The Art of Healing
Cast
Allison - a professional dancer with dreams of opening up a performing arts school. Married to her husband Lance with a baby named Parker. She’s usually a bubbly person with a positive attitude but becomes moody and snippy as the play progresses.
Maja - a sassy aspiring actress who is raising her son Jayden all on her own. She’s a no nonsense having women who uses tough love to build up others around her. Can come off as mean but really has a big heart.
Shakira - a shy and timid mother who just got out of an abusive relationship trying to prepare her life for her baby girl Jada. She often lets people walk over her at first but begins to find her voice through her designing and artistry.
Lance - a caring and devoted husband who works as a teacher. Is very laid back and compassionate but often neglectful.
Katie - parenting instructor and lactation expert. Super perky and can throw shade with a smile on her face. Will also play the role of the nurse
Mame - Shakira’s mother. very headstrong and controlling. Can be a harsh critic but means well.
ACT I
Scene 1 - Mommy Class
Lights fade up with four spotlights. Four mats grace the floor with small balls and pillows. Enters Katie
Katie: All right ladies step this way, step this way. (Enters Allison, Maja, and Shakira)
Katie: Welcome to the Lotus Nest, where we help your little lotus grow! And we do this through nurturing with holistic approaches and natural care, not that processed trash that we see on commercials with happy babies who are probably not happy at all and risk slow development. Okay let’s go around the room and introduce ourselves.
Allison: Oh I’ll go first! My name is Allison and this is my first child who I am naming Parker. My husband and I are thrilled to be bringing a new life into this world.
Katie: What are you having?
Allison: Oh we don’t know yet. We’ve decided to find out during the birth which is why we chose a gender neutral name that will fit no matter what we have.
Maja: Girl you crazy! I need to know what I’m having because babies are not cheap.
Katie: Okay well it looks like you’re next. Would you like to share?...uh
Maja: My name is Maja. MY-YAH! I’m having a boy who I’m naming Jayden it’s my first time having a child so you would think my sperm donor would be here to help but I’m holding things down on my own.
Katie: Oh so you got the procedure! Good for you it’s a great option for women your age
Maja: This bi…
Katie: Okay and last we have…
Kira:
Maja: I ain’t hear a word you just said!
Allison: Do you think you could repeat that once more?
Kira:
Katie: GREAT! Lots of first time moms I see. I hope all of you are planning on breastfeeding it’s natural and has proven to make your baby smarter. Okay let’s begin with breathing exercises. You want to inhale and exhale with small breaths with your mouth in a circle like this (demonstrates for class)
Katie: That’s great keep breathing let’s warm up those lungs you’ll be needing it when you have your natural birth. Watch me through the mirror, one more time.
Maja: I don’t know who she thinks is getting a natural birth. The minute those contractions start, I’m getting that needle right in my back.
Allison: I’m actually thinking about having a natural birth. I feel like it will be a special moment between my child and I and it can be empowering.
Kira: I’m kind of on the fence about it. My family is on my back about going natural but I’m afraid of the pain.
Allison: Don’t worry, I’ve heard Katie is very good and she’s going to give us techniques on how it can hurt less. I’m actually taking her prenatal yoga classes too, it’s been helping a lot with my back. I have to make sure I’m healthy enough to get back to work once I give birth.
Maja: Back to work?!
Allison: Yes, I’m a dancer. I’m with the InMotion Dance Company.
Maja: Oh okay I see you! I’m kind of an artist myself.
Allison: Oh really?
Maja: Yes I’m an actress.
Allison: Oh what works have you done?
Maja: MMM Nothing. But I did get to be in my friends video once. I try to go to auditions but it’s so hard to tell what’s real and what’s a scam. Especially on craigslist.
Allison: Oh don’t get me started on craigslist, I once thought I booked a private lesson for $500 until I was requested to wear a school girls uniform…
Kira:
Maja: Girl! I once did a acting class for some kids over in North Philly and they asked me if we could do “Power”
Allison: I had a job teaching dance to students in West Philly and they asked me to do a dance to Beyonce “Partition”
Katie: Ladies it’s great you guys are all getting along but let’s focus on the breathing and then maybe after class you can skitdaddle on down to the coffee shop. Now in and out.
Maja: We can’t even have coffee. Can’t have nothing!
Scene 2 - The Coffee Shop
(Lights fade up to chairs and a table with smoothies and pastries. Maja, Allison, and Kira are seated at the table engaged in laughter)
Maja: I know one thing she got one more time to get snippy with me.
Allison: I don’t think she meant it in that way
Maja: She was being condescending. You too busy living all up in la la land that you can’t see it. [takes sip of drink] At least they had smoothies. Probably didn’t need the bear claw but [shrugs and takes bite]
Kira: She’s a little much but I think she’s very nice
Allison: She’s just trying to prepare us for motherhood and I for one am very excited to experience it.
Maja: I’m excited to be a mother but honestly I’m also a little scared. I’m going to be doing this all by myself and let’s face it, I’m not no Taraji. I don’t have a million dollar contract to fall on.
Allison: But Taraji was a single mom before she got that million dollar deal. You can do it too, you just have to work at it. Find time to in your schedule to perfect your craft and even do some auditions now while you’re pregnant. When your son is born, you can just get back into shape and jump right in.
Maja: That’s true, once I have my son I’m going in. I’m going straight to the gym to get back in shape. Hollywood here I come! Kira are you going to work on your art?
Kira: I don’t know. My family is pressuring me to get a real job.
Maja: What the heck is a real job? Do you get paid to teach art?
Kira: Yes…
Maja: Do your paintings make money?
Kira: Well yea…
Maja: Then you have a real job! Tired of people coming down on artist about not having a “real job” (air quotes) like we don’t get paid. Like art is something done without any work.
Allison: I spend at least ten hours a day at the studio and probably an extra two in the gym. Not to mention time going over my lesson plans.
Kira: They just think I need to make more money, if I’m going to care for my daughter.
Allison: Well can the father provide any help?
Kira: He’s not in the picture right now...I don’t know maybe they’re right. Maybe I’ll take a break and just get a corporate job once she’s here. Are you still going to dance?
Allison: Oh of course! In fact, I’m thinking about creating my own piece.
Maja: You better work!
Allison: Me too... I like to just move the furniture out of the way and let my body move to the beautiful sound of silence.
Kira: I like to paint out what I’m feeling. I do my best work during that time.
Maja: Ladies we must stay in touch. Even when we have our babies.
Allison: Well I am down because I’ve read that having a support system is great for new moms
Maja: Is there anything you haven’t read?
Kira: I agree to new mom friends [holds up tea mug]
Allison: To new mom friends
Maja: And to having real caffeine in a couple of months!
All of them: Yes!
Scene 3 - Home
Centerstage spot light fades up on a small bed with covers on it. Enters Allison with Lance.
Allison: And so the instructor got so tired of us laughing that she practically told us to be quiet and leave
Lance: As always you are the social butterfly lighting up the room.
Allison: Aw I just can’t believe it, only a few more weeks until the two of us becomes the three us. Parker will be here and my happy little family will be complete!
Lance: Until then you need to just lay down and relax. Don’t want you over working.
Allison: Lance…
Lance: I’m serious, now you just lay down while I run to the store and get you that cookie dough.
Allison: Aw honey I don’t need that just bring me back a large water ice from Fred’s with a pretzel and some Cheetos,that’s all (smiles wide)
Lance: Okay babe (gives kiss and exits stage)
Mame: And be sure to drink lots water and get rest for the baby. You’re not getting enough.
Kira: Yes mother
Mame: And try not to sleep all wild like you do, sleep on the side it’s safer for the baby. You need to be more considerate.
Kira: Yes mother
Mame: And I know you’re not about to paint with all those chemicals…
Kira: Okay Mother!
Maja: Yes mom I took my prenatal pills and no I did not drink coffee.
Maja: When I meet you, the gray clouds will disappear When I meet you, the sun will shine with you here When I meet you, the entire world will cease and as I hold you in my arms I will see the meaning of life and this anxiety will be released When I meet you life will make sense. The pain, the pressure, and the evil will repent. When I meet you I promise to protect the light you bring. No man, woman, or child will dethrone my future King.
Allison: When I meet you it will be the best day of my life. To become a mother and not just a wife. When I meet you I’ll shout with joy no matter if you’re a girl or a boy. When I meet you I will hold you so tight, I’ll coddle and love you and never let you out of my sight. When I meet you the world will truly see what a blessing it is to be me.
Kira: When I meet you I’ll make sure you’re more. More than I could ever fight for. When I meet you I promise to give you the voice I never had. To speak and stand up towards men with the same traits as your Dad. When I meet you I pray that you’ll never witness me being weak. A pushover, a mute , unknown and so meek. When I meet you I’ll show you what real love looks like. No bruises, no scars, no scratches, or bites.
All : I say this with conviction and confidence out loud Because when I meet you I’ll make sure your proud To see witness love, strength, and happiness I’ll go above and beyond to make sure it’s nothing less And as I look into your eyes for the first time in my life I’ll know that when I meet you, I did everything right.
Scene 4 - Blank Stage
Maja: Ughhhhh Mom this pain is killing me.
I’m good and ready, I’m not sitting in no one’s hospital starving on ice chips.
Allison: Inhale
Lance: Babe what are you doing?
Allison: I’m dancing my pain away. I saw on Facebook that this help. This one mom even twerked while she was in labor.
Lance: I don’t know what twerking is but I’m pretty sure it’s not that. Heyyy isn’t that the move Tina from Bob’s Burgers does?
Allison: Lance, seriously I need to remain calm and breathe through this process. GOOD LORD WHERE IS THAT STUPID DOULA AT?
Lance: You know what, I’ll go call her.
Kira: Oh no oh no oh no. MOM! I CAN’T STOP PEEING MY PANTS!
Mame: Well maybe your water broke
Kira: My water broke?!? Omg that means the baby is coming
Mame: You think?...
Kira: Mom seriously call somebody
Mame: Hello 911 yeah my daughter is in labor someone needs to come get her
America as a painter. What kind of job is that? (pause) I don’t know how far along the pain is I just know someone needs to come get her cuz she hitting my last nerve.
Kira: Oh my god mom!!
Lance: It’s going to be okay babe we’re almost there!
Maja: I’m coming mom I just want to finish my fries before we get in there
Kira: Okay Okay I’m going mom!
ACT II
Scene 1 - The Hospital
Maja: Hi Jayden, look at you. You are just so adorable mommy loves you so much. I promise to love you and care for you. I’m going to make you so proud, you’re going to do great things. Not gonna be a bum like some of these guys out here, you’ll be a king and you’ll treat all the girls like queens.
Nurse: How are we doing mom? Is everything good?
Maja: Yes, everything is good. He just woke up not too long ago.
Nurse: Great! well be sure to rest here I’ll turn on the television for you. Oh I love this talk show it looks like they’re interviewing Teyana Taylor. Can you believe she just had a baby a week ago?
Maja: A week ago?! But her stomach has abs!!
Nurse: I know
Lance: She’s so beautiful isn’t she babe?
Allison: HM?
Lance: Do you want to hold her?
Allison: No it’s okay babe I’m actually very tired. I’m just going to lay down why don’t you just bond with her?
Lance: Okay...Are you sure you’re okay?
Allison: Yes I’m fine
Mame: You need to feed her Kira.
Kira: I already tried Mom, she’s not latching on. I’m probably just going to get some Enfamil for her…
Mame: Don’t do that! You have to try harder, the baby should only have breast milk.
Kira: Its not working mom. (lays baby down to change)
Mame: What kind of diapers are those? You really should be using cloth diapers. It’s much safer for the baby.
Kira: It takes up a lot of time to wash. I’m just going to get disposable diapers.
Mame: Oh my lord these parents today are just so lazy. Formula and cheap diapers, When I first became a mom I was much more prepared than this.
Kira: Hello?
Maja: Hello new mommy and congratulations
Kira: Thank you and same to you too! How is everything.
Maja: It’s great so far I’m just in disbelief that I created this.
Kira: I know what you mean. How was your birth?
Maja: It was actually kind of fast. I didn’t even know I was in labor since my water didn’t break. Even had a natural birth.
Kira: Wow!! Allison would have been praising you right now
Maja: Have you heard from her?
Kira: Actually I haven’t but I saw on Facebook she also had her baby. Husband has been posting fifty pictures a day.
Maja: Let me try to give her a call.
Maja: Hey girl! I just wanted to call you and wish you a congratulations. Parker is gorgeous give me a call whenever you get the chance.
Kira: Must be getting rest or probably breastfeeding on a silk rocking chair.
Maja: Don’t even mention breastfeeding to me right now, I’m still in pain from Jayden chomping down on my nipples. I think he believes it’s his personal pacifier. Is Jada doing the same?
Kira: Um yea she’s just biting down all the time. In fact she’s a little hungry now so I’m going to go but maybe we can meet up soon.
Maja: Oh yea I’ll talk to you later…
Scene 2 - Home
Lance: OOOO Touchdown!! Let’s go boys. There’s my two favorite girls.
Allison: You’re still watching the game?
Lance: Yea we’re in the third quarter.
Lance: Is everything okay?
Allison: Yea hun don’t worry about it. I’m just going to feed Parker and try to put her down for a nap. You know get some rest…
Lance: Good idea babe! I’ll let you know how the game goes.
Allison: Have you seen any of her bottles? I need to pump.
Lance: There’s a whole bunch in the sink. Might have to clean them. Come on defense you’re just letting him march down the field!!!
Allison: Seriously Lance?! I asked you to clean the bottles hours ago. She’s going to need them when she starts going to my mother’s house. I only ask you to do one thing and you’re just..
Lance: Listen babe I got it, just feed her now and then once she’s down you can take a nap or maybe you can go take a class.
Allison: I’m not in the mood for a class Lance.
Lance: Well what about hanging out with your friends?
Allison: I don’t feel like doing that either. Can you just leave me alone and help me out so I can get her to bed? (Allison begins to walk off but Lance jumps up to stop her)
Lance: Allison what’s going on? You haven’t been the same since…
Allison: Since what?! I’m fine Lance I’m just a little tired and honestly it wouldn’t kill you to help out a little more.
Lance: You never really ask for help. You’re always pacing back and forth cleaning and panicking over the baby.
Allison: Seriously?! Do I have to send smoke signals? You never ask for help? Ughhhhhhh (turns back to Lance) I shouldn’t have to ask you Lance we are partners. I’m exhausted, I haven’t slept in days and while you just sit here and watch games I’m stressing out.
Lance: Over what?
Allison: I don’t want to be bothered Lance. Just leave me alone.
Kira: Okay Jada, let’s give this another try okay? (sits down in chair and pulls over blanket ) Come on Jada just give it a try for mommy. Ugh I don’t know what’s wrong.
Mame: It’s probably you! You need to do skin to skin.
Kira: I’ve tried that already mom.
Mame: And then on top of that you’re not eating right. You have to eat foods that will raise your supply and drink lots of water.
Kira: I already do that mom. (pulls out bottle from bag)
Mame: She’s not going to be a healthy baby drinking that stuff. When I first birthed your brother I had him on nothing but breastmilk and look at him. He’s a genius engineer and his wife breastfeeds her children.
Kira: Thanks mom, sorry I failed you.
Mame: What did you say?
Kira: Nothing mom. I have to get ready to take Jada to class.
Mame: Make sure you layer her up. She should have on onesie and thermo pants under her clothes. You need to put that coat on her too.
Kira: You’re not supposed to have a coat on in the car mom…
Mame: I don’t know where you got that from
Kira: A medical professional…
Mame: They can tell you how to poorly dress your baby but not how to properly feed it. No wonder you’re not doing anything right.
Kira: They want me to become a doctor but won’t even listen to them. How is it they think they know more than medically trained professionals? I am so irked.
Mame: What are you staring at? I’m talking to you!
Maja: Babies are not cheap a case of pampers cost $30 alone and he runs through them like water. Scene 3 - Mommy Class Maja: Hey girl!! (gives Kira side hug) How are you? And look at her she’s just so precious Kira. Kira: Thank you, let me see Jayden. (looks at blanket) Aww he’s just too cute with those cheeks. Going to have to watch him when he gets older. Maja: Don’t remind me, I’m already hoping he starts looking like me after a few months. Katie: Hello moms, welcome back. I am so excited to see you hear again with your little ones. Today’s class I want us to work on bonding with our babies… Katie: Well welcome back Allison, we’ve missed you around here. I’m glad to see you’ve brought Parker. Allison: Yea well I didn’t have much of a choice. Maja: Um hello stranger Allison: Hey Maja, I meant to call you but I got super busy Maja: It’s cool I only called your phone twenty times… Kira: I called you a few times also… Allison: I was busy okay? Kind of had a baby you remember right? I figured you guys would know what that felt like. Katie: Okay… and let’s take a deep breath in and let it out and come back to the now. We want to have good energy around our little ones because they feed off of that. And sometimes when mommies are stressed or antsy it can affect the way our babies will connect with us. So let’s first start off with hugs, wrap your baby in your arms and allow them to feel your warmth. Katie: Great and this is one way your little one can receive the love. Another good moment to bond is through breastfeeding. So let’s take a moment and let our little ones latch on. You can use your blankets if you’re uncomfortable in front of others but here at Locus we encourage mommies to bare all. Katie: We’re just waiting on you Kira. Kira: You can go ahead and start. I think I actually left my blanket at home and I’m not really comfortable “bearing all” to everyone in here… Katie: That’s okay I have an extra one Kira: Nooo that’s okay really Katie: It’s no problem. We keep them here all the time, they’re brand new. (Hands Kira blanket) Kira: Ummmmm Katie: Come on Kira, don’t be shy. Breastfeeding is perfectly natural and great for the baby Allison: I think she’s fine. You can leave her alone. Katie: This is for good practice. Kira’s probably just shy. Allison: What if she can’t do it? What if she’s having trouble with it and is often judged by annoying people such as yourself who bully others with their “natural” propaganda without taking into consideration that some mothers simply can’t freaking do it!! Katie: I mean I just… Allison: You were just too busy mom-shaming to actually be the support system you claim to be… Katie: I will be right back… Maja: Chillleee you know she’s in the bathroom crying. I don’t know who you are but I love it! (bust out laughing) Lights fade out. Scene 4 - The Coffee Shop Kira: Thanks again Allison. I felt so embarrassed I didn’t know what to say.. Maja: Why didn’t you say anything? It’s okay if you struggle with breastfeeding. My mom did, that’s why she didn’t breastfeed me. Kira: I don’t know my mom has been on my back about it since Jada was born. She keeps making me feel like I’m an awful mom. I’ve tried so hard but Jada just refuses to latch so I’ve been giving her formula but when I do my mom just comes down on me about being lazy so often times I’ll hide out when I feed Jada. Maja: Girl I know that’s your mom and everything but you have got to stand up for yourself. Why do you allow your family to control your every move? Kira: My parents come from overseas. From a land where war almost wiped out our entire family. My parents snuck me and all of my siblings out of the country and brought us here. I feel like I can’t disappoint them. Even as a child I have always tried my best to be obedient with the hopes that one day they will praise and be proud of me like they were to my brother. Seeking approval is all that I know and with that comes control. My daughters father knew that very well. It all began with him controlling my every move to him punishing me whenever I wasn’t doing enough. Allison: Punishing? Kira: Maja: That’s not true! The way Jada smiles at you shows me otherwise. You can’t dwell on the past and I’m not a wise person but I know for a fact that if you spend your life trying to please everyone, you’ll end up unhappy. You have to stand up for yourself and protect your peace. Even if that means standing up to your parents. But don’t ever think that you have failed. Allison: I understand how you feel Kira. There are some days I feel like I’m failing as a mom to Parker. I feel overwhelmed, anxious, and just down right unhappy. I was so excited to become a mother but some days I find myself not wanting to be around her or my husband. Sometimes I just want to be alone. Kira: How was your birth? Allison: It was awful. The Doula came over and we began our water birth but I was starting to feel in distress. Lance had to call the ambulance and we rushed to the hospital to do an emergency c section. I’ve just been feeling so down since then and so alone. Maja: But you’re not alone. You have a whole husband who can help you out. I’m out here doing this mom thing on my own. This morning I had to cuss my son’s father out to try and get a few dollars for some pampers. I would have been so happy if I had a husband to help me out. Kira: Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you always have help Maja. My husband beat me while I was pregnant so I’m sure he wouldn’t have been waiting on me hand and foot once Jada arrived. Not to mention some men just don’t have an understanding. In society the burden of a child often falls on us whether we are married or not. Studies have even shown moms tend to do more of the work when it comes to parenting even as dads become more involved. Maja: Well I’m sure feeling the burden. I’m trying not to be one of those moms standing in the welfare line but I’m afraid I might have to. Kira: There’s nothing wrong with getting the help you need Maja. You have to put that pride aside sometimes. Maja: Girl it’s bad enough I’m a single mom. Now I’m going to be a single mom on welfare. I already get little snide comments as is between Katie and my mom. I feel like I’m going to be alone for the rest of my life. You have no idea what it feels like sitting in a room by yourself. Don’t get me wrong I have my baby boy but it’s nothing like a little conversations. That’s why I’m always on the phone trying to bother y’all and when you don’t answer I end up calling my mom or worse, Jayden’s father who thinks I’m a slob. Kira: Who cares what they think right? It’s about how YOU feel about yourself. You’re doing this all by yourself and you should give yourself credit for that because despite them both having so much to say, they’re not seeing everything. And you cant fear solitude, sometimes it’s actually good for you. Take some time to work on yourself. If you spend your life trying to please everyone you’ll be unhappy. Maja: Don’t get cute! But you’re right.it doesn’t matter what they think. This is about me and my son. I have to do what’s best for us both even if it means getting help from the government. I might need to head down there tomorrow. Allison: If you need a ride Maja, I’ll take you. Maja: Yesss that’s what I’m talking about Kira: Allison, have you ever thought that maybe you have PPD or PTSD? Maja: What’s that? Kira: Postpartum Depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A lot of moms get PPD after giving birth. They tend to get very emotional and isolate themselves. Her birth was very traumatic so that also could be playing a role. Allison: I don’t know (begins to cry) I just know I haven’t felt the same and I know Lance sees it and I feel so bad because I’ve just been so horrible to everyone. I’m supposed to be happy I have a child but I just don’t feel it. Maja: Allison I think Kira is right. Maybe you should try to talk to someone. You need to release these feelings you’re bottling up. Kira: You know the main reason why I became a painter was because it was an outlet for me to release all of my frustrations and emotions. It was therapy for me before I even knew what that was. I admit, I’ve been slacking on it but I truly believe that art has the power to heal. Have you been dancing? Allison: Honestly? No...I haven’t been in the mood for it. I haven’t moved in so long, I don’t even know if I will still look good enough to do it. My company has been asking me if I’m going to return but I don’t know. It’s so much pressure when you got dancers out here popping back like nothing ever happened. Maja: Like that damn Teyanna Taylor Allison: I saw her too! She popped back in a week. Maja: Meanwhile, I haven’t even stepped foot in a gym yet because I’m not allowed to. My body has all types of scars and craters on it, I haven’t even touched my spoken word or acting. I know that’s done. Allison: That’s not true Maja. You’re very beautiful and talented. The world is changing and artist like us can create our lane. Kira: I think we all need to get back on top of our art and I think we should all make a pact to do use the art we love to help us heal. Allison: I think I’m still going to seek counseling but I’m definitely going back to my dance classes. Maja: And I’m going to do my spoken word. I’ll just have to do it whenever Jayden sleeps lol Kira: We’ve been suffering in silence to long. We need to face our problems head on and heal our souls. Allison: Cheers to that. ACT III Scene 1 -Home Allison: Lance we need to talk. Lance: What’s up? Allison: I know I’ve been a little different lately and I decided to see a doctor. They diagnosed me with Postpartum Depression. Lance: I do help you babe Allison: I know Lance but (sigh) I need you to do more. Lance: More? I feed her, I put her to bed sometimes, I even changed her a few times… Allison: Baby I know but I have Parker most of the time and sometimes when I do have downtime it’s filled with just watching you watch the game. I know you take her and that’s great. I’m forever grateful but maybe I don’t know doing the dishes after I finish cooking. Washing her clothes or bottles. Packing her bag for the day. Just the little things that can be a big help. Lance: I understand babe. Anything to make you and my princess happy. I just want my old sunshine back. Allison: She’s a different kind of sunshine but she’ll be back. Lance: I love you Allison: I love you too Allison: Let me grab her. Lance: Nope, you stay here. I got her (smiles) Kira: You love this stuff, maybe when you get older we can mix it in your food. Because you are one greedy baby. Mame: I can’t believe you are giving up on breastfeeding Kira. Such a shame you’re not doing that baby right. Kira: Mom stop right there. This is my child and I will do as I please. She can’t breastfeed because I’m not able to do it exclusively. I spoke to a doctor you know the thing you wanted me to be? And they told me this happens sometimes and it’s not my fault. Now I understand how upset you are but I’m not about to starve my baby to please you. Mame: I’m just trying to help Kira Kira: You want to help mom? Say words of encouragement instead of nit picking at everything I do. Ever since I was a child you and dad pick at me all the time about doing things the wrong way. You ever wondered why I’m always involved in abusive relationships? Mame: I told you it’s because someone is putting juju on you Kira: Mom there is no juju. This is all because of unresolved trauma from my childhood. I’m not saying it’s your fault because I understand accountability now that I’m a mother. I’m not saying you’re awful because I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you two and trust me I am grateful for what you’ve done but now I would like for you to back off and trust my judgment because I promise you will never make my daughter feel how I’ve felt for the last 26 years of my life. You won’t! Mame: Okay… Kira: And another thing. I’m an artist and I’m damn good at it. My paintings are sitting on the walls of famous exhibits and I have top ranked schools begging me to teach so I’d appreciate it if you put some respect on my name and keep your snide remarks to yourself. Mom: Okay Kira… Kira: Cuz I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit! (puts hand on mouth) oh snap too far? Mom: Kira you are just like me when I was a kid. Kira: For real? Mom: The truth is I wanted to be an entertainer. I wanted to be an international artist but I wasn’t allowed to finish school and I had to get married. When I had you kids, I couldn’t do anything and your grandmother was always on my back. I didn’t want you to grow up in that environment so I brought you here. I thought at least you kids could get an education and you can do what you wanted. But I got lost in wanting the best for you that I never thought to actually ask you what you wanted. I thought this was just a phase. But I see how passionate you are about it and I see how strong you have become. I’m still going to pick on you but I do respect your wishes. Kira: Thank you mom Mame: Now when are you going to paint me? I want you to make me look like Lupita. Kira: Oh mom… Maja: Hello? Maja: The art of healing The art of healing The art of healing The art of healing Turn your attention to my broken soul Spirit so torn and heart so cold Peer inside to the depths of my eyes And tell me what darkness do you see inside? Turn your attention to my worn flesh My skin so damaged and my hair a mess Inflicted from the depression in my heart But what would you do if you had your soul ripped apart? Kicked and stomped on, don’t worry it’s fine I’ll just smile and nod while putting your feelings over mine I’ll pretend like everything’s okay Nothing to prove and nothing to say Turn your attention to strain in my voice As I fight to find words and so I may finally rejoice The vibrations of my voice and the thoughts I feel Flowing through my art to help me heal Now that I have your attention I ask you to do your part Because many of us are battling and our only escape is our art. Scene 2 - Mommy Class Allison: Hello everyone! Welcome to the Lotus this is the Postpartum support group where we build each other up and heal our troubles through the use of movement, writing, and painting. Our assistants Kira, Founder of the Fem Art Gallery and Maja, you may have seen her recently in “For Colored Girls…” and her spoken word performance. They are both going to be leading us through our session. I see a few new faces and I’m so grateful to have you. I want to start off our class with a little movement. Let’s walk through the room and let your body move freely. Allow your feet to move you whichever way you need to move.