alone
KID 2-​ None of our parents care about us anymore.
ENSEMBLE.​ Unwanted
BETTY.​ If they truly loved me than they would have never sent me away.
MARY.​ This job has taken my freedom away, my childhood is gone. I don’t deserve this
life, no one should ever have to go through this hell.
OWNER.​ Stop complaining, girl, be thankful you even have a job.
RAYMOND.​ America is nothing like I suspected. Everyone is either begging or stealing,
or they’re hating you because of where you came from.
BETTY.​ I don’t want to be homeless for the rest of my life, but I have no choice.
RAYMOND.​ The men from my country said America was nice and grand, but they lied
to me!
BETTY.​ I see abandonment everywhere, it’s like the depression made everyone forget
about what really matters in life.
CHARLES.​ So many people in this city, yet all of them are so damn inconsiderate
BETTY.​ It doesn’t even matter where I’m going anymore, as long as I’m away from
them.
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MARY.​ When I was a child, I used to dream of being a dancer… (​dancing through
ENSEMBLE)​ Twirling around on stage while everyone cheered for me…
OWNER.​ ​(stops MARY from dancing) ​Dreams? You need to stop dreaming your
life away. You need to accept reality, Mary.
MARY.​ Please sir, I’m tired, I just want to go back home.
OWNER.​ Home? Don’t you realize that this ​(gestures around)​ is your home now!
You can’t just go back, we need you to keep working!
MARY.​ ​(pleading) ​You can’t do this to me.
OWNER.​ ​(grabs MARY)​ Yes I can, you’re ​my​ worker and I said to get back to
work! ​(shoves MARY away)
RAYMOND.​ I was going to become a citizen, start a business, and have a family…
CRIMINAL 1.​ (​mocking) ​You wanted to start a family?
CRIMINAL 2.​ We don’t want anymore of your kind.
CHARLES.​ I barely have enough to survive, I’m starvin’... freezin’. No one wants to help
me anymore. I know the foster home was bad, but all of this?
FOSTER PARENT.​ ​(grabs CHARLES, drags him by the ear) ​Good for nothing
little boy, let’s see how long you’ll survive out here without me. ​(walks away)
CHARLES.​ I’m covered in filth, I’ve been wearing the same clothes for three weeks. I
getting thinner and thinner everyday, I think I’m losing my mind from hunger.
MARY.​ (​running across the stage) ​I have to keep working, if I don’t keep working he’ll
hurt me. I can’t leave, I have to keep working, and I can’t stop, I have to keep working!
BETTY.​ They sent me to live all by myself on this train. They threw out their own child
because they couldn’t ‘afford me’. And now I’m just stuck in here forever.
MARY.​ He leaves that window open all night, that’s a perfect way to get out of here. I’m
not going to sit there and willingly take this abuse.I refuse to be someone’s hostage.
CHARLES.​ Yesterday, there was a small boy on the streets, carrying around a bag with
a loaf of bread inside… And I don’t know what came over me, it’s like I was a different
person. I was just so hungry, so desperate for that little bit of food. ​(emotional) ​So I
grabbed the boy and threw him in an alleyway where I started hitting him… and he
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started yelling but I just...kept... hitting him… and then he stopped yelling.​ (Angry)​ I
killed that kid all for a damn loaf of bread. I can hear my foster mother right about now,
reminding me of how ​worthless​ I really am and I can’t help but think, she was right all
along. She was only telling me what I was too afraid to admit to myself, my life is
pointless.
RAYMOND.​ I tried to catch a boat back to Cuba. When I got to the docks, I saw those
two anti-immigrant idiots waiting there. When they saw me, they jumped me, started
beating, kicking, and spitting all over me until I was nothing but some bloody foreigner
laying down at their feet. I remember them saying that that’s where I belonged…. at
their feet.
MARY.​ Mary Tate, still missing.
BETTY.​ Betty Elliot still missing.
RAYMOND.​ Raymond Aldama found beaten to death.
CHARLES.​ Charles Blake found dead, died of starvation.

TRANSITION

Second Scene- 1960’s- Love

DOUGLAS.​ Douglas Richardson went missing April 25th, 1962

RODNEY.​ Rodney Washington went missing December 19th, 1965
SANDRA.​ Sandra Malcolm went missing August 9th, 1969.
DONNA.​ Donna Matthews went missing May 5th, 1968
DOUGLAS.​ People so often take love for granted. Why? Why would you ever take
something so beautiful and say it means nothing?
RODNEY.​ I can’t believe I am running from the draft, but they can’t just force people to
go to war, ​(skeptical)​ can they?
SANDRA.​ I read what the newspapers say about us, about our church, they call us
crazy! What gives them the right to judge our sanity?
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DONNA.​ If my parents had just agreed with me, I would’ve never ran away. But no,
everything had to go ​their ​way. They never cared about any of my opinions.
DOUGLAS.​ People think that if someone is different, it’s perfectly okay to shun them.
My father… if he ever found out that I was in love with Lisa… I don’t know how he’ll
react. But I can’t hide it from him anymore.
RODNEY.​ Every Night at 11, I turn on the news to see all the sorry souls who are
heading to Vietnam.
ANNOUNCER.​ The Draft Lottery, a live report on tonight's picking of the birth
dates for the draft. September 14th, Oct 18th, Dec 6th, and Oct 5th (​RODNEY’s head
pops up, surprised) ​All men born on these dates between the years 1944-1950 have
been selected for the draft. You are to report to your assigned locations by Dec 21st.
RODNEY.​ No, no, no, I can’t go to war. I can’t leave! ​(angry, kicks box)
SANDRA.​ He is a nice man, he taught me how to believe in something more powerful
than myself. He is kind, gentle, perfect… ​(CULTISTS wrap arms around SANDRA)
CULTIST 1.​ He protects us, Sandra
CULTIST 2.​ ​He loves us
CULTIST 1.​ He only wants what’s best for us
CULT LEADER.​ ​(approaches behind them) ​Listen to them, Sandra, they know
what they’re talking about. ​(orders CULTISTS away, wraps cult robe around SANDRA) ​I
want you to join us, darling.
SANDRA.​ I don’t know… my parents wouldn’t be very happy with me. My little
sister needs me, she won’t be able to take care of herself. I know they’ve already
started looking for me. If they knew I were with you they’d be furious-
CULT LEADER.​ (​interrupts)​ And I completely understand that, but if you truly
want to reach your full potential, you have to join me. I’m not a bad man, Sandra, those
people, they’re not like you and me. They don’t understand the power of this Family. We
need you, I need you.
SANDRA.​ ​(to audience)​ He needed me, for once I was actually needed by
someone. I’ve lived my entire life in the shadows, I was never acknowledged by anyone.
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No one ever wanted me, no one needed me. And hearing this man, this ​god​, say that
he​ needed ​me,​ how could I refuse his offer?
DONNA.​ My parents are in full support of the vietnam war, they never cared about any
of my opinions
MOTHER D.​ Those Vietnamese deserve what’s coming to them!
DOUGLAS.​ Yes, I’m white and she’s black, so what if we’re different?
FATHER.​ How can you do this Douglas?
MOTHER D.​ I’ve supported you for everything, Donna-
FATHER.​ But this? I can’t support you
DOUGLAS.​ Being different
DONNA.​ isn’t always a bad thing, Don’t you realize how many people are going
to die?
DOUGLAS.​ Don’t you care about how I feel? I love her Pa!
FATHER.​ What about how I feel, Douglas, knowing that my son is in love with
some nigger.
MOTHER D.​ Knowing that my daughter is nothing but some messed up hippie
DONNA.​ If you can’t support me
DOUGLAS.​ Or any of my opinions
DOUGLAS & DONNA.​ Then I’m out of here.
FATHER.​ Fine Douglas
MOTHER D.​ Leave Donna
BOTH PARENTS.​ I don’t want you here anyways.
RODNEY.​ ​(packing bag)​ Mom… I have to go.
MOTHER ROD.​ Where will you go Rodney? There’s nowhere to hide.
RODNEY.​ (pauses)​ I don’t know, but can’t stay here.
MOTHER ROD.​ Look honey, everything will be ok just try to calm down. (​grabs
RODNEY’s shoulder​) Would you quit packing for two seconds and talk to me?
RODNEY.​ ​(stops packing)​ You know I got picked for the draft mom. I’m
supposed to be heading over to Vietnam in two days!
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MOTHER ROD.​ I know, Rodney! But you don’t have to go right now.
RODNEY.​ ​(paranoid)​ Do you want me to die, mom? Is that what you want?
Cause that’s what’ll happen if I go, I ​will​ die out there and you know it.
MOTHER ROD.​ Of course I don’t want you to die, ​(holds RODNEY’s hand to
chest)​ but you just can’t leave me, Rodney...
RODNEY.​ I’m sorry, mom, but I have to go. They’ll know I’m here.
MOTHER ROD.​ You’ll be convicted of draft evasion. You could go to prison!
RODNEY.​ They won’t find me, not if I run. I am not going to stand here and die
like everyone else. ​(pauses)​ I’m sorry, goodbye. ​(walks away)
MOTHER ROD. ​Rodney! Rodney wait, please! ​(RODNEY turns back, embraces
MOTHER R, then runs offstage)
DOUGLAS.​ When everyone began to abandon us because of our love, we ran off
together.
LISA.​ ​(grabs DOUGLAS’s hand)​ Douglas, I’m scared, why are we doing this?
We don’t have to leave.
DOUGLAS.​ Don’t you see that they don’t want us here, all because we love each
other. We need to go someplace where we will be accepted.
LISA.​ I trust you. But, where are we going?
DOUGLAS.​ ​(thinks)​ I haven’t really thought about it, anywhere but Alabama.
Come on, I have a few bucks left, we can catch a train and go north-
LISA.​ It’s not going to be any better there, Douglas. Nobody accepts what we’re
doing.
DOUGLAS.​ Come on, this is the 1960’s. ​(ENSEMBLE begins riots in
background) ​They’re rioting in the streets for civil rights. In a few years, this relationship
will be acceptable. Come on, we have to go.
DONNA.​ This ​is ​the 60’s, people are protesting in the streets, even me. I finally feel
alive, I feel like my voice can finally be heard. And when I protest with my new family…
it’s like nothing can stop me. ​(turns to ENSEMBLE) ​1,2,3,4, we don’t want your freaking
war!
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ENSEMBLE.​ ​(chanting)​ 1,2,3,4 we don’t want your freaking war! Hell no, we
won’t go. Hell no, we won’t go. Hey, hey LBJ, how many kids have you killed today?!
RODNEY.​ Those drug loving hippies, they’re all protesting this war that I don’t
believe in. I can’t be a soldier, I just don’t have what it takes to kill someone or to even
hold​ a gun. I have to escape, I ​have​ run away from this war!
DOUGLAS.​ Lisa, come on​ (running)​ Lisa, hurry!
LISA.​ We already lost him Douglas, there’s no need to run anymore. ​(pulls out
wallet)
DOUGLAS.​ So, what’d he have?
LISA.​...3 dollars
DOUGLAS.​ That’ll last us a few days, come on let’s go get some food from the
market.​(grabs LISA’s hand, THUGS approach)
THUG 1.​ ​(leering)​ Aw
THUG 2.​ Look at this.
THUG 3.​ How sweet, young love ​(steps closer)
THUG 4.​ So, what brings you here, kids?
DOUGLAS.​ Look, we don’t want any trouble.
THUG 5-​Yeah? Well, you’re certainly causing trouble, aren’t ya,
THUG 6-​ With the thing you’re holding on to.
DOUGLAS.​ That ​thing​ is my girlfriend.
THUG 1.​ That ​thing ​doesn’t belong here!
THUG 3.​ And if you two are dating, I don’t think ​you​ belong here either. Get ‘em
(​THUG 2, 5, 6, grab DOUGLAS, THUG 1, 3, 4 grab LISA)
DOUGLAS.​ (​getting beaten by THUGS) ​Hey, get your hands off her! ​(THUGS
pulling off LISA’s clothes) ​No stop, don’t you dare touch her! ​(struggling for LISA)
LISA.​ Douglas, help me! ​(THUG straddles her, rips shirt off)
THUG 3.​ ​(unbuckling pants) ​Your man can’t help you now, nigger! ​(climbs on top
of LISA)
DOUGLAS.​ No, leave her alone! ​(finally pulls out gun, aims at THUGS)
 20

THUGS.​ ​(Shocked, jumps back)​ Whoa, hey now, boy​ (holds up hands)
DOUGLAS.​ Leave! ​(THUGS run off, DOUGLAS and LISA embrace, then run in
opposite direction)
SANDRA.​ People think I’m crazy (​laughs​), so what if I am? I am supporting him and
that’s all I care about.
CULT LEADER.​ ​ Listen Sandra, there’s one small thing you need to do for the
family… for me.
SANDRA.​ ​(smiles​) I’ll do anything for you.
CULT LEADER.​ You see that couple over there ​(gestures)​, they’re your targets.
Do exactly what I told you to do and when you’re done, head back over to the house,
just make sure you do this quickly. We don’t want anyone catching you.
SANDRA.​ ​(nods) ​Of course, my lord. I’ll be back soon. ​(exits)
DONNA.​ I eventually got into the hang of protesting. These people (​gestures to
ENSEMBLE) ​they’re my real family now. When I’m with them, I finally feel like I am
standing up for something I believe in. I finally, for once, feel like I don’t have to keep my
mouth shut, I can express my opinions about practically anything, anytime, anywhere. I
feel… powerful almost and I ​never​ felt that way back at home. I haven’t spoken to my
parents since the day I ran, but I am happier than ever before.
SANDRA.​ ​(walks onstage) ​I followed both of the innocents back to their house. I killed
them as soon as I could, then I ran before anything bad could happen.
CULT LEADER.​ I am so proud of you ​(hugs SANDRA)​ you’ve done it, you’ve
shown your dedication to me and this family. Thank you, Sandra.
SANDRA.​ ​(paranoid) ​We have to hurry, the news about the murders is going to
spread. My parents, the police, they’re going to be here soon.
CULT LEADER.​ (​angry, grabs SANDRA’s shoulder) ​Wait, what did you just say?
The police are after us, Did you mess up? You let them follow you here, leading them
right to us!
SANDRA.​ Don’t worry! We’ll be alright, we just need to pray. ​(kneels down,
about to pray to CULT LEADER)
 21

CULT LEADER.​ (​smacks SANDRA away, infuriated​) Are you an idiot? We can’t
just pray this away, they’re coming don’t you see? We can’t let them get us. I am not
going to rot in some prison.
SANDRA.​ There is nothing we can do!
CULT LEADER.​ (​pauses​) Well, there is something… ​(looks to ENSEMBLE)​ Do
you all trust me?
ENSEMBLE.​ (​nods​) Of course my lord
SANDRA.​ I trust you with my life.
CULT LEADER.​ Alright, come with me ​(leads SANDRA offstage)
DONNA.​ How could my parents support the war? I had to run from them, they’re
absolutely insane. At least my new family accepts me for who I truly am.
RODNEY.​ I’m scared, terrified that they’ll find me. I can’t go to war, but i can’t go to
prison either. I just have to make it to Canada, everything will be alright once I’m over
the border.
DONNA.​ The other day I saw a missing kid poster with my face on it, and I laughed. I’m
surprised that my parents are looking for me, this is all their fault.
RODNEY.​ I still can’t rest easy until I am out of the U.S. away from the draft.
DONNA.​ Peace, love, these are important in any society.
RODNEY.​ I abandoned my friends and family just to avoid all the conflict!
RODNEY & DONNA.​ Peace! ​(DOUGLAS and LISA lead onstage by THUGS,
ENSEMBLE insults them)
RODNEY & DONNA.​ Love! ​(ENSEMBLE insults)
RODNEY & DONNA.​ War! ​(run back, THUGS push LISA and DOUGLAS down.)
(THUGS wrap nooses around LISA and DOUGLAS’s neck, lead them onto boxes.
THUGS hold them up by their arms. LISA and DOUGLAS should react like they’re being
lynched with choking noises and their legs swinging erratically. THUGS throw
DOUGLAS and LISA to the ground. RODNEY and DONNA move downstage)
 22

DONNA.​ Why do we need to go to war anyways? Why can’t the government just accept
that sometimes we need peace?
RODNEY.​ They’re going to find me, I know it. (​sobbing​) I can’t die, god I don’t want to
die.
DOUGLAS.​ Douglas Richardson found lynched alongside girlfriend, Lisa.
SANDRA.​ Sandra Malcolm found dead, committed suicide for her cult leader
DONNA.​ Donna Matthews still missing
RODNEY.​ Rodney Washington, returned home after the War.

TRANSITION

Third Scene- 1980’s - Crime

DANNY.​ Danny Jones, went missing October 22nd, 1988

NICOLE.​ Nicole White, went missing September 12th, 1982
MICHAEL. ​Michael Robinson, went missing June 8th, 1987
MELISSA.​ Melissa Jordan, went missing January 5th, 1984
DANNY.​ Deserted, all because I have a disease… What did I ever do to deserve this
torment?
NICOLE.​ Every night, I am forced to do this. These people, they beat me, rape me, take
away my humanity…
MICHAEL.​ I’ve betrayed my friends, my ​family​, all to just save myself from going to
prison.
MELISSA.​ I’m bored all the time, I’m not living the life I dreamed of having.
DANNY.​ I caught it earlier this year, I got into an accident with my jeep. Drove off the
road right into a telephone pole. Isn’t it strange how easy it is for something to change
your life? One simple accident and then a blood transfusion, that’s all it was supposed
to be… but when my blood test came back, I was told I had developed something called
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
 23

ENSEMBLE.​ AIDS...
NICOLE.​ I used to be so beautiful, so perfect. The girls at my school were always so
jealous of me, because I enjoyed stealing all the boys away.
BOY.​ Hey, Nicole? I was wondering…
NICOLE.​ Yes?
BOY.​ I was wondering if maybe you would like to go to the movies, on Saturday,
maybe at seven or so?
NICOLE.​ (​smiles​) I’d love to actually. So i guess I’ll see you at six. I’ll meet you at
front of the theater.
BOY.​ Yeah, that’d be rad. I’ll see you there, bye Nicole.
MICHAEL.​ I used to be in a gang down in Brooklyn. The gang, we were pretty tight,
called each other family. We looked out for each other, helped each other out, and we
promised that we would never snitch on each other if we ever got caught.
COP 1.​ Do you have it?
MICHAEL.​ I’m not giving you anything until I see that cash.
COP 1.​ Alright, here (​holds out cash​) hurry up, dude, I don’t want anyone
catching us.
MICHAEL.​ Relax, kid, there’s no one out here, we’ll be fine. Come on, we’ll
switch on three. One, Two-
COP 1.​ (​grabs MICHAEL’s hand during the switch COP 2 slams MICHAEL to
ground from behind) ​You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will
be used against you in a court of law… (​trails off, freezes)
MELISSA.​ When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being adventurous, but my parents
were always so controlling and strict.
MOTHER.​ Be sure to study for your test, Melissa
FATHER.​ Did you finish your homework?
MOTHER.​ Did you study for the SAT?
FATHER.​ Why aren’t you focusing?
MOTHER.​ That’s not good enough
 24

FATHER.​ That’s ​not ​good enough

MOTHER.​ Are you even trying?
FATHER.​ You’re such a disappointment.
MOTHER.​ Work Melissa.
FATHER.​ Study Melissa.
MOTHER.​ Achieve Melissa.
FATHER.​ Leave Melissa.
FATHER & MOTHER.​ Just go!
MELISSA.​ (​yelling​) Enough! (​sighs, annoyed) ​Mom, I was wondering if I could
maybe…​ (hesitant)
MOTHER.​ Spit it out, Melissa. You’re wasting time!
MELISSA.​ My friend asked me to go with her to a party- ​(MOTHER interrupts)
MOTHER.​ You think I would just let you go out on a school night? Absolutely not,
go upstairs and do your homework now!
MELISSA.​ But mom, I never go anywhere. I’m so tired of just sitting around and
studying all the time-
FATHER.​ That’s enough, Melissa, go!
MELISSA.​ You never let me do anything
FATHER.​ You’re living a life your mother and I were never able to live.
MOTHER.​ Can’t you see that we’re just looking out for you?
MELISSA.​ ​(reluctant)​ Yeah, sure whatever (​run off)​…
DANNY.​ When word got out that I was sick, people no longer saw me as the fun, loving,
and caring guy I was. I am ​not​ an intimidating person, but they were always so afraid of
me…
GIRLFRIEND.​ Hey Danny, can I talk to you?
DANNY.​ Yeah sure..What’s up?
GIRLFRIEND.​ (sits down) I need you to be honest Danny...What’s going on?
These last few months have been different, you’ve been different. It’s like you aren’t
yourself anymore. I promise I won’t be mad, just tell me what’s wrong.
 25

DANNY.​ It’s nothing. You wouldn’t understand

GIRLFRIEND.​ Yes I would. I’ve been with you through everything
DANNY.​ I’m… sick.
GIRLFRIEND.​ Sick? (​pause​) How sick? (​beat​, ​grabs DANNY’s hand)
DANNY.​ Jenn… (​stuttering) ​I-I have AIDS, I’m so sorry. I’m dying Jenn.
GIRLFRIEND.​ ...You have AIDS? ​(disgusted, retracts hand)
NICOLE.​ I was just standing there, waiting for my date to show up. I was just so excited
for my date that I didn’t realize, there were these three people who were lurking up
behind me.
TRAFFICKER.​ ​(approaches with two henchmen beside her) ​You waiting for your
boyfriend, sweetheart? (​grabs NICOLE’s hand)
NICOLE.​ Oh, um, yes actually. I think I can see him right over there-
TRAFFICKER.​ Hey, hey, there’s no rush. ​(rubs NICOLE’s arm, stops her from
backing away) ​ Come on, stay with us. ​(HENCHMEN surround NICOLE)
NICOLE.​ ​(worried) ​No, I should probably go right now, excuse me-
TRAFFICKER.​ Why don’t you stay with us? Come on, it’ll be fun!
NICOLE.​ Hey, let go of me. (​pull arm back) ​Get off!
TRAFFICKER.​ ​(ordering the others) ​Get her!
NICOLE.​ (​screaming)​ ​Let go of me! Get off me, you sick freaks. Help me
someone! Please someone (​HENCHMEN puts rag over face, muffled screaming) ​Stop
it!
TRAFFICKER.​ ​(brushing off hands) ​Alright boys, Let’s get her out of here, hurry!.
(​HENCHMEN drag NICOLE offstage​)
MICHAEL.​ (​being held down by COPS) ​I was just selling drugs for money,it’s not like I
did anything wrong!
COP 1. ​Alright Michael, let’s get started shall we?
MICHAEL.​ Why don’t you just take me to jail already?
COP 2.​ If you cooperate, we may not have too.
COP 1.​ We have somewhat of a proposition for you.
 26

MICHAEL.​ Proposition?
COP 1.​ You see, we’ve been looking for you and your little gang friends for a
quite a while now.
COP 2.​ You’re the first one we’ve been able to catch.
Michael-​ (​angry​) Little gang friends? How can you call us that?!
COP 1.​ Listen to me! You have two choices, you can either go to prison, or you
can give me the names of some of your friends who help you out.
MICHAEL.​ You think I’m a snitch?
COP 2.​ Prison, Michael, that’s where you’ll end up. Do you really want to go
there, waste your life away?
COP 1.​ You think you’re tough now? Wait till you see some of the guys locked up
in there. You wouldn’t stand a chance
MICHAEL.​ (​ponders​) So… if I give you some names you’ll let me go?
COP 2.​ It’s as simple as that.
MICHAEL.​ (​silent for a moment)​ Alright… I’ll do it.
MELISSA.​ I just wanted a taste of what life could really be like. I’m tired of being so
perfect all the time.
TEEN.​ What’s wrong Melissa, scared we’re gonna get caught?
MELISSA.​ Shut up, of course I’m scared. How do you think my parents are going
to react if they find out that I snuck out.
TEEN.​ Chill out Melissa, we’ll be back before midnight, come on, my buddy’s
house is just over there.
MELISSA.​ (​awkward​) Gosh, I feel so adventurous.
TEEN.​ (​laughs​) If you feel adventurous now, you’re going to love what’s about to
happen. I hear they got the good stuff at this party.
MELISSA.​ What do you mean by ‘good stuff’?
TEEN.​ Drugs, Mel, you know, ecstasy and stuff like that.
MELISSA.​ (​pauses​) Wait what? I thought we were just going to a party! ​(turns to
walk away, stopped by TEEN)
 27

TEEN.​ You said you wanted to be adventurous. Why’re are you wimping out on
me? (​MELISSA shrugs her off, walks away​) Do you want me to take you home, so you
can go ‘study’ ​(MELISSA pauses)
MELISSA.​ (​thinks​) Well... I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try maybe try it out… just
once? ​(TEEN and MELISSA exit)
DANNY.​ (​talking to support group)​ Hey everyone… my name is Danny Jones… and I’m
dying, I can feel my insides rotting. My body's aching all over, I can’t afford any
medicine, so I grow weaker and weaker by the second. But I’m thankful that I can talk to
others who are like me.
ENSEMBLE.​ Run! ( ​ENSEMBLE scatters across the stage, TRAFFICKER looks at
them sadistically)
NICOLE.​ (​sobbing, talking to ENSEMBLE.​) They treat me like I’m a piece of meat. They
treat me as if I were made only to fulfill their sick, twisted fantasies.
TRAFFICKER.​ ​(stands up, approaches NICOLE) ​It’s alright darling, if you do
everything I tell you to do... exactly how I tell you to do it, I won’t hurt you. ​(grabs
NICOLE by chin, lifts her up, exits)
NICOLE.​ I’m hopeless, and I can’t escape, they’re just too ruthless. Things would be
better if I ended it right now...
MICHAEL.​ Most of my friends are doing 25 years to life, all because of me…​(COPS
drag GANGSTER offstage)
MELISSA.​ My parents didn’t have the best life growing up, so yes I understand why
they’re so strict with me, but they can’t expect me to be flawless. My friend gave me this
(​holds out pill)​. I know this drug can help me feel like everyone else...
DANNY.​ They all say I’m going to burn in hell because of my ‘sickness’. But, you know
what, I can’t see how hell could be any worse than this. In my mind, I’m already there.
MICHAEL.​ I have to leave New York, I have to stop looking over my shoulder all the
time.
MELISSA.​ It’s ecstasy, the ultimate party drug. Finally something that can give me the
freedom I want. ​(takes pill, ENSEMBLE exits)
 28

DANNY.​ (​Coughing​) Sometimes I wonder, is this… God’s way of… punishing me?
NICOLE.​ I never thought about suicide before (​crying​) but I am tired of being raped and
beaten, being treated like I’m worthless.
MELISSA.​ I am tired of not taking chances.
DANNY.​ What did I ever do wrong?
NICOLE.​ This is the only way.
DANNY.​ I went from being a man with a family and a great future to being all alone
without any idea if I’ll make it to the next month. Everyone left me because they were
either afraid that I was going to infect them or they assumed that I was gay. Even if one
of those were true, what kind of a person could do that? How could anyone just look at
their friend or their boyfriend or their son and see nothing but a disease and a
stereotype? I feel like I am no longer Danny Jones. I’m just a syndrome.
MELISSA.​ Well, here I go again (​takes another pill​)
DANNY.​ Helpless ​(first ENSEMBLE wave runs in)
NICOLE.​ Hopeless ​(second ENSEMBLE wave runs in)
MICHAEL.​ Guilt ​(third ENSEMBLE wave runs in)
MELISSA.​ Rebellion ​(final ENSEMBLE wave runs in)

PARTY DEATH SCENE. (every character of the 80’s dies in this scene while the
ENSEMBLE runs around them. DANNY dies from coughing to death, NICOLE commits
suicide by cutting her arms, MICHAEL is shot by GANGSTER, MELISSA overdoses
and spasms onstage, all four characters stand back up)

DANNY.​ Danny Jones, found dead of pneumonia.

NICOLE.​ Nicole White, found dead, committed suicide.
MICHAEL.​ Michael Robinson, found dead, shot.
MELISSA.​ Melissa Jordan, found dead, overdosed on ecstasy (​ALL fall back down)

TRANSITION
 29

Scene Four - 2000’s- Lost

RYAN.​ Ryan Carlton, went missing April 30th, 2006

MIA.​ Mia Hannigan, went missing July 21st, 1992
AVA.​ Ava Travis, went missing February 3rd, 2004
RAUL.​ Raul Gonzalez went missing May 8th, 2009
RYAN.​ I was abandoned because I made a mistake
MIA.​ They took me away from my real family…
RAUL.​ Back in Mexico, I lived in a poor, beat up neighborhood.
AVA.​ Where am I? How did I end up here?
RYAN.​ I was the valedictorian, the top of my class. I had a 5.0 GPA and I was the star
quarterback. Things were going great for me.
TJ-​ ​( walks up holding GIRLFRIEND’s hand) ​Ryan, what’s up my man? (​bro hugs
RYAN​)
RYAN.​ Hey dude.
TJ.​ Hey, you coming to the party tonight?
RYAN.​ Yeah, of course, I’ll be sure to steal some liquor from my parents stash,
they won’t even notice it’s gone.
TJ.​ Awesome man, I’ll see you there.
GIRLFRIEND.​ Alright, ​(flirtatious) ​bye Ryan, can't wait to see you at the party.
TJ.​ ​(from background) ​Come on, babe
RYAN.​ Bye (​smirks​)
AVA.​ I don’t know where I am! I was just walking home from school
PEDOPHILE.​ Hey, girl ​(grabs AVA’s shoulder​) where’re you heading?
AVA.​ (​skeptical) ​Home?
PEDOPHILE.​ Oh, and where’s that?
AVA.​ I shouldn’t be talking to you.
 30

PEDOPHILE.​ Well you shouldn’t be alone, how about I drive you back home. My
car’s just right over there.
AVA.​ Um… Well, Okay sure, thanks...
MIA.​ The internet helped me find out who I really am, it helped me realize where I truly
belong.
MOTHER.​ Honey, why don’t you take a break from the computer and come sit
down stairs with us. We can watch a movie or something.
MIA.​ No thanks, mom, I’m good. I’m a little busy right now.
MOTHER.​ (​stands behind MIA​) Whatcha lookin’ at?
MIA.​ I have to do some stupid project about missing kids for school, so I’m on
this missing kid website. All of these stories are so depressing.
MOTHER.​ (​suddenly nervous​) Listen, I don’t think you should be looking through
all that, it’s a little inappropriate for you, don’t you think?
MIA.​ I’m sixteen, mom, when are you going to stop treating me like I’m five?
MOTHER.​ Don't be ridiculous Mia, put it away, now!
MIA.​ Alright, fine, god. (​MOTHER Leaves​)
RAUL.​ I just wanted to have some fun, but how could do that when I couldn’t even
leave my house without fear of being shot? I had to leave, so as soon as an opportunity
opened up, I took it.
FRIEND.​ Have you ever thought about leaving, Raul?
RAUL.​ What do you mean?
FRIEND.​ You know, going over the border to the United States
RAUL.​ I have considered it… but I don’t know, it doesn’t seem right. I can’t just
leave.
FRIEND.​ What can possibly stop us? Mi tio told me about this tunnel, goes
directly under the gates. We can get through without anyone catching us.
RAUL.​ We have familia here-
 31

FRIEND.​ Your familia doesn’t care about you and you know that! Raul, imagine
the type of life the U.S. has to offer, don’t you want to stop being afraid all the time?
(grabs RAUL’s hand)
RAUL.​ ​(thinks)​ But what if we get caught?
FRIEND.​ We won’t, trust me. I’ll get my uncle to lead us through the tunnel. It’s
as easy as that. Think about it.
RYAN.​ I should’ve never went to that party, what was I thinking?
TJ.​ Ryan! (​grabs RYAN by collar​) What’s wrong with you?
RYAN.​ Whoa, hey, chill out TJ!
TJ.​ Don’t tell me to chill out! How could you do this to me?
RYAN.​ What’re you talking about?
TJ.​ I’m your best friend , and you go behind my back and sleep with my
girlfriend? ​(punch​) What the hell is wrong with you?
RYAN.​ What? No, TJ, I would never do that.
TJ.​ She’s pregnant Ryan, You can have her, but you better stay away from me
(​walks away)
RYAN.​ TJ, wait! Damn… ​(runs offstage)
AVA.​ That man, that stranger... I’m so scared, my parents have to find me before he
hurts me!
MIA.​ I ignored my mother’s orders to stay off the website, I mean, I had to finish my
project. Eventually, I found out why my ‘mother’ wanted me to stay off it.
RAUL.​ My friend’s uncle was waiting outside the tunnel when we drove up. It was so
dark outside I could barely see and once we were in the tunnel, we crawled around like
rats for what felt like forever, but finally, right before I gave up on crawling around, we
made it out. I was ​finally ​out of Mexico.
RYAN.​ My best friend… TJ and I had been inseparable since the 2nd grade. I can’t
believe what I’ve done.
AVA.​ He won't let me let me go...
 32

PEDOPHILE.​ What were you thinking Ava ​(holding onto AVA’s shoulder)​, you
can’t just leave me! Don't you love me? Why would you ever want to leave, no one can
take care of you like I can! ​(puts AVA’s hand to chest)
AVA.​ Please, I don’t want to be here, I just want to go home!
PEDOPHILE.​ You ​are​ home, Ava, don’t you understand that? My home is your
home, now say it!
AVA.​ Your home… is my home.
MIA.​ My picture… It was on the missing kids website. It was a picture of me when I was
little, maybe... five. Obviously, I could recognize myself, even at that age. The report
says that I was kidnapped...
RAUL.​ America is everything people told me it was. I started living with my friend and
his uncle on the streets in Albuquerque, it’s not much, but it’s definitely better than what
I had back at home. I grew up in a country filled with crime, drugs, corruption, and to
finally be able to slip away from all that, it’s heaven here. Americans don’t know how
good they have it.
RYAN.​ I was drunk and I messed up and now everyone is starting to hate me, all
because of that one dumb mistake.
AVA.​ Sometimes I hear him yelling for me.
ENSEMBLE.​ Ava!
AVA.​ He makes me go into his room at night to show me that he loves me.
MIA.​ I can’t believe this happened. My parents… are they not my real parents? Did they
steal me?
RAUL.​ Why do those politicians want me to leave? I’m not causing any trouble, I’m
trying to improve my English. Those politicians don’t care though, they just want me out
of their country.
POLITICIAN 1.​ Illegal immigrants have no reason to be here.
POLITICIAN 2.​ These immigrants want to be here so why not let them?
POLITICIAN 1.​ They come to our country expecting some kind of fair treatment?
POLITICIAN 2.​ They just want a chance in America.
 33

POLITICIAN 1.​ They can barely speak English!

POLITICIAN 2.​They’re working harder than half the people who legally live here.
POLITICIAN 1.​ We can’t keep bringing these immigrants in when we don’t even
focus on our own people’s needs.
POLITICIAN 2.​ They’re living in horrible conditions, the least we can do is offer
them sanctuary here.
RYAN.​ Everyone found out, my parents, my teachers, even my coach.
COACH.​ Ryan, can I see you in my office?
RYAN.​ Yes, coach, what is it?
COACH.​ You know, this isn’t just a team, this is a family. A brotherhood.
RYAN.​ Yes, coach I know.
COACH.​ Now because of your actions, the team isn’t connected like it was.
RYAN.​ Coach, I didn’t mean for any of this to (​cut off)
COACH.​ TJ told me what you did, Ryan, a brother doesn’t do that to another
brother...
RYAN.​ I have a lot to deal with-
COACH.​ And now I see that you have been illegally drinking. I’m sorry, but but
my hands are tied, you’re off the team.
RYAN.​ But-
COACH.​ No buts! You need to return your jersey by the end of the day. Now get
back to class
RYAN.​ ... yes, coach.
AVA.​ If I stay very quiet, I can hear voices from the tv upstairs, and sometimes I can
hear them say my name...
NEWSCASTER.​ Three Months after her disappearance, and still no sign of Ava
Travis. Her parents are currently heartbroken and ask that the public respect their
privacy at this time…
MIA.​ I’ve looked through all the police reports on the website. A woman filed a missing
child report saying that her daughter was taken and the little girl looked exactly like me.
 34

RAUL.​ The other illegals tell me stories about how their friends were just forced into
these trucks and they never saw them again....
RYAN.​ Everyone is abandoning me, my friends, my teachers, my family. I can’t do this
anymore, I can't be around people who hate me...
AVA.​ He keeps telling me that he cares only for me, trying to drill it into my brain.
Maybe I should give him a chance.
MIA.​ Should I call the police? I mean, these people, they may not be my real parents
but they still raised me and they still care for me. Still, something just doesn’t feel right. I
mean, are they really all that kind if they stole a child from a random stranger… they
may have raised me… but they’re still kidnappers...
RAUL.​ I’m broke, I’m defenseless, cold, but I’m happy and that’s all that matter.
ENSEMBLE.​ How could you be happy living on the streets?
MIA.​ Mom, can I ask you something?
MOTHER.​ Of course, dear.
MIA.​ Listen… I don’t know how to tell you this but I’ll just come out and say it.
The other day, I found my picture on that missing kids website. I know it was me, that
girl looks exactly like me.
MOTHER.​ (​hesitates​) Well… I’m sure it wasn’t you darling. Obviously you’re not
missing.
MIA.​ No, I know it was me, I think I would recognize my own picture, mom-
MOTHER.​ Enough! (​pauses​) Listen to me Mia, you’re confused, you’re not
missing, that picture is of someone else, not you. Do you understand? ​(firm)
MIA.​ I-I guess so
MOTHER.​ Good, now I don’t want to hear anymore about this, okay? Come
down soon, your dinner’s getting cold. ​(exits)
AVA.​ When he hits me… he tells me that’s how he expresses his love. I swear he loves
me. He told me so...
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RYAN.​ I’ve been abandoned by everyone… I slept with my ​bestfriend’s​ girlfriend. I got
her ​pregnant​ and then I ran from my mistakes like a coward. No wonder everyone hates
me...
MIA.​ I have to call the police, I ​have​ to find my real parents. I can only imagine how
they’re feeling, knowing that their child was taken away from them…
RAUL.​ ​In America, I feel safe and I feel like nothing can hold me back. Yes, there is
crime and drugs and corruption, no country is perfect. But here, I feel like I can be free. I
never felt that way in Mexico.
CITIZEN 1.​ Learn to speak english, spic!
CITIZEN 2.​ We need to start accepting more immigrants into the country.
CITIZEN 3.​ We should just put up a giant wall to keep you out
CITIZEN 4.​ At least have a little sympathy for them.
AVA.​ He told me my parents are dead, he wouldn’t tell me how, but now he’s the only
person I have left ​(emotional)​. He’s not that bad, that’s what I keep telling myself. He’s
been good to me, he cares about me… more than my parents did. I feel like I’m going
crazy. I swear I am not crazy. One minute I feel as if I’m trapped, alone in this basement
and then the next minute I feel happy… safe, almost. He protects me, that’s why he
took me away, to protect me, to love me, right?
MIA.​ I wonder if I look like my mother… or my dad. Do they live in a nice house with a
red door and a picket fence? Do they act like me, sound like me? Could my real parents
be better than my fake parents?
RYAN.​ I’ve heard stories about runaways, but I never thought that ​I​ would become one.
I just can’t deal with the embarrassment anymore.
RAUL.​ All the time I hear people complain about how much they hate home, so why
don’t they just runaway?
RYAN.​ I had to leave after she started that rumour about me. I swear I didn’t rape her!
GIRLFRIEND.​ Ryan raped me, I would never cheat on TJ!
TJ.​ You’ve betrayed everyone you ever loved, Ryan
COACH.​ You’re such a disappointment
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PEER 1.​ ​We’re happy you ran away

PEER 2.​ No one wants a rapist around
PEER 3-​ You’re worthless
PEER 4-​ You’re pointless
(RYAN lifts gun up in the air)
PEER 5-​ No one wants you anymore
PEER 6-​ People would be happier without you
PEER 7-​ So much happier!
(RYAN lowers gun to his head)
ENSEMBLE.​ Just pull the trigger Ryan!
(RYAN shoots himself)
PEDOPHILE.​ ​(approaches AVA) ​Tell me, Ava, where are you now?
AVA.​ I am home…
RAUL.​ I don’t know how they found out about me, but one day these guys grabbed me
and pushed me down, telling me they were Immigration Control officers, that they’re
forcing me to leave America. How could they do that? They don’t know why I left, they
don’t even care about how horrible it is down there, they just want me out of their
country. They’ll never realize that a missing kid is better than a miserable kid…
MIA.​ Skyler Thomas, returned to real family.
AVA.​ Ava Travis, still missing.
RYAN.​ Ryan Carlton found dead, committed suicide.
RAUL.​ Raul Gonzalez, still missing.
(All characters run around and freeze in running positions. Before each line of the
poem, the specific character breaks their freeze, says their lines, then runs off carrying
a specific piece of the set)

ENDING POEM- by Madeline Farris

BETTY.​ This is for the ones with the broken hearts, standing alone,
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DOUGLAS.​ Receiving cautious glances from the dark world they inhabit.
DANNY.​ Facing rejection and abandoned by the one’s they love the most,
RYAN.​ Forced to run despite their desperate need to be accepted by everyone.
MARY.​ This is for the ones with no choice, taken from all they know without the chance
of a goodbye.
SANDRA-​ Made and reformed to be someone new, unrecognizable in their own skin
NICOLE.​ A stranger to the god who created them, always being forced back into
submission
AVA.​ So that the delusion can be ever present and ingrained into their soul
RAYMOND.​ This is for the ones who wanted the adventure
DONNA.​ To see the world and let nothing stand in their way
MELISSA.​ To feel the fresh air of revival and passion,
RAUL.​ Consume the sin in which they were previously constrained.
CHARLES.​ This is for the ones who faced lonely nights, trying to find refuge,
RODNEY.​ In a city with no cupboards to hide them in, looking for a way out.
MICHAEL.​ A place to call home. Making everyday a little more comfortable, but never
settling
MIA.​ This is for the lost voices, missing memories, abandoned hearts and taken
innocence

END