Paradose:
Nurse 1: Two boys set off with eager hands One to protect his brother, the other, his land. They don’t know what’s to come Paying attention to the news, they only know of what’s been done. Marine: When God closes a door, he opens a window, but a draft blew in, air sharp and cold as snow and it took them away, out into the dark they saw it as an opportunity, an exciting spark Nurse 2: Two boys set off, they had no shame This was their war, All: And war is a game. Nurse 2: You can know every single rule and expect to win, and end up losing due to ignorance Colonel: Too soon they’d learn the truth of a gun and even with winners, the war’s never won. Chorus 3:
Colonel: Two boys set off, woken with a flash of light, little did they know it would end with the falling of ash Nurse 1: They watch their comrades drop like rain Onto the ground, blood spilled from their veins Nurse 2: Seeing death makes one’s mind begin to tick Like a cuckoo clock, a trigger click Marine: War blurs the lines of wrong and right It’s easy to let blood block one’s sight Colonel: His brother doesn't see how hard he’s tried He refuses to understand All: the others need for pride |
Chorus 1:
Colonel: He’s grown into a man's body But because of his mind it’s almost gaudy Nurse 2: Unseen or ignored the problem sits Throughout this life he's learned to submit Nurse 1: His brother has new obligations, He must protect, and provide care, let alone for his nation Marine : Now it’s time for the real test Whether to stand with his brother, All: or fight for acceptance. Chorus 4:
(Walk out from stage left and right and stand in a line.) Marine: They didn’t understand, at least not each other Pretending it’s okay because they are brothers Nurse 2: Burdened by promise, embarrassment, shame impatient, yet loving, All: His brother he blames. Colonel: His brother wouldn’t understand that without him there he couldn’t be a man Nurse 1: But even with knowing his brothers pains He only thinks of his own gain. |
Chorus 2:
Marine: He doesn't understand but he does his best He wants to help his brother through this mess Colonel: Though unable to understand his brother hurts He tries his best to help comfort Nurse 1: His baby talks in times of need Weren't meant to be taken as bad deeds Nurse 2: His brother now can take no more No longer does he want to carry his brother All: through this war. Final
Marine: Two boys set off, with dreams and hope Which hate and war tattered and broke Colonel: A brother with love turned his back He never suspected a treacherous attack Nurse 1: Two boys set off to this vicious war One boy returns, beaten and sore. Nurse 2: And as he arrived home, that coming spring He knew it didn’t mean All: A damn thing. |
San Diego Through the Lens
For this project we had to pick a neighborhood or area of San Diego and learn about it. We had to create and research binder and collect information about everything that makes this community the way it is today. My group and I decided to learn about Balboa Park. After you did the in class work you had to do work outside of the classroom. You had to go into the different communities and take pictures, videos, and interviews. Then we had to take all of the footage and turn it into a mini documentary about the area.
I worked a lot on the outside of school aspect of this project. I took all of the digital pictures for this project. I went to Balboa Park at least four times during this project. I also wrote part of the narration and edited the first draft. Aside from all of that I also edited our entire documentary. I knew how to edit becuase it's a hobby I've taken up outside of school so it was easy for me to take the lead on that.
During this project like many others I think I learned things that weren't really meant to be tought. One thing I learn about was public transportation in San Diego. I had to take the bus multiple timeto get the Balboa Park which was new and difficult for me. I also learned that I need to repete things over and over again to get it right. I kept going to Balboa Park and taking pictures but I never felt like I had enough. In this project I enjoyed being able to show off a creative side to me that I don't normally get to express. Taking photos, videos, and editing is a hobby that i have been doing sense 7th grade. Getting to do it in school make the project much more enjoyable. I would change the rushed feeling of this project. I knew the due dates for things but it kept feeling like they were coming quicker then I could handle.
Narrations: .
Introduction:
Balboa Park, one of San Diego's many gems. Home to hundreds of trees, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and the largest outdoor organ in the world. Unique touches of history and diversity cover the park. It welcomes diversity through the people who visit, the architecture and the variety of activities there are to do. Balboa Park is a beautiful place to learn and see new things. Whether it be picnics, weekend strolls or going to museums Balboa Park is the place to relax and spend free time.
History:
In 1868 1,400 acres of land was taken from the downtown area. Trees were planted, buildings put up, and gardens formed. Slowly the City Park was created. At first not many people invested or held much interest in this park till Kate Sessions, who later be known as “The Mother of Balboa Park”, found and fell in love with this piece of land. Sessions is one of the reasons it picked up and was able to become the beautiful place it is today. Thanks to her investments in the City Park it caught the eye of the international fair, which was held in Balboa Park in 1915. This year is the 100 year anniversary of that fair. To prepare for this event they wanted to rename the park. They thought City Park wasn’t memorable enough. After many suggestions they decided on Balboa Park in honor of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who gave over 100 trees to the park. After 1915 Balboa Park began to blossom and become a huge attraction for businesses and people. In 1935 what is now known as the butterfly garden was a meeting place for an adult only nudist colony. The same year The Old Globe Theater was built, unfortunately in 1970 it burnt down and had to be rebuilt. During the ‘80’s thru the early 2000’s museums started to move in. Starting in 1982 with the Railroad Museum, shortly after the Automotive Museum and Veterans Museums came. Later during the ‘90’s Mingei International Museum and The Museum of Living Art. Lastly in 2001 the Natural History Museum was built.
(Interview with Marketa 3. 00:16-00:34)
Changes over time:
Balboa Park is one of the oldest parks in America and the biggest urban park, even after the park lost 200 acres to build San Diego High School. Since that loss, the park has not changed much since its creation in 1868. New businesses have moved in since the park was built. The Japanese Friendship garden was moved to make room for the current children's petting zoo.The garden added on a whole new area with beautiful waterfalls, trees, and bridges. The amount of diversity in the park has been the biggest change. When it opened it had Spanish and Mexican architecture but over time more and more cultures started to be represented in the park. The best place to see this change is during December Nights. People will set up booths of food from different countries. You can get almost any kind of food during those nights. Also on during December Nights the International Houses are ridiculously crowded. Everyone comes to get interesting foods from these booths.
Community today:
Today the plants and animals in Balboa Park are protected and cared for thanks to Peter Comiskey, the current leader of the park. The Natural History Museum now is one of the most famous museums and is the largest in Balboa Park with 150,000 feet. (Lucy 1 00:28-00:37 and 00:48-00:56) Balboa Park is one of the huge tourist attractions in San Diego. The San Diego Zoo attracts more than 3 million visitors each year. The Zoo holds 3,700 animals and 650 species. There is also the World Beat Center. It attracts over 6 million visitors every year. The center is an exciting place to visit because of its goal to expose people to African and Indigenous culture through music. It’s a great place to see the diversity in Balboa Park. The Park isn’t just an exciting place for tourist to visit. Many San Diego locals come and spend time in Balboa Park. Weddings and other sorts of celebrations are a common in the park. Something you can count on seeing when you visit is large groups of kids running around. Balboa Park is a popular place for field trips and summer camps. Going to Balboa Park during school is a common thing students in San Diego experience and is a memory they can share. Food in Balboa park isn’t at all plentiful and what is there is expensive but the park does have lots of people selling food from carts. One cart you will always see is Daniel's Coffee which is in front of the House of Hospitality which was built in 1997. Balboa Park also has some restaurants one being the award winning Prado also located by the House of Hospitality. It is a perfect place to bring your friends and family for a fancy night out. It has live music and a variety of cuisines, for example housemade lobster, shrimp potstickers, and grilled portobello mushroom salad. An important thing to remember when coming to the park is you are not coming for the food but more for a cultural and nature experiences. Balboa Park is ranked #1 in things to do in San Diego and that is no mistake. It’s the perfect place to satisfy a need for adventure.
(Marisa 00:47-00:56)
Conclusion:
Balboa Park is a beautiful place for people to come relax, have fun, eat, explore and learn. Balboa Park is a cultural place where you can learn about the different people all around the world and the way the live. Balboa Park is also home to fifteen museums ranging from art, to photography, to science, space and more. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth there's always something new to do and learn. 147 years of beauty, history, and culture is here and waiting.
(Marketa interview, time; 1:03- 1:11)
Documentary:
I worked a lot on the outside of school aspect of this project. I took all of the digital pictures for this project. I went to Balboa Park at least four times during this project. I also wrote part of the narration and edited the first draft. Aside from all of that I also edited our entire documentary. I knew how to edit becuase it's a hobby I've taken up outside of school so it was easy for me to take the lead on that.
During this project like many others I think I learned things that weren't really meant to be tought. One thing I learn about was public transportation in San Diego. I had to take the bus multiple timeto get the Balboa Park which was new and difficult for me. I also learned that I need to repete things over and over again to get it right. I kept going to Balboa Park and taking pictures but I never felt like I had enough. In this project I enjoyed being able to show off a creative side to me that I don't normally get to express. Taking photos, videos, and editing is a hobby that i have been doing sense 7th grade. Getting to do it in school make the project much more enjoyable. I would change the rushed feeling of this project. I knew the due dates for things but it kept feeling like they were coming quicker then I could handle.
Narrations: .
Introduction:
Balboa Park, one of San Diego's many gems. Home to hundreds of trees, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and the largest outdoor organ in the world. Unique touches of history and diversity cover the park. It welcomes diversity through the people who visit, the architecture and the variety of activities there are to do. Balboa Park is a beautiful place to learn and see new things. Whether it be picnics, weekend strolls or going to museums Balboa Park is the place to relax and spend free time.
History:
In 1868 1,400 acres of land was taken from the downtown area. Trees were planted, buildings put up, and gardens formed. Slowly the City Park was created. At first not many people invested or held much interest in this park till Kate Sessions, who later be known as “The Mother of Balboa Park”, found and fell in love with this piece of land. Sessions is one of the reasons it picked up and was able to become the beautiful place it is today. Thanks to her investments in the City Park it caught the eye of the international fair, which was held in Balboa Park in 1915. This year is the 100 year anniversary of that fair. To prepare for this event they wanted to rename the park. They thought City Park wasn’t memorable enough. After many suggestions they decided on Balboa Park in honor of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who gave over 100 trees to the park. After 1915 Balboa Park began to blossom and become a huge attraction for businesses and people. In 1935 what is now known as the butterfly garden was a meeting place for an adult only nudist colony. The same year The Old Globe Theater was built, unfortunately in 1970 it burnt down and had to be rebuilt. During the ‘80’s thru the early 2000’s museums started to move in. Starting in 1982 with the Railroad Museum, shortly after the Automotive Museum and Veterans Museums came. Later during the ‘90’s Mingei International Museum and The Museum of Living Art. Lastly in 2001 the Natural History Museum was built.
(Interview with Marketa 3. 00:16-00:34)
Changes over time:
Balboa Park is one of the oldest parks in America and the biggest urban park, even after the park lost 200 acres to build San Diego High School. Since that loss, the park has not changed much since its creation in 1868. New businesses have moved in since the park was built. The Japanese Friendship garden was moved to make room for the current children's petting zoo.The garden added on a whole new area with beautiful waterfalls, trees, and bridges. The amount of diversity in the park has been the biggest change. When it opened it had Spanish and Mexican architecture but over time more and more cultures started to be represented in the park. The best place to see this change is during December Nights. People will set up booths of food from different countries. You can get almost any kind of food during those nights. Also on during December Nights the International Houses are ridiculously crowded. Everyone comes to get interesting foods from these booths.
Community today:
Today the plants and animals in Balboa Park are protected and cared for thanks to Peter Comiskey, the current leader of the park. The Natural History Museum now is one of the most famous museums and is the largest in Balboa Park with 150,000 feet. (Lucy 1 00:28-00:37 and 00:48-00:56) Balboa Park is one of the huge tourist attractions in San Diego. The San Diego Zoo attracts more than 3 million visitors each year. The Zoo holds 3,700 animals and 650 species. There is also the World Beat Center. It attracts over 6 million visitors every year. The center is an exciting place to visit because of its goal to expose people to African and Indigenous culture through music. It’s a great place to see the diversity in Balboa Park. The Park isn’t just an exciting place for tourist to visit. Many San Diego locals come and spend time in Balboa Park. Weddings and other sorts of celebrations are a common in the park. Something you can count on seeing when you visit is large groups of kids running around. Balboa Park is a popular place for field trips and summer camps. Going to Balboa Park during school is a common thing students in San Diego experience and is a memory they can share. Food in Balboa park isn’t at all plentiful and what is there is expensive but the park does have lots of people selling food from carts. One cart you will always see is Daniel's Coffee which is in front of the House of Hospitality which was built in 1997. Balboa Park also has some restaurants one being the award winning Prado also located by the House of Hospitality. It is a perfect place to bring your friends and family for a fancy night out. It has live music and a variety of cuisines, for example housemade lobster, shrimp potstickers, and grilled portobello mushroom salad. An important thing to remember when coming to the park is you are not coming for the food but more for a cultural and nature experiences. Balboa Park is ranked #1 in things to do in San Diego and that is no mistake. It’s the perfect place to satisfy a need for adventure.
(Marisa 00:47-00:56)
Conclusion:
Balboa Park is a beautiful place for people to come relax, have fun, eat, explore and learn. Balboa Park is a cultural place where you can learn about the different people all around the world and the way the live. Balboa Park is also home to fifteen museums ranging from art, to photography, to science, space and more. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth there's always something new to do and learn. 147 years of beauty, history, and culture is here and waiting.
(Marketa interview, time; 1:03- 1:11)
Documentary:
Photos
The Great Dionysus Project
For this project as a class we had to put on an original play. The play had to be a Greek tragedy. First we all wrote plays in groups of four to five and then after a class vote we put on one of the plays. The plays we wrote had to be written like Greek tragedies were. We had to have Prologue threw resolution with choruses in between each scene.
For this part of the project I started as a writer. Mannix, Carmen, Emma, Kenneth, and I rewrote the script. The original script was written by Mannix. The issue we tackled in our play was pride. Our lead, Paul, became more interested in bettering him self rather then protecting is younger brother, Sammy. Which led to the death of Sammy.
In the first part of this project I was the chorus writer. I wrote all the choruses for the Don't Mean a Thing script. After that I wanted to be in the play. I became Nurse 2 in the chorus. I also took on the role of chorus director. I made sure the chorus did everything in a way that would make it look the best. I believe because of how much we practiced and how strict we were about how it looked, that allowed us to win best chorus. I also made many of the changes to the script after the original final version was turned in. As we practiced the play I went threw and changed the things that were being changed during practice. Things like blocking and line changes.
I think the thing I learned threw this project (though it wasn't directly being taught) is how to deal with failure. The first disappointment I had to deal with was Hands Up, Don't Shoot not being chosen for the class play. I was really upset about this because I had worked very hard on the script and story board. after that I didn't get a role in the play. I was in the chorus but they weren't a character so I was disappointed that I didn't do better. Lastly the fact that our play didn't win the over all best play. I felt like I had to learn how to be completely crushed but the very next day pick myself back up and work even harder.
For this part of the project I started as a writer. Mannix, Carmen, Emma, Kenneth, and I rewrote the script. The original script was written by Mannix. The issue we tackled in our play was pride. Our lead, Paul, became more interested in bettering him self rather then protecting is younger brother, Sammy. Which led to the death of Sammy.
In the first part of this project I was the chorus writer. I wrote all the choruses for the Don't Mean a Thing script. After that I wanted to be in the play. I became Nurse 2 in the chorus. I also took on the role of chorus director. I made sure the chorus did everything in a way that would make it look the best. I believe because of how much we practiced and how strict we were about how it looked, that allowed us to win best chorus. I also made many of the changes to the script after the original final version was turned in. As we practiced the play I went threw and changed the things that were being changed during practice. Things like blocking and line changes.
I think the thing I learned threw this project (though it wasn't directly being taught) is how to deal with failure. The first disappointment I had to deal with was Hands Up, Don't Shoot not being chosen for the class play. I was really upset about this because I had worked very hard on the script and story board. after that I didn't get a role in the play. I was in the chorus but they weren't a character so I was disappointed that I didn't do better. Lastly the fact that our play didn't win the over all best play. I felt like I had to learn how to be completely crushed but the very next day pick myself back up and work even harder.
Don't Mean a Thing
Prologue:
(Sam and Paul are riding a Helicopter. The roar of the Helicopter’s engine and the spin of it’s blades drowns out almost all sound from outside the cramped chopper compartment. Paul and Sam are sitting next to each other, Dotson is sitting next to Huddleston. Paul is holding a polaroid picture.)
Pilot: This is Lazarus 3-1 to Khe Sanh Tower. Starting final approach from the Southeast. Manifest is.. a couple replacements Marines, couple crates of 5-5-6, 40-mike-mike and LRP(“Lurp”) rations. We’re a couple mikes out from the LZ. How copy?
(Inaudible radio chatter responds to the pilot)
Pilot: Roger that Khe Sanh. Lazarus-3-1 out.
Sam: Paul, what’s an LZ?
Paul: (Fiddling with a photograph) It means landing zone, Sammy.
Sam: (Sam points at the photograph after a brief pause) That’s the only picture Anna gave you? She still that mad at you?
Paul: Maybe, but she can’t stay mad at me forever. Anna’s just not used to being on her own, that’s all.
Sam: You already left her for college a year ago. This time you’re just not seeing her over Christmas. (Laughs and nudges Paul)
Huddleston: College, huh?
Dotson: Not many enlisted in the Marine Corps can say the same.
Paul: Yeah, but a place like that can’t keep me caged in for too long. (Exhales and switches to a cheerful tone) Why sit at home when there’s a whole war going on? (Trying to seem tough) The only thing I’m afraid of is that all this’ll be over before I get to spend some time on the ground.
Sam: (Pause, then speaks quietly) Why didn’t you tell them you came here for me too? Mama said you’d look out for me? ‘Cause we're brothers... right Paul?
Paul: Well, there’s that too…(Smiles at Sam reassuringly)
Dotson: Boys, I’ve been coming back here again and again since ‘65...
Huddleston: ‘65.
Dotson: And I can tell you from my personal experience that there isn’t a single gook- whether it be a some farmer, Charlie in the bush, or one of those ARVN boys- not one of them in this entire goddamn country is gonna care why you’re here fighting in this war.
Huddleston: Nobody.
Sam: ’Who’s “Charlie”?
Dotson: What the hell do you mean, “Who’s Charlie”? The slopes, man! (Hits Richmond and laughs) I have to explain this to all the boots. Charlie’s short for “Victor Charlie”
Huddleston: Which is code for “VC”.
Dotson: You can’t tell me that you ‘aint never heard of the Viet Cong? (Pause and looks over at Paul and Sam) They’re a bunch of rag-tag guerilla fighters.
Huddleston: Deadly bastards, man.
Dotson: They hit hard and move even faster. By day they’re rice farmers, and by night they’re squatting in a bush aiming a piece of cold iron at one of our guys.
Huddleston: It’s insane out there.
Dotson: No one back home gets whats goin’ on over here. They send us over here to fight their wars ‘n shit.
Huddleston: It just don’t mean a thing.
Dotson: Don’t mean a thing.
Sam: What doesn’t mean a thing?
Dotson: This war, man! Politics and public opinion and Congress don’t mean a goddamn thing out here in the end. It just don’t… (exhales dismissively) just play it cool and you might live to see the end of this war.
Sam: Do we get attacked a lot out there? (Franticly) Are we going to die?!
Paul: (Plainly) We’re not gonna die.
Sam: (Scared) But what if one of those “slopes” get us? What if we get shot down? What if-
Paul: We’re going to be fine. The “slopes” won’t get us as long as we get em’ first.
Sam: (Starts to panic) But what if-
Paul: Please Sammy, don’t do this right now. We’re fine- (points forwards towards audience) just look around! Look out the window.
(Sam gets distracted looking out the window then he pulls a bunch of photos from his pocket and looks through them)
Dotson: (Concerned) Is he okay? Seems a little... (motions as if crazy) confused...
Paul: He’s fine… It’s just a little hard for him to adjust to all this. He’s never been away from home. He’s is just taking it all in.
Dotson: Okay then. I’m Dotson, by the way. (Shakes hands with Paul)
Huddleston: Huddleston. (Shakes hands with Paul)
Paul: I’m Paul. (Points to Sam) That’s my brother Sam.
Sam: Paul, look! (Excited expression towards window)
Paul: Yeah, I can see the base from here. We’re landing.
Sam: Paul, (Looks away from the window) I'm so glad you’re here with me. You're my best friend, Paul. We got each other’s backs, right? Nothin’ gets between brothers... right Paul?
Paul: (Says as if he was talking to a five year old.) Sam, are you kidding me. I would never leave your side. We have a bond, and I’d never let some draft pull us apart.
Sam: Thanks. You’re my favorite brother, Paul.
Paul: I’m your only brother Sammy.
Sam: It's like when we were kids- “To hell and back, we got each other’s backs!” (Holds his hand out for a high five)
Paul: (After a moment of hesitation, high fives Sam) To hell and back.
(Dotson and Huddleston groan and fake gag)
Pilot: Be advised Khe Sanh- we’re touching down now over. Lazarus 3-1 out.
Sam: (Wrinkles nose and sniffles) Hey, what’s that smell?
Huddleston: Napalm. You’ll get used to it. Welcome to the suck.
Parados:
(Chorus consists of 2 Marines and 2 nurses spread out along the stage. Their time in ‘Nam reflects on their appearances and attitudes.)
Nurse 1: Two boys set off with eager hands
One to protect his brother, the other, his land.
They don’t know what’s to come
Paying attention to the news, they only know of what’s been done.
Marine: When God closes a door, he opens a window,
but a draft blew in, air sharp and cold as snow
and it took them away, out into the dark
they saw it as an opportunity, an exciting spark
Nurse 2: Two boys set off, they had no shame
This was their war,
All: And war is a game.
Nurse 2: You can know every single rule and expect to win,
and end up losing due to ignorance
Colonel: Too soon they’d learn the truth of a gun
and even with winners, the war’s never won.
(Sam and Paul are riding a Helicopter. The roar of the Helicopter’s engine and the spin of it’s blades drowns out almost all sound from outside the cramped chopper compartment. Paul and Sam are sitting next to each other, Dotson is sitting next to Huddleston. Paul is holding a polaroid picture.)
Pilot: This is Lazarus 3-1 to Khe Sanh Tower. Starting final approach from the Southeast. Manifest is.. a couple replacements Marines, couple crates of 5-5-6, 40-mike-mike and LRP(“Lurp”) rations. We’re a couple mikes out from the LZ. How copy?
(Inaudible radio chatter responds to the pilot)
Pilot: Roger that Khe Sanh. Lazarus-3-1 out.
Sam: Paul, what’s an LZ?
Paul: (Fiddling with a photograph) It means landing zone, Sammy.
Sam: (Sam points at the photograph after a brief pause) That’s the only picture Anna gave you? She still that mad at you?
Paul: Maybe, but she can’t stay mad at me forever. Anna’s just not used to being on her own, that’s all.
Sam: You already left her for college a year ago. This time you’re just not seeing her over Christmas. (Laughs and nudges Paul)
Huddleston: College, huh?
Dotson: Not many enlisted in the Marine Corps can say the same.
Paul: Yeah, but a place like that can’t keep me caged in for too long. (Exhales and switches to a cheerful tone) Why sit at home when there’s a whole war going on? (Trying to seem tough) The only thing I’m afraid of is that all this’ll be over before I get to spend some time on the ground.
Sam: (Pause, then speaks quietly) Why didn’t you tell them you came here for me too? Mama said you’d look out for me? ‘Cause we're brothers... right Paul?
Paul: Well, there’s that too…(Smiles at Sam reassuringly)
Dotson: Boys, I’ve been coming back here again and again since ‘65...
Huddleston: ‘65.
Dotson: And I can tell you from my personal experience that there isn’t a single gook- whether it be a some farmer, Charlie in the bush, or one of those ARVN boys- not one of them in this entire goddamn country is gonna care why you’re here fighting in this war.
Huddleston: Nobody.
Sam: ’Who’s “Charlie”?
Dotson: What the hell do you mean, “Who’s Charlie”? The slopes, man! (Hits Richmond and laughs) I have to explain this to all the boots. Charlie’s short for “Victor Charlie”
Huddleston: Which is code for “VC”.
Dotson: You can’t tell me that you ‘aint never heard of the Viet Cong? (Pause and looks over at Paul and Sam) They’re a bunch of rag-tag guerilla fighters.
Huddleston: Deadly bastards, man.
Dotson: They hit hard and move even faster. By day they’re rice farmers, and by night they’re squatting in a bush aiming a piece of cold iron at one of our guys.
Huddleston: It’s insane out there.
Dotson: No one back home gets whats goin’ on over here. They send us over here to fight their wars ‘n shit.
Huddleston: It just don’t mean a thing.
Dotson: Don’t mean a thing.
Sam: What doesn’t mean a thing?
Dotson: This war, man! Politics and public opinion and Congress don’t mean a goddamn thing out here in the end. It just don’t… (exhales dismissively) just play it cool and you might live to see the end of this war.
Sam: Do we get attacked a lot out there? (Franticly) Are we going to die?!
Paul: (Plainly) We’re not gonna die.
Sam: (Scared) But what if one of those “slopes” get us? What if we get shot down? What if-
Paul: We’re going to be fine. The “slopes” won’t get us as long as we get em’ first.
Sam: (Starts to panic) But what if-
Paul: Please Sammy, don’t do this right now. We’re fine- (points forwards towards audience) just look around! Look out the window.
(Sam gets distracted looking out the window then he pulls a bunch of photos from his pocket and looks through them)
Dotson: (Concerned) Is he okay? Seems a little... (motions as if crazy) confused...
Paul: He’s fine… It’s just a little hard for him to adjust to all this. He’s never been away from home. He’s is just taking it all in.
Dotson: Okay then. I’m Dotson, by the way. (Shakes hands with Paul)
Huddleston: Huddleston. (Shakes hands with Paul)
Paul: I’m Paul. (Points to Sam) That’s my brother Sam.
Sam: Paul, look! (Excited expression towards window)
Paul: Yeah, I can see the base from here. We’re landing.
Sam: Paul, (Looks away from the window) I'm so glad you’re here with me. You're my best friend, Paul. We got each other’s backs, right? Nothin’ gets between brothers... right Paul?
Paul: (Says as if he was talking to a five year old.) Sam, are you kidding me. I would never leave your side. We have a bond, and I’d never let some draft pull us apart.
Sam: Thanks. You’re my favorite brother, Paul.
Paul: I’m your only brother Sammy.
Sam: It's like when we were kids- “To hell and back, we got each other’s backs!” (Holds his hand out for a high five)
Paul: (After a moment of hesitation, high fives Sam) To hell and back.
(Dotson and Huddleston groan and fake gag)
Pilot: Be advised Khe Sanh- we’re touching down now over. Lazarus 3-1 out.
Sam: (Wrinkles nose and sniffles) Hey, what’s that smell?
Huddleston: Napalm. You’ll get used to it. Welcome to the suck.
Parados:
(Chorus consists of 2 Marines and 2 nurses spread out along the stage. Their time in ‘Nam reflects on their appearances and attitudes.)
Nurse 1: Two boys set off with eager hands
One to protect his brother, the other, his land.
They don’t know what’s to come
Paying attention to the news, they only know of what’s been done.
Marine: When God closes a door, he opens a window,
but a draft blew in, air sharp and cold as snow
and it took them away, out into the dark
they saw it as an opportunity, an exciting spark
Nurse 2: Two boys set off, they had no shame
This was their war,
All: And war is a game.
Nurse 2: You can know every single rule and expect to win,
and end up losing due to ignorance
Colonel: Too soon they’d learn the truth of a gun
and even with winners, the war’s never won.
Play Writing Project
The first script I wrote was called Hands Up, Don't Shoot. I wrote it with Kenneth, Jennifer, and D'lano. I was assigned the story boarder but I did a lot of the writing as well. I helped write most of the choruses and fixed up the scenes that has already been written. I also did the entire story board and the back drop drawing. For this project we had to write an entire script. We also had to story board every scene. For the presentation we mounted the script, story board, and small back drop drawing on a trifold board.
Antigone
In class we read the play Antigone by Sophocles. The play is about a princess named Antigone and she fight to bury her two brothers and help them get to heaven. She dies because this was not what her uncle wanted. I like the play and I think it was a good introduction to Greek Tragedies.
Hands Up, Don't Shoot
Prologue:
Lights are dim, the stage is set as a street, some trash cans and an old street lamp are off to the side. Damonte, Eric, Michael, and Ezell walk on stage. Damonte is dressed in his work uniform, the other three are dressed in street clothes.
Damonte: Thanks for picking me up guys. (Damonte gives Michael a hug)
Michael: (Breaks from hug) Of course man, no problem.
Ezell: We don't like you walking home all alone. Don't want you to get jumped. I mean you are pretty skinny. (Ezell feels Damontes forearm)
Damonte:(Pushes Ezell away) Hey! I've been putting on muscle.
Eric: Sure. I'll believe that when I can actually see it. (Eric puts a hand full of Skittles into his mouth)
Damonte: (Annoyed) Eric, you stole those didn’t you?
Eric: C’mon it’s no big deal, it’s not like they’ll be losing anything of real value.
Damonte: (Gets upset and shoves Eric) Dude, I’ve only been working at that 7/11 for 2 weeks! If they saw you stealing they would fire me for sure. You know I need this job!
Eric: Damonte, chill. Why do you have to be such a straight edge about everything?
(Michael nudges both of them and tilts his head towards Officer Connor coming on stage.)
Michael: (Whispering) Yo, there’s a cop comin’ this way. So shut up. ‘Kay?
(Officer Connor walks onto stage)
Officer Connor: (Confidently) Hello boys, so on a nightly stroll are we?
Michael: (Angrily) None of your business.
Officer Connor: I think I’m the one who decides that. Why are you out so late? You kids getting into some sort of trouble?
Michael: (Still angry) No! We’re just…
(Damonte cuts him off)
Damonte: They are picking me up from work, sir. I work down at the 7/11. (Damonte points behind him)
Officer Connor: Really now… Why so many just to pick you up?
Damonte: Look offic- (Eric cuts him off)
Eric: (Smells the air) Yo, anyone smell bacon?
Officer Connor: (Confused) What?
Eric: Oh I’m sorry, let me say it in a way that you’ll understand (Snorts like a pig)
Michael, Ezell, and Eric start snickering, while Damonte cracks a slight smile, but is clearly trying to hide it.
Officer Connor: (Angry) I’m not here to play around, I know you guys did something.
Michael: (Slightly aggressive) So tell me Porky, what did we do?
Officer Connor: (Confidently) You probably stole from that store over there.
Eric quickly hides the skittles in his pocket.
Ezell: (Exaggerated) Riiiight. You think that because we’re black. (Angrily under his breath) All you cops are the same.
Officer Connor: I’ve been a cop for a long time. I know more about this place than you do.
Michael: Like where the best donut shop is?
Officer Connor: (Angry) I’ve protected my family and other good people from scum like you for years! I know how you work!
Damonte: (Concerned) Officer please, we don’t plan on starting any kind of trouble.
Michael: Yeah, (emphasizes) you don't.
Officer Connor: (Still Upset) Alright that's it! Put you hands up. (Everyone but Michael puts their hands up). (To Michael) I said, put your hands up.
Michael: I don’t have to take orders from you. All you pigs are the same!
Michael flips open his pocket knife.
Officer Connor: (Pulls his gun from his holster and points towards Michael) Put down your weapon!
Michael: What are you going to do now, you gonna shoot me? Go for it! Do it! Kill a kid! (Moves towards cop. Damonte follows him with his hands still raised.)
Damonte: (They move closer to the officer. Officer Connor quickly pulls the trigger. At the same time Damonte says) Please! Don't shoot!
(The bullet hits Damonte in his head.)
Michael, Eric, and Ezell: Damonte! (They all rush to Damonte, while he is on the ground)
Eric and Michael are shaking his body trying to ‘wake him up’
Ezell: Damonte say something!
Officer Connor: (begins talking into his radio) One man down, we need medical attention right away!
Lights go down. End of Prologue.
Parados:
Light’s come up, there is a reporter dressed in a suit and tie holding a microphone, a camera man dressed in jeans and a casual shirt holding a camera on his shoulder, and a sound guy wearing jeans and a casual shirt while holding a boom mic on stage looking toward the audience.
Reporter:
Ripped up from the ground,
a life too young like a budding flower yanked from the root.
He was a boy, not a man,
and he did no wrong.
All Chorus:
Officer please, don’t shoot, don’t shoot!
Cameraman:
A dozen is such a pretty number;
eggs, days of christmas, red roses,
but twelve minds grew shy of what happened that night,
all for what money proposes.
Reporter:
She waits for hours, days, a month,
to hear what happened to her son.
Peaceful Protests fill the air.
All Chorus:
Hands up, don’t shoot!
Cameraman:
Is all they hear,
Sound Guy:
Taste the rainbow! Ha! Taste blood on your tongue.
Could have been a warning, or just a shot to the knee,
but no, it was death that came from that threat and yet,
All Chorus:
Officer Connor walks free.
Lights go down
Lights are dim, the stage is set as a street, some trash cans and an old street lamp are off to the side. Damonte, Eric, Michael, and Ezell walk on stage. Damonte is dressed in his work uniform, the other three are dressed in street clothes.
Damonte: Thanks for picking me up guys. (Damonte gives Michael a hug)
Michael: (Breaks from hug) Of course man, no problem.
Ezell: We don't like you walking home all alone. Don't want you to get jumped. I mean you are pretty skinny. (Ezell feels Damontes forearm)
Damonte:(Pushes Ezell away) Hey! I've been putting on muscle.
Eric: Sure. I'll believe that when I can actually see it. (Eric puts a hand full of Skittles into his mouth)
Damonte: (Annoyed) Eric, you stole those didn’t you?
Eric: C’mon it’s no big deal, it’s not like they’ll be losing anything of real value.
Damonte: (Gets upset and shoves Eric) Dude, I’ve only been working at that 7/11 for 2 weeks! If they saw you stealing they would fire me for sure. You know I need this job!
Eric: Damonte, chill. Why do you have to be such a straight edge about everything?
(Michael nudges both of them and tilts his head towards Officer Connor coming on stage.)
Michael: (Whispering) Yo, there’s a cop comin’ this way. So shut up. ‘Kay?
(Officer Connor walks onto stage)
Officer Connor: (Confidently) Hello boys, so on a nightly stroll are we?
Michael: (Angrily) None of your business.
Officer Connor: I think I’m the one who decides that. Why are you out so late? You kids getting into some sort of trouble?
Michael: (Still angry) No! We’re just…
(Damonte cuts him off)
Damonte: They are picking me up from work, sir. I work down at the 7/11. (Damonte points behind him)
Officer Connor: Really now… Why so many just to pick you up?
Damonte: Look offic- (Eric cuts him off)
Eric: (Smells the air) Yo, anyone smell bacon?
Officer Connor: (Confused) What?
Eric: Oh I’m sorry, let me say it in a way that you’ll understand (Snorts like a pig)
Michael, Ezell, and Eric start snickering, while Damonte cracks a slight smile, but is clearly trying to hide it.
Officer Connor: (Angry) I’m not here to play around, I know you guys did something.
Michael: (Slightly aggressive) So tell me Porky, what did we do?
Officer Connor: (Confidently) You probably stole from that store over there.
Eric quickly hides the skittles in his pocket.
Ezell: (Exaggerated) Riiiight. You think that because we’re black. (Angrily under his breath) All you cops are the same.
Officer Connor: I’ve been a cop for a long time. I know more about this place than you do.
Michael: Like where the best donut shop is?
Officer Connor: (Angry) I’ve protected my family and other good people from scum like you for years! I know how you work!
Damonte: (Concerned) Officer please, we don’t plan on starting any kind of trouble.
Michael: Yeah, (emphasizes) you don't.
Officer Connor: (Still Upset) Alright that's it! Put you hands up. (Everyone but Michael puts their hands up). (To Michael) I said, put your hands up.
Michael: I don’t have to take orders from you. All you pigs are the same!
Michael flips open his pocket knife.
Officer Connor: (Pulls his gun from his holster and points towards Michael) Put down your weapon!
Michael: What are you going to do now, you gonna shoot me? Go for it! Do it! Kill a kid! (Moves towards cop. Damonte follows him with his hands still raised.)
Damonte: (They move closer to the officer. Officer Connor quickly pulls the trigger. At the same time Damonte says) Please! Don't shoot!
(The bullet hits Damonte in his head.)
Michael, Eric, and Ezell: Damonte! (They all rush to Damonte, while he is on the ground)
Eric and Michael are shaking his body trying to ‘wake him up’
Ezell: Damonte say something!
Officer Connor: (begins talking into his radio) One man down, we need medical attention right away!
Lights go down. End of Prologue.
Parados:
Light’s come up, there is a reporter dressed in a suit and tie holding a microphone, a camera man dressed in jeans and a casual shirt holding a camera on his shoulder, and a sound guy wearing jeans and a casual shirt while holding a boom mic on stage looking toward the audience.
Reporter:
Ripped up from the ground,
a life too young like a budding flower yanked from the root.
He was a boy, not a man,
and he did no wrong.
All Chorus:
Officer please, don’t shoot, don’t shoot!
Cameraman:
A dozen is such a pretty number;
eggs, days of christmas, red roses,
but twelve minds grew shy of what happened that night,
all for what money proposes.
Reporter:
She waits for hours, days, a month,
to hear what happened to her son.
Peaceful Protests fill the air.
All Chorus:
Hands up, don’t shoot!
Cameraman:
Is all they hear,
Sound Guy:
Taste the rainbow! Ha! Taste blood on your tongue.
Could have been a warning, or just a shot to the knee,
but no, it was death that came from that threat and yet,
All Chorus:
Officer Connor walks free.
Lights go down