March 25, 2009

Psychosis, a clinical analysis

– A one-act play by Jorge Faz

Scene 1 – Incidence

Curtains open. Darkness. A small, simple, partly opened box sits

center stage. As the audience settles, the sounds of strings
(violins, violas, cellos, etc) slowly crescendos. Initially, they play
a unison note, preferably a concert A. Once the audience settles
down, ghoul-like whispering is heard from offstage and around the
theater, and also crescendos with the strings, now playing a
dissonant chord. This mix of strings and whispering will now be
collectively referred to as “THE SOUNDS.” The following should
be called out at random times by different extras, often
overlapping the voices (When THE SOUNDS are called for).

VOICES
No hope! / Die! / Suicide is sin / Only way out! / Kill yourself! / Do it / Kill them / They don’t
really love you / Use it / You’re tearing them apart / It’s all your fault! / Take this pain away /
Suffer! / Fall into your eternal slumber / Why did this happen / Why me / God help me! /
Random Screams of Pain

Suddenly, an 18 year old ELIAS storms onto center stage, grasping his head, screaming.
A soft spotlight exposes him. THE SOUNDS soften.

Elias kneels down in front of the box.

.
THE SOUNDS intensify; Elias takes out a bottle of pills and takes
two out. He swallows them. THE SOUNDS soften.

Elias swings his head around and then places his hands on the box
lid. Immediately, 3 HOODED FIGURES, one in white, one in
black, and one in gray, stand around Elias; the black and white
figures on either side, and the gray directly behind him, holding
Elias.

THE SOUNDS intensify throughout as the Gray Hooded Figure

leads Elias to take out the gun from the box.

BLACK HOODED FIGURE

Make it ALL go away.

WHITE HOODED FIGURE

Fight. Don’t give up hope!

Elias puts the gun barrel in his mouth.

© 2009
 BLACK HOODED FIGURE
DO IT!

WHITE HOODED FIGURE

FIGHT IT!

Elias takes out the gun barrel from his mouth.

Elias looks at the gun.

GRAY HOODED FIGURE

What an unfortunate circumstance I find myself in today. What led me to this place? This
incredible loneliness? This unholy darkness. Chaos. Despair. Should I end it here? Can I
make it better? Can they? Can He?

THE SOUNDS intensify. The Black and White Hooded figures

face the audience. The Gray Hooded Figure mimics Elias
as Elias brings the gun slowly to his head.
The Sounds intensify beyond what they have been. Elias quietly prays. The Gray
Hooded Figure mimics him.
The Black and White Hooded Figures chant a low note, blending
in with The Sounds. Then suddenly, from offstage Elias’ father,
Roland, yells–

ROLAND
Elias!

Blackout. A single scream silences all the noise. The curtains

close on the scene.

Scene 2 – Escalation

Lights reveal a desk stage left. It is covered with papers and

houses a lamp, phone, and a tape recorder. A chair is placed in
front of his desk as well. Enter DOCTOR STROMBERG, a 45
year old male psychiatrist. He’s holding a file and a coffee mug.
He places the file at his desk and takes a sip of coffee as he turns
on the tape recorder and faces the audience.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
February 20, 2006. Have just received a call from Evelyn Carter.

He takes a sip of coffee, sits at his desk and opens the file. He
looks through the pages.

DOCTOR STROMBERG

© Jorge Faz
My secretary Patricia was kind enough to write the details of her conversation with Mrs. Carter.
(sips coffee) According to Patricia, Mrs. Carter gave a description of moments preceding and up
to the time she made the phone call. Based on the comments made by Mrs. Carter, her son –
Elias – seems to have experienced a very interesting case of panic disorder and undifferentiated
or acute paranoid schizophrenia. For record keeping purposes, I’ll read the report left by Ms.
Patricia.

Lights dim out from Dr. Stromberg, who is still reading through
the papers, and fade into the Carter family’s dining room. There,
ROLAND (42), EVELYN (41), and ELIAS are sitting around the
table, saying grace.

ROLAND
In your precious name we pray, Amen.

Evelyn begins serving them food.

ROLAND
It’s smells delicious honey, what is it?

EVELYN
Thank you! It’s actually an old recipe I dug up from one of my grandmother’s old books.

ELIAS
Great grandma Eva?

EVELYN
That’s right. She used to make the best Mediterranean meals in the city.

ROLAND
She also had the worst moles on her face. She looked like –

EVELYN
(bitterly) Roland! Don’t start.

Evelyn drops the serving spoon in the dish. She sits down, not
having served Elias. Elias gets up and serves himself. Roland
begins eating, as does Evelyn.
Dr. Stromberg turns on the lamp on his desk.
Having served himself, Elias sits back down.

EVELYN
So, Elias. How was school?

ELIAS

© Jorge Faz
Terrible. I’m swamped with homework, tests, projects. I have my violin recital next week, a
concerto, and my boss is having me work double shifts throughout the month.

ROLAND
It’s good that you’re working hard, son. It’s the only way to get ahead in life.

EVELYN
What do you do for fun, son?

ELIAS
Fun? Well, I like keeping busy.

EVELYN
I know you do, honey, but I don’t see you going out with friends or anything. You’re always
buried in papers and locked up in your room practicing all day and night.

ROLAND
And what’s wrong with that, Eve? Let the boy strive to be successful.

ELIAS
Dad, I –

EVELYN
You’re forcing him to be a social outcast, Roli. He’s gotta balance work and leisure.

ROLAND
You know what happens when kids try to balance work and leisure, Eve? They become
slackers. They forget the importance of a –

ELIAS
Hey! Can we just calm down and have a nice lunch together? Huh?

(Beat)

EVELYN
(to Elias) How’s your plate?

ELIAS
It’s good.

ROLAND
You’ve barely touched your food, son? Is there something wrong?

A short pause. Elias lowers his silverwa

ELIAS

© Jorge Faz
I heard you two arguing again last night.

A beat, while Dr. Stromberg says the following:

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Make note, Elias showed signs of a stress induced anxiety disorder. Consider all possible
stressors, environmental, physical, emotional, and psychological –

EVELYN
Oh, Eli. We were just having a little harmless disagreement.

Roland stays quiet.

ELIAS
I know what you guys were arguing about. Jesus, mom, I’m not a little kid any-

ROLAND
Watch your mouth, Eli. Remember, thou -

ROLAND and ELIAS

Shall not take the Lord’s name in vain.

ELIAS
Got it.

ROLAND
Your mom and I were just talking –

ELIAS
Yelling… you were yelling.

ROLAND
Well, son, we were discussing an important matter that I felt needed addressing -

EVELYN
(to Elias) Elias, your father thinks I am having an affair -

ROLAND
Evelyn!

ELIAS
Are you having an affair?

EVELYN
Of course not, honey. I love your father very much.
ROLAND

© Jorge Faz
It’s not the first time I caught you flirting with him, Eve. You’re gonna tell me, and now your
son, that you’re not seeing another man behind my back? You have the gall to lie to your family
like that?

Evelyn slaps Roland. Elias wasn’t paying attention, looking

blankly ahead. Breathing heavily.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Symptoms included accelerated heart rate, sweating, nausea trembling, racing thoughts - (fades
away)

ROLAND
Can we finish our lunch?

Evelyn cries quietly. She sits down, as does Roland. The sound of
screeching strings (violins, violas, cellos, etc) faintly crescendo
throughout the following sequence, joined by whispering
(something like: “They hate you” “They hate each other”
“They’re going to get a divorce” “He’s torturing her” “She’s
lying”)

ELIAS
I don’t feel well.

ROLAND
You haven’t eaten anything. Go ahead, eat up.

Elias takes a bite of his food. And spits it back out.

ELIAS
It tastes like ash.

Elias begins to breathe faster and heavier. The sounds of strings

and voices crescendo.

ROLAND
Your mother made that with a lot of care, Elias. Don’t insult her like that.

EVELYN
He doesn’t have to like it, Roland.

ROLAND
He needs to eat, Evelyn. He needs his strength and he needs to be a healthy, well-structured
young man!
EVELYN

© Jorge Faz
(Shouting) Stop trying to control his life, Roli. He’s not in middle school anymore,; he’s going
to college soon, for cripes sake. He already has so much to worry about, and you’re only
pushing him further towards the edge. -

The sounds of strings and voices grow even louder. Elias has put
his head between his arms and begins to groan.

ROLAND
- (shouting back) The edge of what Eve? Don’t underestimate his capacity to handle whatever
the world tosses his way. He’s got a strong foundation in Christ, and with that, anything is
possible.

EVELYN
I know, Roli. We’re thankful for what God has given us and for guiding us through these
troublesome times, but that doesn’t mean the boy can’t enjoy himself in the company of others.
Gosh, I don’t even think he has a girlfriend.

ELIAS
(shouts) SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!

Roland and Evelyn stop shouting. Elias still has his head in his
arms. The sound of voices and strings keep on going. He looks up.

ELIAS
I SAID SHUT UP!

Elias realizes his parents are quiet.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
- Showed signs of paranoia and hallucinations.

Elias freaks out, jumps out of his seat and backs up onto the floor.

EVELYN
Elias? Elias, what’s wrong?

ELIAS
Make it stop.

ROLAND
Son, what’s going on?

ELIAS
The noise. The voices. They won’t stop. I can’t control my thoughts.

The walls should move in closer together. Only Elias notices this.

© Jorge Faz
 EVELYN
Oh my gosh. Son – Eli – Oh, God.

Evelyn exits. Roland comes up to Elias and pulls him up from the
floor.

ROLAND
Elias! Elias listen to me! My gosh, you’re burning up! (puts his hand on Elias’s head) Lord, I
call on your name to free my son from the hold of these demonic beings. Let him be free from
all unnatural thoughts. I cast out any evils possessing my son in your holy name, Jesus!

ELIAS
The walls!

Evelyn returns with a phone.

ROLAND
What are you doing?

EVELYN
I’m calling Dr. Stromberg.

ROLAND
Stromberg? Eve, we need to take him to the church!

The noise gets louder still.

EVELYN
He’s mentally ill, Roland. Not spiritually, not physically. He needs to see Dr. Stromberg.

ROLAND
He’ll only make matters worse.

EVELYN
He’s a professional, Roli. Bernard is a good man.

ELIAS
Enough! Jesus, if you two would just stop bickering for one fucking second!

Beat. The noise softens slightly.

(cont’d) Mom, please… take me to Dr. Stromberg.

ROLAND

© Jorge Faz
I really have no say in this matter? Son, is that really what you want?

Elias goes to Roland and hugs him.

ELIAS
I’m going. Pray for me dad.

ROLAND
Son, please.

Beat. Elias collapses to the floor and cries out. Roland places his
hands on Elias and begins to pray quietly.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
- fear of losing control, fear of dying, delusions, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, paranoia…
(picks up phone and dials) Hello, Patricia? Have Elias and his parents come in as soon as
possible.

He hangs up and turns of his lamp.

Evelyn’s phone rings.

EVELYN
Yes? … Can he see him right now? … OK thank you, we’re on our way.

She hangs up her phone.

EVELYN
Come on Elias, we have to go see Dr. Stromberg.

ROLAND
Have faith, son.

ELIAS
I will, dad.

EVELYN
You’re not coming with us?

ROLAND
I… I have to talk to the pastor. Maybe he can offer some guidance as well. Eli needs all the
support he can get.

The Sounds intensify. Evelyn grabs Elias by the arm and they exit.
The Sounds Stop. Light focuses on Roland.

ROLAND

© Jorge Faz
God help us.

Light switches focus to Dr. Stromberg.

Scene 3 – Determinant

Lights up on Dr. Stromberg’s office. Dr. Stromberg is at his desk,

reviewing Elias’ file. The phone rings.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Hello? – Is he ready? -- Alright, please send him in.

Dr. Stromberg hangs up the phone. Shortly after, Elias enters,

entranced, as he has been sedated.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Hello Elias. Please. Have a seat.

A pause. Elias remains standing. Gray Hooded Figure enters and

escorts Elias to the chair. Elias sits; Gray Hooded Figure stands
behind him.

ELIAS
Thank you, Doctor.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Not at all. So Elias, your mother called us concerned you might be experiencing some kind of
psychological anomaly?

ELIAS
Sorry, doc. You’re gonna have to speak a little slower than that. I’m a little out of it.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Ha! I see. Well, Elias, what seems to be the problem?

ELIAS
I think there’s something going on in my mind, doc.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
What makes you say that?

A beat. The Gray Hooded Figure makes his way over to Doctor
Stromberg; he does not notice him.

ELIAS

© Jorge Faz
I’ve been… hallucinating.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Are these sounds? Voices? Images? People?

A beat: A noose drops down from the ceiling above Doctor

Stromberg.

ELIAS
I’m gonna have to say… all of the above, doc.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
What do the voices tell you?

A beat. From offstage, we hear voices say –

VOICES
Just kill him already / Go fuck yourself doc / Why me / Shut up!

Gray Hooded Figure puts the noose around Doctor Stromberg’s

neck.

ELIAS
They tell me things I wouldn’t normally say or do.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Do they tell you to harm yourself or others?

A beat.

ELIAS
Yes.

Doctor Stromberg writes something down on Elias’ file.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
I see. Do you feel you have control over these voices? Over these thoughts?

ELIAS
I feel… my thoughts aren’t my own sometimes.

Gray Hooded Figure walks back behind Elias.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
But you haven’t actually tried to do anything these voices tell you…
ELIAS

© Jorge Faz
Beat. Not Yet.

Doctor Stromberg writes in the file.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
(Looking at the file) Tell me Elias, have you ever felt overwhelmed by stress? Has anything
traumatic happened in your life?

ELIAS
What are you writing in there, doc?

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Oh. Just some notes. I use this to map out your condition. How is school?

ELIAS
School is school. Homework. Tests. Projects. Teachers. Books.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Do you work?

ELIAS
Part time on the weekdays and fulltime on the weekends.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Are you in any extracurriculars?

ELIAS
I’m first violinist in our orchestra. And I compete in solo competitions.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
You’ve got a pretty hectic life.

ELIAS
Dad says it’s the only way I’ll be successful.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
And what your mother say?

ELIAS
My mom?

A beat. The Sounds linger in the theater ambiance.

She thinks my dad’s too strict. That I should be a bit more social and carefree.
DOCTOR STROMBERG

© Jorge Faz
Do your parents usually disagree with each other?

The Sounds intensify slightly. Black Hooded Figure and White

Hooded Figure enter and stand beside Gray Hooded Figure.

ELIAS
Everyone has their fights.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Have your parents fought before?

Elias rubs his forehead, as if feeling pressure upon his head.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Elias, have you had panic attacks prior to today?

Gray Hooded Figure exits slowly; Black Hooded Figure and

White Hooded Figure reach out towards him. The Sounds
intensify slightly.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Are you alright, Elias?

A noose drops down above Elias. Elias puts the noose around his
neck.

ELIAS
I saw them.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Saw them? Saw them do what?

ELIAS
Dad thought I was asleep. I wanted to surprise mommy when she got back.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Elias, what happened?

Elias tightens the noose.

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Did something happen between your mom and dad?

ELIAS
A beat. (Crying) Yes.
DOCTOR STROMBERG

© Jorge Faz
Did you feel the same way you felt today during lunch?

The Sounds intensify. Elias breaks down.

ELIAS
(Crying out) God! Make it stop!

DOCTOR STROMBERG
Elias, what’s wrong? Elias! (Runs to the door) Patricia! Bring me the sedative.

The Sounds intensify. Elias grabs a hold of the rope. The Hooded
Figures reach out towards Elias. A flash of light turns to complete
darkness and silence but the sound of Elias crying. Then stops.

(Scene)

Scene 4 – Juxtaposition

PASTOR MORDECHAI MATHESON, a 61 year old, stout man,

paces in front of his desk (set up similarly to Dr.
Stromberg’s), reading from a bible and taking notes. ROLAND
knocks on the door.

PASTOR MATHESON
Who is it?

ROLAND
Roland Carter.

Matheson closes his Bible and lays it on his desk.

PASTOR MATHESON
Oh! Come on in, Roland.

Roland enters.

ROLAND
Good afternoon Pastor Matheson.

Pastor Matheson walks over to Roland, shakes his hand and hugs
him.

PASTOR MATHESON
Please, Roland, call me Mordechai. I think we’ve know each other long enough, and we are
brothers in Christ, after all.
ROLAND

© Jorge Faz
(almost dismissingly, with urgency) I’ve come to talk about my son, Elias. I’m afraid he’s…
he’s not himself.

PASTOR MATHESON
You don’t say… Please, have a seat, make yourself at home.

Roland does so. Pastor Matheson pours a glass of water.

Can I offer you some water?

ROLAND
Hmm? Oh, no, thank you.

Pastor Matheson drinks from the glass and sets it down. He sits at
his chair.
PASTOR MATHESON
So. Tell me. What seems to be the problem?

ROLAND
Well... Something happened... during lunch.

A beat.

PASTOR MATHESON
Yes? Go on Roland.

ROLAND
(takes a deep breath; exhales) Elias has been possessed by some sort of demonic power. He’s
been seeing and hearing things that aren’t there. Screaming incoherently. His body temperature-

PASTOR MATHESON
Hmm. I see.

Pastor Matheson grabs his Bible and opens it.

ROLAND
Pastor?

PASTOR MATHESON
Tell me more about what happened. Did you speak with this demon?

ROLAND
Well. No.

PASTOR MATHESON

© Jorge Faz
No? Well, did you son speak in evil tongues? Blaspheming the name of the Lord?

ROLAND
What? No, none of that.

Pastor Matheson sinks back into his chair. Roland stands up and
paces a little.

ROLAND
He said he was hearing voices. That the walls were closing in. Pastor, he was -

PASTOR MATHESON
Please, Roland, calm yourself. Where is your son now?

ROLAND
Evelyn took him to see Dr. Bernard Stromberg.

PASTOR MATHESON
I see. Roland, have you ever had any history of anxiety or panic attacks?

A beat. Roland looks away from Pastor Matheson.

Well, I’m no professional on the matter, but I’ve heard anxiety disorders are hereditary, usually
impacting a direct offspring.

ROLAND
I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please! My son –

PASTOR MATHESON
- is sick! Why do you persist in making this a matter of spiritual warfare? Why, Roland? Why
make this bigger than what it really is?

Roland turns to Pastor Matheson.

ROLAND
Because I know it is!

A pause. Pastor Matheson sits up and reaches for his bible. He

picks it up and flips quickly through the pages.

PASTOR MATHESON
You know, Roland, when I first became the pastor of this church, I was approached by several
religious extremists who questioned my preaching methods. You see, it is doctrine that the Holy
Bible is the uncontested word of God. But I knew the word of God was much more than just a

© Jorge Faz
book of rules. The bible actually teaches us many important life lessons through incredible
symbolism and metaphors. For instance, you know the story of David and Goliath…

ROLAND
Pastor…

Pastor Matheson stands up and walks over to the small table with
the water and pours himself another glass.

PASTOR MATHESON
The story of the boy who overcame incredible odds and became the chosen king of Israel. So
many doubted him, but when he confronted the giant Goliath when no one else would, he proved
himself worthy to lead his people.

ROLAND
Pastor. Mordechai, please! Will you help my son or not?

PASTOR MATHESON
Roland, if you’re expecting me to just lay my hands on your son and for him to be healed now
and forever, you’re mistaking me for a different kind of preacher. Perhaps a televangelist…

ROLAND
Then who will help my son?!

Silence. Pastor Mordechai is left a bit unsettled by Roland’s

subtle hostility. He places down the glass and approaches Roland.

PASTOR MATHESON
I am a servant of God, not God himself. I can’t –

ROLAND
Then why doesn’t HE do something? For so long have I served him, obeyed his commandments,
followed his teachings, spread his message to anyone who would listen. Where is He now that I
need Him?

A beat. Pastor Matheson places his hand on Roland’s shoulder.

Roland looks at it.

ROLAND
Is this the part where you tell me “believe in Him”? “Have faith”? “God does miracles. This is
just Him testing you”? Is this where you tell me that I have been blinded by my own past,
ignoring my child? Pushing him to be the best man that he can be; successful, brave, faithful.

PASTOR MATHESON
Roland...
Roland shoves Pastor Matheson’s hand off his shoulder and steps

© Jorge Faz
 back

ROLAND
(now crying) I was really hoping you could help.

PASTOR MATHESON
Your son is where he needs to be, Roland. With a doctor.

ROLAND
But-

PASTOR MATHESON
I know, I know. Listen, you have an admirable devotion to your faith and to God. And though it
may seem like He’s not there when you need Him, you’re overlooking his presence through the
world around you.
Roland turns away from Pastor Matheson and takes steps toward
the door.

He is not only a supernatural being, He’s a supra-natural. He’s in everything we take for
granted. As religious followers, we often lose ourselves in the dogma and become narrow-
minded. Don’t you understand, Roland?

Roland opens the door.

Why do you seem so disturbed that Dr. Stromberg is attending to your son?

RONALD
(bitingly) Because I don’t trust him!

A beat.

PASTOR MATHESON
Bernard? Whatever has he done to –

RONALD
I should go to my son and Evelyn.

PASTOR MATHESON
No! Please, Roland, sit down and speak to me.

ROLAND
I’ve confessed my sins to God; I will not confess them to you.

PASTOR MATHESON
There’s something you haven’t told me?
ROLAND

© Jorge Faz
I’m sorry Mordechai. But there are some things best left between me and God.

Roland exits. Pastor Matheson looks out through the door, closes
it and returns to his seat. He tosses the bible on his desk and takes
out the phone book. He finds a number

Lights cross fade to the next scene.

(Scene)

Scene 5 – Derived Examination

EVELYN sits in Dr. Stromberg’s office, fiddling with her hands,

tensely. A classical piece plays in the background from a
phonograph. Shortly after, DR. STROMBERG and ELIAS enter.
Elias walks in slowly, almost mummy-like. Dr. Stromberg helps
him to a seat next to Evelyn’s. Evelyn embraces her son. Elias
closes his eyes and rests his head on Evelyn’s chest.

DR. STROMBERG
The sedatives we administered should keep him calm for a while. I’ve also started him on
medication treatment for schizophrenia.

EVELYN
(interjecting)How long?

DR. STROMBERG
Evelyn, you have to understand these treatments don’t last from one day to the –

EVELYN
(more aggressive) How. Long.

DR. STROMBERG
Assuming the best… 9 months. But these treatments usually last a year… two years.

EVELYN
He’s gonna be like… this for a year?

DR. STROMBERG
Well, in order for the treatment to work more efficiently, he’ll also need behavioral therapy.
That means that you’ll have to work to keep him as calm and… as sane as possible.

Beat.

These treatments aren’t easy. It asks a lot from all of us. From the patient. From the doctor.
From the family. From friends.

© Jorge Faz
 EVELYN
I appreciate all your help, Bernard.

DR. STROMBERG
Anything for you and your family, Eve.

Elias comes to.

ELIAS
Mom. Where’s dad?

EVELYN
He’s with Pastor Mordechai, honey.

Elias falls asleep. Dr. Stromberg stands up and turns of the

phonograph. He paces back and forth his office.

DR. STROMBERG
Eve, Elias said that something happened between you and Roland. Something that might have
caused Elias’ psychological imbalance.

A beat. Evelyn thinks to herself for a bit.

EVELYN
I… don’t know.

Evelyn releases Elias from her embrace and slowly stands. GRAY
HOODED FIGURE enters and walks to Elias’ seat. Dr.
Stromberg directs his attention solely on Evelyn.

DR. STROMBERG
Did Elias ever see you and Roland having sex? Anything that might have-

Evelyn turns to Dr. Stromberg. Gray Hooded Figure carries a

sleeping Elias.

EVELYN
No! Never!

Dr. Stromberg grabs Evelyn’s arms. They look each other in the
eyes. A spotlight isolates them.

DR. STROMBERG
Evelyn. Pause. Evelyn, I realize it’s difficult to deal with the past when the present is so bleak.

© Jorge Faz
 A pause. Gray Hooded figure carries Elias to his bed. Suddenly,
Roland comes storming in. Lights rise. Dr. Stromberg lets go of
Evelyn, they both break eye contact and see Roland standing at the
door.

ROLAND
I hope I’m not interrupting anything.

DR. STROMBERG
Roland! It’s good to see you again, after so long.

ROLAND
Where’s my son?

They look around.

DR. STROMBERG
Patricia took him to go lie down. The Stelazine combined with Seroquel will make him very
drowsy. But after we see –

ROLAND
(Dismissingly) If he’s done here, I’m taking Elias home.

EVELYN
Why are you acting like this, Roland? Bernard is only helping our son!

ROLAND
Yes, but for who’s benefit, our son’s or his own?

EVELYN
ROLAND!

DR. STROMBERG
It’s alright. I understand this is a troubling situation for all of us. I would like to assure you,
personally, that I will do everything in my power to treat your son. And I offer my assistance to
you as well. If there’s ever -

ROLAND
Bernard, I assure you that we can handle our own matters at home. Thank you for what you’re
doing for Elias, but please... Evelyn, we should go.

EVELYN
(quietly) No.
A beat.

© Jorge Faz
 ROLAND
(sternly) Evelyn...

EVELYN
No, Roland! Can’t you see what you’ve done to our son?

A beat. Roland’s posture changes, as if he has come to a terrible

realization. The strings play octaves.

ROLAND
It- it can’t be.

EVELYN
How do you forget something like that Roland? I still have nightmares from thinking it’ll
happen again. Or worse.

A beat. Roland looks at Dr. Stromberg, rage building.

ROLAND
Is that what you were talking to him about?

EVELYN
Roland, please stop.

ROLAND
No, I want to know, did you tell him?

DR. STROMBERG
She didn’t tell me anything-

ROLAND
You stay out our affairs! As a matter of fact, your services will no longer be needed. I’m taking
Elias home, and he’s going to see another doctor.

EVELYN
What’s wrong with Elias seeing Bernard? I trust him more than -

ROLAND
You know damn well what’s wrong!

A beat. Evelyn looks at Roland in disbelief.

EVELYN
Are you kidding me?!

© Jorge Faz
 DR. STROMBERG
Whatever it is, Roland, I assure you that I stand by my ability to provide the best mental health
care around.

EVELYN
It’s not that, Bernard, trust me.

ROLAND
It’s none of your business Ber-

EVELYN
It is his business, Roli.

A beat. Elias tosses and turns in his bed. Black and White
Hooded Figures join Gray Hooded Figure and stand around the
bed.

ROLAND
We agreed we’d put it behind u-

EVELYN
Well, a lot of good that did us! Jesus, Roland…

DR. STROMBERG
Please you two! I need to know what it was that might have caused your son’s illness. It’s the
only way we can progress with-

ROLAND
I’m sorry Bernard, but you are getting far too friendly for my liking.

EVELYN
ENOUGH!

Beat.

(to Dr. Stromberg) This happens again… and again…

DR. STROMBERG
What happened?

Roland grabs Evelyn by the arms and truns her towards him. He
holds on tightly to her arms as they look each other in the eyes. A
Cello glissandos down to a low not and lights focus on Roland and
Evelyn as the set changes to their living room some time ago
(approximately 2 years – 1 at least), transitioning us into the next

© Jorge Faz
 scene. Roland and Evelyn exit.

(SCENE)

Scene 6 – Recollection

The stage is divided into 2 parts: Upstage is Elias’ bedroom,

where we see Elias sleeping. Downstage is the living room; there
is a couch, a coffee table and an office desk. A worried ROLAND
enters frantically, looking at his watch.

EVELYN enters, drunk

Where were you?! It’s almost midnight; you said the party was only until 9.

EVELYN
Well, hello to you too.

A beat. Roland approaches Evelyn and holds her close, like at the
end of scene 7. He examines her face and breath.

ROLAND
Are you drunk?

EVELYN
No… well, yes. But only a little.

ROLAND
Why are you so careless?

EVELYN
(insulted) Why are you so uptight?

ROLAND
I’m uptight because I care for you? Because I care for your well-being?

EVELYN
Calm down, Roli, I just went to a bar with Bernard after the party. I didn’t know you’d get so
pissy.

Elias stirs in his bed. He slowly wakes up and makes his way to
the door leading to the living room. Evelyn walks towards stage
opposite from where she entered towards her room, but Roland
stops her. Elias looks through a slightly opened door.

ROLAND

© Jorge Faz
You think this is some kind of joke? Does it amuse you that you’re losing my trust –

EVELYN
(assertively) Let Go of me.

The sounds (strings, whispering, etc) are begin emerging and

crescendo. They play below the sound of the following dialogue.

ROLAND
I’m not laughing Eve. You promised me you would stop acting foolish once Elias was born.
And now you’re going out getting shit-faced with that doctor friend of yours?

Black Hooded Figure enters from the shadows and whispers into
Roland’s ear.

EVELYN
Roli, what’s wrong with you? [Beat.] Why are you looking at me like that?

Black Hooded Figure stops whispering in his ear and places his
head on his shoulder.
Roli! You’re hurting me.

Evelyn kneels in pain, whimpering. Elias enters the living room.

Stop it! Roli!

ROLAND
(trance-like)What am I going to do with you?

Roland lifts one fist up high, ready to strike.

ELIAS
Mom?

Roland turns to see Elias. Black Hooded Creature turns to Elias

and hisses at him.

ROLAND
Go back to bed, you little brat!

EVELYN
Roland STOP!

Roland turns back to Evelyn and smacks her across the face
repeatedly. Elias is terrified.
ELIAS

© Jorge Faz
(screams)Mom! Dad!

Evelyn screams and cries as Elias runs to try and stop his father.
Roland throws Elias onto Evelyn. They embrace each other as
Roland goes to his desk. Black Hooded Figure points to a specific
drawer. Roland opens the drawer and takes out the gun from the
first scene.

EVELYN
What are you doing?!

Roland stays quiet, only walking closer to Evelyn and Elias,

aiming at the two.

EVELYN
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?

With a glimmer of courage, Elias, crying out and screaming,

tackles Roland down to the floor.

Elias!

Evelyn goes and holds back Elias. She pulls him back to where
they were, embracing one another. Roland breaks down and cries.
Elias is terrified. The sounds diminish, but a lone violin plays a
haunting solo.

ROLAND
God! What’s happening to me?

Roland sits up and stretches his arms toward his family. Elias
sinks into Evelyn’s embrace. Evelyn is furious.

DR. STROMBERG (aside)

Then what happened?

EVELYN
(to Elias) It’s ok, honey. Daddy’s gonna be alright.

Roland gets up and walks toward Evelyn and Elias. They get up
and move away from Roland.

(to Roland) and you... get help.

Evelyn and Elias exit. Roland is alone, and a spotlight emphasizes

© Jorge Faz
 this. He falls to his knees and cries to the sky

ROLAND
GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!

Sounds stop. Blackout.

(SCENE)

Prognosis

Lights rise on Dr. Stromberg’s office. The same desk set up as

before, but now more papers are scattered across. DR.
STROMBERG enters with a cup of coffee and a file. He goes to
his desk and places the file on top of a stack of papers. He then
sets up his tape recorder for another entry. He takes a sip of
coffee.

DR. STROMBERG
February 20, 2006. What a day. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a case so complex, so…
cataclysmic. It seems there was more to Elias’ condition that I would have asserted. The events
of May 28, 2004, as described by Evelyn, has served as the primary source of trauma, from
which the anxiety disorder grew and manifested itself into schizophrenia. (takes sip of coffee)
Why would anyone allow so much hate… so much negative emotional stress be pent up inside
for so long? (sip) Roland said that after the incident, he went to see Pastor Matheson. Since
then, it seems his devotion to God has allowed him peace of mind. But then I spoke to Pastor
Matheson myself. (sip) It seems Roland was also treated for schizophrenia following the
incident. Which leads me to assess that Elias’ condition is also hereditary. (sip) We have begun
medicinal treatment, but his condition requires behavioral treatment as well. (takes a sip and
throws cup away, he gets up and walks to the front of his desk.)
I would like to talk to Evelyn in private… Beauty like that… deserves to be watched over… very
carefully.

He turns off his light.

Scene 7 – Behavioral Therapy

Lights up on the Carter family living room. It is slightly

remodeled, noticeably different from the flashback scene. Elias
and Roland sit on the couch, reading from the Bible. Elias looks
bored and would rather be out playing ball. Roland notices this.

ROLAND
Are you ok, son?

Elias looks at Roland, who taps on his head.

© Jorge Faz
 ELIAS
I’m doing OK. [taps on his head]

ROLAND
Are you sure? What’s the matter, son?

ELIAS
Dad, can we please do something else now? I can only learn the story of King David so many
times.

ROLAND
Haha, alright Eli, so you think you know King David? What is the story of David and Goliath
about?

ELIAS
It’s about overcoming our fears. Standing up for what we think is right, even when nobody else
does.

ROLAND
Yes, but it’s also about bravery. It teaches us to believe in ourselves as we believe in Him. He
gives us the strength to pull off amazing things. We just have to act.

ELIAS
(smiles) Dad… I’m glad everything’s sorted out. About our sickness and everything…

ROLAND
(smiles back) I’m just glad you’re alright, champ.

Evelyn enters through the front door, crying. Roland gets up and
approaches Evelyn.

ROLAND
Eve, what’s wrong?

EVELYN
I- I spoke to Bernard today. I was just going to pick up Eli’s medication, but he said he wanted
to speak to me in private. Oh, Roli!

Evelyn embraces Roland.

ROLAND
Well, what did he say?

A beat. Elias stands up.

EVELYN

© Jorge Faz
I’m taking Elias… on a vacation. Something to make sure he’s in a calm state of mind.

ELIAS
Cool, where are we going?

ROLAND
I have to work, Eve –

EVELYN
It’ll be just me and Elias, Roland. We’ll be going away for just a while.

A beat.

ROLAND
Away from me…

Evelyn begins to tear up.

ELIAS
Mom, what are you trying to say?

ROLAND
That’s – does he expect us to argue again? After all we’ve been through, does he really think
we’re gonna let fear and anger get the best of us?

EVELYN
It’s for the sake of Elias. We have to be apart for HIS sake.

ELIAS
What? No. mom, that’s bullshit.

EVELYN
Elias, please, don’t cuss, you know your father doesn’t like it when-

ROLAND
No, I have to agree with him, that is bullshit.

EVELYN
Well, it’s for the best! Can you still not see how serious all this is?

The sounds (strings, whispers, etc) return. They are soft at the
start, but grow louder throughout the scene.

ELIAS

© Jorge Faz
No mom! You’re the one who doesn’t see how ridiculous you sound saying that you’re willing
to leave us instead of working for a –

EVELYN
You’re not staying with your father.

A beat. The hooded figures open the door to Elias’ bedroom.

They lure Elias into his room and close the door. During the
following, Elias and the Hooded Figures re-enact the First Scene,
adjusted for timing.

ROLAND
You can’t be serious…. Evelyn, do you even hear yourself?

EVELYN
I can’t deal with another attack, Roli. I just … I just can’t.

Evelyn walks towards opposite stage; Roland stops her before she
exits.
ROLAND
Evelyn, you can’t do this.

EVELYN
Let go of me!

After a short while, he does.

For ten years, I had to keep that night a secret from everyone I knew. I was ashamed to even
mention it to my family or my friends. I had to explain to our son that night how his father was
having a psychotic episode. How even though you almost killed us, you still loved us. And that
we still loved you. It was heartbreaking, Roland. But you treated it like something else.
Something passive. And you expected us to act like if nothing happened? I’m sorry, Roli. But
I’ve already made arrangements with my cousin Linda. I’m leaving tonight, with Elias.

A beat. Evelyn looks around.

Where’s Elias?

They turn to his bedroom and quickly open the door.

ROLAND
ELIAS!

Elias gets up and points the gun at Evelyn. Evelyn screams.

Roland stands between Evelyn and Elias. The Hooded figures

© Jorge Faz
 stand behind Elias. White and Black Hooded figures lurk around
Elias, whispering into his ears.

Son, give me the gun.

The sounds intensify.

ELIAS
We can’t leave him, mom. You have to be strong. Strong like him. Strong like David. Strong
like me.

ROLAND
Elias, give me the gun, now!

ELIAS
Tell her, dad… TELL HER!

Evelyn comes around and stands in front of Elias. The hooded

figures stand around them.

EVELYN
I’m sorry. Honey, I’m so sorry.

Evelyn hugs Elias, covering the gun. A gunshot is heard. The

sounds stop and the hooded figures disappear. The sounds slowly
diminish.

ROLAND
EVELYN!

Evelyn stands back, revealing that Elias has shot himself in the
abdomen. Elias drops the gun and falls to the floor. Evelyn goes
down next to him and holds him up against her chest. Roland goes
and gets a phone to call an ambulance. A piano plays a solemn
passage.

ELIAS
(weak)We can’t leave now, right mom? We have to stay together; we have to be strong together,
right mom? (repeats “strong together” and fades)

Lights fade out.

ROLAND
This is Roland Carter, we need an ambulance NOW!

© Jorge Faz
 The piano passage ends.
(SCENE)(END)

Opt. Epilogue - Pacification

A spotlight rises on a hospital bed, with Elias laying in it. Roland

and Evelyn enter from opposite sides and stand by the bed. Elias
wakes up.

ELIAS
(feeble) Hi ma’. Hi dad.

ROLAND
(quietly, teary) Hey, son.

ELIAS
Where am I?

EVELYN
You’re in the hospital. The EMTs were able to get to you just in time.

ROLAND
You were strong son. You always were.

Elias gets up, abdomen bandaged. Evelyn helps him walk to

upstage center stage.

ELIAS
When can I go back home?

EVELYN
Soon, honey. Soon.

A bright light falls on Elias from the skies.

ROLAND
Are you ready to go, Eli?

ELIAS
I’m ready. Mom…

EVELYN
(Crying) Yes, honey?

© Jorge Faz
 ELIAS
I’m sorry.

The family shares one last, long embrace.

EVELYN
It’s ok honey. I love you.

ELIAS
I love you too, mom.

Elias rises towards the heavens. Lights fall.

(SCENE)
(END)

© Jorge Faz