My Job: Playwright / Director
My job as a playwright was to help finish writing the play after it was chosen as the play to be produced for my class. Then making tons of edits over and over again to make the script as flawless and a great as it could be. As a director I had to help the actors and actresses with blocking and help and make the image of what me and my partner had when making this play, come to life. As director I also had to help with all of the other groups, making sure they stayed on task and if they had any questions I would be able to answer them.
My Script:
Noemi Delgado, Hannah Ross
Humanities: ½
31 Oct. 2011
Chasing Dreams
Prologue
Bed, duffel bag, clothes an dresser/table are brought into room. Blue lights come up. Andreas is in a small room with his girlfriend, Gabriela, who is sitting on a bed while Andreas is walking around the room gathering things and putting them into a duffle bag.
Gabriela: Andreas, mi amor, we are going to miss you so much. Who is gonna help Luicito with his girl problems? And his homework? What if he starts ditching school again? Who is gonna hug me when I’m having a bad day? Andreas, this town is nothing without you.
Andreas stops putting clothes into his bag and turns to Gabriela as she finishes talking, he sits next to her on the bed and begins speaking.
Andreas: You are strong, you are all strong. And when I finish my education in Los Estados I will come back, I will. I promise. I am going to come back with my teaching credential and I am going to help Luicito and all the other kids in El Salvador become doctors and lawyers, help them build our country back up again. And when I come back I am going to hold you forever, I promise Gabriela, lo juro.
Gabriela: ( holding Andreas’ hands and looking at him) I know. I know you will, you always do what is best... what is best for everyone. Y tu mama, she needs you. She needs her son, and your sister, she needs her brother. I will write to you every week, I will tell you how we are all doing. Andreas, we will stay in your heart and be with you every day, keeping you strong.
Andreas: Te amo Gabriela, I will never forget you or any of you here, nunca. I hope everyone in the United States is as loving as the people here.
Gabriela: They will be, don’t worry. Everyone loves you. I know you will be fine, your mom named you Andreas because it means strong. You are strong, Andreas, and you will stay strong, no matter what happens. (They hug)
Luicito: (Luicito enters stage right) Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to say goodbye mi hermano. Adios Andreas, I’ll miss you.
Andreas: Luicito, you keep doing good in school okay? Take care of Gabriela. Make me proud.
Luicito: Of course I will Andreas, (looks sad, pauses) Thank you for everything. I don’t know where I’d be without you. Don’t forget me, man.
Andreas: Luicito, I could never forget you...
Luicito: (interrupting) Everyone says that when they go to Los Estados. But then, we never hear from them again.
Andreas: El Salvador is my home. Never, in a million years could I forget it or any of you.
Luicito: Yeah, We’ll see.... (walks out, upset)
Gabriela: (Puts arm around Andreas) Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. We’ll all look after each other. Just hurry home, okay?
Andreas pulls Gabriela in for a hug and holds her tightly. Blue lights go down. Everyone exits stage. Bed, clothes, duffel bag, dresser/ table taken off stage.
Parados
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito when he talks and on Gabriela when she talks. All colors lighting.
Luicito: Andreas, living far from his mom and sister in a country with opportunities as precious and as scarce as pearls in the sea.
Gabriela: His mom works hard each day and night, providing for her family: scrubbing other people’s floors, their dirty toilets. Yet, she remains strong. She remains proud. His sister; awaiting eagerly for her dearly missed brother, her father figure, to arrive.
Luicito: Andreas goes forward with the spirit of an adventurer. He does not know what to expect, yet he is excited about the opportunities in a country where everyone finds success and happiness. What he does not realize is the hardships, the prejudice, that immigrants have to face.
Gabriela: He dreams of his people standing tall again. He hopes to help build El Salvador back up after a war that has destroyed hope for a brighter future.
Luicito: He will join his family in the United States leaving behind the place that he loves most, a place that loves him back, and people who rely on him for change.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. Living rooms props. (couch, table with lamp) brought on stage
Scene 1
Yellow light come up Andreas’ mom answers the door and Andreas steps in the house and gives his mom a long hug. His little sister runs over and they hug, while rejoicing their reunion.
Andreas’ mom: Andreas! You made it! Mi amor!
Agacia: I can’t believe you’re finally here!
Andreas: You both look beautiful! I’ve missed you so much!
Andreas’ mom: Hijo, Agacia and I have been missing you every day since we came here. I can’t believe it, you are so grown up, eres un hombre ahora verdad? (pinches his cheek playfully)
Agacia: (Hugs him tightly)
I’m so happy you’re here, (joking voice) Ahhh my life here will only get easier with my big, manly brother by my side.
Andreas: Yeah, you better watch out little lady, I’m here now so you can’t do anything bad!
They all laugh.
Andreas’ mom: Andreas,come in, sit down. You must be exhausted! How was the trip? Did you have any trouble at the border?
Andreas: No mama. Believe it or not, the coyote was a decent man. I just laid in the back of his truck under a bunch of blankets and boxes full of stuff. They never checked. It was very hot and I was scared, but I stayed quiet and we made it across.
Andreas’ mom: (walking towards the kitchen) Good! Your tio said that the coyote was a good man and that he would make sure you got here safely. Look at me! Crying! (laughs at herself) It was definitely worth every penny! He got you here safely. Gracias a Dios!. (hugs Andreas, wipes the tears in her eyes on her apron). I’m gonna go finish making dinner, I bet you’ve missed my cooking! (Mom exits stage left)
Andreas and Agacia sit down on the couch and begin talking.
Andreas: So... how is it here? I can’t wait to meet everyone, all your new friends... I bet they’re real nice!
Agacia: (voice seems a little unsure) Umh, it’s okay. I don’t know, the kids at school... They aren’t that great. (she pauses) But I’m sure they’ll love you Andreas, everyone does.
Andreas: ( puts his arm round his sister) Still shy, huh? Well, don’t worry. I’ll help you make some friends. I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten! You’re almost a woman now. (laughs) Luicito would be head over heels over for you.
Agacia: (laughs) How is he? (sighs) I miss them all so much, but I’m so happy you’re here.
Andreas: He’s okay, I worry about him sometimes. I worry about all of our friends in El Salvador. I want to go back Agacia. I want to study and become a teacher first, and then go home to help them achieve their own dreams. I’m going to teach them everything they need to know so they can be whatever they want to be.. We are the future of El Salvador and I’m going to help make it what it once was.
Agacia: I want to go back with you one day. I miss it there. (Look down and pause) I’m happy for you Andreas, you aren’t afraid to dream big! I wish we could all be that way.
Andreas’ mom: (yelling from other room off stage) Hijos, dinner!
(lights go down. Living room props. Taken off stage left)
Chorus 1
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito and Gabriela. All color lighting.
Gabriela: Home is his mother’s warm embrace and his sister’s adoration.
Luicito: But the loving warmth Andreas feels will not stretch beyond his mother’s house.
Gabriela: He has high hopes for the future. Dreams reaching as high as the mountains. Yet he is blinded to the reality he will soon face... Like vines, his dreams grow faster, reaching for the sky without stopping. Until they meet the one barrier that will harness them. Destroy them.
Luicito: Yet even among all the hardship, his dreams of the future keep him going. His dreams for the people he has left behind push him to never give up.
Gabriela: Andreas begins school and is shocked at his peers’ reaction. For the first time in his life he is an outcast. An outsider.
Luicito: He is a beaner. A wetback. An illegal alien.
Gabriela: He tries to laugh off their jokes. Not let it get to him.
Luicito: But for a person who had always been adored, who has always known acceptance...
Gabriela: Racism, elitism and prejudice against immigrants is a bitter pill to swallow. Two months go by and still their rejection stings. Taunting, teasing, and new challenges thrown at his feet daily, begin to penetrate his once optimistic heart.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. A bench is brought on stage.
Scene 2
Andreas is sitting on a bench alone, he is reading a letter from Gabriela, as a group of boys (Tommy, Joey and Jeff) enter stage left and walk up to him, snatching the letter from his hands. As an obvious gang member stands in the background observing. Yellow light while reading letter. Red light when Tommy, Jeff, and Joey approach.
Tommy: (laughing in a rude taunting manner) Hey, stupid wetback, is this a letter from your people?
Jeff: Yeah, why don’t you go back to Mexico? Beaner.
Andreas: (In an annoyed tone, but trying to remain calm) I’m from El Salvador, not Mexico. Give me back that letter, it’s from my girlfriend.
Joey: Is she a wetback too? (laughs and looks at the letter) No she can’t be, because she knows how to write.
All the boys laugh.
Tommy: (Rips up the letter and throws it on the ground, then gets in Andreas’ face. When Andreas does nothing he laughs) See ya around man. I’m sure you’ll be mowing my lawn this weekend, right?
The boys laugh, as they exit stage right. A guy who had been standing in the background, wearing sunglasses walks towards Andreas with a very serious look on his face.
Astro: Hey man, I’m Astro.
(Andreas glances up at Astro, but continues to pick up the pieces of the letter, says nothing)
Astro: Hey fool, I’m talking to you. Why are you letting those putos talk to you like that? You should set them straight, let ‘em know who you are.
Andreas: No, they’re not worth my time. (Pauses. Looks in the direction the three boys have gone) Besides there were three of them and only one of me.(Gets embarrassed. Looks down. Gets angry) But what does it matter to you?
Astro: You look like you could use some friends. Why don’t you hang out with me and my crew? We can take care of those fools together.
(Andreas stops picking up the letter and is listening)
Blue light while Astro talks.
Astro: My homies are always happy to teach some punks a lesson. You gotta demand their respect. You do nothing and they’ll think you’re weak. But if you show them that you aint a bitch well then, they’ll leave you alone.
Andreas: (pauses. Considering what Astro has said. laughs a little) Yeah you’re right…maybe I need to earn their respect.
Astro: Meet us at the park after school, tomorrow.
Andreas: Alright...for sure, see ya later.
Astro exits stage right. Agacia enters stage left and walks over to her brother holding her backpack and some books. Yellow light when talking to Agacia.
Agacia: Hey...was that Astro? What did he want?
Andreas: Nothing. He just invited me to hang out with some of his friends tomorrow after school.
Agacia: You are going to hang out with Astro? The gang banger? You’re hanging out with those punks? Andreas, do you know the things they do? They’re bad people, you shouldn’t hang out with them!
Andreas: Listen, Agacia. You don’t understand, maybe they aren’t that bad. A lot of Astro’s friends are immigrants too. Maybe they’re just misunderstood. No one here accepts them either.
Agacia: No! Immigrants or not. They are bad people. You don’t know some of the things they’ve done.
Andreas: I know enough. And I know no one fucks with them like they do with me! I’m fucking tired of it! Besides so far Astro’s the only person in this damn country who will talk to me without making me feel stupid. So like it or not, I’m going to hang out with them! Tomorrow. I’m going to give them a chance. See what they’re all about.
Agacia: (looks sad, scared) Andreas…
Red light.
Andreas: Stop worrying so much Acagia. I know what I’m doing. Trust me. You do trust me right? (walks ahead, mad exits stage right)
Agacia: (watches Andreas walk away and then says quietly) I trust you. It’s them I don’t trust.
Agacia follows behind her brother, exiting stage right. Lights go down.
Chorus 2
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito and on Gabriela. All color lights.
Luicito: Andreas is searching for a place to belong. He feels lonely and lost in a sea of rejection.
Gabriela: Astro seems so welcoming, so understanding. He knows what it feels like to be an outsider.He’s like a star. A shining beacon in the night sky. But Andreas does not realize the darkness that grows within Astro’s heart.
Luicito: Wanting to fill the empty hole of rejection, he decides to take a chance on Astro. He will do anything to feel respected. To feel the warmth of acceptance like the sun that penetrates through the darkest clouds.
Gabriela: Andreas needs a sense of security in a country so unfamiliar. He finds it in a fellow immigrant, a fellow outsider. That common ground makes him lose his intuition. Trusting Astro fully, without realizing the danger he may bring.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. Bench is brought on stage.
Scene 3
Lights come up. Astro and gang enter stage right. Andreas enters stage left and walks towards Astro’s gang, at the park.
Astro: Aye man, over here! (motions with his hands for Andreas to come over)
Andreas walks over to the group of guys. Yellow light when Andreas meets Astro’s crew.
Astro: This is my homie Eric, this is A.J., my man Carlo, and this is Damian. ( as Astro points to each guy they lift their chins at Andreas)
Andreas: Hey, I’m Andreas.
Carlo: Aye man, you from El Salvador?
Andreas: (looks down, ashamed) Yeah.
Carlo: That’s tight man.
(Andreas looks up and smiles)
Astro: Alright homie, you ready?
Andreas: Ready for what?
Astro: To kick their asses homie. No one in my crew is gonna get pushed around like that! So do you want to be part of my crew, or not? Do you want our acceptance, our protection?
Andreas: Yeah. Yeah, I’m ready.
Damian: It’s about to go down.
The guys all laugh, except Andreas, who looks nervous.
Astro: Alright man, here they come.
Tommy, Joey and Jeff walk toward the guys.
Andreas: (Walks up to Tommy and pushes him.) Hey Tommy. Red light when Andreas pushes Tommy.
Tommy: Yeah?
Astro: I’m sick of you, man. (gets in Tommy’s face, opens a knife)
Tommy: What are you talking about?
Astro: You need to show Andreas some respect, homie. I’ve heard what you and your bitches have been saying to him. Andreas is my boy.
Andreas: (turns to Astro) Astro, here come the teachers.
Tommy: You wanna settle this somewhere else? 4 o’clock, at the park. I’ll show your bitch ass how it’s done here in the U.S.
Astro nods at Andreas, signaling for him to go along with the plan.
Andreas: We’ll be there.
Lights go down Tommy’s crew exits stage left, Astros’ crew and Andreas exit stage right. Bench taken off stage.
Chorus 3
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito when he talks and on Gabriela when she talks. All colors lighting.
Luicito: Andreas is getting caught up in a search for acceptance.
Gabriela: His sister warned him about the troubles these boys would bring, but he is blinded by the radiance of being welcomed.
Luicito: He does not realize how his desire for acceptance could shatter his dreams.
Gabriela: His will for respect could keep him away from us forever.
Luicito: Will he have the inner strength to stop the tragic wheels that have been put into motion. (the lights go down. Chorus exits stage left)
Scene 4
Andreas runs on stage right. He is shaky, out of breath. His shirt is torn. There is blood splattered on his hands and shirt. Red lighting.
Andreas: Oh my god. Holy shit. What have I done? (begins pacing)
Astro: Andreas? Andreas? (calls off stage) (Runs on stage) Andreas, whoa man, that was tight bro. You kicked his ass. There was blood everywhere!
Andreas: Oh god, oh my god, what have I done? Do you think... Astro, is Tommy going to be okay?
Astro: I don’t know. It didn’t look good. He wasn’t moving and when you landed that last punch. He was out! His head hit the curb so hard... and the blood. I’ve never seen so much blood. (Sirens begin to sound faintly in the background, getting louder)
Andreas: Oh shit, man! Is that for me? Are they looking for me?
Astro: Andreas, you’ve got to get out of here. Go home. Pack up your shit. I’ll be there soon to tell you whats up. I’ll go talk to the crew and see what happened after we left. (Lights go down).
Scene 5
Living room props are moved back on stage. Andreas runs onto stage right where Agacia is sitting on the couch doing homework. There is blood on his clothes, Agacia gets off the couch and looks at him horrified. He is pacing across the room gathering clothes and stuffing them into his duffle bag. Red and blue lighting.
Agacia: Que paso?! (Looks terrified) Andreas, what have they done to you?!
Andreas: (Sounds desperate, scared) No. Agacia, It’s all my fault. The police are coming for me. I got in a fight with Tommy. I hurt him, I hurt him bad... I’m a criminal and worst of all, a failure! Agacia, what’s gonna happen to me?! I just wanted to set things straight with Tommy, but I crossed the line. I couldn’t stop myself, I beat him with my bare hands, I let all my anger and frustration out on him and now his blood has stained my clothes, my hands.
Agacia: What? Andreas, how could you? Mi hermano!
Andreas: (Sounds panicked and upset) I think I may have killed him, it was me! Agacia, I punched him and he fell back and hit his head on the concrete, there was blood everywhere! It was an accident, te lo juro! I didn’t realize my strength, my anger, until it was too late. Tommy might be dead.... am I a murderer? Agacia, what have I done?
Agacia: Oh my god, Andreas! I can’t believe it! What the hell were you thinking?! You aren’t the same Andreas that everyone in El Salvador looks up to! What will they say when they find out what you’ve done? They changed you, this country changed you! You wanted to feel accepted? Now you can’t be! Now you don’t belong anywhere.
Andreas: You’re right. I don’t know who I am anymore... (looks down)
Astro storms in to the room where Andreas and Agacia are.
Astro: Andreas, man! Damn, the police are all over. He’s dead. Tommy’s dead. When Tommy’s boys tell ‘em what happened they’re going to come look for you, you’ll be arrested or deported or both! You don’t want to go to prison, man trust me! You need to leave right now!
Agacia: Get out of my house. This is all your fault! You are a criminal! You are the one who belongs in prison.
Astro: (In an offended mean voice) Aye, lil mama watch your tone when you talk to me! Your brother is the criminal here, and you’re lucky to have me here helping you.
Andreas: Agacia, please just trust me, we need Astro’s help.
Agacia: How do you expect me to trust you Andreas? Look what you’ve gotten us into. You are so selfish. Did you even stop to think about me and Mama, or all the people in El Salvador who are waiting for you? Wasn’t it your dream to go back a better person, or have you forgotten why you came here in the first place? Not to become a criminal, a gang member... a murderer, but to become a teacher, a role model. Now no one is going to look up to you, you are just another immigrant who got in trouble.
Andreas: I know, Agacia... I know. (Looks down.)
Agacia: (Angry voice) Stay here Andreas - I am going to go find mama. Maybe she knows someone who can help! Just don’t do anything until I get back!
Agacia quickly exits, stage right.
Astro: Man, I gotta get outta here and so do you. The police could be on their way right now. Here’s enough money for a bus ticket and a hotel. Go as far away as you can and call me from there. (Astro hands Andreas some money) And this....(Hands him a gun) This is for protection.
Andreas: (looks at the gun in his hands)
Astro exits stage right. Lights go down. Andreas exits stage left. Living room props are brought off stage.
Chorus 5
Lights come up, the chorus is center stage. Spot light on Luicito and Gabriela All colors lighting.
Luicito: People change. People who seem so innocent, so good, can enter a world of violence and darkness. They change...
Gabriela: Andreas was always different. He was so good. But the quest for acceptance can catch you when you least expect it and make you do things you never thought possible.
Luicito: He did not plan to take Tommy’s life.. As his body hit the concrete, his life shattered, taking Andreas’ dreams with him.
Gabriela: Now Andreas doesn’t belong anywhere. He cannot go home to El Salvador a failure, but he cannot stay in the United States, forced to pay for the life he has taken. Andreas is trapped between two worlds, neither of which he can return to.
Luicito: Like the wind, he will be forced to wander, with no direction, no purpose, and nothing to fight for. And he cannot have that, will not have that.
Gabriela: So Andreas does what he feels he has to do......
Lucito: But the solution is not that simple. Someone will have to pay.
Gabriella: With their freedom.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. Living room props are brought back on.
Exodus
Andreas is alone in his house with blood on his clothes. He is sitting at a table writing a letter. He stands up holding the letter and begins talking to the audience. Blue lights.
Andreas: I can’t escape, I have nowhere to go. My dreams have been pushed farther away than I could ever imagine. It’s too late to get them back. I cannot go home to El Salvador. I’m a failure. I cannot stay in the United States, I’m a criminal. I was expected to be their light, their savior. Now what will they see when they look at me? That dreams don’t come true? That nobody can make it? That there is no hope for our country? I have shattered the faith of the people I love most. And I cannot live with that........ Blue lighting.
Sirens are playing in the background. Andreas holds the envelope, over his heart. He grabs the gun out of his pocket and looks at it. Red and blue lighting while sirens play.
Police: It’s the police, open up! (bang on door)
Andreas exits stage left. Lights go down and a gunshot goes off.
Lights come up and Agacia and her mother enter stage right. Agacia is supporting her mother who is obviously very upset and is leaning on her daughter for support.
Agacia: Mama.....mama, sit down. The immigration officer said we only have until five tonight to pack our things. You rest here, Mama. I’ll pack up the bedrooms.
Mama: I’m fine hija. Let me help you.
Agacia: Ok, Mama. Do you want to do the living room? Start putting everything into these boxes?
Mama: Okay, don’t forget to put Andreas’ things into a box also, mija.
Agacia: (mad voice) Andreas can take care of his own things, just like he can take care of himself!
Mama: Agacia, he’s your brother..
Agacia: (interrupts) No, he isn’t the same, he is not my brother anymore. (storms off upset, stage left)
Her mom begins putting things in to a box. She sees a piece of paper underneath the table, she gets on her knees and picks up the paper.
Mama: Agacia! Agacia, come here!
Agacia: Que Mama? What is it?
Mama: (On her knees, looks up at Agacia) It’s a letter from Andreas.
They sit down on the couch, Mom opens letter and Andreas’ voice begins reading it)
Andreas: (Blue lighting while Andreas’ voice reads note.)
Dear Mama, Agacia, Gabriela and Lucito,
I have failed you. I know you all expected me to come home, to help El Salavador. I wanted to make you all proud to tell you that I worked hard and fulfilled my dreams. Your dreams too......But now, I know I can never go home. I can’t hide what I’ve done from any of you. You know me too well and will see it in my eyes; I can’t hide from you what this place is and what it has made me.
I shouldn’t have gotten involved with Astro and those guys..... but I missed being surrounded by people who love me. I wish I would have realized that your love was enough. Gabriela, your love was every thing to me and I’m sorry that I’ve let you down. We will meet again, one day, mi amor. But for now, there is no where for me to go, Agacia was right... I don’t belong anywhere. I am just another immigrant who lost his dream......another immigrant who has lost everything.
Please forgive me. I love you all so much,
Andreas
(Mama: drops letter. Falls to her knees. Lights go down. )
Resolution
All colors lighting. Lights come up, chorus walks on stage. Spot light on Luicito when he talks and on Gabriela when she talks.
Luicito: With no hope left in his life... it did not last. It withered away in the wind, taking his dream with it.
Gabriella: A dream that was taken away from him, along with all meaning to his life. Influence can play with your mind and make you do things that will lead you towards darkness.
Luicito: Andreas let his search for acceptance blind him, leaving him stuck, with no where to go. Home was too far, and the United States had done him no good. So, he fled to heaven, hoping to hold his sweet Gabriela again one day.
Gabriella: His promise lay broken, inside my heart, but I know he tried his best to keep it. I will never forget my dear Andreas, the image of him will keep us strong and lead us towards our own dreams.
Both of them are crying in each other's arms.
All lights go down.
The End
Humanities: ½
31 Oct. 2011
Chasing Dreams
Prologue
Bed, duffel bag, clothes an dresser/table are brought into room. Blue lights come up. Andreas is in a small room with his girlfriend, Gabriela, who is sitting on a bed while Andreas is walking around the room gathering things and putting them into a duffle bag.
Gabriela: Andreas, mi amor, we are going to miss you so much. Who is gonna help Luicito with his girl problems? And his homework? What if he starts ditching school again? Who is gonna hug me when I’m having a bad day? Andreas, this town is nothing without you.
Andreas stops putting clothes into his bag and turns to Gabriela as she finishes talking, he sits next to her on the bed and begins speaking.
Andreas: You are strong, you are all strong. And when I finish my education in Los Estados I will come back, I will. I promise. I am going to come back with my teaching credential and I am going to help Luicito and all the other kids in El Salvador become doctors and lawyers, help them build our country back up again. And when I come back I am going to hold you forever, I promise Gabriela, lo juro.
Gabriela: ( holding Andreas’ hands and looking at him) I know. I know you will, you always do what is best... what is best for everyone. Y tu mama, she needs you. She needs her son, and your sister, she needs her brother. I will write to you every week, I will tell you how we are all doing. Andreas, we will stay in your heart and be with you every day, keeping you strong.
Andreas: Te amo Gabriela, I will never forget you or any of you here, nunca. I hope everyone in the United States is as loving as the people here.
Gabriela: They will be, don’t worry. Everyone loves you. I know you will be fine, your mom named you Andreas because it means strong. You are strong, Andreas, and you will stay strong, no matter what happens. (They hug)
Luicito: (Luicito enters stage right) Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to say goodbye mi hermano. Adios Andreas, I’ll miss you.
Andreas: Luicito, you keep doing good in school okay? Take care of Gabriela. Make me proud.
Luicito: Of course I will Andreas, (looks sad, pauses) Thank you for everything. I don’t know where I’d be without you. Don’t forget me, man.
Andreas: Luicito, I could never forget you...
Luicito: (interrupting) Everyone says that when they go to Los Estados. But then, we never hear from them again.
Andreas: El Salvador is my home. Never, in a million years could I forget it or any of you.
Luicito: Yeah, We’ll see.... (walks out, upset)
Gabriela: (Puts arm around Andreas) Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. We’ll all look after each other. Just hurry home, okay?
Andreas pulls Gabriela in for a hug and holds her tightly. Blue lights go down. Everyone exits stage. Bed, clothes, duffel bag, dresser/ table taken off stage.
Parados
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito when he talks and on Gabriela when she talks. All colors lighting.
Luicito: Andreas, living far from his mom and sister in a country with opportunities as precious and as scarce as pearls in the sea.
Gabriela: His mom works hard each day and night, providing for her family: scrubbing other people’s floors, their dirty toilets. Yet, she remains strong. She remains proud. His sister; awaiting eagerly for her dearly missed brother, her father figure, to arrive.
Luicito: Andreas goes forward with the spirit of an adventurer. He does not know what to expect, yet he is excited about the opportunities in a country where everyone finds success and happiness. What he does not realize is the hardships, the prejudice, that immigrants have to face.
Gabriela: He dreams of his people standing tall again. He hopes to help build El Salvador back up after a war that has destroyed hope for a brighter future.
Luicito: He will join his family in the United States leaving behind the place that he loves most, a place that loves him back, and people who rely on him for change.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. Living rooms props. (couch, table with lamp) brought on stage
Scene 1
Yellow light come up Andreas’ mom answers the door and Andreas steps in the house and gives his mom a long hug. His little sister runs over and they hug, while rejoicing their reunion.
Andreas’ mom: Andreas! You made it! Mi amor!
Agacia: I can’t believe you’re finally here!
Andreas: You both look beautiful! I’ve missed you so much!
Andreas’ mom: Hijo, Agacia and I have been missing you every day since we came here. I can’t believe it, you are so grown up, eres un hombre ahora verdad? (pinches his cheek playfully)
Agacia: (Hugs him tightly)
I’m so happy you’re here, (joking voice) Ahhh my life here will only get easier with my big, manly brother by my side.
Andreas: Yeah, you better watch out little lady, I’m here now so you can’t do anything bad!
They all laugh.
Andreas’ mom: Andreas,come in, sit down. You must be exhausted! How was the trip? Did you have any trouble at the border?
Andreas: No mama. Believe it or not, the coyote was a decent man. I just laid in the back of his truck under a bunch of blankets and boxes full of stuff. They never checked. It was very hot and I was scared, but I stayed quiet and we made it across.
Andreas’ mom: (walking towards the kitchen) Good! Your tio said that the coyote was a good man and that he would make sure you got here safely. Look at me! Crying! (laughs at herself) It was definitely worth every penny! He got you here safely. Gracias a Dios!. (hugs Andreas, wipes the tears in her eyes on her apron). I’m gonna go finish making dinner, I bet you’ve missed my cooking! (Mom exits stage left)
Andreas and Agacia sit down on the couch and begin talking.
Andreas: So... how is it here? I can’t wait to meet everyone, all your new friends... I bet they’re real nice!
Agacia: (voice seems a little unsure) Umh, it’s okay. I don’t know, the kids at school... They aren’t that great. (she pauses) But I’m sure they’ll love you Andreas, everyone does.
Andreas: ( puts his arm round his sister) Still shy, huh? Well, don’t worry. I’ll help you make some friends. I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten! You’re almost a woman now. (laughs) Luicito would be head over heels over for you.
Agacia: (laughs) How is he? (sighs) I miss them all so much, but I’m so happy you’re here.
Andreas: He’s okay, I worry about him sometimes. I worry about all of our friends in El Salvador. I want to go back Agacia. I want to study and become a teacher first, and then go home to help them achieve their own dreams. I’m going to teach them everything they need to know so they can be whatever they want to be.. We are the future of El Salvador and I’m going to help make it what it once was.
Agacia: I want to go back with you one day. I miss it there. (Look down and pause) I’m happy for you Andreas, you aren’t afraid to dream big! I wish we could all be that way.
Andreas’ mom: (yelling from other room off stage) Hijos, dinner!
(lights go down. Living room props. Taken off stage left)
Chorus 1
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito and Gabriela. All color lighting.
Gabriela: Home is his mother’s warm embrace and his sister’s adoration.
Luicito: But the loving warmth Andreas feels will not stretch beyond his mother’s house.
Gabriela: He has high hopes for the future. Dreams reaching as high as the mountains. Yet he is blinded to the reality he will soon face... Like vines, his dreams grow faster, reaching for the sky without stopping. Until they meet the one barrier that will harness them. Destroy them.
Luicito: Yet even among all the hardship, his dreams of the future keep him going. His dreams for the people he has left behind push him to never give up.
Gabriela: Andreas begins school and is shocked at his peers’ reaction. For the first time in his life he is an outcast. An outsider.
Luicito: He is a beaner. A wetback. An illegal alien.
Gabriela: He tries to laugh off their jokes. Not let it get to him.
Luicito: But for a person who had always been adored, who has always known acceptance...
Gabriela: Racism, elitism and prejudice against immigrants is a bitter pill to swallow. Two months go by and still their rejection stings. Taunting, teasing, and new challenges thrown at his feet daily, begin to penetrate his once optimistic heart.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. A bench is brought on stage.
Scene 2
Andreas is sitting on a bench alone, he is reading a letter from Gabriela, as a group of boys (Tommy, Joey and Jeff) enter stage left and walk up to him, snatching the letter from his hands. As an obvious gang member stands in the background observing. Yellow light while reading letter. Red light when Tommy, Jeff, and Joey approach.
Tommy: (laughing in a rude taunting manner) Hey, stupid wetback, is this a letter from your people?
Jeff: Yeah, why don’t you go back to Mexico? Beaner.
Andreas: (In an annoyed tone, but trying to remain calm) I’m from El Salvador, not Mexico. Give me back that letter, it’s from my girlfriend.
Joey: Is she a wetback too? (laughs and looks at the letter) No she can’t be, because she knows how to write.
All the boys laugh.
Tommy: (Rips up the letter and throws it on the ground, then gets in Andreas’ face. When Andreas does nothing he laughs) See ya around man. I’m sure you’ll be mowing my lawn this weekend, right?
The boys laugh, as they exit stage right. A guy who had been standing in the background, wearing sunglasses walks towards Andreas with a very serious look on his face.
Astro: Hey man, I’m Astro.
(Andreas glances up at Astro, but continues to pick up the pieces of the letter, says nothing)
Astro: Hey fool, I’m talking to you. Why are you letting those putos talk to you like that? You should set them straight, let ‘em know who you are.
Andreas: No, they’re not worth my time. (Pauses. Looks in the direction the three boys have gone) Besides there were three of them and only one of me.(Gets embarrassed. Looks down. Gets angry) But what does it matter to you?
Astro: You look like you could use some friends. Why don’t you hang out with me and my crew? We can take care of those fools together.
(Andreas stops picking up the letter and is listening)
Blue light while Astro talks.
Astro: My homies are always happy to teach some punks a lesson. You gotta demand their respect. You do nothing and they’ll think you’re weak. But if you show them that you aint a bitch well then, they’ll leave you alone.
Andreas: (pauses. Considering what Astro has said. laughs a little) Yeah you’re right…maybe I need to earn their respect.
Astro: Meet us at the park after school, tomorrow.
Andreas: Alright...for sure, see ya later.
Astro exits stage right. Agacia enters stage left and walks over to her brother holding her backpack and some books. Yellow light when talking to Agacia.
Agacia: Hey...was that Astro? What did he want?
Andreas: Nothing. He just invited me to hang out with some of his friends tomorrow after school.
Agacia: You are going to hang out with Astro? The gang banger? You’re hanging out with those punks? Andreas, do you know the things they do? They’re bad people, you shouldn’t hang out with them!
Andreas: Listen, Agacia. You don’t understand, maybe they aren’t that bad. A lot of Astro’s friends are immigrants too. Maybe they’re just misunderstood. No one here accepts them either.
Agacia: No! Immigrants or not. They are bad people. You don’t know some of the things they’ve done.
Andreas: I know enough. And I know no one fucks with them like they do with me! I’m fucking tired of it! Besides so far Astro’s the only person in this damn country who will talk to me without making me feel stupid. So like it or not, I’m going to hang out with them! Tomorrow. I’m going to give them a chance. See what they’re all about.
Agacia: (looks sad, scared) Andreas…
Red light.
Andreas: Stop worrying so much Acagia. I know what I’m doing. Trust me. You do trust me right? (walks ahead, mad exits stage right)
Agacia: (watches Andreas walk away and then says quietly) I trust you. It’s them I don’t trust.
Agacia follows behind her brother, exiting stage right. Lights go down.
Chorus 2
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito and on Gabriela. All color lights.
Luicito: Andreas is searching for a place to belong. He feels lonely and lost in a sea of rejection.
Gabriela: Astro seems so welcoming, so understanding. He knows what it feels like to be an outsider.He’s like a star. A shining beacon in the night sky. But Andreas does not realize the darkness that grows within Astro’s heart.
Luicito: Wanting to fill the empty hole of rejection, he decides to take a chance on Astro. He will do anything to feel respected. To feel the warmth of acceptance like the sun that penetrates through the darkest clouds.
Gabriela: Andreas needs a sense of security in a country so unfamiliar. He finds it in a fellow immigrant, a fellow outsider. That common ground makes him lose his intuition. Trusting Astro fully, without realizing the danger he may bring.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. Bench is brought on stage.
Scene 3
Lights come up. Astro and gang enter stage right. Andreas enters stage left and walks towards Astro’s gang, at the park.
Astro: Aye man, over here! (motions with his hands for Andreas to come over)
Andreas walks over to the group of guys. Yellow light when Andreas meets Astro’s crew.
Astro: This is my homie Eric, this is A.J., my man Carlo, and this is Damian. ( as Astro points to each guy they lift their chins at Andreas)
Andreas: Hey, I’m Andreas.
Carlo: Aye man, you from El Salvador?
Andreas: (looks down, ashamed) Yeah.
Carlo: That’s tight man.
(Andreas looks up and smiles)
Astro: Alright homie, you ready?
Andreas: Ready for what?
Astro: To kick their asses homie. No one in my crew is gonna get pushed around like that! So do you want to be part of my crew, or not? Do you want our acceptance, our protection?
Andreas: Yeah. Yeah, I’m ready.
Damian: It’s about to go down.
The guys all laugh, except Andreas, who looks nervous.
Astro: Alright man, here they come.
Tommy, Joey and Jeff walk toward the guys.
Andreas: (Walks up to Tommy and pushes him.) Hey Tommy. Red light when Andreas pushes Tommy.
Tommy: Yeah?
Astro: I’m sick of you, man. (gets in Tommy’s face, opens a knife)
Tommy: What are you talking about?
Astro: You need to show Andreas some respect, homie. I’ve heard what you and your bitches have been saying to him. Andreas is my boy.
Andreas: (turns to Astro) Astro, here come the teachers.
Tommy: You wanna settle this somewhere else? 4 o’clock, at the park. I’ll show your bitch ass how it’s done here in the U.S.
Astro nods at Andreas, signaling for him to go along with the plan.
Andreas: We’ll be there.
Lights go down Tommy’s crew exits stage left, Astros’ crew and Andreas exit stage right. Bench taken off stage.
Chorus 3
The chorus enters, center stage. Spot light on Luicito when he talks and on Gabriela when she talks. All colors lighting.
Luicito: Andreas is getting caught up in a search for acceptance.
Gabriela: His sister warned him about the troubles these boys would bring, but he is blinded by the radiance of being welcomed.
Luicito: He does not realize how his desire for acceptance could shatter his dreams.
Gabriela: His will for respect could keep him away from us forever.
Luicito: Will he have the inner strength to stop the tragic wheels that have been put into motion. (the lights go down. Chorus exits stage left)
Scene 4
Andreas runs on stage right. He is shaky, out of breath. His shirt is torn. There is blood splattered on his hands and shirt. Red lighting.
Andreas: Oh my god. Holy shit. What have I done? (begins pacing)
Astro: Andreas? Andreas? (calls off stage) (Runs on stage) Andreas, whoa man, that was tight bro. You kicked his ass. There was blood everywhere!
Andreas: Oh god, oh my god, what have I done? Do you think... Astro, is Tommy going to be okay?
Astro: I don’t know. It didn’t look good. He wasn’t moving and when you landed that last punch. He was out! His head hit the curb so hard... and the blood. I’ve never seen so much blood. (Sirens begin to sound faintly in the background, getting louder)
Andreas: Oh shit, man! Is that for me? Are they looking for me?
Astro: Andreas, you’ve got to get out of here. Go home. Pack up your shit. I’ll be there soon to tell you whats up. I’ll go talk to the crew and see what happened after we left. (Lights go down).
Scene 5
Living room props are moved back on stage. Andreas runs onto stage right where Agacia is sitting on the couch doing homework. There is blood on his clothes, Agacia gets off the couch and looks at him horrified. He is pacing across the room gathering clothes and stuffing them into his duffle bag. Red and blue lighting.
Agacia: Que paso?! (Looks terrified) Andreas, what have they done to you?!
Andreas: (Sounds desperate, scared) No. Agacia, It’s all my fault. The police are coming for me. I got in a fight with Tommy. I hurt him, I hurt him bad... I’m a criminal and worst of all, a failure! Agacia, what’s gonna happen to me?! I just wanted to set things straight with Tommy, but I crossed the line. I couldn’t stop myself, I beat him with my bare hands, I let all my anger and frustration out on him and now his blood has stained my clothes, my hands.
Agacia: What? Andreas, how could you? Mi hermano!
Andreas: (Sounds panicked and upset) I think I may have killed him, it was me! Agacia, I punched him and he fell back and hit his head on the concrete, there was blood everywhere! It was an accident, te lo juro! I didn’t realize my strength, my anger, until it was too late. Tommy might be dead.... am I a murderer? Agacia, what have I done?
Agacia: Oh my god, Andreas! I can’t believe it! What the hell were you thinking?! You aren’t the same Andreas that everyone in El Salvador looks up to! What will they say when they find out what you’ve done? They changed you, this country changed you! You wanted to feel accepted? Now you can’t be! Now you don’t belong anywhere.
Andreas: You’re right. I don’t know who I am anymore... (looks down)
Astro storms in to the room where Andreas and Agacia are.
Astro: Andreas, man! Damn, the police are all over. He’s dead. Tommy’s dead. When Tommy’s boys tell ‘em what happened they’re going to come look for you, you’ll be arrested or deported or both! You don’t want to go to prison, man trust me! You need to leave right now!
Agacia: Get out of my house. This is all your fault! You are a criminal! You are the one who belongs in prison.
Astro: (In an offended mean voice) Aye, lil mama watch your tone when you talk to me! Your brother is the criminal here, and you’re lucky to have me here helping you.
Andreas: Agacia, please just trust me, we need Astro’s help.
Agacia: How do you expect me to trust you Andreas? Look what you’ve gotten us into. You are so selfish. Did you even stop to think about me and Mama, or all the people in El Salvador who are waiting for you? Wasn’t it your dream to go back a better person, or have you forgotten why you came here in the first place? Not to become a criminal, a gang member... a murderer, but to become a teacher, a role model. Now no one is going to look up to you, you are just another immigrant who got in trouble.
Andreas: I know, Agacia... I know. (Looks down.)
Agacia: (Angry voice) Stay here Andreas - I am going to go find mama. Maybe she knows someone who can help! Just don’t do anything until I get back!
Agacia quickly exits, stage right.
Astro: Man, I gotta get outta here and so do you. The police could be on their way right now. Here’s enough money for a bus ticket and a hotel. Go as far away as you can and call me from there. (Astro hands Andreas some money) And this....(Hands him a gun) This is for protection.
Andreas: (looks at the gun in his hands)
Astro exits stage right. Lights go down. Andreas exits stage left. Living room props are brought off stage.
Chorus 5
Lights come up, the chorus is center stage. Spot light on Luicito and Gabriela All colors lighting.
Luicito: People change. People who seem so innocent, so good, can enter a world of violence and darkness. They change...
Gabriela: Andreas was always different. He was so good. But the quest for acceptance can catch you when you least expect it and make you do things you never thought possible.
Luicito: He did not plan to take Tommy’s life.. As his body hit the concrete, his life shattered, taking Andreas’ dreams with him.
Gabriela: Now Andreas doesn’t belong anywhere. He cannot go home to El Salvador a failure, but he cannot stay in the United States, forced to pay for the life he has taken. Andreas is trapped between two worlds, neither of which he can return to.
Luicito: Like the wind, he will be forced to wander, with no direction, no purpose, and nothing to fight for. And he cannot have that, will not have that.
Gabriela: So Andreas does what he feels he has to do......
Lucito: But the solution is not that simple. Someone will have to pay.
Gabriella: With their freedom.
Lights go down, Gabriela exits stage right and Luicito stage left. Living room props are brought back on.
Exodus
Andreas is alone in his house with blood on his clothes. He is sitting at a table writing a letter. He stands up holding the letter and begins talking to the audience. Blue lights.
Andreas: I can’t escape, I have nowhere to go. My dreams have been pushed farther away than I could ever imagine. It’s too late to get them back. I cannot go home to El Salvador. I’m a failure. I cannot stay in the United States, I’m a criminal. I was expected to be their light, their savior. Now what will they see when they look at me? That dreams don’t come true? That nobody can make it? That there is no hope for our country? I have shattered the faith of the people I love most. And I cannot live with that........ Blue lighting.
Sirens are playing in the background. Andreas holds the envelope, over his heart. He grabs the gun out of his pocket and looks at it. Red and blue lighting while sirens play.
Police: It’s the police, open up! (bang on door)
Andreas exits stage left. Lights go down and a gunshot goes off.
Lights come up and Agacia and her mother enter stage right. Agacia is supporting her mother who is obviously very upset and is leaning on her daughter for support.
Agacia: Mama.....mama, sit down. The immigration officer said we only have until five tonight to pack our things. You rest here, Mama. I’ll pack up the bedrooms.
Mama: I’m fine hija. Let me help you.
Agacia: Ok, Mama. Do you want to do the living room? Start putting everything into these boxes?
Mama: Okay, don’t forget to put Andreas’ things into a box also, mija.
Agacia: (mad voice) Andreas can take care of his own things, just like he can take care of himself!
Mama: Agacia, he’s your brother..
Agacia: (interrupts) No, he isn’t the same, he is not my brother anymore. (storms off upset, stage left)
Her mom begins putting things in to a box. She sees a piece of paper underneath the table, she gets on her knees and picks up the paper.
Mama: Agacia! Agacia, come here!
Agacia: Que Mama? What is it?
Mama: (On her knees, looks up at Agacia) It’s a letter from Andreas.
They sit down on the couch, Mom opens letter and Andreas’ voice begins reading it)
Andreas: (Blue lighting while Andreas’ voice reads note.)
Dear Mama, Agacia, Gabriela and Lucito,
I have failed you. I know you all expected me to come home, to help El Salavador. I wanted to make you all proud to tell you that I worked hard and fulfilled my dreams. Your dreams too......But now, I know I can never go home. I can’t hide what I’ve done from any of you. You know me too well and will see it in my eyes; I can’t hide from you what this place is and what it has made me.
I shouldn’t have gotten involved with Astro and those guys..... but I missed being surrounded by people who love me. I wish I would have realized that your love was enough. Gabriela, your love was every thing to me and I’m sorry that I’ve let you down. We will meet again, one day, mi amor. But for now, there is no where for me to go, Agacia was right... I don’t belong anywhere. I am just another immigrant who lost his dream......another immigrant who has lost everything.
Please forgive me. I love you all so much,
Andreas
(Mama: drops letter. Falls to her knees. Lights go down. )
Resolution
All colors lighting. Lights come up, chorus walks on stage. Spot light on Luicito when he talks and on Gabriela when she talks.
Luicito: With no hope left in his life... it did not last. It withered away in the wind, taking his dream with it.
Gabriella: A dream that was taken away from him, along with all meaning to his life. Influence can play with your mind and make you do things that will lead you towards darkness.
Luicito: Andreas let his search for acceptance blind him, leaving him stuck, with no where to go. Home was too far, and the United States had done him no good. So, he fled to heaven, hoping to hold his sweet Gabriela again one day.
Gabriella: His promise lay broken, inside my heart, but I know he tried his best to keep it. I will never forget my dear Andreas, the image of him will keep us strong and lead us towards our own dreams.
Both of them are crying in each other's arms.
All lights go down.
The End