Antigone, presented by the girls of St.

Catherine's

by
Madhuri Shekar

(c) by the author

Contact:
Beth Blickers
Abrams Artists Agency
275 Seventh Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10001
646-461-9322
beth.blickers@abramsartny.com

No part of this play may be changed, reproduced, or performed without written permission from
the author. If you are performing this play please check with the above contact to confirm you
have the most current draft.
Characters:

Greta – 15, a sophomore. Playing Ismene. Thoughtful, loyal, the conscience of the play.
Marilyn – 16, a sophomore. Playing Antigone. Beautiful, sweet, but fickle.
Susan – 18, a senior. Playing Creon, and acting as the unofficial stage manager. The Head Girl of
St. Cat's, President of the Drama Club, and a natural leader.
Tamsin – 17, a junior. Playing Haemon. A transfer student with a mysterious past. Dry, jaded,
tries not to care.
Anna – 15, a sophomore . Playing Tiresias. Very girly, not the brightest bulb. One of Marilyn's
minions.
Lily – 16, a sophomore. Playing the guard and messenger. In Marilyn's circle, and Anna's best
friend, but with a sharper edge.

Jamie/Mr. Reed – Mid-40s. The new Drama teacher for St. Cat's and director of the school play.
British, charming, very good at what he does.

Setting:

St. Catherine's Preparatory School, an all-girl Catholic boarding school in rural Connecticut.

Time:
The mid to late 90's. Before the ubiquity of cell phones.
Near the end of the Fall Semester.

World Premiere:
"Antigone, presented by the girls of St. Catherine's" had its world premiere at the Alliance Theatre
in Atlanta, Georgia in April 2015, by the Alliance Theatre's Teen Ensemble.
Director: Laura Hackman
Cast: Matthew Myers, Shelby Bice, Delly Fears, Kyla Hunter, Caroline LeDuc, Samantha
McCullen, Alishia Patricio
 Antigone, presented by the girls of St. Catherine’s

REHEARSAL

Evening time, in the classroom that doubles up as the

rehearsal room for St. Catherine’s new Drama Club.

A rehearsal is in progress of the play ‘Antigone’ by

Sophocles.

GRETA and MARILYN rehearse the beginning of the play.

JAMIE, the director, observes. Sitting around the room, in
various states of engagement, are LILY, ANNA and
TAMSIN. They are all dressed in their uniforms.

JAIME plays an opening sound cue on a portable stereo,

to cue the girls up.

MARILYN
(as Antigone, a bit affected)
Sweetest Ismene, my dear sister; you know how much we’ve suffered. How we have had
to live with the sins of our father Oedipus, and all that they brought – pain, shame and
humiliation. And now – have they told you of the new decree of our King Creon?

GRETA
(as Ismene, far more natural)
I’ve heard nothing since our two brothers killed each other; nothing either good or bad
since the invading army left.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
I thought so. And that is why I wanted you to come out here with me. There is something
we must do.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
Why do you speak so strangely?

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
Listen, Ismene.
Creon buried our brother Eteocles with military honors, gave him a soldier’s funeral. And
it was right that he should;
 2.

but Polyneices, who fought as bravely and died as miserably, – Creon has proclaimed
sworn no one shall bury him, no one mourn for him. His body must lie unburied in the
fields, to be devoured by carrion birds. And the penalty for defying this proclamation?
Being stoned to death in the public square!
There it is, and now you can prove what you are: a true sister, or a traitor to your family.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
Antigone, you are mad! What could I possibly do?

JAMIE
All right, let’s pause for a second.

The girls stop, look at each other.

JAMIE
Greta, what did we talk about yesterday?

GRETA
(pause)
Intention.

JAMIE
Right. Intention. What is your intention in this scene, Ismene?

GRETA
(pause)
I’m listening to her.

JAMIE
Think about where you are at this point in time.
(he sets the scene)
It’s the middle of the night, Ismene. Antigone has dragged you out of bed. She has that
crazy look in her eyes - the one that you know so well. She’s telling you about this
deranged plan of hers. And you love her - but you already know that you won’t be able to
stop her. You’re not just sisters, you’re best friends. The two of you are friends, right?

GRETA
Like in real life?

JAMIE
Yes.
 3.

Marilyn takes Greta’s hand and squeezes it.

MARILYN
Like, yeah. Like since our first day here.

Greta smiles at her.

JAMIE
That’s it. That moment, right there. We need to see that love. If we don’t see love in the
first five seconds of the play, then the play won’t work. Simple as that.
Now try it again.

He plays the sound cue.

A moment.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
Sweetest Ismene, my dear sister; you know how much we’ve suffered. How we have had
to live with the sins of our father Oedipus, and all that they brought – pain, shame and
humiliation. And now – have they told you of the new decree of our King Creon?

GRETA
(as Ismene)
I’ve heard nothing since our two brothers killed each other-

JAMIE
Intention, Greta, intention.

GRETA
(pause, frustrated, she’s really trying)
Can I work on this on my own?

Jamie sighs.

JAMIE
Fine. Let’s leave it for now.

Marilyn and Greta go to sit down.

MARILYN
(whispering to Greta)
Don’t worry, you’ll get it.
 4.

GRETA
Thanks.

JAMIE
(looking at his watch, at the door)
Anna, you said you have some ideas for costumes?

Anna suddenly wakes up and starts fishing in her bag.

ANNA
Umm... yes. Oh yeah. So I was thinking.
(she stands up with a bunch of fashion
magazines)
So I’ve been really into bedazzling lately.

JAMIE
...What is that?

ANNA
Oh it’s so cool it’s like when you sew like rhinestones on to your clothes. Like I’m
thinking I’m an old blind prophet, right? So I’ll be wearing sunglasses to show that I’m
blind right? Well what about these awesome bedazzled sunglasses?
(she flips open a page to show the
sunglasses)
I think Tiresias would like totally have a pair of these.

JAMIE
Uh. Well. That’s-- that’s---

ANNA
OH! And before I forget. Oh my god. Where is it. Where is it. I saw like, the cutest lace
corset -- and of course, I thought Antigone! Antigone should wear this corset! Look. It’s
from the new Versace line. It’s like so edgy. Antigone is edgy.
(she shows the page in a fashion mag)
Marilyn you would look so hot in this, I’m not even kidding, you could totally pull this off.

MARILYN
Thank you!

JAMIE
Right, uh, a couple of things. One, our costume budget is fifty dollars. Two, what are you
trying to say, exactly? What is your thematic point of view with these... costume choices?
 5.

ANNA
My what?

JAMIE
How do these costume pieces relate to the play?

ANNA
(pause)
I think the corset could like... relate to... repression?

JAMIE
Well, that’s a start.
Why don’t you keep, uh, thinking about it, Anna. Anyone else have anything to add?
(pause)
This is a collaborative process, I want to make this play truly yours. So bring me your
costume ideas, show me what you think your character would wear, I want you to feel
comfortable on stage.

SUSAN enters, loaded down with books and files as usual,

shiny Head Girl badge gleaming on her chest.

SUSAN
I’m sorry, council meeting ran late again.

JAMIE
No worries, we have just about enough time to run scene 7. Isn’t that great, Tamsin?
You’re up.

Tamsin steps up, holding her script. Jamie takes it from

her.

JAMIE
Off-book today, remember?

TAMSIN
I don’t know the lines.

Jamie winces, but stays calm.

JAMIE
I’ll help you. But you have to start trying without the script.
Let’s take it from where we left off yesterday - the King and his son are about to get really
into it, this is going to get ugly.
 6.

(prompting Susan)
“So, am I, the leader of the city-”

Susan switches gears seamlessly, diving right into the play

and her character....

SUSAN
(as Creon)
So, am I, the leader of the city, in my mature years, in full possession of all my powers, to
be taught by an immature boy like you?

Tamsin hesitates.

JAMIE
(prompting)
Only if I’m...

TAMSIN
Only if I’m...

JAMIE
Only if I’m right.

Tamsin waits.

JAMIE
Consider what I say, not my age.

TAMSIN
Only if I’m right. Consider what I say, not my age.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Are you saying we should accept anarchy?

TAMSIN
...No?

The girls start giggling.

JAMIE
Tamsin, this is very simple. Listen to what your father is saying, and respond.
 7.

TAMSIN
Okay.

JAMIE
Try again.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Are you saying we should accept anarchy?

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
...No.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
But can’t you see that’s what she’s doing, breeding anarchy?

JAMIE
The people of the city-

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
The people of the city don’t think so.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Aren’t you ashamed to stand there and question your father?

Tamsin is quiet. Jamie passes her the script, defeated.

TAMSIN
(reading, flat)
Not when I see him acting unfairly.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
What is unfair about respecting my office and discharging my duties?

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
But you show no respect you trample on the gods

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Fool, adolescent fool! You are worse than a woman.
 8.

Tamsin suddenly chortles.

She looks around.

TAMSIN
(explaining)
It’s funny.

The curfew bell rings. The girls immediately start

shuffling around, ready to go.

JAMIE
And there we go.

SUSAN
Twenty minutes to get to your dorms everyone. You can’t use the school play as an excuse
anymore. They’re cracking down.

JAMIE
Thank you girls. Remember, just two weeks till opening.

The girls, except for Susan, start shuffling out with a

mumbled chorus of “Thank you Mr. Reed.”

JAMIE
Greta, just a moment.

Greta stops and comes back. The classroom is now empty

save for the three of them.

GRETA
Is something wrong?

JAMIE
Not at all. Just thought I’d check in. How are you?

GRETA
I’m... fine.
I’m trying. I really am.

JAMIE
I know.
 9.

GRETA
Am I just not good? Am I just not a good actor?

JAMIE
You know you’re one of the best.

GRETA
(taking this in, unable to hide her pleasure)
Then why... then why is the scene not working?

JAMIE
I have a theory. Tell me if this sounds about right. You think you’re above the character
you’re playing. You don’t care for Ismene, you don’t want to be playing her, you think
you should be Antigone.

Greta reddens.

GRETA
...Well, I mean, when you look at me and Marilyn, who do you think should be like, the
beautiful, sweet, lets-not-ruffle-any-feathers princess, and who should be like, the weird,
intense, thoughtful, like agitator? I mean look at us!
(pause)
She’s PRETTY! Antigone can’t be PRETTY!

JAMIE
Why not?
(pause)
You’re selling your friend a bit short, aren’t you? You don’t think she has the depth or the
intellect to play Antigone?

GRETA
I just... I know her. Is all.

JAMIE
What do you think, Susan?

Susan, who has been working in a corner (never losing a

spare minute to get some work done), looks up.

SUSAN
(dry)
No small parts, only small actors.
 10.

JAMIE
(sincerely to Greta)
You have the potential to be a truly great artist one day - I believe that. But in the meantime
– you’ve been cast in a play, and now it’s your job to act the shit out of your character. It’s
your job to connect with her, to find empathy for her, to find her purpose in the play. Can
you do that for me?

Jamie enjoys his speechifying, but he’s good at it. Greta

practically melts.

GRETA
Thanks Mr. Reed. I... yeah... I’ll do that.

JAMIE
Wonderful.
Good night.

GRETA
Night. Good night Susan.

SUSAN
(still working)
Night.

Greta pauses at the door and turns around.

GRETA
Mr. Reed?
I feel like you see us. Like, you’re the only one here who sees us.

She lets it hang in the air for a second, then runs out.

Susan looks at Jamie, eyebrow raised.

JAMIE
What?

SUSAN
You may need to turn down the charm with her, just a smidge, as you might say.

JAMIE
(very charming)
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
 11.

SUSAN
It’s funny, you either have girls like her who worship your every word, or you have the
immovable tank that you’ve put me up against.

JAMIE
That’s rather unkind.

SUSAN
Why don’t you just drop Tamsin? She clearly doesn’t even want to be in the play.

JAMIE
I can’t. She’s my own personal Everest. I’ll get through to her yet.
What do you know about her?

SUSAN
Tamsin?

JAMIE
Yes, you must have some insight.

SUSAN
Well. The official story is something different. But from what I understand, her parents
sent her here to “straighten her out.”

JAMIE
(pause)
They sent her to a Catholic boarding school to live with 1200 other girls to straighten her
out?

SUSAN
I am well aware of the irony, believe me.

JAMIE
Poor thing.

SUSAN
Yeah. Well. Seriously though. With that one
(she points in the direction Greta left)
you should be careful.

The mood shifts slightly.

JAMIE
Is something the matter?
 12.

SUSAN
Well, a couple of things.
(she takes out her notes)
One, I tried really hard with the council and Sister Margaret, I tried my best, but the funds
have already been reallocated to the Campus Ministry. So, we’re still only left with 400.

JAMIE
Why give us anything? Why not make us pay them for the privilege of putting on a play?

SUSAN
I know you’re joking, but please don’t ever say that to the nuns, because they might
actually do it.
Also, the Archdiocese is in town that week for the annual convention, so Father Benedict
from St. John’s and the other priests will be attending opening night. Special guests of
Sister Priscilla.

JAMIE
Brilliant. Please inform Sister Priscilla how much I deeply and truly give a shit.

SUSAN
Just letting you know.
And finally, um...

JAMIE
Dear god. Do you have to quit?

SUSAN
No! No no. I’m really sorry I was late today, but... I’m committed, don’t worry about me.

Jaime sighs, letting his extreme stress show for a minute.

He reaches out for Susan’s hand. Susan hesitates a
second, then takes and squeezes it reassuringly.

JAMIE
Thank you.

Susan lets go.

SUSAN
Jamie.

JAMIE
Yes.
 13.

SUSAN
The other thing is... the private rehearsals you’re doing. In your office. The sisters, um.
Especially Sister Margaret, but she’s been talking to the others. They… well.

JAMIE
What, they have a problem with it?

SUSAN
(embarrassed)
If you need to keep doing it, they want me to be there?

JAMIE
As a chaperone.

SUSAN
But the thing is, I don’t have time. So… look. Just… I - I know why you have to. They
barely gave you enough rehearsal time to begin with, and this is a difficult play.

JAMIE
Mmhmm.

SUSAN
I’m just- look I don’t have to be there - I’m just letting you know that- they- they - want me
to?
(pause)
They’re nuns! We’re Catholic. It’s... just... how things are. Here.

Jamie doesn’t say anything. He paces around, angry,

frustrated.

SUSAN
I’m sorry Jamie.

Jamie looks at her, surprised.

JAMIE
Why are you sorry?

SUSAN
I thought this would be... fun. When they finally agreed to hire a drama teacher I thought of
you right away. But I’m sorry. You’re too good for this place. They haven’t had a school
play here in fifteen years, and I keep trying, but I just - I can’t -
 14.

JAMIE
Susan. It’s fine. Really. I’m grateful for the job.
It’s just new, and... infuriating, but... it’s a challenge. I like challenges.

He smiles at Susan.

SUSAN
It’ll be easier next year. And all those girls who hate lacrosse and basketball and struggle
with their grades and just want to do something creative, they’ll finally have... a room of
their own.

She looks around the rehearsal space.

JAMIE
Look at you. All grown-up. Going places. Your parents must be so proud.

SUSAN
Wouldn’t hurt them to say it once... a year... or so... but thank you.

JAMIE
Greg and Mary-Beth are coming for the play, right?

SUSAN
I think so? If my Dad can get away, sure.

Another warning bell rings.

SUSAN
And I have to get back. The bedtime roll isn’t going to call itself.

Jamie nods, lost in thought.

SUSAN
And listen, about... everything they’re asking.
You just have to start thinking like we do. We play by their rules, we act the part, until they
look away and then we can do whatever we want.

JAMIE
Should you be talking like this, as the Head Girl?

SUSAN
(almost flirtatious. Almost.)
How do you think I got this far?

She exits.
 15.

THE GROUNDS

Lunchtime. It’s chilly, this late in the year, but eating

outdoors always beats eating in the commissary.

Marilyn is holding court at her usual spot on the stairs

leading up to the chapel. She is elevated above everyone
else, like the queen bee that she is. Greta sits next to her,
her right-hand girl, and Lily and Anna sit just below. The
hierarchy is clear.

LILY
That’s just what everyone thinks about her, I mean, that’s why the sisters like her, but
actually like when she was in our year she was like totally wild.

ANNA
What do you mean?

LILY
I heard that she was going around with two townies at the same time.

ANNA
Ew.
At the same time?

LILY
She was like...

She leans in and whispers in Anna’s ear. Lily and Anna

giggle. Marilyn and Greta look at each other, like, really?

ANNA
Oh my god that’s terrible.

They giggle some more.

GRETA
Guys, you shouldn’t talk about her like that, she’s nice.

LILY
I think she’s stuck-up.

GRETA
And if she was like, you know, what you’re saying, then there’s no way they would have
made her Head Girl.
 16.

LILY
Head Girl.

She giggles. No one responds.

LILY
Head Girl. Get it?

Lily whispers into Anna’s ear again. Anna’s eyes go wide.

ANNA
Ohh.

GRETA
You’re so immature, Lily.

LILY
Whatever. Girls only do stuff like that when they’re desperate.

ANNA
Really? Cuz Michael and I kind of talk about... doing stuff like..

LILY
Oh my god, don’t do it.

ANNA
It’s not like we’re gonna go all the way or whatever. I just don’t want him to get bored you
know.

LILY
Guys only want you to do stuff that makes them feel good. That’s a universal fact.

MARILYN
That’s because they’re boys. A real man only wants to make you feel good.

The girls suddenly whip around to Marilyn. Where did

that proclamation come from?

LILY
Is that what Ducky is? A real man?

MARILYN
Ducky? I’m so over Ducky. I’m telling him when I see him during break. It’s over. For
real this time.
 17.

This really catches Greta’s attention.

GRETA
What, why? What did he do?

MARILYN
Nothing, he’s just like so immature, you know? I’m like, I’m like tired of high school
boys.

Lily and Anna look at each other, and practically explode.

ANNA
Oh my god, are you seeing a college guy?

LILY
Oh my god I might die is he someone from Rochester?

ANNA
Or he closer to you, is he from Rutgers?

LILY
Oh my god how long have you been seeing him?

ANNA
Was it during the summer?

LILY
Or labor day weekend?

ANNA
Oh my god was it that time you got a head cold and went home for two days?

LILY
Why haven’t you said anything?

ANNA
Is he cute?

LILY
Is he in a frat?

ANNA
Does he play football?
 18.

LILY
A FOOTBALL PLAYER!

They clutch each other and scream.

GRETA
Wait guys.
Marilyn, are you? Seeing someone?

Marilyn just smiles impishly.

Anna and Lily scream.

LILY
Oh my GOD what’s he like? What’s his name? Where’s he from? What do his parents do?

MARILYN
Umm... I’m not sure if I should say too much. It’s pretty new, you know. Pretty fresh.
We’re just like... waiting to see where it goes.

ANNA
That sounds so grown-up.
(ever the lemming)
You know I’m thinking of breaking up with Michael too.

MARILYN
(wisely)
Older men, Anna. They know how to treat you well.

GRETA
(worried)
Marilyn...

MARILYN
Yes, my love?

Tamsin has entered the quad. She’s deeply engrossed in

music she’s listening to on a discman.

LILY
Hey, Greta, look, it’s your roommate, Jonathan Taylor Tamsin.

This tickles Lily and Anna so much they practically

collapse laughing.
 19.

GRETA
Guys. That still isn’t funny.

LILY
Maybe if she like washed her hair or shaved her legs we’d stop calling her that.

ANNA
What’s she doing out here? Doesn’t she know we eat lunch here?

LILY
You know what actually, I changed my mind, she looks like one of the Hanson brothers.

ANNA
Does she think it’s cool or something, wearing her uniform like that?

LILY
I heard she’s a total alkie.

ANNA
I heard she was expelled from her last school for like, hooking up with a janitor.

LILY
Probably the only one who’d take her.

GRETA
Jesus, guys. Stop it. She’s not that bad.

LILY
What’s it like living with her?

ANNA
Were you totally pissed when they assigned her to you?

LILY
Does her hair just like stink up the room? How can you even sleep at night?

GRETA
You know what? I’m gonna ask her to join us.

Lily and Anna look to Marilyn for her reaction.

MARILYN
(completely sincere)
Yes, do that. We should be charitable.
 20.

Greta goes over to Tamsin. Tamsin is engrossed in her

music.

GRETA
Hey.
Hey
(she taps her on the shoulder. Tamsin looks
up)
Hey.

Tamsin takes off her headphones.

TAMSIN
What’s up?

GRETA
(pause)
How did you get that? Music players aren’t allowed on campus.

TAMSIN
I told Sister Louisa that I’m thinking of joining the choir team, and that I needed to learn
the songs. She was so excited that this heathen was interested that she gave me her
personal discman.
(pause)
She has a discman.

GRETA
Are you... actually listening to choir songs?

TAMSIN
Check it out.

Tamsin passes one earbud to Greta. Greta listens for a

second, jumping at the loud volume.

GRETA
Wow.

TAMSIN
Cannibal Corpse. They opened for Dying Fetus on tour this summer.
 21.

GRETA
They’re uh, they’re something.
(she passes the earbud back)
Hey, do you wanna join us for lunch?

Tamsin looks over at the group.

TAMSIN
What, you and the fembots?

GRETA
Yeah. They want to get to know you.
(pause)
They’re not that bad.

TAMSIN
(pause)
Fine.

They go over to the girls.

MARILYN
(cheerful)
Hi there. Welcome.

TAMSIN
Golly, thanks.

Lily suddenly breathes into her sleeve, like she can’t

breathe with Tamsin around. Anna giggles.

TAMSIN
What’s wrong with you?

Lily, surprised at being called out so directly, doesn’t

know what to say.

LILY
Um.

GRETA
(quickly)
You can sit over here.

Tamsin is annoyed but joins them on the steps.

 22.

MARILYN
So, Tamsin. How are you liking it so far at St. Catherine’s?

TAMSIN
Liking it?
The judge made me choose between juvie and Catholic school. But you know what, at least
in juvie I wouldn’t have to attend goddamn mass every morning.

The girls sit up, alert. Wait, all those rumors were TRUE?
They’re sitting with a hardened criminal here?

LILY
W-w-why were you gonna go to juvie?

TAMSIN
Oh, you know. Shit happens.
Shoplifted some switchblades. Broke into my principle’s house and left a flaming bag of
dog poop in his bedroom. Unloaded some discount smack in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven.

The girls stare.

GRETA
She’s... joking. She didn’t do all that.

TAMSIN
Yeah. I’m joking. I just drove my step-dad’s Ferrari through his woodshed. He pressed
charges. The judge was pretty fair, all things considered.

ANNA
Wow.

TAMSIN
(noticing her socks)
Cool socks.

ANNA
Oh! Thanks! Yeah. I’m totally in love with my bedazzler. Do you like the rhinestones?
This is kinda the stuff I was pitching for the play.

TAMSIN
(on a different train of thought again)
If we don’t have money for costumes we should just do the play in our uniforms. I mean.
We’re practically living in an autocratic state, right? Sister Priscilla is basically Creon in a
habit.
(getting into it, grinning)
 23.

I bet they’d be so pissed if we did the play in our uniforms. Like Antigone sneaking out in
the middle of the night in her JV tracksuit. Haemon dressed in the St. John’s uniform, with
a blazer. Ismene like, with her skirt tucked in three inches too high.

Anna and Lily almost instinctively tug their skirts down.

GRETA
Oh my god. Tamsin. That’s a great idea! You should tell Mr. Reed!

TAMSIN
Nah.

GRETA
Why not? He’d be so thrilled that you’re actually like...

TAMSIN
Yeah. Caring about stuff is not a good look for me.
(she’s finished her apple)
It’s been real. See you later.

She gets up and starts to leave. Greta stands up and calls

after her.

GRETA
Can I tell him?

TAMSIN
Knock yourself out.

She’s left.

Greta and the girls continue looking in Tamsin’s

direction. Lily suddenly shakes herself, remembering.

LILY
Wait a minute. She crashed her step-dad’s Ferrari through his woodshed? That’s the plot of
Ferris Bueller!
I’m telling you, I bet she a druggie.

ANNA
Why was she looking at my socks?
(gasping)
Maybe she’s a lesbo.
 24.

MARILYN
Well, we tried, Greta. There’s only so much we can do for a troubled soul.

Greta frowns, still looking out in Tamsin’s direction.

GRETA
Uniforms.

She thinks.

THE HALLWAY

Evening. Greta is walking up to Jamie’s office. She’s

writing down notes, preparing her spiel.

GRETA
Antigone- in her tracksuit. Ismene... with her skirt... (mumbling, writing). Haemon...
blazer. (mumbling, writing). Creon... Creon... ooh, Creon in minister’s robes. Too
obvious? Hmm. And the chorus as... the lacrosse team? Nah.

Greta goes to knock on the door, then pauses. She hears

something. She carefully sticks her ear up against the
door, listening.

She steps back, aghast.

She walks away. Disturbed. Hands shaking.

Then she turns, walks back.

She listens in again.

She slowly, carefully, opens the door, and looks in.

She shuts the door, quietly.

She’s seen something truly shocking.

And she’s been seen.

GRETA
(quietly)
No...

She exits, back in the direction she came from, shaking.

 25.

DORM ROOM

Late at night. Greta and Tamsin’s dorm room.

Greta lies on the bottom bunk. She’s not able to sleep. She
tosses and turns. Tamsin snores lightly on the upper
bunk.

The door creaks open and Marilyn pads in, in her

pajamas.

GRETA
What are you--

MARILYN
Oh good you’re awake.

GRETA
What are - what-

Marilyn climbs up the first couple of rungs of the bunk bed

and shakes Tamsin awake. Tamsin snorts and sits up,
half-asleep, muttering something unintelligible.

MARILYN
Hey. Here’s 20 bucks. The vending machine’s free. Go nuts.

TAMSIN
(more awake)
What?

MARILYN
The third floor vending machine. No one’s patrolling right now.

TAMSIN
...What?

MARILYN
Free. Candy. Go.

TAMSIN
(still confused, but candy)
...O-okay.
 26.

Marilyn hops down. Tamsin slowly climbs down, takes the

money, looks back in confusion for a minute, then leaves.

Marilyn gets into bed with Greta and pulls the sheets over
her.

MARILYN
I’ve missed this. It’s been a while, hasn’t it.

GRETA
What has?

MARILYN
Just us, like this, talking.
(pause)
I like your pajamas. They’re soft.

GRETA
Thanks.

Silence.

MARILYN
I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you so badly, you have no idea. But you get why I
couldn’t, right? But I was going to. Soon.
(pause)
By the way, he didn’t see you. Just me... I didn’t tell him. Because... I mean there’s no
need to, right? I don’t have anything to... worry about?

GRETA
What are you doing Marilyn? He’s a teacher.
(pause)
He’s old.

MARILYN
I know.
He’s not that old.

GRETA
(pause)
If you get caught-
 27.

MARILYN
I’m not going to-

GRETA
I walked in on you today! That could have been anyone!

MARILYN
I know, that was bad. We’re usually more careful.

GRETA
(stuttering)
Y-you’re - usually- more... how long has this been going on?

MARILYN
Look, there’s something I have to tell you.

GRETA
Yeah...

MARILYN
This isn’t why he cast me as Antigone.

A moment.

GRETA
Oh great. That’s a relief.

MARILYN
I’m just saying that because I know you probably were thinking it.

Greta groans, covers her face.

GRETA
I don’t know what to think.

MARILYN
Greta. Look. Look at me.
(Greta looks)
Please please please don’t tell anyone.

GRETA
I just-- this is-- I don’t --- I can’t even process this right now.

MARILYN
Just because it’s against the rules doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. So many frickin rules in
this place and we all know they mean nothing. This is just like that.
 28.

GRETA
You have to stop.

MARILYN
I can’t. I actually can’t. It’s just not possible.
(her face is shining, she can’t help but smile,
she’s long gone)
Whenever I’m with him... I feel... I just feel... safe.
Like I’m special, you know.
He just... looks at me. Like no one’s ever looked at me.

GRETA
Everyone looks at you, Marilyn, wherever you go.

MARILYN
Yeah, but they never see me.

GRETA
That’s just... I don’t... I don’t even know what we’re talking about anymore.

A moment.

MARILYN
Are you crying?

GRETA
No.

MARILYN
Is this because you like him?

GRETA
Oh god, no. Not anymore anyway.

MARILYN
What does that mean?

GRETA
Nothing. The feeling’s gone.

A moment. Marilyn gets out of bed, starts pacing.

MARILYN
You were the one who didn’t want us to room together this year.
 29.

GRETA
What?

MARILYN
So you can’t be mad at me for not telling you, when you were the one who didn’t want to
be roommates this year.
(silence)
I mean, that really hurt.

GRETA
I didn’t think you cared that much. I thought you’d be happy to live with Lily and Anna, so
you could have them under your thumb.

MARILYN
God, that’s your problem. You just think you’re so much better than everyone else, don’t
you? Well, you’re not. You know that you would have done the same thing if Jamie had ---

GRETA
Jamie?

MARILYN
Well, that is his name.
(pause)
You know, I was actually relieved today, when you opened that door, when I saw you,
when you found out. Because I needed to talk to someone. Or I thought I did. But if you’re
just gonna sit there judging me, forget it. I’m so stupid for thinking you were still my
friend.

GRETA
Of course I’m still your friend! I’m- I’m reacting like this because I’m your friend! I care
about you and I don’t want you getting into trouble!

MARILYN
I know what I’m doing!
And even if I do get into trouble, you know what? I don’t care. Because this is worth it.
This is so worth it.

The door opens, light spills in. Tamsin stands in the

doorway, holding an armful of candy.

TAMSIN
(extending an open packet)
Milk dud?
 30.

MARILYN
No thanks.

Tamsin brushes past Marilyn, and starts climbing up the

bunk bed, a rather tricky endeavour with so much candy
in her arms.

Marilyn and Greta are silent. The tension is thick.

MARILYN
Well, I guess I’ll... go back to bed.
(pause)
Look, that thing I asked you..
(pause)
Just... please. Okay?

Greta can’t say anything. Marilyn sighs and leaves.

Tamsin lies in bed, eating candy. She passes down a

packet of Red Vines.

TAMSIN
Here. Got this for you.

GRETA
(surprised, touched)
Oh thank you. I like these.

TAMSIN
Yeah, I noticed.

A moment, as they eat candy, lost in thought.

GRETA
How much did you hear?

TAMSIN
I’m not in the habit of eavesdropping.
(pause)
What’s going on with her?
(pause)
You know what, never mind. I don’t wanna know.
 31.

GRETA
Yeah.
(pause)
Yeah.

Back to their own worlds...

REHEARSAL

Evening. The rehearsal room.

Jamie sits in a corner, finishing up on grading, reading

papers and shaking his head. He’s there early, no one
else has arrived yet.

The door opens and Susan steps in, loaded down with her
books and files as always.

JAMIE
Wait, wait, hold on. Is the earth spinning backwards? Have pigs literally sprouted wings
and altered the laws of aerodynamics as we know them?

SUSAN
What?

JAMIE
You’re early!

SUSAN
Oh. Yeah.

JAMIE
(taking out one of the papers)
Listen to this. This is from their final essays on Shakespeare’s tragedies.
“People keep saying William Shakespeare’s really great and all but I don’t really get it. I
mean if he lived today he wouldn’t be doing theatre anyway because who does that. It’s
probably a big conspiracy by British people to make themselves feel important.”

SUSAN
Let me guess. Tamsin?
 32.

JAMIE
She’s fucking with me.
It’s like she wants me to fail her. It’s like she wants to get kicked out.

SUSAN
Maybe she does.

JAMIE
Well, I’m not going to give her the satisfaction.
(pause)
So what’s wrong?

SUSAN
What, did my air of crushing defeat give it away?
Two things...

JAMIE
Why does your bad news always come in numbered lists?

SUSAN
Really bad news first. They’re not giving us a tech.

JAMIE
(pause)
What?

SUSAN
Remember I said the archdiocese is going to be in town next week? They’ve booked the
hall on Thursday night for some presentation.

JAMIE
...We booked the hall.

SUSAN
Yeah, but they... you know. Override things like this all the time. If it’s for something to do
with the church.

JAMIE
What am I supposed to do?

SUSAN
We’ll still have all of Friday to use the hall.

JAMIE
With you girls in class? How am I supposed to do a fucking tech without my fucking crew
or my fucking actors?
 33.

SUSAN
Don’t get mad at me.

The door opens and the rest of the cast starts drifting in,
talking.

Susan lowers her voice and keeps talking.

SUSAN
And the other thing.
(taking a deep breath)
Sister Margaret wants you to keep the door open during rehearsals.

JAMIE
(pause)
Our rehearsals? Like our rehearsal right now?

SUSAN
Yes.

Jamie looks around. Takes stock of the cast.

JAMIE
Everyone here?

They are. He goes over to the door and slams it shut,

decisively, pointedly.

The girls are startled by this sudden move.

JAMIE
Right. Listen. We have seven days till opening. No more tomfoolery, no more
dillydallying, no more going off on random tangents. When we’re in this room, every
single moment of our focus will be on the play. Is that clear?

The girls feel the change in the air.

JAMIE
Scene 7. Right after Creon’s second monologue. Susan, Tamsin, let’s go.

Susan and Tamsin head into the center of the room,

Tamsin carrying her script. Jamie snatches it out of her
hand.
 34.

JAMIE
Seven days.
“Son, did you hear my decision-”

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Son, did you hear my decision about your bride? Are you angry with me? Or are we still
friends?

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
Father, I am yours. You... have the wisdom to direct me, and I’ll follow you.

JAMIE
(prompting)
No marriage...

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
No marriage means more to me than your ... wise guidance.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Right! That’s a good son: he follows his father.

JAMIE
(interrupting)
Let’s pause.
Tamsin, where is your character at this moment?

TAMSIN
Um... in the palace I guess? Talking to his Dad?

JAMIE
What news has Haemon just heard?

TAMSIN
That Antigone has been sentenced to death.

JAMIE
That’s right...
Your girlfriend- your fiance. The love of your life. Your father has just ordered her to be
put to death. And for what reason? Because she committed this incredible act of courage, of
principle, that makes you love her even more.
How does this make you feel?
 35.

TAMSIN
(pause)
I guess I’d be feeling pretty pissed off.

JAMIE
Yes...

TAMSIN
...but he’s not saying that. He’s like, totally sucking up to his Dad right now.

JAMIE
Haven’t you ever said one thing when you’re really feeling the opposite way?

TAMSIN
No, I say what I mean.

JAMIE
You pride yourself on being pretty direct, don’t you.

TAMSIN
I just don’t see the point of bullshit.

JAMIE
My father never hit me.
(pause)
And I had friends who were thrashed within an inch of their lives by their fathers, so I
assumed, as long as my dad didn’t touch me, I was one of the lucky ones. But there are
other ways to screw up your kids.
We’d see him maybe once a year. One time, I remember, he showed up and announced that
he was going to drive us to the pier, me, my brother and sister, we’d spend the whole day
together. But he was drunk. And when we got to the pier, through some miracle, he just
started sleeping in the car. And we were scared of getting him in trouble, so we got out,
and walked around the pier all day, pretending that everything was fine, pretending that our
parents were just around the corner.

Lily leans over and whispers to Anna.

LILY
I thought he said no more tangents.

JAMIE
I heard that, Lily. You know I would love for you to demonstrate that volume when you’re
actually on stage.
(he turns to Tamsin, earnest, open)
I’m not asking you to share your story, Tamsin, that’s private. But you know what?
 36.

I have a feeling you’ve gone through some shit that’s really close to what Haemon is
experiencing right now. I have a feeling there are some things you wish you could say to
your parents. I have a feeling there are some moments you wish you could redo. And this
is your chance. I knew what I was doing when I cast you in this role, so don’t insult me by
acting like you don’t care. Now do the fucking scene again.

TAMSIN
(startled)
I… I really don’t remember the lines.

JAMIE
I don’t care about the lines right now. Make them up if you have to.
(He grabs Susan by the shoulders and
positions her in front of Tamsin.)
Just stand and talk to your father. Go!

Tamsin is suddenly petrified. Susan, also startled,

somehow manages to start the scene again.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Son, did you hear my decision about your bride? Are you angry with me? Or are we still
friends?
(pause)
Son?

TAMSIN
Yeah, I heard.

Susan looks at Jamie, unsure.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Right! That’s a good son…

JAMIE
Talk to your son, Creon. Just talk to him. In your own words.

SUSAN
So are you angry at me?

TAMSIN
I mean… you’re my dad. I guess… you… you’re doing what you think is best.
 37.

SUSAN
(getting into it)
I am. I am, Haemon! Um… that girl just isn’t… she isn’t good for you. She’s leading you
astray. And she’s putting the whole kingdom in danger, can’t you see?
I’m doing what’s best for you, for our family, for our country.

A moment. Jamie leans in towards Tamsin, whispering to

her.

JAMIE
What do you want to say to your father? Say it.

Tamsin swallows.

TAMSIN
What makes you think you know what’s best for me? What makes you think you know
what’s best for everyone?

SUSAN
Are you questioning your father, Haemon?

TAMSIN
Yeah, I guess I am.

SUSAN
You insolent little boy, that girl has turned you against me. That’s why she has to go.

TAMSIN
You don’t care at all that I love her?

SUSAN
You only think that it’s love. You’re young. You’ll get over it.

TAMSIN
That’s because you’ve never loved anyone, have you. Not mom. Not me. You only love
yourself.

SUSAN
That is not true. Of course I love you. I’m doing this for your own good.

TAMSIN
If you really loved me you would try and forgive - try and understand — you didn’t even
think of me- when you took her away from me. Did you even think of me?
 38.

SUSAN
We must make sacrifices for the greater good. We can’t go around doing what feels good
in the moment. That way lies anarchy.

TAMSIN
What about doing what’s right?

SUSAN
When someone willfully breaks the law, they must be punished.

TAMSIN
Well then your law is STUPID!

Jamie thrusts a script into Tamsin’s hands.

JAMIE
Excellent - keep going - use the script.
(to Susan)
“Aren’t you ashamed...”

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Aren’t you ashamed to stand there and question your father?

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
Not when I see him acting unfairly.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
What is unfair about respecting my office and discharging my duties?

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
But you show no respect! You trample on the gods!

SUSAN
(as Creon)
Fool, adolescent fool! You are worse than a woman.

If Tamsin laughs again this time, it’s completely in

character.
 39.

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
I’m not ashamed of what I said.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
You can’t stop pleading her case, can’t you.

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
I am pleading for you too, for me. Don’t do this.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
She will not live to marry you.

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
If she dies she’ll take someone else with her!

Susan actually pauses and stares at Tamsin in wonder.

The girl has absolutely transformed.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
So now you have the gall to threaten me?

TAMSIN
(as Haemon)
There is no threat in telling you the truth.

Another pause. The entire room is entirely enraptured.

They’ve never seen anything like this before.

Susan and Tamsin look at each other, charged.

There is a loud knock on the door. Rat-tat-tat. The girls

jump. The spell is broken.

JAMIE
What the hell...

Again. Rat-tat-tat.

Marilyn jumps up helpfully.

 40.

MARILYN
I’ll go see who it is.

She goes over to the door, opens it, and steps out. We
hear the murmur of her talking to someone.

Jamie steps towards Tamsin, and puts an arm around her

shoulder, and hugs her. A completely natural, sweet
gesture, and exactly what Tamsin needs in that moment.

Marilyn steps back in - notices this gesture.

MARILYN
Uh, Mr. Reed- it’s Sister Margaret. She wants us to keep the door open?

Jamie’s face changes in an instant. He goes out the door

and closes it. Marilyn comes back. We hear snippets of the
following conversation, as voices quickly get raised.

JAMIE (OFF)
Can I help you?

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

Are you having rehearsal in there?

JAMIE (OFF)
Yes, and just so you know, interruptions like these can really throw the girls off –

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

Well I certainly don’t mean to throw the girls off –

Susan quickly steps out of the classroom and closes the

door.

SUSAN (OFF)
Sister Margaret, is there a problem?

The other girls rush to the door, ears glued to it.

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

I thought I’d made it quite clear, Susan, that the door to this room was to remain open.

SUSAN (OFF)
Well, yes, but you see –
 41.

JAMIE (OFF)
You expect us to have rehearsal without some basic privacy?

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

“Privacy”?

SUSAN (OFF)
We were just working on a difficult scene – we can keep the door open now –

JAMIE (OFF)
No, Susan, no this is quite enough. You take away our money, our time, even our tech, our
TECH, and –

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

There’s no need to raise our voices Mr. Reed.

JAMIE (OFF)
We’re not raising our voices, I’m raising mine!

Jamie is shouting at a nun.

The girls look at each other. Equal parts terrified and

exhilarated.

SUSAN (OFF)
Mr. Reed –

JAMIE (OFF)
This is my rehearsal, we have seven days left, and I will run it the way I see fit,
goddammit.

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

I see.

JAMIE (OFF)
So if there’s nothing else –

SUSAN (OFF)
Sister Margaret –

JAMIE (OFF)
Get back inside, Susan, you should be working on your lines.

The girls scurry away from the door, back to their spots.
Susan, helpless, opens the door and comes back in.
 42.

SR. MARGARET (OFF)

This isn’t Broadway, Mr. Reed. It’s prep school. And we have a way of doing things here.

JAMIE (OFF)
So do I. Good night, Sister.

Jaime goes back into the classroom, shutting the door

definitively.

Silence. Finally...

JAMIE
We’re not getting a tech rehearsal.
Can you believe that?
They want us to do a play-- in front of people, who have eyes, and ears--- without doing a
tech rehearsal.
Basically they don’t care if we go out on opening night and fall flat on our faces.
Because they don’t give a shit about us, do they.
What are we going to do?

A long beat.

MARILYN
We’re going to put on an amazing play.

Jamie smiles.

TAMSIN
What she said.

Jamie is really delighted to hear this from her.

LILY
Yeah, if they don’t believe in us, we’ll just prove em wrong.

ANNA
Yeah, my boyfriend’s driving up. He’s really looking forward to it.

MARILYN
We’ll make it work.

SUSAN
We’ll figure it out.
 43.

JAMIE
Greta?

GRETA
(pause, affirmative)
Yeah.

JAMIE
So we’re in agreement? We’re going to give them one hell of a show.

The affirmation from the girls is quiet but strong.

JAMIE
Just to be safe, though, don’t invite your parents to opening night.
(he sighs)
Let’s take five. And we’ll start from the top of the play.

Tamsin goes up to Jamie.

TAMSIN
Mr. Reed?
I have an idea for the costumes.

JAMIE
I’m listening.

TAMSIN
We should just wear our uniforms.
With you know, modifications and stuff.
But basically our uniforms.

Jamie grins, delighted.

JAMIE
That would really piss them off, wouldn’t it?

TAMSIN
That’s kinda the point.

JAMIE
I love it.
(he squeezes her shoulder)
Thank you.
 44.

TAMSIN
(suddenly shy)
You’re welcome.

Tamsin steps away. Greta goes up to Tamsin.

GRETA
Are you okay?

TAMSIN
Yeah, of course.
He liked my costume idea.

GRETA
That’s - yeah - I knew he would.

Marilyn comes up to Greta.

MARILYN
Can we talk?

Marilyn pulls Greta either out of the room or to a corner,

either way, out of earshot of the rest.

GRETA
Can you believe him?

MARILYN
(confused)
What?

GRETA
What he just did with Tamsin. I don’t know who told him like, her personal stuff, but you
can’t just use that to get a reaction out of her- I mean that’s not- that’s not --- he has no
right. And yelling at Sister Margaret- holycrap - you don’t yell at a nun! That’s like... the
first rule of interacting with nuns! Is he trying to sabotage this? Is he just trying to screw
this up for all of us?

MARILYN
Wow.
First of all. Hi. How are you. We haven’t spoken since last night, and that’s a pretty crucial
amount of time to not be speaking to each other.
 45.

Second of all, um, Tamsin just gave like a frickin amazing performance, and that’s because
he’s brilliant, and he’s like a genius, and I don’t understand anything of what you’re
saying.
And finally, I have never been as turned on as when he was yelling at Sister Margaret.

GRETA
Oh my god.

MARILYN
Because he’s standing up for us. And he’s the only one here who will do that. So I’m not
sure why you’re suddenly having all these issues with him, I don’t know if it’s some kind
of jealously thing or whatever, but you need to check your attitude. And you know what, I
don’t want to fight right now, I don’t want to fight with you! I just need to know if you’re
going to keep this quiet.

GRETA
(for god’s sake)
I’m not a snitch Marilyn. The last thing I want is for you to get into trouble.

MARILYN
That’s all I needed to hear.

GRETA
But you have to see how weird-

Marilyn covers her mouth.

MARILYN
That’s all I needed to hear. I love you. You’re the bestest friend ever.

Jaime calls out from inside the room-

JAMIE
We’re back!

MARILYN
(chipper)
We’re back!

She and Greta go back in, and set up for places at the top
of the show.

JAMIE
Whenever you’re ready. Remember what we’ve been talking about. Intention, love, trust.
 46.

Marilyn nods at him. He plays the opening sound cue.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
Sweetest Ismene, my dear sister; you know how much we’ve suffered. How we have had
to live with the sins of our father Oedipus, and all that they brought – pain, shame and
humiliation. And now – have they told you of the new decree of our King Creon?

GRETA
I have heard... nothing.
(suddenly very tired)
I have heard nothing.
(pause)
I just want you to be careful.

Greta reaches out and touches Marilyn’s face.

JAMIE
Uh, girls, no more improv today. That was just an exercise.
From the top, again, do it properly.

Greta and Marilyn look at each other.

Jamie plays the sound cue.

MARILYN
Sweetest Ismene...

Lights.

BETWEEN CLASSES

Lily and Anna walk across the stage, gossiping.

LILY
I heard that Helena ate like five bags of chips at lunch.

ANNA
I heard Muriel frosted her bangs but now she has to wear them under a hat every time the
sisters walk by.

LILY
She should just wear that hat permanently.
 47.

ANNA
Did you hear that Raquel went to Jessica's party and didn’t get her a gift?

LILY
No, I heard that she did get her a gift but it was like conditioner.

ANNA
Haha no way.

LILY
Yeah like mini conditioner. From a hotel. And she put a post-it on it saying “You’re
Welcome.”

ANNA
Oh my god she’s so bad.

LILY
Did you hear about Mary-Anne letting the kitchen boy look up her skirt in exchange for
more chocolate cake.

ANNA
If she keeps eating that cake nobody’s gonna wanna look up her skirt.

Silence, as they try and think of other gossip.

LILY
God I’m so bored.

ANNA
I know nothing interesting ever happens in this school.

A moment.

LILY
I heard Leslie’s parents are getting divorced.

ANNA
That happened like over the summer.

LILY
Well then I’m out.

They exit.
 48.

THE GROUNDS

The middle of the night. It’s freezing, dark, desolate.

Greta and Marilyn appear, in their puffy St. Cat’s winter
coats. Marilyn is leading them towards one of the
boundary walls.

GRETA
What are we doing?

MARILYN
Shhh. I’ll tell you when we get there.

GRETA
Get where?
I’m FREEZING! I’m not wearing socks.

MARILYN
Why aren’t you wearing socks?

GRETA
You pulled me out of bed and told me there was an emergency!

MARILYN
Well, there is. Kind of. I need to get out.

GRETA
Why?

MARILYN
(stopping at the wall)
Okay, good. We’re here.

GRETA
Where? What are we doing?

MARILYN
Look- right over there. This little patch of the wall. The barbed wire has torn away - it’s
clear. And there are flower beds on the other side. If I just climb over I can jump down.

GRETA
What are you talking about?
I didn’t know we were coming all the way out here. They could sic the dogs on us!
 49.

MARILYN
Only if the groundskeeper is awake, and he’s never awake, let’s be real.
I just need you to give me a boost, then I can make it over.

Greta’s jaw drops.

GRETA
Have you lost your mind? What is this about? Where do you wanna go?

MARILYN
He gave me a key.

She pulls it out of her pocket and shows it to Greta.

GRETA
...Who?

MARILYN
Who do you think? To his place in the village.
He gave me a key!

GRETA
...That doesn’t mean you... you go... in the middle of the night.

MARILYN
There’s literally no other time when they’re not watching the gates or patrolling the
grounds.

GRETA
This is insane. You are acting insane right now.

MARILYN
Maybe I am insane. Maybe that’s what love feels like.

GRETA
Love?

MARILYN
I can’t stop thinking about him, all I want to do is be alone with him, and he gave me a key.
A key! Oh my god. No one’s ever given me a key before. No one’s ever had a key!

GRETA
That’s because we’re in school!

MARILYN
Just give me a boost
 50.

GRETA
Marilyn I can’t let you do this.
What are you gonna do at his place?

MARILYN
(pause)
I don’t know.

GRETA
(pause)
Are you gonna...

MARILYN
I don’t know!
But that’s up to me, isn’t it?
Are you gonna give me a boost or not?
The sooner you help me out, the sooner you can get back to bed.

In the distance, we hear dogs barking.

GRETA
(terrified)
Shit.

MARILYN
Oh my god!
Do it! Come on!

GRETA
We have to get back inside!

MARILYN
NO! Greta! Are you my friend or not?

GRETA
I am -

MARILYN
(manic)
Then just do this one thing for me!

GRETA
Jesus Christ.
 51.

Greta gives Marilyn a boost. Marilyn paws at her face as

she scales the wall and jumps over.

GRETA
Be careful!

Suddenly the dogs are right there. Bright flashlights are

aimed at Greta’s face. She covers her face with her hands.

GRETA
Ah, crap.

Ah, crap.

THE GROUNDS

Daytime.

Susan is working on the steps of the chapel, intensely

focused as usual.

Greta slowly approaches Susan, almost changing her

mind several times. Susan finally looks up.

SUSAN
Hello there.

GRETA
Hi.

SUSAN
If it isn’t the
(making air quotations)
“sleepwalker.”

GRETA
Sister Priscilla told me that if you hadn’t vouched for me, I would have been suspended.
Or worse. So thank you.

SUSAN
Well, your record has been spotless till now. Just don’t do it again.

GRETA
I- I won’t.
 52.

Susan goes back to her work, assuming the

conversation’s over.

GRETA
What are you- um- working on?

SUSAN
Just college applications.

GRETA
Where are you applying?
Sorry, was that a rude question?

SUSAN
No, not at all. I have my safety schools of course, but I’m applying early decision to
Harvard.

GRETA
Wow. That’s great. Sister Priscilla went to Harvard, right?

SUSAN
Radcliffe. The women’s college. Back in their time, Harvard was still a boy’s club.

GRETA
Do you think it’s weird that we go to an all-girls’ school?

SUSAN
Anything’s weird if you think about it long enough.
(pause, finally paying Greta some attention)
Do you wanna tell me what you were really doing last night?

GRETA
(pause)
I would really like to tell you. But I don’t think I can.

SUSAN
Was someone else with you?
(pause)
I thought so.
(pause)
Look, Greta, it’s sweet how you’re trying to... be friends with Tamsin. But you’re a good
kid. And you should be careful. She’s your roommate, she doesn’t have to be anything
more.
 53.

GRETA
It wasn’t Tamsin.
It really wasn’t.
I wouldn’t be out, risking expulsion, at 2 in the morning, for Tamsin.

SUSAN
(pause)
Marilyn?

GRETA
Yeah.

SUSAN
Wait. What?
What happened last night? Where was she? How come you’re the only one who got
caught?
(pause)
Is it drugs?

GRETA
No, no. First thing Sister Priscilla did was make me pee in a cup, so...

SUSAN
Better safe.
So what is it?

GRETA
I don’t wanna be a snitch.

SUSAN
If Marilyn’s in trouble, I can help. But only if you tell me what’s going on.
(pause)
I promise you. We’re just going to get her help, we’re not going to get her in trouble.

GRETA
Last night, she... I helped her climb the wall... she climbed over the wall, and jumped over,
before the dogs got there. So they only saw me. And she snuck back onto campus early
this morning, I don’t really know how. Maybe... in someone’s car?

SUSAN
This is so bizarre. Why did she do that?
 54.

GRETA
To see someone in the village.

SUSAN
Who?

A long beat as Greta struggles to say it.

GRETA
Mr. Reed.

Pause.

SUSAN
What?

GRETA
She went to Mr. Reed’s house. I guess.

SUSAN
Why would-- why?

GRETA
Because he gave her a key. To his house.

A long beat.

SUSAN
What are you implying, Greta?

GRETA
I’m not implying anything. It’s what it sounds like.

SUSAN
What makes you so sure?

GRETA
Because I walked in on them ten days ago!

A moment.

SUSAN
You walked in on them?
 55.

GRETA
In his office.
Marilyn had been going to a lot of his private rehearsals, you know.
The lead of the play. Makes sense, I guess.

Susan is very still.

SUSAN
This is a very serious accusation.

GRETA
I know. And I don’t know what to do.

Susan is quiet for a long time. Thinking, thinking, thinking.

Then she suddenly pulls herself together.

SUSAN
I’ll talk to Marilyn.

GRETA
Don’t— tell her I told you.

Susan is leaving.

GRETA
Wait- what about- what about Mr. Reed?

SUSAN
What about him?

GRETA
You know him, right? From before?

SUSAN
(impatient)
Yeah?

GRETA
What should we do about him?

SUSAN
The show is in two days. Classes are almost over. We’re all gonna go home for Christmas.
Let’s just get through this. And if you’re not comfortable, don’t take Drama next semester.

GRETA
But I- I - want to! I really want to! It’s my favorite class!
 56.

SUSAN
(tired)
Then take Drama. Do whatever you like.
I have to go fix this.

Susan exits. Greta stands, desolate, confused, unsure yet

again of whether she did the right thing.

REHEARSAL

The girls - GRETA, TAMSIN, LILY and ANNA - are

warming up. Vocal exercises. Stretching.

Jamie enters.

JAMIE
Hello everyone. Big day tomorrow. How are we feeling?

Greta is watching him closely. He does appear a bit

jumpier than usual.

Susan enters behind him. She and Greta exchange glances

but Susan remains impassive.

JAMIE
So, change of plans. Sister Margaret has generously allowed us time at the theatre once the
conference wraps tonight. So let’s brush up on the scenes that need it, and then head over
to the theatre for... well, a make-shift tech. The crew will meet us there.
(he looks at his notes)
So we’ll do scene 8, the chorus runs, and maybe scene 7 if we have time.

GRETA
Where’s Marilyn?

A moment.

JAMIE
I’m... sure she’ll be along. Presently.
Why, don’t you know where she is?

GRETA
No, I don’t.
 57.

SUSAN
Set up for scene 8, everyone.

GRETA
But Marilyn’s not here.

SUSAN
We can still work.

JAMIE
How about we give her five minutes? If not, I’ll read for her.

Marilyn enters.

JAMIE
There we go.

Marilyn is clearly not okay. Her eyes are red rimmed, her
appearance in disarray. She looks wild.

JAMIE
Right, places everyone. Scene 8. Creon, Antigone and Ismene.

Marilyn is unfocused. Greta goes up to her, touches her

arm.

GRETA
Are you okay-

Marilyn yanks her hand away and hisses, with venom-

MARILYN
Bitch.

Greta takes a step back, the wind knocked out of her.

JAMIE
Whenever you’re ready. We’ll take it from Ismene’s entrance.

SUSAN
You ready?

Marilyn nods, tight.

Greta enters the scene, shaky.

 58.

This whole scene is going to be one glorious mess. Every

player is in an elevated state of manic anxiety.

SUSAN
(as Creon)
And you, Ismene. I didn’t realize you were a snake lurking in my house, ready to poison
me, and that I was raising two traitors. Do you confess your share in this crime, or do you
deny it?

GRETA
(as Ismene)
Yes, I did. If she will let me say so, then I am guilty.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
No, Ismene, you have no right to say so. You would not help me, and I will not have you
help me.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
I’m prepared to suffer with you.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
I need more than words.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
Don’t despise me, sister, I want to die with you.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
You shall not lessen my death by sharing it.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
What do I care for life when you are dead?

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
Ask Creon. You’re always hanging on his opinions.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
Why do you want to hurt me, Antigone? Why?
 59.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
I don’t mean to hurt you, I’m just telling the truth.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
I want to help you.

MARILYN
(as Antigone)
Then save yourself. Some will think you are right. Others will think I am.

GRETA
(as Ismene)
But we are equally guilty!

SUSAN
(as Creon, with withering scorn)
Gentlemen, I beg of you to observe these girls. One has just lost her mind. The other, it
seems, has never had a mind at all.

Marilyn suddenly chokes back a sob.

Greta looks at her, worried, momentarily forgets her

lines.

GRETA
Uh, line-

Marilyn hiccups.

JAMIE
(prompting)
Grief teaches-

GRETA
(as Ismene)
Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver, King.

MARILYN
(a total mess)
I can’t do this anymore.

GRETA
Marilyn-
 60.

MARILYN
I can’t. I can’t do this. I can’t.

She suddenly runs out of the room. The girls look at each
other, stunned.

Jaime rushes after her.

We hear Marilyn screech-

MARILYN (OFF)
Don’t touch me!

Silence in the room.

The silence stretches on.

SUSAN
Okay, let’s move on to scene 7. Tamsin, let’s just run our lines.

TAMSIN
What’s going on?

SUSAN
Nothing, we don’t have time, we should be rehearsing.

TAMSIN
What’s wrong with her?

SUSAN
Who knows?

Jamie comes back in.

JAMIE
All right. Let’s uh... let’s call it a night for rehearsal.

TAMSIN
But what about our tech?

JAMIE
We can’t have a fucking tech without our fucking lead actor, can we?

He leaves, slamming the door shut so loudly the room

seems to rattle.
 61.

The girls are stunned, silent.

They look at each other.

ANNA
What’s going on?

TAMSIN
Wake up, Anna.

She suddenly, violently, throws a chair against the wall.

ANNA
What are you -

TAMSIN
Him-- and her? With her?

LILY
Oh... no.

Tamsin whales on the chair. On the table. On something,

anything.

TAMSIN
Why am I surprised. Why am I even surprised.

ANNA
(finally catching on)
Are you saying he...

Tamsin pauses. Breathing heavily.

TAMSIN
They’re all the same.

The girls sit in despairing, awkward silence.

THE CHAPEL

Later that evening.

Marilyn is crying quietly in the pews.

 62.

Greta enters. She sighs with relief.

GRETA
I’ve been looking everywhere for you.

MARILYN
Go away.

GRETA
Marilyn. What happened?

MARILYN
Leave me alone.

Greta goes towards her. She sits down next to her.

GRETA
(pause)
It’s ironic, isn’t it. This is the one place on campus where you can actually be alone.
(pause)
Did Susan talk to you?
Hey.

MARILYN
I can’t- I can’t even look at you right now. I thought I could trust you, but you -- you
betrayed me. And now I have nothing.

Greta takes a deep breath.

GRETA
I almost got expelled for you. Do you realize that? I almost threw away my life for you,
and you’re telling me that I betrayed you?

MARILYN
Just leave me alone.

GRETA
Not until you tell me what’s going on.
Did Susan, like... did she report you to Sister Priscilla or something? She promised she
wouldn’t.

MARILYN
She said that unless I ended it with Jamie, she would... she would... she would call my
parents. Which is like so low. Which is so much worse than reporting me to Sister Priss.
 63.

GRETA
Okay. Well...

MARILYN
And when I told Jamie what she was doing... how she was threatening us... he said she
was right.... That we were... risking too much. And he broke up with me.

Greta wasn’t expecting this. The relief shows on her face.

GRETA
Oh.
Really.
He did.

MARILYN
Why couldn’t you just keep your mouth shut. I asked you for one thing. One thing my
whole life.

GRETA
You’re not seriously blaming me because he broke up with you.

MARILYN
You ruined it. Susan ruined it. She’s probably jealous too.

Greta takes a moment, trying to figure out what to say.

GRETA
...You know that thing you said earlier? About how... if Mr. Reed had like... picked me. I
would have... well, you were right.
And if I had like... started a relationship with him... like you have... how would you have
felt about it?

MARILYN
It’s different, Greta. I’m in love with him. And he loves me too, I know it.

GRETA
(sincere)
I’m sorry.

She hugs Marilyn, who finally lets herself be hugged.

MARILYN
It just hurts so much. I didn’t know anything could hurt this much.
 64.

GRETA
Think of it this way. If you guys are really meant to be, he’ll wait for you. Hey, maybe this
will be like a test.

A moment.

MARILYN
(dully)
I can’t do the play tomorrow.

GRETA
...What?

MARILYN
If I look at him... I think I’ll die.

GRETA
Marilyn, you can’t do that. We’ve been working really hard.

MARILYN
He can’t do this to me and just assume that I’ll still act in his stupid play.

GRETA
(urgent)
Marilyn. Look at me. It’s over. He did the right thing. He ended it before it was too late. I
know you don’t see it that way right now, but you have to trust me on this. Just let it go,
and do the play. You can’t... just... like... bail at the last minute to punish him.

MARILYN
You could be Antigone.

GRETA
What?

MARILYN
That’s what you always wanted, right?
(pause)
You would be --- such a great Antigone. I mean you know all the lines. You know the
whole play. Let’s be real. We both know... why he cast me.

GRETA
(pause)
We can’t do the play without you.
 65.

Look, the play isn’t about him, it’s about us. You, and me, and Lily and Anna, and Tamsin,
and yeah, Susan. We’ve been working so hard. And we’re doing a play that actually means
something. About a girl, like thousands of years ago, who stood up for what she believed
in. And that’s gonna be you on stage. Inspiring all the girls in the audience. Letting
everyone know that there’s more to life than this, you know. This...
(she looks around the chapel)
We could be part of something big.
(pause)
Do you wanna stay with me tonight?

MARILYN
No. I want to be alone.
(pause)
Sorry I called you a bitch.

GRETA
Hey, I think it actually helped the scene.

Marilyn lets out a short laugh. A real one.

She falls silent. Greta looks at her.

MARILYN
Really, though. I want to be alone.

GRETA
Okay.
(she gets up to leave)
You know where to find me.

She exits, after one last worried look back at Marilyn.

JAMIE’S OFFICE

Later that night. Past curfew.

A confrontation.

Susan stands still, as Jamie rants wildly.

JAMIE
Am I not allowed one modicum of joy in my life, Susan? I used to perform with the Royal
Shakespeare Company, and look at where I am right now.
 66.

A fucking high school drama teacher in this shithole in the middle of nowhere, my balls in
the possession of tyrannical fucking nuns, and despite all of that, someone, someone,
deigns to love me. And what am I supposed to do. Walk away from her?

SUSAN
(exploding)
Yes! YES! You’re supposed to walk away from her! She’s a KID! She’s a- a sophomore!

JAMIE
Would it have made a difference if she was a senior? If she was you, perhaps?

SUSAN
Oh- oh- oh my god. OH my god Jamie. Let’s get one thing straight. You have always been
- at most - like an uncle to me. And now you’re the creepy uncle. Who makes my skin
crawl.

An abrupt shift in tone, lights, atmosphere.

JAMIE
(patient)
Susan.
Susan.

Susan suddenly comes to. The fight before was entirely in

her imagination.

JAMIE
You drifted off there for a second.

SUSAN
(gathering herself)
Yes, I... I just wanted to find out your plan for tomorrow.

JAMIE
My plan?

SUSAN
(simply)
Marilyn.

JAMIE
Yes... well.
(maybe he fiddles with something on his desk)
I, uh... I appreciate your discretion. I do.
 67.

SUSAN
(pause)
It’s in everyone’s best interests.
You ended it, I’m assuming?

JAMIE
Yes.

SUSAN
...Is she okay?

JAMIE
Yes, yes, she’s fine. She’s just a bit excitable, as you know.

SUSAN
Should we be concerned about the show tomorrow?

JAMIE
We have plenty of reasons to be concerned about the show tomorrow.

SUSAN
Is she one of them?

JAMIE
No, she’ll be fine. I’ll- I’ll talk to her again.

SUSAN
It’s past curfew now.

JAMIE
(tightly)
I’m aware.
I’ll speak to her in the morning.

SUSAN
Okay.

A beat.

JAMIE
Are you... are you upset with me, Susan?

Susan is so furious she can hardly speak. This is the

moment to unload, but she can’t. She can’t bring herself
to have the fight she’d rehearsed in her head.
 68.

She says nothing.

JAMIE
Wasn’t the smartest move on my part, I know, but... it’s over now. And no one’s the
wiser.
(pause)
I never meant to hurt her. That’s... I never.
And I never meant to hurt you.
Have I hurt you, Susan?
(pause)
Please say something.

SUSAN
(pause)
I just thought you cared about the play.

Of all things, Jamie actually takes offense to this.

JAMIE
Of course I-
(sputtering)
How could you even doubt that for a second? After everything I’ve done, everything I’ve
been through here.
(pause)
Susan...

SUSAN
We don’t have to talk about it.
It’s done, right?

JAMIE
Yes, it’s done. I’ll talk to her in the morning, you’ll all show up at your call times, and
we’ll put on, well, the best show we can.

SUSAN
(dry)
That’s a rousing pep-talk.

JAMIE
A realistic one.
(pause)
When are your parents coming?

SUSAN
Sunday’s show.
 69.

JAMIE
It’ll be nice to see them. It’s been too long.
(pause)
Do you feel ready?

Susan shrugs, then decides to bring up the other thing

that’s bothered her, even though it seems rather minor in
the scheme of things...

SUSAN
You, uh— you never really give me much feedback — for my character — when we
rehearse. Am I doing okay?

JAMIE
Yes. I mean, there isn’t much to say. The role seems to come so naturally to you.

Susan is quiet as she lets this sink in. Jamie continues...

JAMIE
You know, some critics have said, about this play, that it really should be called ‘Creon.’ I
mean. He has the most stage time, of course. But the tragedy, also, at the end of the day, is
really his. Antigone has her heart set on what she thinks is the right thing to do. Nothing
will change her mind. But Creon - you think he doesn’t feel the weight of his
responsibilities? Of the impossibilities of his position? He’s a good man. Trying to do his
best. And the world punishes him for that.
(pause)
Anyway.
(pause)
I talk too much.

SUSAN
(pause)
Good night then.

JAMIE
Good night. Sleep well.
(he opens the door for her)
I can’t wait to see you on stage. You’re going to be magnificent.

Susan nods, not trusting herself to say anything, and exits.

THE GREEN ROOM

The evening of the show. The half-hour mark.

 70.

Greta is alone in the green room, practising lines. She’s

dressed in her Ismene costume – a typical St. Catherine’s
costume, only with a shirt one size too small, and the skirt
hiked up a little.

GRETA
(running lines)
I’ve heard nothing since our two brothers killed each other; nothing either good or bad
since the invading army left.
Why do you speak so strangely.
Antigone, you are mad! What could I possibly do?

Greta takes a breath, and looks around. Where is

everyone? Almost guiltily, she tries out Antigone’s lines.
Just in case.

GRETA
(imitating Marilyn’s rather affected
approach)
Sweetest Ismene, my dear sister; you know how much we’ve suffered. How we have had
to live with the sins of our father Oedipus, and all that they brought –

Tamsin enters the green room, dressed in her Haemon

costume – a boy’s version of St. Cat’s - the same color
scheme and tie but with a men’s blazer and slacks, her
hair tied back in a ponytail. She stops and observes Greta.

GRETA
(not noticing)
- pain, shame and humiliation. And now – have they told you of the new decree of our
King Creon?

TAMSIN
No, tell me about it.

Greta jumps.

GRETA
Didn’t see you there.

TAMSIN
Those aren’t your lines.
 71.

GRETA
Yeah, I know.

TAMSIN
Did you smother Marilyn in her sleep and take over her role?

GRETA
No.

TAMSIN
Where is she?

GRETA
I don’t know, actually. Have you seen her?

TAMSIN
No.

Tamsin adjusts her blazer in front of a mirror. Greta

finally really looks at her.

GRETA
Oh wow.

TAMSIN
What?

GRETA
The girls are gonna go crazy over you tonight.

TAMSIN
Poor frustrated souls.

GRETA
Seriously though, you look like, really handsome.

TAMSIN
(smiling despite herself)
Thanks.

She looks Greta up and down.

GRETA
What?
 72.

Tamsin comes over to her, and hikes her skirt up even

higher.

TAMSIN
There we go.

Lily and Anna enter, dressed in their costumes – Lily as a

St. Cat’s groundskeeper, and Anna as a generic blind
soothsayer (the metaphor only extends so far) – talking a
mile-a-minute as always. They head straight to the
mirrors. Anna notices Greta.

ANNA
Oh hey you look so cute! You totally don’t look like yourself at all.

LILY
Yeah you look really pretty Greta. Like a totally different person.

GRETA
Thanks?

Anna holds up two shades of lipstick to Lily.

ANNA
What do you think? Mauve or ruby red?

LILY
Definitely ruby red.

GRETA
Aren’t you guys wearing a little too much makeup?

LILY
Um, no, we look totally hot.

GRETA
(to Lily)
You’re a palace guard
(to Anna)
And you’re a blind old prophet.

ANNA
Um just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I can’t look cute.
 73.

GRETA
No I meant you’re playing like a blind... old... man.

ANNA
What’s your point?
Oh my god, I’m so excited, Michael’s in the audience, I totally saw him when I peeked out.

LILY
Oh my god I know, there are like so many people out there.

ANNA
Aaaah, I’m nervous.

GRETA
Guys, where’s Marilyn?

Lily and Anna look at each other.

ANNA
What do you mean? She’s not here?

GRETA
(starting to panic)
...No.

Susan enters, and briskly walks over to one of the mirrors

and starts taping up a piece of paper.

SUSAN
All right, everyone. I have the final list of show cues, right here. Entrances. Exits. Props.
Costume changes, everything you need to know, please, please take a look, memorize it,
write it down on your hands, whatever you need to do. We barely finished our tech this
afternoon, had to pull a million strings to get our light and sound crew out of class.

Everyone is staring at her, dumbfounded. Susan, as

Creon, is dressed in magnificent Catholic vestments, and
has cropped her long beautiful hair short. Really short.

LILY
No way.

ANNA
Oh my god.
 74.

LILY
No. WAY.

ANNA
What have you done.

GRETA
Susan.

TAMSIN
Damn.

Susan touches her cropped head a little self-consciously.

GRETA
Wow. You... really look like Creon.

SUSAN
Thanks. Felt like I needed a change anyway.

LILY
I’m like actually gonna be legit scared of you on stage now.

SUSAN
Where’s Marilyn?

A moment.

GRETA
We don’t know.

SUSAN
What do you mean you don’t know?

GRETA
(pointing to Lily and Anna)
I thought she was with them.

ANNA
We thought she was with you.

GRETA
I haven’t seen her all day. Don’t you guys have classes together on Fridays?
 75.

LILY
She... didn’t show up?

GRETA
What?! And you didn’t say anything? You weren’t worried about her?

LILY
(jaw set)
Why should we care?

A moment.

ANNA
Look, we thought she was with you. She said she was spending the night in your room.

Greta and Tamsin look at each other

GRETA
No... No, she wasn’t with us. I offered to let her stay with us last night, but she never
showed.

SUSAN
Wait, she wasn’t in bed this morning?

ANNA
No.

GRETA
Oh my god. Oh my god, we have to look for her. What if she like, hurt herself, or
something--

SUSAN
I’m sure she’s fine.

TAMSIN
She probably spent the night with him.
(pause)
That’s what she does, right?

GRETA
No... whatever happened between her and Mr. Reed, it’s over. He ended it. And she’s
heartbroken, okay, I’ve never seen her like this before, we have to be there for her.
 76.

TAMSIN
Well, where is she then?

GRETA
Susan - we have to go look for her - I’m really worried.

SUSAN
I’m sure she’s fine.

GRETA
What makes you say that?

SUSAN
Because he said he’d talk to her this morning.

GRETA
What? Why?

SUSAN
To... smooth things over, or whatever. And when we started tech in the afternoon, he
didn’t say anything about it, so I assumed everything was fine.

A beat.

GRETA
You let him talk to her?

SUSAN
She stormed out of rehearsal yesterday, we needed to make sure she’d be okay for the
show.

GRETA
(starting to lose it)
So you let him talk to her? Alone? Why weren’t you there with them?! Why didn’t you ask
him about it, why haven’t you---

SUSAN
(harsh whisper)
Don’t raise your voice at me, there are people outside.
(also starting to get emotional)
No one has done more for this play than I have, and I’m not the one who’s causing this
mess!

TAMSIN
Guys, look, we just have to find her right now, it’s 20 minutes to 8.
 77.

ANNA
What are we gonna do if she doesn’t show? My boyfriend’s out there.

LILY
So typical. The whole world revolves around Queen Marilyn, and we just have to wait.

GRETA
This isn’t about us right now, okay, she’s gone missing! She’s MISSING! She’s
heartbroken, she’s crying, she’s not thinking clearly, who knows what she could have
done!

Marilyn and Jamie walk into the room.

Together.

Clearly, together.

Marilyn is dressed in her costume - a St. Cat’s junior

varsity tracksuit. She looks giddily happy, in love.

MARILYN
Hi everyone. Sorry I’m late. Kinda got held up.

She looks at him adoringly.

The girls stare. It’s like watching a car crash.

GRETA
What... is going on.
What are you...
I thought this was over.

MARILYN
(beaming)
We made up.

GRETA
You... made up?

SUSAN
What.
What is this.
 78.

JAMIE
Right, girls, um, all right, gather round.
(They stay where they are. Staring.)
I understand, it might be a little strange, at first. But... we all know now. So what’s the
point in pretending otherwise? We’re all grown-ups here. And I trust you have your
priorities straight.

TAMSIN
What does that mean?

JAMIE
It just means that it’s the opening night of our show, and we should be focusing our
energies on what’s important.

GRETA
You made up?
How can you--- make up--- I mean what is this, what’s going on? What are you doing with
her?

MARILYN
Um, that’s a weird way to put it.
You look so cute, by the way.

JAMIE
Yes, you all look quite splendid.
(to Susan)
Love it. Love the whole look.

GRETA
What are you doing with her?

JAMIE
Greta, dear, look. Sometimes relationships develop over the course of a production. I’ve
done hundreds of plays in my career, and it happens all the time. But the important thing is,
you don’t let it get in the way of work.

GRETA
Is that what this is? Is this a relationship?

JAMIE
Yes.

GRETA
What kind? Are you like, boyfriend-girlfriend?
 79.

JAMIE
(a tiny beat)
We have the relationship that a man and a woman have.

GRETA
What the fuck does that mean?

SUSAN
(alarmed)
Shh!

GRETA
(helpless, pleading)
Susan.

MARILYN
Greta, just get over it already. If you really cared about me, you wouldn’t be making such a
big deal about this. We’re together, okay. And we’re very happy.

Greta is speechless, looks around for someone to say

something, back her up, but no one does.

JAMIE
It would be nice, wouldn’t it, if we had the luxury of choosing who we were drawn to, but
we don’t. You’ll realize that one day.
(pause)
I only have one thing to say. After tonight, after we put on an amazing show, we’re just
going to keep getting bigger and better. We’re going to get more money, more time, more
everything. And you girls are going to be the stars. We’re starting something wonderful for
a whole new generation of girls at this school. Tonight is when it begins.
Susan, did you give them the cues?

SUSAN
(startled)
Yes

JAMIE
Good. Great.
(he looks at his watch)
Ten minutes. I’m heading to the booth now.
Any questions?
(a beat. He opens the stage door a crack and
peers out, through the wing)
 80.

The first two rows are full of nuns and priests. I feel like there’s a joke in there somewhere.
Break legs everyone. You’re going to be great. I have no doubt.

He leaves, after one last affectionate gesture with Marilyn.

A moment.

MARILYN
Ooh, Anna, can I borrow that lipstick?

Anna wordlessly hands it over to her.

SUSAN
All right everyone nine minutes.

A moment.

TAMSIN
You know, when my folks decided to send me to Catholic school...
(everyone turns towards her, waiting)
...yeah, this was pretty much exactly what I was expecting.

GRETA
(to Marilyn)
What are you doing?

MARILYN
(duh)
I’m putting on my makeup.
Do you think I should draw like, bags under my eyes? That’ll make me look intense. Like,
haunted.

GRETA
You made up?

LILY
(to Greta: let it go)
Dude, whatever.

GRETA
No. No! Not whatever.
Susan.
 81.

SUSAN
What?

GRETA
DO something!

SUSAN
What do you want me to do?

GRETA
I don’t know--- but we can’t just---
Guys---
(to Marilyn)
Do you not see how creepy it is that you made up like you’re like a regular couple

MARILYN
We are a regular couple. We have fights, we make up, that’s what couples do.

GRETA
He’s an old man and you don’t even have your driver’s license yet!

MARILYN
Look, I know it’s an unconventional relationship, but is it too much to hope that my best
friend would be there for me? Because this is not going to be easy for us.

GRETA
There’s a reason for that! It’s because it’s perverted and wrong and gross and so illegal! So
so so so VERY illegal does no one get this?!

SUSAN
Quiet, please.

GRETA
Stop telling me to be quiet, that’s been my mistake this whole time.

MARILYN
It’s not.

GRETA
What?

MARILYN
Illegal. I’m over 16. It’s legal in this state.

GRETA
You looked it up?
 82.

MARILYN
Of course I looked it up, you think I’m an idiot?

TAMSIN
(easily)
Yeah, you are.

MARILYN
Who asked you?

TAMSIN
Just calling a spade a spade, you’re like one of the biggest idiots I’ve ever met. It’s always
illegal when it’s a teacher, you featherbrained twit.

MARILYN
You’re making that up.

TAMSIN
Think about it.

SUSAN
Girls, now is not the time.

GRETA
When is the time, Susan? Do you think this is right?

SUSAN
(pause, with difficulty)
Of course not. Of course it’s not right.

Marilyn scoffs.

SUSAN
But we can’t do anything right now, we have a show, and we have to go over our cues.

GRETA
I can’t do the show.

SUSAN
What?

GRETA
I’m not going out there.

SUSAN
What are you- Greta- just calm down for a second-
 83.

GRETA
I’m not going to follow his blocking, say the lines like he wants me to, do this play that he
chose for us, so that the people out there think he’s a good director and a decent man, no, I
won’t do it.

A moment.

TAMSIN
Are you serious?

MARILYN
Wow, Greta. You’re really just gonna ruin this for all of us? Like two minutes before the
show? You can’t just throw away all the work we’ve done just because you’re having a
tantrum right now.

GRETA
I’m not going out there. I can’t.

SUSAN
(trying to be patient)
Why not?

GRETA
I can’t. I can’t I can’t do this. I can’t condone what he’s doing to us. To her.

SUSAN
(slowly)
Okay. But what do you think bailing on the play is going to prove? What is it going to do
except ruin this very important moment for us?

GRETA
I don’t know but it’s gonna mean something. It means we actually took a stand.

SUSAN
We?

GRETA
Let’s not do the play.
Guys. Please.
Let’s not give him the satisfaction.
 84.

MARILYN
(rolling her eyes)
Oh my god.

SUSAN
Look, that’s not going to happen.

GRETA
I can’t do this.
He ended it with her yesterday, and today, let me guess, she tells him that she’s not going
to do the play, like she threatened to, and the moment she says it, suddenly he’s ready to
kiss and make up.

MARILYN
That is not how that happened.

GRETA
I can’t trust you anymore Marilyn. I can’t trust you to do the right thing, so if I have to
blow up this play and Drama Club to save you then I’m going to do it. Because I’ll bet a
million dollars if we don’t do the play tonight, whatever relationship you have with him is
over for good.

MARILYN
You don’t know what you’re talking about.

SUSAN
Greta, I get how you’re feeling, but there’s a better way to do this.
Let’s just get through this weekend. We stick together, okay? We put on a great show. We
bring Drama Club back to St. Cat’s. And I promise you, the first thing next week, I’ll fix
this. In a discrete way, so that we don’t get in trouble.

GRETA
It’s too late for that. What are you gonna do? Get him to resign with some bullshit excuse,
so that he can go somewhere else and do this all over again?

SUSAN
He hasn’t done this before.

GRETA
How do you know that?

SUSAN
Fine, I guess I can’t know for sure.
(exploding)
 85.

Do you think, for one second, I would have let him within a hundred feet of this place if
I’d even had the slightest suspicion?

GRETA
(chastened)
No, I just-

TAMSIN
Bullshit. You liked him. Just like she did. Like we all did. And of course you suspected it.
But you looked the other way. You know what, screw this.
(pause)
I’m not doing the play.

Exclamations from the other girls.

ANNA
Seriously guys, my boyfriend’s out there.

LILY
Will you shut up about your boyfriend for like a second.

ANNA
Excuse me.

LILY
Just like for a second, okay, we get it, you’re dating someone, woohoo. Congratulations on
having like the only normal love life in this room.

GRETA
Lily, Anna. Let’s not do the play. Are you with us?

ANNA
No. I wanna go on stage. Otherwise all of this has been for nothing.

LILY
(struggling)
Dude, I---
Yeah, this is like---
(frustrated)
Marilyn this is not cool. This is really not cool.

MARILYN
Why is it bothering everyone so much? It’s my life, isn’t it?
 86.

LILY
What is your plan? Like seriously. Are you gonna keep seeing him and just expect all of us
to keep this huge secret for you?

MARILYN
Why not? That’s all we do here. We break the rules a million times a day and we don’t
snitch. We all have a million secrets, so I don’t see what’s so bad about this one.

LILY
This isn’t like breaking curfew or sneaking cigarettes or whatever.

GRETA
She’s not listening to us. There’s only one thing we can do.

MARILYN
Are you threatening me?

GRETA
I guess I am.

MARILYN
Then consider our friendship officially over.

Greta looks to Lily and Anna.

Lily takes a step towards Greta.

LILY
I’m not doing the play.

MARILYN
Are you frickin kidding me?!
Susan, talk some sense into them!

Susan looks exhausted.

SUSAN
I just wanted to do something... good. For the school. In my senior year.
Just like, make a change, before I left.

A music cue is heard.

SUSAN
That’s the first cue - the show cue. We’re starting.

They all look at each other. What’s going to happen?

 87.

MARILYN
You really think you guys have the guts to go through with this? That you’ll just leave me
out there on stage by myself? I don’t think so.

The familiar opening scene cue is played.

MARILYN
That’s us, come on.

Greta doesn’t move.

MARILYN
Come on.

GRETA
No.

MARILYN
I’m going out there.
(pause)
I really am.

The scene cue is played again.

MARILYN
Shit. Come on.

GRETA
He might love you. But that doesn’t matter. You deserve to be loved by someone good.
And he’s not a good man.

Marilyn stares at her.

The sound cue is played for the third time.

Greta doesn’t move. Marilyn calls her bluff, and stumbles

on to stage.

Silence.

The girls wait with bated breath in the green room.

We hear Marilyn begin the play.

 88.

MARILYN (OFF)
(as Antigone)
Sweetest Ismene, my dear sister...

TAMSIN
Oh, crap.

ANNA
Oh my god, she started the play, just go.

LILY
Greta, just go. Just go.

MARILYN (OFF)
Ismene. Ismene!

Greta is terrified. She half gets up.

SUSAN
No.
(pause)
We can’t go out there.

It’s decided. A long silence stretches.

Footsteps.

Marilyn suddenly tumbles back into the green room. Wild,

and furious.

We hear confused and scattered applause from the

audience. Was that a scene?

MARILYN
I. HATE. ALL. OF. YOU.
YOU GUYS ARE THE WORST FRICKIN FRIENDS.
You’re sanctimonius, prudish, little... hypocrites! You’re little children. So immature you
don’t even get what’s going on here. YOU’VE RUINED MY LIFE.
Oh my god you’re all so STUPID. SO STUPID.
You think this changes anything? Do you think this matters at all? I’m not going to stop
seeing Jamie. I’m going to spend every spare minute with him. We’re gonna move in
together. He’s gonna propose the day I graduate. And it’s gonna be frickin beautiful. And
then we’re gonna go to Europe and travel around and when we get back we’re going to get
frickin married. And none of you are invited to the wedding!
 89.

A moment, as she takes in everyone’s faces, and the

ridiculousness of the situation...

She starts to cry.

Greta goes up to her and hugs her. Marilyn clings on to

her and keeps crying.

We hear over the God Mic, Jamie speaking from the booth-

JAMIE
Uh - terribly sorry - we seem to be experiencing some technical difficulties --- if you’d
spare us just a few minutes ---

The girls look at each other.

We hear footsteps coming closer.

Jamie bursts in.

The girls look at him, terrified but defiant. Marilyn is still

crying, but stays with Greta.

Jamie and the girls stare at each other.

It’s done. There’s no going back now.

Lights.

End of play.