The Dark Place
The scene opens with a dark stage. There is a crashing sound, a woman’s scream, and the resonating of powerful fists delivering blows to a body. A soft whimper is heard several times during the vicious assault. Just as abruptly as the violent act started, it comes to an end…
MAN
“You worthless stinking bitch. Who do you think you are? You have nothing. You are nothing. Look at me! I said look at me!! You…you made me to this! If I want your opinion and I can’t imagine why, I’ll ask for it, ok bitch. LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO! Your big mouth is going to get you killed one day; I keep telling you that. AND CLEAN UP THIS MESS. Get yourself cleaned up! I’ll drop you off on my way to work.” Finger Snapping. “Hey. Hey! HELLO! And no—before you even mention driving… I already told you; you can’t drive. I thought we had settled that. You piece of shit, let’s get a move on. Use some of that stuff on your face. You’re gonna’ make me late for work. Hurry up.”
Heavy footsteps are heard walking off stage, and a door slams. A harsh spotlight comes up on a woman bruised from her mouth and nose. She is barefoot and wearing a torn, bloody nightgown. One of her breasts is exposed as she crouches over, holding and rocking herself. She seems unaware of her circumstances…her nakedness. Her hand is shaking as she wipes her bloody and swollen face and wipes the blood on her white gown; she stops rocking and looks directly out into the audience. She weeps, though not making a sound, and she continues to stare at the audience. The spotlight slowly dims to black.