The Monster in The Mirror

The Monster in the Mirror
___________________________
A musical
Written by Terrance Tan

Music by Michelle Ler
Lyrics by Cheryl Chitty Tan
Produced by Tan Rui Shan, Tanya Ang
Written in residency under Gateway Theatre with

Samantha Scott-Blackhall
Draft 17
31 Dec 2020
Copyright All Rights Reserved
Bitesize Theatre Productions
Bitesizetheatreproductions@gmail.com
ii.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
JANE: A 16 year old secondary school girl
MONSTER: Jane's inner voice come to life
AARON: A 16 year old secondary school boy
HALEY: Aaron's ex
TECK: Best friend of Jane
MOM: Jane's Mom
FAIRY GOD-DELIVERY BENG: Magical

Being
1 SCENE 1: INT. SCHOOL CANTEEN BENCHES DAY - CANTEEN FIGHT 1
A school canteen.
Intro credits roll.
JANE is scrolling on social media, looking at HAYLEY’s

perfect life in her photos. Hayley’s boyfriend, AARON, is
featured in many of Hayley’s photos.
VOICE
(V.O.)
She looks so good. How does she
look like that. Of course, she's
rich. And popular. She looks so
happy with Aaron. Stop scrolling.
I should go study. Why can’t I be
born rich like her. I should stop
thinking like that. Stop
scrolling. I'm never going to have
that. Who wants to be with me. I'm
going to be alone forever. Stop
scrolling. I’m tired, I want to go
home...
Intro credits end.
Jane bumps into Aaron.
AARON
Oops sorry, I’m so sorry. Are you
okay?
JANE
(stricken)
Oh, it’s you.
AARON
You okay? Sorry, did I hit you in
the head or something?
VOICE
Did Aaron just ... hit on me?
JANE
You didn’t hit me on my head, but
I think you just hit on me.
AARON
(chuckling)
Er...
VOICE
Did I just flirt with him?
Hayley’s his girlfriend!
Page 2
JANE
Tsk, tsk, you got a girlfriend,
you know?
AARON
Yes... yes, I do.
Jane sees a pair of students looking at her and

whispering to each other.
VOICE
Did they hear what I said?
AARON
Right. Anyway, you’re in 4E right?
VOICE
Yes, the worst class.
AARON
I can’t believe I never said hi to
you before. I’m Aaron.
JANE
I know.
VOICE
That was really creepy.
AARON
... And you are?
VOICE
Don’t be creepy, don’t be creepy,
don’t be creepy.
JANE
I’m creepy - Argh - I’m Jane.
Hayley sees Jane and Aaron talking and walks over.
AARON
Cool, nice to finally meet ya,
Jane.
HAYLEY
Hey babe.
AARON
Hey Hayley. (To Jane) Right, I’ll
see you around, okay?
Aaron leaves. Hayley eyes Jane suspiciously before

leaving for the other table. TECK, Jane’s friend, walks
to Jane.
Page 3
VOICE
Why is Hayley looking at me like
that?
TECK
I can’t believe you just talked to
Aaron! What did you say?
JANE
Nothing much, just said hi.
Cracked a stupid joke.
TECK
Wait, were you flirting with him?
JANE
What, no!
They sit at a table, books open.
TECK
You better not let Hayley see you
talking to him. She got 30k
followers and she thinks she’s
better than everyone already. Got
brands sponsor so what, I mean ...
Teck keeps talking but the sound of his voice fades out.
Jane is in her own world.
VOICE
(oppressive)
I shouldn’t have said that, I
shouldn’t have said that. Are they
talking about me? He’s going to
tell Hayley what I said and she’s
going to think I’m an idiot. And
then she’ll tell her whole class.
And then they will tell the whole
school. I should have just shut
up. I want to go home. I want to
be alone -
TECK
Oi! You listening? Your brain in
outer space is it?
JANE
(Alien noises)
TECK
(laughing)
You damn weird.
Aaron leaves to get some food.

Page 4
TECK
Yeah, anyway as I was saying. This
whole influencer thing is so
boliao really.
JANE
I heard that brands are paying her
like $300 for every post.
TECK
(shrugging)
Eh.
JANE
And when you say things, people
actually listen.
TECK
All she does is just throw shade
at people. And really she’s just
using her body to sell makeup.
Even you can do that.
VOICE
What’s that supposed to mean?
TECK
Okay, okay, come. Give me your
best influencer pose.
JANE
What? No lah. We need to study.
Teck grabs Jane’s phone and holds it up at her.
JANE
Oi.
TECK
Come on!
JANE
Don’t want la. My chin so fat.
TECK
I think you’re actually quite
photogenic leh.
VOICE
You’re going to make yourself look
stupid.
Jane makes a funny face. Teck laughs.
Jane does another funny face, Teck laughs again.
Jane does Naruto hand signs for “Chidori”.

Page 5
JANE
Chidori! Naruto!
TECK
Sasuke!
JANE
Naruto!
TECK
Sasuke! No la, serious one. Come
on.
Jane looks around to check that no one is watching. Jane

tries.
TECK
See, not bad what. Try another
angle.
JANE
Don’t post anywhere ah.
Jane tries to replicate one of Hayley’s influencer poses.
Jane turns around and knocks into Hayley. They both drop
their phones.
HAYLEY
Excuse you.
VOICE
Hayley? Hayley saw me doing that.
She’s gonna think I’m mocking her.
Jane notices two students looking at her.
They both pick up each other’s phones.
HAYLEY
That’s mine.
JANE
Wow, it’s the new iphone 13 Pro
Max.
Jane hands Hayley back her phone.
HAYLEY
There’s a scratch on it.
JANE
I’m so, so sorry. How much is it?
I’ll pay you back.
HAYLEY
Forget it, you can’t afford it
anyway.
Page 6
VOICE
She definitely hates you.
Hayley sees the photos on Jane’s phone and starts

scrolling through them.
JANE
Er... my phone.
HAYLEY
(laughing)
Oh my god, you’re a weeb… That’s
so cute...
Hayley shows the phone to everyone.
HAYLEY
Don’t you think she looks so
adorable?
JANE
Give it back.
Hayley notices a photo of a drawing of Jane’s mom.
HAYLEY
Wait - what’s this? Did you draw
this? Why did you draw a beer
auntie? Who’s that? Your mom?
TECK
What’s wrong with that?
HAYLEY
No it’s good, very life-like.
She’s looks like the type all the
old uncles like.
Several students snicker. One starts to film.
JANE
At least, I’m not using my body to
sell makeup.
HAYLEY
What did you just say?
VOICE
I shouldn’t have said that.
HAYLEY
You know you should really get a
screen protector.
JANE
What?
Page 7
HAYLEY
Your screen can crack very easily
without one.
JANE
(pleading)
Just give it back, please.
HAYLEY
It must be very precious to you.
Your mother probably had to serve
alot of beers for this piece of
crap.
Hayley hands the phone to Jane but drops it “by accident”

and Jane’s phone’s screen shatters.
HAYLEY
Oops.
Jane pushes Hayley. They tussle and fall to the floor.
Hayley quickly gains the upper hand. Teck does nothing,

frozen in fear.
Aaron returns with a tray of food.
AARON
Hey, hey stop that! Get off her!
Aaron separates them.
AARON
(to Hayley)
Are you okay?
HAYLEY
(to Jane)
Who do you think you are? Don’t
you dare come near me or Aaron
ever again.
Hayley storms off.
AARON
(to Jane)
I’m so sorry about this.
Aaron follows Hayley and leaves the canteen.
Jane grabs her phone and Teck picks Jane up.
TECK
Are you okay? Oh my god, your
phone got smashed.
Page 8
VOICE
Everyone saw that. Everyone. Saw.
That.
TECK
Are you okay?
JANE
No, I’m fine. I’m absolutely fine.
Jane runs out from the canteen.
Jane walks home alone.
SONG: Someone Who Isn’t Me
Verse 1
JANE
(sung)
How can anybody wake up every day
Look at themself and think that
they’re okay
How can they breathe as if it’s
easy
I don’t even know why I exist
I see a door, it slams into my

face
A window opens in some other place
I feel the walls close in around
me
If I disappeared would I be missed
Prechorus 1
Just for a day

Just for a moment
Why must I stay?
Why can’t I find an open door?
Chorus 1
Just give me a pale blue horizon
Not this never ending storm inside
my mind
Fly out of the dark into sunrise
Where the voices stop and somehow
I could be
Someone who isn’t me
A deliveryman on a scooter whizzes past Jane, almost

knocking her down.
Verse 2
Page 9
Someone who knows exactly how to

be
The kind of person everybody sees
The kind who chooses every word
And if she talked you know she
would be heard
Silhouettes of people walk past her. Jane is lost and

searching for her place.
Prechorus 2
And on that day

Right in that moement
He would have stayed
He wouldn’t walk out our door
Chorus 2
my mind
Fly out of the dark into sunrise
Where the voices stop and somehow
I could be
AARON AND TECK

MOTHER AND HAYLEY

Chorus 3
JANE, MONSTER, AARON, TECK,

MOTHER, HAYLEY
Can someone tell me how to be

Does anyone know if I’ll ever be
free
Does anyone see
Can I be someone who isn’t me?
A mysterious silhouette behind Jane.
SCENE 2: INT. JANE’S BEDROOM NIGHT - SINGLE PARENT FAMILY
Jane’s living room. Jane’s MOM, in beer auntie clothes,

brings out food and sets it on the table. A small drawn
portrait of Jane’s mom set on the table.
Page 10
Jane’s bedroom is small and furnished with cheap

furniture. Several of her own anime drawings are hung on
the walls.
Jane sits on the floor next to the mirror. She draws a

self portrait in copic markers.
Her phone with a shattered screen next to her pings.

She’s tagged in a facebook post.
Jane opens the post: it’s a video of her fighting with

Hayley. Jane turns off the phone.
Jane looks at herself in the mirror, a bruise on her

face. She returns to the drawing of herself and adds a
bruise in the same spot. She makes it bigger and bigger
and then scribbles the face out.
MOM
Jane! Jane? Dinner’s ready.
Jane starts for the door, but catches herself in the

mirror.
JANE
I’m not hungry ma.
MOM
(glancing at the
clock)
Quick la, I need to go back work
at Kopitiam. Food’s getting cold,
come and eat.
JANE
I don’t want, I ate already.
Mom tries to open the door. It’s locked.
MOM
Why you always lock the door one?
Come out.
JANE
I said I not hungry ma. Can you
just go away?
Beat.
MOM
I got a call from Mrs. Tan this
afternoon. You got into a fight?
VOICE
Don’t say anything. She’s not
going to understand.
Page 11
MOM
You know I keep calling you all
day. Why you never pick up? You
think the Kopitiam so xian lang
(”relaxed”) don’t have to work is
it?
VOICE
There we go again.
Jane stays silent.
MOM
Girl? Girl ah, I asking you a
question.
JANE
It got smashed.
MOM
Your phone got smashed? What
happened!?
No reply.
MOM
You know everyday I work until 2am
at the coffeeshop to buy you nice
things, but you don’t know how to
cherish them?
VOICE
She doesn’t buy me anything.
MOM
I tell you, you better stop all
this nonsense, okay. Why can’t you
just study properly instead of
fighting, then your grades won’t
be so lousy -
JANE
Ma! Your daughter just got into a
fight -
JANE AND VOICE

- and all you care about is that
stupid phone and my stupid grades!
MOM
Then just stop fighting and study!
Don’t so useless can? You next
time also want to become a beer
auntie is it?
JANE
Ya la, ya la. I’m going to be a
beer auntie la. You happy?
Page 12
MOM
What did you say? Hah? You talk
back to me ah? Come. You open the
door, come out.
VOICE
I hate her, I hate her.
JANE
Ma can we not do this today -
MOM
I’m not telling you again. You
better open the door.
VOICE
I hate her so much.
JANE
No, Can you just leave me alone -
VOICE MOM
I can’t stand her, why do I I’m your Ma and you always
have to have someone like like to talk back to me.
her for a mother. You know how hard is it or
not? You think your good
for nothing Pa -
JANE
I said just shut up and leave me
alone!
Pause.
MOM
I’m going back to the Kopitiam.
You better eat the food before
it’s cold.
Song: Chorus reprise of Someone Who Isn’t Me
JANE
(sung)
my mind...
3 SCENE 3: FAIRY GOD DELIVERY BENG AND THE MAGIC MIRROR 3
VOICE
I want macs. I want to stuff my
fat ugly face.
Jane picks up her handphone and orders food delivery.

Page 13
VOICE
Double cheeseburger with large
fries, coke and ice cream - no,
two ice cream.
Jane collapses onto the bed and covers her head with her
pillow.
Her phone dings. “Your delivery has arrived”
A hand pokes Jane. Jane ignores it.
The hand pokes Jane again. Jane swats it away.
The hand shakes Jane’s shoulder. Jane takes the pillow

away -
JANE
What?
Fairy God Delivery Beng is on an E-Scooter looking down

at her.
FAIRY GOD DELIVERY BENG

Jin sui (”Very handsome”), Jin ho
(”very good”), lim peh (”your
father”) XOXO mm zhi mm zhi FIVE
star Fairy God-Delivery -
JANE
AHHH!
FAIRY GOD DELIVERY-BENG

Eh paiseh, paiseh (”embarrassed”).
Scare you like that, but hor, let
me properly intro myself properly.
Ehem... Jin sui, Jin ho, jin -
JANE
Who are you!

I’m trying to tell you but you
keep interrupting my intro can?
JANE
Why are you riding that thing in
my room!?
Fairy God Delivery Beng rides around the room on the e-

scooter.

Don’t worry! This PMD is
completely legal. UL2272-certified
Gahmen approved one. I only ride
on cycling paths.
Page 14
I don’t ride on pavements, long

kangs or on top of the walkway
shelter.
JANE
You’re riding in my room!

Not illegal what.
JANE
Okay, I don’t care about the PMD.
Who are you?

Who am I? Who am I? Wah, ho seh
liao (”very good”). Get ready to
have your mind blown. Wo ka li
kong (”Let me tell you”) who Lim
peh is. But lim peh don’t just say
one, lim peh is going to tell you
who lim peh is ... through song.
Getai Babes enter. FGDB pulls takes off his windbreaker

to reveal - a sequined windbreaker.
Song: Fairy God Delivery Beng

(sung)
VERSE
If you Sibei sian (”very
depressed”),
Heng, I am your man.
Anything you suka (”as you like”)
also can
GETAI BABES
He also can, can.

No job is too small,
GETAI BABES
Small!

You must faster call
GETAI BABES
Call!
Page 15

Fairy God Delivery Beng
If you fewling low,

Look around you and You’ll know
Mountain fire desert bo pun tui
(”No problem”).
GETAI BABES
Bo Pun Tui!

All also can cross.
GETAI BABES
Cross!

Why? Because I boss.
GETAI BABES
Boss!

Fairy God Delivery Beng
CHORUS
Wah si jin ho,
Wah si jin sui,
Wah si mm zhi mm zhi eh towkay.
Li ai si mi mi kia wa ma si eh hor
li (”Whatever you like I can
bring”).
GETAI BABES
Eh, eh hor li!

(spoken)
For all the aunties and uncles in
the house, I know you think this
song damn shiok. But for all you
zoomers who think this song too
old school, and not lit or dank
enough, let me tell you who Lim
peh is through EDM. Drop the beat.
Fairy God-Delivery beng dances to EDM.

Every day always five star,
Yishun also not too far.
Passion like one big big flame,
Confirm life don’t stay the same.
Rain or shine or moonsoon time,

Dengue also never mind.
What you need?
Page 16
I can bring
But maintain social distancing.
Dragon see me also scared.

Lion King, eh Be prepared.
Fighting demons in and out.
Jinjia (”truly”) Woke and Jinjia
Proud
People laugh me I won’t hide,

I know who I am inside.
Now your turn you want to see?
Come aboard my PMD!
CHORUS
Wah si jin ho,
Wah si jin sui,
Wah si mm zhi mm zhi eh towkay.
Li ai sia mi mi kia wa ma si eh
hor li!

Thank you, thank you. You can come
hear me sing every Wednesday at
Parklane Mall Crystal Phoenix
Dynasty KTV and Club. If cannot
come because of Covid, you can
also find my EP on Bandcamp,
Soundcloud or Spotify.
JANE
Who are you!?

Oi! I just sang you a whole song!
Got dancing some more!
GETAI BABE #1
Wah lao, waste my time.
GETAI BABES #2
(to FGDB)
Hungry ghost festival coming up
leh.
FAIRY GOD DELIVERY-MAN

Paiseh ah, paiseh.
The Getai Babes leave

(recovering)
I am the Fairy God Delivery Beng.
Or FGDB for short. I got magic
powers, can help you help yourself
solve your problems. Want not?
Page 17
JANE
I think no.
Beat.

(with hurt feelings)
Orh. Okay lor. Never mind. Let me
go get your macs and you can eat
by yourself. And if you want to
turn your ice cream into sea-salt
ice cream, you can just cry into
it.
Fairy God Delivery Beng exits with the e-scooter, then re-
enters.

All by yourself.
Fairy God Delivery Beng exits, then re-enters.

Damn emo.
Fairy God Delivery Beng enters from the other side.

All alone and ji tao (”straight
away”) sian.
JANE
Okay fine, fine! What do you want?

(measured and
understandable)
I don't want anything, and I can
help you. But I cannot help you
unless you help yourself. The
problem is that you yourself think
yourself is not the problem. So to
help yourself to realize how you
treat yourself is the problem, I
will give you a magic mirror so
that you can see for yourself what
is your problem. Tio bo? ("Is that
right?")
JANE
Bo tio. Slower please.

(very fast)
I cannot help you unless you help
yourself. The problem is that you
yourself think yourself is not the
problem.
Page 18
So to help yourself to realize how

you treat yourself is the problem,
I will give you a magic mirror so
that you can see for yourself what
is your problem. Tio bo?
JANE
No.

Neh mind. You will understand in
time.
FGDB Casts the spell on Jane’s mirror.

Maaaaagic Mirrorr!
JANE
Wait, what?

Ah, thank you, thank you! Please
remember to rate me five stars on
the delivery app, and don’t
forget, if you need help, Fairy
God Delivery Beng will always
deliver. XO XO Five-Star Fairy God
Delivery Beng.
Fairy God Delivery Beng vanishes mysteriously.
JANE
I don’t understand what is this
thing! And where’s my food? I paid
for that.
Jane picks up her phone.
JANE
Delivery man left without giving
me my food. One Star. Ughh -
4 SCENE 4: MEETING THE MONSTER 4
JANE AND VOICE

(voice coming from
the mirror)
- I want my Macs.
JANE
Hello? Hello. Who’s there?
Jane walks towards the mirror. The MONSTER appears,

mirroring Jane’s movements.
Page 19
JANE
What the...
Jane studies the face in the mirror and slowly recognises

the Monster.
Jane picks up the drawing and holds it up to the Mirror.

The person in the mirror is the same as what she drew.
Jane and the monster put a hand on the mirror.
The monster grabs Jane’s hand.
JANE
Ahhhh! Let go, oh my god, let go.
Jane pulls back and the monster partially comes out of

the mirror. Jane yanks her arm out and pushes the monster
back into the mirror.
Jane heads for the door.
MONSTER
Wait! No, no, no don’t go out,
it’s dangerous!
JANE
(pausing)
What? What’s out there?
MONSTER
It’s dangerous out there.
Something will go wrong if you go
outside.
JANE
What... What’s going to happen?
And why - why do you look like my
drawing.
MONSTER
(realising)
Jane. I can see you, Jane.
JANE
Stop looking at me like that.
MONSTER
Why am I not inside you?
The monster tries to pass through the mirror. But she

can’t.
MONSTER
I can’t pass through.
The monster tries again.

Page 20
MONSTER
Wait, you almost pulled me out
just now. Can you pull me out?
JANE
No! You’re a... You’re a monster.
MONSTER
I’m a - what? I’m not a monster.
Monster studies herself.
JANE
Look at you. You are! I mean this
is part of the horror movie where
the stupid girl opens the
obviously creepy door and gets
eaten.
MONSTER
I’m not going to eat you.
JANE
That’s what they all say.
MONSTER
I’m not going to eat you, because
I am you.
JANE
What?
MONSTER
I'm you. You remember when we
stayed back in class during recess
even though we’re hungry? We
didn’t want people to see us
eating alone. Remember when we
went home just to watch anime
because we had no one else to hang
out with? Remember all the times
we stayed in our room because we
didn’t want Ma to scold us? I was
there when no one else was. No one
else really understands you. Not
even Teck.
JANE
Yeah.
MONSTER
But I do.
Jane starts to approach the mirror.
MONSTER
Stay here with me. Just stay here
with me and we can watch anime.
Page 21
It’s really sucks outside this

room; everyone can hurt you or
leave you, but I won’t. I won’t
hurt you.
Jane touches the mirror. The monster touches her hand and
walks through the mirror.
MONSTER
I just want to stay here.
JANE
(entranced)
I just want to stay here.
Jane and monster’s movements are mirrored.
MONSTER
I don’t want to talk to anyone.
JANE
I don’t want to talk to anyone.
MONSTER
I don’t want to leave this room.
JANE
I don’t want to leave - (snapping
out of it) Wait. Why am I talking
like this? I can’t just stay in
this room all the time.
MONSTER
You have to! It’s really really
dangerous outside.
JANE
What, why? What’s out there?
MONSTER
Hayley. Hayley’s out to get us,
she wants everyone to think that
we’re worthless, and pathetic and -
JANE
I think I can handle Hayley. I
shouldn’t just stay here because -
MONSTER
Our classmates think we’re weird,
just sitting in the back and
drawing on the table all day -
JANE
They don’t all think I’m weird. Do
they all think -
Page 22
MONSTER
Yeah. Even Teck, even your only
friend doesn’t really like you,
he’s just -
JANE
Teck’s my friend! He doesn’t think
that -
MONSTER
(increasingly
neurotic)
Your teachers all think you’re
stupid and gave up on you. Your
mother thinks you’re lazy and good
for nothing. There’s no point
going to school, there’s no point
trying -
JANE
Wait. I know you. You’re the voice
in my head. Why do you keep making
me feel so bad?
MONSTER
I’m protecting you.
JANE
No, you’re just torturing me.
MONSTER
I’m trying to help you -
JANE
This is really confusing. I’m
tired // and angry...
MONSTER
// There’s no point, you’re just
going to fail // so don’t even try
and just stay here
JANE
// Shut up, shut up, stop saying
that! Oh my god, you’re freak. Is
this who I am? I can’t deal with
you -
Jane moves to the door. Monster follows her and grabs

her.
MONSTER JANE
No, no, don’t go, don’t go! Get off me! Let go - LET
I need to be with you. Stay GO!
with me, don’t leave me.
Jane pushes Monster away.

Page 23
JANE
Stop following me!
Jane runs out of the house and runs to -
5 SCENE 5: EXT. PLAYGROUND SWING - MIDNIGHT TALKS 5
- the playground a few blocks from her. She stops and

pants.
She catches her breath and notices Aaron sitting alone on

the swing. He looked like he was crying.
JANE
Aaron?
AARON
Jane?
JANE
What are you doing here? Are you
okay?
AARON
Yeah, I’m okay. (seeing Jane’s
bruise) Woah... your face.
Jane tries to cover the bruise.
AARON
It looks quite bad...
JANE
It’s fine really.
AARON
Are you sure? Let me see.
JANE
No, its...
Aaron moves in close and tries to move Jane’s hands away.

Jane lets him.
Jane’s heart pounds at being so close.
JANE
(changing the
subject)
I never knew you stayed here.
AARON
Well, yesterday’s was my first
time talking to you.
Page 24
JANE
You’re right... Why are you out so
late?
AARON
(lying)
I’m just ... I was hungry, so I
came out for ice cream.
JANE
At midnight?
AARON
Mmhmm. You?
JANE
Well ... I’m running away from the
voice in my head who came to life
through a Magic Mirror which was
given to me by a Fairy God-
Delivery Beng. (Realizing what she
said) Argh.
AARON
Yeah, yeah. I was lying too.
JANE
Oh, haha. Gotcha.
Beat.
Jane listens.
AARON
What’s wrong?
JANE
Normally, I’d say something stupid
by now and that voice in my head
will - nevermind it’s nothing.
It’s just quiet.
AARON
I don’t think it was stupid. I
thought that was pretty funny.
JANE
You thought it’s funny?
AARON
Yeah. Every time you open your
mouth, something crazy comes out.
I wonder what goes on in that head
of yours.
JANE
Oh, you don’t want to know.
Page 25
AARON
“Magic mirror”...“You didn’t hit
me on my head, but I think you
just hit on me.”
JANE
... And your girlfriend actually
hit me!
They laugh.
AARON
You’re hilarious. Ice cream?
Aaron offers some icecream and Jane eats it.
JANE
Thank you. Sorry, I punched your
girlfriend.
AARON
You punched my ex.
JANE
Ex?
AARON
Yeah. We broke up. Hence the sad
midnight stroll.
JANE
Oh. Sorry about that.
AARON
That’s alright.
JANE
Can I ask you something about
Hayley?
AARON
Yeah, sure.
JANE
Hayley is ... not the nicest
person. Why do you make her look
like she is.
AARON
My photos?
JANE
Yeah, they’re fake.
AARON
I can’t change someone like her,
but I can change how people look
at her.
Page 26
What they think of her, make

people like her. And that’s real.
JANE
Did it work? For both of you.
AARON
Yeah, for awhile it did.
But hey, you don’t have to worry

about how people think of you. You
just get to be yourself. I envy
that.
Pause.
I sometimes wish my girlfriend’s

like you.
JANE
You wish I was your girlfriend?
AARON
Oh, no! I mean I wish - the - a
girlfriend - // was like you.
JANE
// You wish - oh right. I thought
you said that you want me -
JANE AARON
- to be your girlfriend. No yeah, I - that must have
Because that’s crazy. Why sounded like it said I want
would you want me to be you to be my girlfriend.
your girlfriend. I’m Not that’s a bad thing -
nobody. No, no of course I it’s just its a slip of the
didn’t think it that way. tongue - I’m don’t mean it
that way.
Beat.
They both burst out giggling. Jane passes the ice cream
back to Aaron.
JANE
Ice cream?
AARON
Thank you.
They both eat in silence.
SONG: JUST BREATHE
Jane hums.
Page 27
JANE
(sung)
I can’t believe it.
Nothing’s in my mind,
No awful feelings.
AARON
(sung)
Hey, me too.
JANE
It’s weirdly easy.
AARON
At the risk of sounding cheesy,
I feel you.
Jane and Aaron hum.
AARON
Me and you outta nowhere
JANE
Like you do, kinda glad there’s
AARON
No one else kinda glad we
BOTH
Found each other.
AARON
Well, tonight is full of twists.
JANE
I was not expecting this.
AARON
I was not expecting this.
BOTH
I was not expecting you
Me and you,
chilling out here.
Like you do,
kinda glad there’s
No one else,
kinda glad we
Found each other.
Me and you,
maybe could be
Something new,
maybe should be
Something cool,
kinda glad we
Page 28
Found each other tonight
La la la la la la la la la la la
JANE
(spoken)
Do you wanna hang out something
after school next week?
AARON
Maybe. But, not in school.
JANE
Why not in school?
AARON
If we’re seen hanging out in
school, we’re going to get
attacked.
JANE
Attacked? By who?
AARON
People in school, on the internet.
You started the fight with Hayley,
and people all over social already
think you’re the bully.
JANE
What? Hayley’s the one who started
it, not me.
AARON
That’s what Hayley’s making it
look like.
JANE
Can’t you tell everyone?
AARON
I’m her ex, no one will believe
me.
JANE
Then, I’ll tell everyone.
AARON
How many followers do you have?
JANE
20? What does that have to do with
anything?
AARON
Then no one will really care what
you say. I’m sorry, I can’t help
you.
Page 29
Aaron leaves.
Monster appears behind Jane.
MONSTER
I told you. I told you something
would go wrong. Look what
happened. He’s ashamed of even
being seen with us. He’s going to
tell everyone, or subtweet about
this -
6 SCENE 6: INT. JANE’S BEDROOM DAY - MAKEOVER 6
Jane is sitting on the bed. It’s the next morning.
MONSTER
- and then people will ask why,
and he’ll say that that you tried
to hit on him when he just broke
up, and then everyone’ll think
you’re a snake. We should just
have stayed at home -
JANE
You’ve been going on all night
long! Can you just - shh! I’m
trying to think.
MONSTER
We should just have stayed at
home.
JANE
Okay, that’s it. Go to the corner.
MONSTER
What?
JANE
Go to the corner!
MONSTER
But -
JANE
Shh!
MONSTER
Did you -
JANE
Oi.
MONSTER
Ju-
Page 30
JANE
Shh.
(Shushing game with monster)
Monster goes to the corner.
MONSTER
Argh! I can’t deal with this. I
wanna watch anime. You wanna watch
anime?
JANE
(kinda want to)
No.
Jane sits down at the laptop and googles “wikihow: how to

be an influencer”
JANE
(reading aloud)
Take quality photos to highlight
your best features. If you have
beautiful eyes or hair, make those
-
Jane is interrupted by screechy sounds made by copic

markers - Monster is drawing. Jane looks over interested,
but returns to her reading.
Make those the centre of your

photos. Make your instagram feed
as professional -
Screech.
Keep your captions short and

sweet.
Screech.
Use popular hashtags.
Screech.
JANE
(to Monster)
Oi. Can you be quiet? I'm
researching.
MONSTER
Wait, wait. I show you later.
Jane opens Hayley’s tiktok.

Page 31
HAYLEY (V.O.)
Hey guys @dailyHayley here, still
feeling a little shaken from being
attacked by the stalker, but I’m
much better now -
Jane closes Hayley’s tiktok.
JANE
What a snake.
Jane starts recording herself on IG story.
JANE
(serious)
Hi everyone, Jane here. From Pei
Ying Secondary. I’m from 4... I
want people to know who I really
am -
MONSTER
That’s so serious.
JANE
(self conscious)
... Hey guys, I’m Jane. Recently
there was a -
MONSTER
That’s so self conscious.
JANE
(overly smiley)
Hey guys, I’m Jane. And I need you
to know my side of the story -
Monster butts into frame.
MONSTER
- the best story of all time is
Avatar the last Airbender and
Azula is my favorite character and
if May and Tai Lee didn’t betray
her, she would have easily have
beaten Zuko -
JANE
Oi! What are you doing?
MONSTER
Talking about what we like?
JANE
I’m not - I’m not talking about
anime.
Page 32
MONSTER
(serious)
Airbender is not an anime - It’s a
western cartoon inspired by anime -
JANE
(ignoring Monster)
Hey guys, Jane here. I’m sec 4
this year and I have something
important to tell you -
Monster shows her drawing to the camera - a drawing of

Jane and Monster happy together.
MONSTER
- it’s really important to learn
anatomy for drawing cartoons, most
people don’t, but if you know the
muscles underneath -
JANE
I said no anime -
MONSTER
But look, I drew us -
Monster sees what’s on the laptop.
MONSTER
Wait... what are you doing? Are
you trying to be an influencer?
JANE
I want people to know the truth.
MONSTER
By being an influencer? No.
JANE
People wouldn’t care if I’m no one
-
MONSTER
No.
JANE
I need to people to listen -
MONSTER
No. No. No!
JANE
Oh my god, you’re like a child.
Jane looks at Monster’s drawing. A new plan forming.
SONG: A New You

Page 33
JANE
Do you wanna draw something?
MONSTER
Oo! Draw what?
JANE
This.
Jane shows the wikihow makeup picture.
MONSTER
Makeup?
JANE
Yeah, I bet you can’t do it.
MONSTER
It’s just like drawing, but for
your face.
Verse 1
JANE
(sung)
You’re saying that you know what
to do?
MONSTER
(sung)
Well I’d be faking the whole way
through
JANE
That’s better than what I have
right now
Can you show me how
Not to look like me?
MONSTER peers at the photo
MONSTER
She’s made her eyes look bigger
JANE
How?
MONSTER
The liner changes the shape, see?
JANE
Wow
MONSTER
It’s kinda easy if you know how
JANE
Can we start right now?
Page 34
MONSTER
(spoken)
What? Start what?
JANE
A makeover.
MONSTER
What? No! People will judge us.
JANE
C’mon! It’s fun!
Chorus 1
Jane grabs a bunch of clothes and start to play dress up.

Monster tries to stop her.
JANE
(sung)
Could you help me change my face
Could you help me find my style
So I’m not a hopeless case
Just change my life for a while
Make me someone else
Could you make me not myself
So I look in the mirror and see
A new me
Jane puts on something cute. Monster is intrigued.
Instrumental interlude
MONSTER JANE
(anxious and neurotic) (over)
I don't think we should. Hey, hey, hey stop thinking
What are people going to like that. It's not helping
say? That we're trying too at all.
hard, trying to look like
Haley. I think we should
just forget it and -
JANE
Okay, okay, look at that.
(Gesturing to the drawings on the
wall) You drew - we drew all that.
And they look great.
MONSTER
But -
JANE
If we can do all that, we can do
this. And then people won’t just
ignore me anymore.
Just try.
Page 35
Pre Chorus
MONSTER
Okay well
We’d better start with the clothes
you wear
Then we’ll do something about your
hair
Get a suit and a tie
JANE
So you’ll try?
MONSTER
I guess that I could try
Chorus 2
MONSTER
Gonna help you change your face
Gonna help you find your style
So you’re not a hopeless case
Just change your life for a while
Make you someone else
Gonna make you not yourself
So you look in the mirror and see
JANE
A new me
Bridge
They sing karaoke with the hairbrush
MONSTER
This feels like it’s something new
It’s nice hanging out with you
And if you feel it too
BOTH
Then there’s nothing that we can’t
do, oh
Chorus 3
Judy puts a cute outfit on Jane.
MONSTER
Gonna help you change your face
JANE
Gonna help me find my style
MONSTER
So you’re not a hopeless case
BOTH
Just change our lives for a while
Page 36
JANE
Make me someone else
MONSTER
Gonna make you not yourself
BOTH
So we’ll look in the mirror and
see
A new me
Monster takes a picture.
JANE
Wow, it looks good. Thank you.
MONSTER
Oh... no problem. You’re right. It
was fun.
JANE
Yeah.
MONSTER
Wait, you can see the bruise.
Delete the photo, delete it. Let’s
take another - actually let’s
forget the whole thing -
JANE
(reassuring and
confident)
No wait, keep it.
Jane types a caption on the phone.
MONSTER
(reading)
“Bullies have no power if you’re
not ashamed of your scars and
bruises. So, this is me, bruises
and all.”
They share a look. Jane uploads.
Ding. A like on the photo.
Teenagers bustle around showing each other Jane’s photo

and talking about the fight between Jane and Hayley. The
space transits into -
8 SCENE 7: DIGITAL PLATFORM TWITTER RAP BATTLE 8
- a digital space.
Page 37
JANE
300 likes.
MONSTER
Really? Let me see.
Jane passes the monster the phone.
JANE
Yeah, and there’s quite a few
comments too.
MONSTER
“This very brave of you”, “Thank
you for talking about this” Jia
Xuan said that?
JANE
Yeah, I didn’t think anyone from
4A knew me.
MONSTER
“This is such an important thing
that people don’t talk about”,
“Sorry, Sasuke, I couldn’t save
you?”
JANE
That’s Teck right?
MONSTER
Yeah. Still angry at him?
JANE
Next.
MONSTER
“I saw what happened”, “I’m glad
you stood up to Hayley.”, “Don’t
speak if you don’t have anything
important to say”
JANE
Wait, what? Who said that?
Jane looks at the phone with Monster.
Hayley appears, commenting on Jane’s post.
HAYLEY
Don’t speak if you don’t have
anything important to say.
MONSTER
What? I bet she’s got more to say
on her own insta.
Hayley poses for a selfie.

Page 38
HAYLEY
Some people like to think that
flirting with someone else’s
boyfriend is a very brave thing to
do. Well, that’s what you get when
your mother is a beer auntie who
flirts with dirty old uncles for a
living.
MONSTER AND JANE

What?
Jane paces around.
The monster starts to comment on Hayley’s social media.
JANE
I can’t believe this. Why are
people so supportive of her? And
why is this the caption of a
random selfie at a cafe, that’s
the most annoying - wait what are
you doing?
MONSTER
The last time I checked, when
someone breaks up with you he’s
not your boyfriend, he’s your ex.
JANE
No, wait don’t!
The Monster posts the comment. Jane grabs the phone,

horrified.
SONG: Twitter Rap Battle
STUDENT 1
(to student 2)
Eh! You remember the fight the
other day in the canteen?
STUDENT 2
Between Hayley and that 4E girl?
STUDENT 1
Yah, look at what the 4E girl
said.
STUDENT 2
Wah. She’s damn daring sia. She’s
going to die. I’m telling
everyone.
An audience gathers. Aaron finds out about this online

war. Aaron transforms into the rap battle host.
Page 39
Jane, the monster and Hayley get into a public online

social media argument, stylized as a rap battle. Jane and
Monster tag team.
AARON
Ladies and gentleman, boys and
girls, the showdown between the
queen bee and the underdog, 4A
versus 4E! First they fought with
their fists, now they fight with
their fingers, in this online
twitter rap battle! In one corner,
more drama than the whole of drama
club, Xia Xue's successor, and my
ex - girlfriend: Hayley! In the
other corner, a nobody, that
random girl from 4E, and the beer
auntie’s daughter: Jane! Round 1
Fight!
Hayley holds the phone like a microphone.
HAYLEY
(rapped)
Wowee the little 4E weebo girl
comes out to play
This should be kinda fun so let’s
see whatcha have to say
I know that your brain’s a little
slow
I still kinda wanna hear it though
So, if you wanna go, alright,
let’s go.
MONSTER
It’s time Somebody stood up to you
You’re a bully and you’re fully
aware of it too
You look so nice online ya protein
smoothie hashtag blessed
When people see what you’re really
like well your followers won’t be
impressed
Cos you broke my phone, it was way
out of hand
Is this the girl you wanna
represent your brand?
AARON
(spoken)
Shots fired! Whew this looks
pretty bad for Hayley, not gonna
lie. What’s her response gonna be?
Stay tuned for Round 2 ... FIGHT!
HAYLEY
You attacked me first, you forgot
to mention?
Page 40
You sucker punched me now you’re

seeking attention
Call me fake, whatcha doing right
now?
Growing social justice followers?
Wow. You’re a violent ah lian sad
smack talker crazy stalker
hawker’s daughter.
Whose daddy can’t get you a new
phone cos he hates you and that’s
why he’s long gone
AARON
(spoken)
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hayley goes
below the belt.
JANE
(to Monster)
People are still supporting her!
MONSTER
But look - 100 new followers!
JANE
What?
MONSTER
Keep going!
Jane takes the phone and tags into the fight.
AARON
Round three!
JANE
(rapped)
Listen Haley,
I may not be pretty like you.
I may not be rich like you.
I may not have fame and a name and
ten thousand followers on twitch
like you.
My dad did ditch me that’s true.
MONSTER
Still I’d rather be real and sad
than a fake ass bullying b-
AARON
Whoahhhh language! Now now ladies
let’s all be civil -
HAYLEY
Question: if you hate me so much,
why you trying so hard to be me?
Jane and Monster can’t think of anything to say.

Page 41
AARON
Team Jane? Hello?
JANE
(to Monster)
Hey. Hey, say something!
MONSTER
Er... I can’t. I can’t do this.
AARON
Team Jane is choking! Are you
going to give up?
MONSTER
I wanna give up.
AARON
Ladies and gentlemen, your winner -
JANE
(To host Aaron) Wait! Just give me
one second. (To Monster) Hey, hey,
calm down. I know you’re scared.
It’s okay. We can’t let her bully
us, not anymore. We’re in this
together now. Think.
MONSTER
(inspired)
I think I get it. She’s saying all
this because
JANE
Because she’s just as scared as us
about what people think of her.
Jane and Monster understand. Both of them get back onto

the mic, but turns to the crowd.
MONSTER AND JANE

(rapped)
Haley doesn’t care bout status or
pride, Haley’s terrified, Haley
wants to hide, Haley’s empty
inside
Haley knows if we stood up to her
she’d lose everyone, so fire the
gun
Has she destroyed you for fun?
Comment hashtag hurtbyhaley, let’s
get this done
Silence. No one wants to say anything.
Teck steps forward.

Page 42
TECK
(spoken)
Hayley told me my parents should
be ashamed to have me as a son.
What else has Hayley done to you?
COMMENTER #1
Last month Hayley made me cry in
school and laughed.
COMMENTER #2
I heard she bullies Aaron and
gaslights him.
COMMENTER #3
Poor Aaron! No wonder he broke up
with her
The whole crowd starts to speak up about Hayley.
AARON
Hayley’s response?
Hayley hesitates, but then leaves defeated.
AARON
@dailyHayley’s Instagram account
has been suspended for violating
community standards.
Ladies and Gentleman! Your winner,

Jane!
Aaron hoists Jane’s hands up.
The crowd cheers.
MONSTER
(apologetic)
Jane. Just now I froze up -
JANE
(looking at her
phone)
Oh my god, three K followers
already.
MONSTER
About just now -
JANE
Wait, Aaron DM-ed me.
AARON
(via text)
Hey.
Page 43
JANE
Hey.
AARON
I saw what happened. Don’t take
this the wrong way, but seeing you
say all those things to Hayley
felt good.
JANE
Someone had to say something.
AARON
Speaking of that, there’s this
online mag that wants to do a
feature about this. You up for
that? I could do the photos too.
JANE
Oh, yeah sure.
AARON
Cool I’ll let you know. Oh, and
maybe we can grab dinner too.
Aaron exits.
JANE
(to Monster)
Oh my god, oh my god did you see
that?
MONSTER
(insecure)
I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I froze up
just now and I said something
wrong -
JANE
Hey, hey! It’s okay. Don’t worry
about it.
MONSTER
But -
JANE
I think we did amazing. People are
going to finally see me. I
couldn’t have done this without
you. So, thank you.
MONSTER
(shy)
Yeah. Haha. No problem.
Monster impulsively hugs Jane and exits.

Page 44
JANE
Aaaarooonnnn!
9 SCENE 8:MULTIPLE LOCATIONS - DATING MONTAGE 9
Song: Aaron’s song
Intro instrumental
INT. PHOTO STUDIO
A simple photo backdrop. Jane poses simply and Aaron

directs. Monster shadow poses with Jane.
Verse 1A
Aaron shares the photo with Jane,
AARON
(sung)
Gotta say that when I met you girl
I was living in a different world
I couldn’t breathe at all
But then you called
Jane then shares it with -
Verse 1B
INT. SCHOOL CANTEEN BENCHES - Day
- Teck at the school canteen. Teck’s happy for Jane, but

soon gets interrupted by Aaron and a school mate, who
takes a selfie with Jane.
AARON
Now I’m suddenly alive again
I haven’t felt this since I don’t
know when
And something is saying it’s time
to begin
Miffed at being ignored, Teck leaves and walks past -
INT. HOME - Day
Pre chorus 1
- Jane’s home, where Jane is watching anime with monster.

They’re having a good time together, but Aaron appears
knocking at the window.
Page 45
AARON
Just gonna change a thing or two
Get you some colour make you look
brand new
You take a bite I’ll show you more
Jane says goodbye to a dissappointed Monster and climbs

out the window, sneaking off to -
INT. PLAYGROUND SWING - Day
Chorus 1
- the playground swing. They dance sweetly together on

the swing. It is their private place together.
AARON
Lemme take you on a crazy ride
Bring out the fireworks you have
inside
I see it all so clear, our time is
near.
Monster joins in. To the annoyance of Jane.
Baby baby don’t you feel the rush

Things are brighter when it’s two
of us
You’ll never have to be alone, now
that I’m here
They’re really close together, perhaps about to kiss, but

Jane’s distracted by the monster.
Frustrated, Jane leaves and Aaron follows. Monster is

alone, who follows to -
INT. PHOTO STUDIO
Instrumental bridge 2
- the photo studio, which looks more professional and the

photo backdrop more elaborate. Jane is in a more stylish
outfit and posing more confidently. Monster tries to get
Jane’s attention but to no avail.
Aaron takes a “Live, Laugh, Love” poster and a paper bag

of branded goods and walks over to -
INT. HOME - Night
Pre chorus 2
- Jane’s Bedroom, where Jane is putting up fairy lights

with polaroids on it. Her room looks like a curated
influencer room.
Page 46
Jane takes off an anime poster and thrusts it to Monster.

Aaron passes Jane the poster which she hangs.
AARON
Just gotta change a thing or two
Hang with people who are good for
you
With me by your side you’re gonna
fly
Jane’s mother knocks on her bedroom door, and Jane and

Aaron sneak out the window to -
INT. SCHOOL CANTEEN BENCHES - Day
Chorus 2
- School canteen benches, where Jane is crowded by her

school mates. Everyone dances. Teck is in the background
watching, eager talk to her but ultimately being ignored.
Hayley sulks in the corner observing.
AARON
inside
near
Baby baby don’t you feel the rush

Things are brighter when it’s two
of us
You’ll never have to be alone, now
that I’m here
Teck waves to Jane, but Jane follows Aaron, who leads her
on a whirlwind around -
Bridge
- to the all the locations.
JANE
(sung)
Can this be true
I feel like I’m somebody new
This world that I’ve entered is
centered on you
It’s getting faster and faster and more out of control.

Teck, Mother, Monster and the students are all trying to
get her attention, but Jane whizzes by them following
Aaron.
Can’t see the ground

My life is a faraway sound
It rings but I’m swinging, I’m
spining around
Page 47
At the height of the frenzy, Aaron leads Jane to -
INT. PLAYGROUND SWING - Night
CHORUS 3
- the double swing. Jane and Aaron dance together.
AARON
inside
near
Aaron and Jane swing faster and faster and more

dangerously out of control.
AARON JANE
Baby baby don’t you feel Can this be true
the rush I feel like I’m somebody
Things are brighter when new
it’s two if us This world that I’ve
You’ll never have to be entered is centered on you
alone, now that I’m here
Suddenly, she’s in -
SCENE 9: PHOTO STUDIO - INFLUENCER JANE
- The photo studio.
Jane’s lost, unsure where she is. Until she sees the
camera and instantly slips on her confidence. She talks
differently now.
As Jane talks, comment bubbles pop from below, we’re in a

insta-live video.
JANE
(to camera)
Hey guys, “Not-so-plain Jane”
here. It’s been five months since
the incident where Hayley outright
abused me online.
It was tough at first, but you

guys have been so great at helping
me through this and I’m so
thankful for all of you. You
remind me that if we just focus on
the positive, all the bad vibes
and bad thoughts will just go
away. And it’s because of you guys
- I read every comment and try to
respond to all of them.
Page 48
What you guys think is the most

important thing to me.
And to celebrate this last five

months, I’m giving away this new
Natural-You daily wear foundation
from Zane. It’s smooth, non-oily
and blends seamlessly with my skin
tone. Link in bio!
MONSTER
I’m so fake.
Jane shoves the monster back. She holds her pose and
smiles.
Aaron has been filming the whole time.
AARON
Aaaaand cut. Great, great good
work. Bit of a weird ending, but
that’s okay.
JANE
Oh, sorry.
AARON
But other than that, it was
fantastic. Very genuine.
MONSTER
Everyone can see through me.
JANE
You think so?
AARON
Yeah of course, I know what’s good
for you. Speaking of that ...
Aaron takes out a new iphone in its packaging.
AARON
Tadah!
JANE
Oh my god. The new iPhone. Did you
buy it -
AARON
No, I didn’t. It’s sponsored. You
earned it.
Beat.
Page 49
JANE
Thank you so much. You’ve helped
me so much. Erm ... You know there
are some comments online that says
that we’re a couple?
AARON
(chuckling)
Oh. Yeah, people say that a lot.
JANE
Are we?
AARON
What?
JANE
A couple?
AARON
You’re so cute...
MONSTER
Why doesn’t he say anything. He’s
just using me. He’s pretending to
like me so that -
Teck enters.
TECK
Oi Jane! Oh, hello Aaron.
Teck stops a distance away.
AARON
Hi Teck. (To Jane) Erm, I didn’t
know you two were meeting.
JANE
Yeah, sorry I forgot to tell you.
AARON
(disapprovingly)
Right. Right.
JANE
Sorry. But yeah, I know.
AARON
I don’t want you to think that I’m
controlling you or anything,
(whispered) it’s just that it’s
not really on brand if you post
anything with him -
JANE
No, it’s okay. I understand.
Page 50
AARON
Yeah, yeah of course. You’re the
best. See ya, Jane. (To Teck) Nice
to see ya, Teck.
TECK
Bye.
Aaron leaves.
Teck watches Aaron leave and rolls his eyes.
MONSTER
He’s doing this on purpose. He’s
just playing me -
JANE
(out loud)
Shut up.
TECK
... I didn’t say anything.
JANE
No, not you.
TECK
Then who sia. Imaginary friend? Oh
guanyinma please send help my best
friend sees dead people.
Jane is in her head.
TECK
Eh your prelims result how? Damn
difficult sia. I barely passed.
Pause.
TECK
Not official yet ah?
JANE
What?
TECK
Your instagram boyfriend la. Still
not over Hayley ah.
JANE
What? No. Hayley’s no one now.
TECK
Ya. You’re totally not comparing
yourself to her.
JANE
Don’t be annoying can?
Page 51
TECK
Too famous already cannot kacau
(”bother”) you is it?
JANE
I’m not famous.
TECK
(whipping out his
phone and imitating
her)
Right. Right... Hey guys, this is
“Not-so-plain-jane” here, I’m here
to tell you why bullies hate this
makeup brush, link in bio!
Teck starts to post the video.
JANE
Oi, don’t post that!
TECK
Why not? Funny what.
JANE
Just don’t post it ok? It’s not on
brand for me.
Beat.
TECK
(hurt)
Okay.
JANE
What’s wrong with you?
TECK
So how many followers do I need be
able to talk to you-
JANE
What are you talking about?
TECK
Why are you doing all this social
stuff? You’re so miserable. Do you
even like doing that?
JANE
Because, people actually listen to
me now? Because I get to stand up
to people like Hayley -
TECK
Are you trying to stand up to
Hayley, or are you trying to
become like Hayley?
Page 52
JANE
I’m not like her at all. I’m not a
bully. I’m not -
TECK
- Someone who only cares about
what other people think?
JANE
So, I should just go back to being
that weird girl who just draws on
the tables all day long, is it?
TECK
What’s wrong with her? I’d rather
sit with that girl than you.
JANE
So is this what it’s about? Is it
because I don’t spend all my time
with you now -
TECK
(over)
You don’t hang out with me at all!
JANE
- complaining about people in 4A
or 4B. Or is it just because I
don’t want to take one stupid
insta-story with you?
TECK
It’s because you’re ashamed of me.
Beat.
But really, you’re ashamed of
yourself, because I remind you of
who you really are.
MONSTER
He’s right.
JANE
Why can’t you be happy for me? You
know, I expected this from Hayley
or random trolls. But, not from a
friend.
TECK
You still don’t get it don’t you?
JANE
Get what?
Page 53
TECK
You’re pushing your only real
friend away. But hey, I guess I’m
not on brand enough for you.
Teck leaves.
MONSTER
What are we doing? Why are we -
JANE
I told you to shut up.
MONSTER
Why are you so mean to me?
JANE
Because you’re still here.
SCENE 10: INT. LIVING ROOM NIGHT - FAILURE
Jane returns home, her mother in the living room waiting.
Jane’s on the phone.
MOM
Girl. Put down the phone, come and
sit down.
JANE
I’m on the phone.
MOM
You tell me what’s this?
A failed test paper on the table.
MONSTER
How did she get that? Oh no, no,
no, she’s going to yell at us.
JANE
Can we not talk about this now?
MOM
I said put down the phone. Sit
down.
JANE
I’ll call you back later.
Jane hangs up.
MONSTER
No! What are you doing? Just go
hide in the room. Let’s go,
please.
Page 54
Jane sits down.
MOM
Your O level prelims, prelims
already you tell me why you still
get this kind of result?
MONSTER
Because I’m stupid.
MOM
You know why? Because you very
lazy hah. Got so much time go out
everyday, dress up until like that
some more. You think mommy blind
cannot see ah?
MONSTER
You don’t know anything.
MOM
You think I don’t know you go and
do all this kind of photos for
what instagram. Waste so much time
for this kind of useless thing for
what?
MONSTER
Ya, I’m very useless okay?
MOM
I tell you, from now on everyday I
come fetch you home from school.
Then you come home and you study.
Cannot go out, understand?
Girl, you dumb is it? Don’t know

how to talk ah?
MONSTER
Stop talking to me like that.
JANE
Ya.
MOM
And you cannot use your phone.
Give me your phone.
JANE
What? No!
MOM
Give me the phone. If now you
don’t study later become a good
for nothing -
Page 55
JANE
Can you stop criticising me?
MOM
If I don’t say you how you know?
Every time I say you, you one ear
in, one ear out. You where got
listen?
JANE
I got listen okay? I remember -
MONSTER
I remember everything. Every time
you call me useless or stupid, I
remember okay?
JANE
Can’t you just talk to me nicely?
MOM
I talk to you nicely, you never
listen one.
The phone starts ringing.
JANE
This is my phone, okay? I paid for
it.
MOM
Your phone? You how come got so
much money?
JANE
The photos, I worked for it.
MOM
What work? Eh, what kind of photos
are you taking?
JANE
Ma!
MOM
You take photos how come got so
much money one.
JANE
I’m not doing anything!
MOM
I tell you, if I find out you what
you really doing ah -
JANE
You’re a beer auntie. Aren’t you
already doing that? That’s why Pa -
Page 56
Beat.
MOM
That’s why pa what?
Mom tries to grab Jane’s phone.
Monster moves away and Jane moves exactly the same way.
Jane speaks but Monster’s voice comes out.
MONSTER
(as Jane)
That’s why Pa left you and I’m not
going to end up like you.
Jane enters her bedroom and locks it.
SCENE 11: MONSTER
Mom bangs on the door and continues banging throughout

the scene.
MOM
Jane! Jane you come out. You
cannot talk like this to your Ma.
You come out now!
JANE
(to Monster)
What did you do just now? It’s
like you were controlling me.
MONSTER
You wanted to say it. That’s what
you were thinking.
JANE
I didn’t -
Jane picks up the phone
JANE
Hey Aaron. Can I come over? My mum
is going nuts about my results.
AARON
Why did Teck post the Insta-story?
JANE
What insta story?
AARON
“Bullies hate this makeup?” The
brand saw what Teck posted and you
were in that.
Page 57
JANE
It was just a joke.
AARON
If you don't stop this, they're
going to drop us.
MONSTER
He’s just using us.
MOM
Jane open the door!
JANE
Can we not talk about this now,
this is not a good time.
AARON
If you don't stop this, we can't
continue anymore.
MONSTER
Doesn’t he care about us?
JANE
What... Don't you care about me?
AARON
Why are you bringing this up now.
MOM
Jane, I’m not going away, you
better open the door!
JANE
Forget it. You're right. I'm just
really stressed, and I don't know
what to do.
AARON
Look, get a grip okay? The brands,
the people, they don't care about
whatever you're going through,
just your image.
Monster takes over, and is wearing Jane’s clothes.
MONSTER
(as Jane)
Can you stop using me to sell
makeup and just listen!
AARON
What? What did you say?
Page 58
JANE
(as herself)
I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t
mean that.
AARON
I'm doing this for you own good.
MONSTER
(as Jane)
You don’t care about me, you're
just using me.
AARON
C’mon, do you think people
actually care about who you are?
They just care about who you
pretend to be.
MONSTER
Then can you stop pretending you
like me so you can keep using me?
AARON
You know what? Screw this, we’re
done.
Aaron hangs up.
JANE
(as herself)
Aaron? Aaron?
MOM
I’m going to find the key. You
better open up before I find the
key.
Mom leaves.
JANE
(to Monster) Why did you make me
say that?
MONSTER
Because it’s true. I was right. I
was right all along.
JANE
You think I didn’t know that?
You know online, he’s the nice

guy. That’s what everyone thinks.
MONSTER
I told you, we shouldn’t have done
all this in the first place.
Page 59
JANE
You know I was actually earning
money from this.
MONSTER
(realising what she’s
done)
This is not your fault. It’s
Aaron’s. And ma, and Teck.
JANE
You’re right. It’s not me. It’s
you.
MONSTER
Me? Did I do something wrong?
JANE
You. You’re what’s wrong with me.
People always leave me. Pa, Teck,
and now Aaron. And it’s all
because of how weird, and
unlikeable, and needy you are.
MONSTER
I’m sorry.
JANE
I want you to leave me alone and
never bother me again.
MONSTER
No... I can’t go.
JANE
I’m tired. I’m so tired. I give
up. Just go.
MONSTER
But, I tried.
JANE
Go.
MONSTER
I can’t go. I tried so hard.
JANE
Go away!
MONSTER
I can’t! I’m you. You can’t run
away from me.
Jane goes blank. She goes to her laptop and opens it and
starts to film herself.
Page 60
Jane’s voice fades out as she does her vlog. We hear

Monster’s voice on top of it.
Throughout the vlog, Monster tries to get Jane’s

attention, but Jane ignores her.
JANE MONSTER
(smiley) What are you doing? Why are
Hey guys! Not-so-plain-Jane you doing a stupid vlog
here. Many of you have now. Hey Jane. Jane! Don’t
commented in my last post ignore me. You can’t ignore
asking about how to act on me you know? Jane. Jane!
the first date. Do you be
yourself? Or do you pretend
to be someone else? Most
people might think that you
have to be yourself, but I
say you have to put your
best foot forward....
Monster shoves Jane, but Jane doesn’t move.
Song: Monster
MONSTER
(sung)
Verse 1
For all this time I’ve tried to be
a different me
I buried all the things you
couldn’t bear
I tore myself to pieces
Til there wasn’t anymore
I don’t know what it was for
If I’ll only be ignored
The monster caress Jane and Jane can feel her. Jane is
terrified, she’s losing control.
I thought you were the only one

Who’d never leave my side
I’ll give you one more chance to
show you care
Or else you’ll feel the things I
feel
You won’t just get away
Because someone has to pay
Is that all you have to say
Jane shrugs Monster off.
Prechorus 1
Well I guess I have your answer

Say hello to what’s within
Page 61
Finally the monster’s rage breaks through and Jane

erratically starts to mirror Monster’s movements.
Chorus 1
I am your monster
That’s what you called me
Don’t you remember?
I think I’ll go ahead and be one
Since you just see one
I’m taking over
Let them all know that
The monster is taking over.
I’m a monster
That’s what they’ll call me
When I am done here
You can’t ignore me any longer
I’ll just get stronger
You will listen
And then you can’t hurt me again
The monster controls Jane to open her laptop. Jane starts

posting on social media.
JANE
(spoken)
What are you doing?
MONSTER
I’m going to show everyone who you
really are.
Jane posts on social media. Graphic of social media post:

“Aaron is a two-faced player” .
MONSTER
(sung)
Verse 2
So this is what it’s like when you
are actually free
Its really been exhausting to
pretend
Graphic of social media post: “Hayley is an attention

seeking snake.”
You think you tried your very best

but sorry I’m afraid
It was all a masquaerade Or your
father would have stayed
Graphic of social media post “I hate my Beer auntie

mother.”
Page 62
Prechorus 2
And you know this is on you now

Cos you made me who I am
Monster has fully taken over, wearing her clothes, saying

what she says. Jane’s trapped in the mirror.
Chorus 2
I am your monster
That’s what you called me
Weird lonely monster
I’ll show my teeth and I will burn
you
Just like I’ve learn to
And I’ll turn you
Into a monster like your
Jane mother unlocks the door and opens it.
MONSTER
(To Mom)
Mother
You’re the real monster
Sad lonely monster
I know you’re sad you even had me
Don’t understand me
Don’t see how badly
I have to get away from you
Jane is inside the mirror, trapped and looking on

helpless.
MOM
I’m a monster? Ma did so much for
you.
MONSTER
(as Jane, to mother)
You know what I wish?
JANE
No. No, don’t say it.
MONSTER
I wish pa took me instead.
Mom doesn’t say anything and leaves, closing the door

behind her.
SCENE 12: LOVE
Jane gives up trying to break through. Time freezes.
Techno music.
Fairy God-Delivery Beng enters.

Page 63

Wa si Jin ho! Wa si jin sui! Wa si
4.95 Star Fairy God Delivery Beng!
Fairy God-Delivery Beng sees Jane in the mirror.

Eh Pai-seh. Wrong time.
JANE
How come not 5 star anymore?

Ya lor. Someone gave me a one star
rating. Lin lao Hia (”Your
brother”). (Seeing Monster) Wah...
Jialat. The Monster took over
liao. Come I help you
Fairy God-Delivery Beng offers a hand to Jane to pull her

out. But Jane ignores it.
JANE
All this is your fault.

What my fault?
JANE
Why didn’t you just get rid of the
Monster from the start?

I can’t get rid of her. She’s part
of you.
JANE
So, I’m stuck with her? I’m just
going to keep fighting her
forever?

Yah.
JANE
Then, I give up.

You give up? Why you give up?
JANE
I don’t care anymore, the monster
can live my life for me. I don’t
want to try anymore.

C’mon, don’t give up lah.
Page 64
JANE
I’m too tired.

Eh, brother is the 4.95 Star Fairy
God Delivery Beng, I won’t give up
until I deliver you what you need.
JANE
I was the one that gave you the
one star.
Beat.

(Visibly affected) Neh mind. Neh
mind! It’s okay, it’s okay one.
(Composing himself) Okay ah, ask
you again. What do you think is
the problem?
JANE
I can’t stop her. I’ve tried
everything and I just can’t win
her.

No sia, that’s not the problem.
The problem is in your eyes.
JANE
What’s wrong with my eyes.

Is how you look at this. This is
not a fight between you and the
monster until one of you win. You
cannot fight her. You have to
friend her - help her, love her.
JANE
I have to love that thing? I hate
her.

Why you hate her so much? The
Monster is part of you!
JANE
Exactly! All the things that the
Monster just said were all the
things I’ve always wanted to
say... I said all that. I’m the
monster.
Beat.
Page 65
How am I supposed to love a

monster who is so unlikeable, who
hurts everyone and who is ... just
not good enough. She will never be
good enough - I will never be good
enough. Why am I like this? Why
can’t I just be normal like
everyone else?
Jane cries.
Haley appears in the mirror.
Song: Sink/Swim
HAYLEY
(sung)
Verse 1
Once upon a time
There were stairs to climb
And the princess
Well, she tried
Did her very best

Took on every test
Didn’t notice
Something died
Prechorus 1
Now she’s stuck inside

Walls of gilt and pride
She made her world
Such a clever girl
Thought she found a prince

But she should have listened to
her head
She’s here instead
Chorus 1
Each day, each night
Work hard, do right
Put the makeup on and then
Do it all over again
More love, more friends

When does it end?
They don’t care bout what you
think
So you swim or you will sink

(spoken)
You are just like everyone else.
Page 66
JANE
Hayley? She’s like this because
everyone turned against her.

This was before the breakup, even
when she had everything you
wanted.
Jane’s mom is preparing food.
MOTHER
(sung)
Verse 2
Once upon a time
There were stairs to climb
And the princess
Well, she tried
Did her very best

Took on every test
Didn’t notice
Something died
Prechorus 2
Now she’s stuck inside
Wheels that turned the tide
She faced the world
For her little girl
Thought she found a prince

But she learnt where all the
monsters were
It’s all for her
Chorus 2
Work hard, do right
No love, no friends
When does it end?
It goes faster than you think
JANE AND HALEY AND MOTHER

Work hard, do right
More love, more friends

When does it end?
They don’t care bout what you
think
Page 67
Jane is sitting on the bed, she’s wearing her own clothes

again.
Mom finishes preparing food and knocks on Jane’s door.
MOTHER
Jane. Jane? I made dinner. Come
and eat?

Go eat with her.
Jane shakes her head.
MOTHER
Never mind. You later eat yourself
okay? I go back Kopitiam first.
(at a loss) Jane ah, just now ...

I mean sometimes mummy angry also
anyhow say...
Jane’s mom starts to leave but notices Jane’s drawing of

her. She picks it up.
MOTHER
Jane ah, can you draw something
for me? You remember this drawing
you did of me for my birthday? You
draw all night then sleep on the
table. I come in see you, your
saliva all over it make your cheek
so black.
So hardworking, so guai. That’s

who you really are, right?
Mom leaves.
JANE
(to FGDB)
I think I change my mind.

About giving up?
JANE
About your one star rating. But
yes, about that too.
Fairy God Delivery Beng chuckles.

People say you good for nothing
still means you’re good.
JANE
Yes.
Page 68

People say you Garbage Can, not
Garbage Cannot.
JANE
Okay, Okay, I get the idea.

There’s one more person you’ll
have to talk to.
Fairy God Delivery Beng gets up on his PMD.
JANE
What? You’re going to leave me?

This is something that you have to
do by yourself.
JANE
I don’t know what to do.
FGDB
You do. Just be brave.
Jane nods.
FGDB
(Kindly)
Jin sui, Jin ho, 5 Star Fairy God
Delivery Beng.
Fairy God Delivery Beng leaves.
SCENE 13: ACCEPTING THE MONSTER
Jane steps on a piece of paper. She picks it up. It’s a

drawing with a violently scrawled out face.
A murmur of angry whispers.
On the floor is another scrawled out drawing, then

another, and another - a trail of angry dark drawings.
Jane follows it and comes to a pile of drawing at the

base of the mirror. The monster is on the other side of
the mirror, crouched over furiously drawing with her back
towards Jane.
JANE
(afraid)
Hey. Hey, Monster?
I’m going to let you out okay? Do

you want that? But first, you have
to listen.
Page 69
You were right. You were trying to

help me. You tried to warn me
about Aaron. But I didn’t listen.
I didn’t want to.
But, you said some really awful

things too. To Teck, to Ma and
even to Haley. It really hurt
people and that’s not cool.
MONSTER
I hurt people?
JANE
Yes. And I wanna help you. I wanna
be your friend. Because, I know
you’re scared. You only made me
say those things because you
didn’t know any better.
MONSTER
I made you say those things?
JANE
You did. Because you are not me.
Monster starts to laugh.
MONSTER
I’m not you?
Monster turns around and lunges towards the mirror.
Bang! Monster bangs on the glass. The monster an even

more terrifying version of herself with black ink all
over.
MONSTER
I am you! This is who you really
are: Sad. Lonely. Unlikeable.
You wanna be my friend? Tell me,

what do you do to your ‘friends’?
Teck appears as a memory as Monster and Teck speaks

together.
MONSTER AND TECK

You’re pushing your only real
friend away. But hey, I guess I’m
not on brand enough for you.
JANE
Teck... I didn’t mean that. He’s
someone that I really care about -
Aaron appears as a memory.

Page 70
MONSTER AND AARON

C’mon, do you think people
actually care about who you are?
They just care about who you
pretend to be.
JANE
No. I’m more than that, those
pictures aren’t me -
Hayley appears as a memory.
MONSTER AND HAYLEY

Your Mother probably had to serve
alot of beers for this piece of
crap.
JANE
I love my mom. She works so hard -
Mom appears as a memory.
MONSTER AND MOM’S VOICE

Don’t so useless can? You next
time also want to become a beer
auntie is it?
JANE
(weakly)
I’m not useless. I’m not a
failure. I am not useless. I am
not -
Monster momentarily overpowers Jane’s will and they both

speak together.
JANE AND MONSTER

- All because of how weird, and
unlikeable, and needy you are. No
one wants you, no one cares -
The mirror cracks.
Jane fights back and regains control.
JANE
You’re like this because of me.
Because of how I treated you. Let
me help you -
MONSTER AND JANE

YOU CAN’T HELP ME! NO ONE CAN.
BANG! Monster bangs on the mirror and it cracks.
JANE
I promise, okay? I promise I’ll
help you.
Page 71
MONSTER
There’s nothing you can do,
nothing you can say.
MONSTER AND JANE

NO ONE WANTS ME! NO ONE CARES.
BANG! Monster bangs on the mirror and it’s about to

shatter.
JANE
I am not giving up. I want you to
be better -
MONSTER AND JANE

I’M USELESS, I’M STUPID, I’M -
Monster raises a fist to slam on the mirror, but Jane

grabs her hand and pulls her through.
MONSTER
I HATE YOU! LET ME GO! LET ME GO,
JUST LET ME GO ...
The monster yells and struggles as Jane hugs the monster

tightly. Slowly the monster stops yelling and starts
sobbing.
The angry voices are still there, but its quieter.
Song: Stay
JANE
(sung)
Just feel what you feel,
What you’re going through is real.
The pain and the fear,
I’m listening, I’m here.
I was lost, I was wrong.

It was you all along.
You’re the love that I’ve missed
And I promise you this -
I will stay by your side.

I will try and I’ll try
To be what I never could be, what
I never could see.
Stay with me.
MONSTER
(spoken)
I can’t trust you anymore.
JANE
It’s okay, it’s alright. It takes
time.
Page 72
MONSTER
This is going to happen again.
JANE
(sung)
It’s scary I know,
but that’s how we grow.
Yes we will fail
It’s not a fairytale
It’s far far away

But we’ll try every day
If you fall well then
I’ll pick you up again.
And I will stay by your side

And hold my arms open wide
Whatever it takes through the
breaks and the traps and the
scares
I’ll be there
MONSTER
(spoken)
I’m going to get angry or confused
again. And it’s going to happen
again and again. I’ll hurt you or
the people around you.
JANE
I know.
MONSTER
There are going to be days where
you’re too tired to even get out
of bed.
JANE
I know.
MONSTER
Then what are you going to do?
Jane sees the drawing Monster drew of them holding hands.

She picks it up.
JANE
We’ll just try. That’s all we have
to do. Okay?
Jane hands Monster the drawing.
The storm within subsides. The apparitions disappear.
MONSTER
Okay.
Page 73
JANE
You know I'll actually miss this,
being able to talk to you like
this.
MONSTER
You’ll still can. I’ll be there
for you all the time.
The monster re-enters the mirror.
MONSTER
(sung)
And though we may fall,
Sooner or later we rise.
We will rise.
JANE
We run or we crawl,
JANE AND MONSTER

Together we rise and we fall
And we call on each other .
MONSTER
And you will stay by my side,
JANE
I will stay by your side,
MONSTER
And hold your arms open wide.
JANE
You'll be with me inside.
JANE AND MONSTER

Through the breaks and the traps
and the scares
I’ll be there.
Jane no longer sees Monster in the Mirror, just a

reflection of herself.
MONSTER
And you will stay by my side,
JANE
I will stay by your side,
MONSTER
And hold your arms open wide.
Page 74
JANE
You'll be with me inside,
JANE AND MONSTER

Whatever it takes through the
breaks and the traps and the
scares,
JANE
I’ll be there.
Jane is whole again. Jane looks at the photo of Jane and

the Monster holding hands.
JANE
Let’s go to the Kopitiam to eat
with Ma. I want to tell her
everything.
MONSTER
(v.o.)
Are you sure? It’s going to be so
hard.
JANE
It’s okay. We can do this.
The End.

The Monster in The Mirror

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The Monster in The Mirror

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The Monster in the Mirror

Written by Terrance Tan

Written in residency under Gateway Theatre with

JANE: A 16 year old secondary school girl

MONSTER: Jane's inner voice come to life

AARON: A 16 year old secondary school boy

TECK: Best friend of Jane

MOM: Jane's Mom

FAIRY GOD-DELIVERY BENG: Magical

Intro credits roll.

JANE is scrolling on social media, looking at HAYLEY’s

Intro credits end.

Jane bumps into Aaron.

Jane sees a pair of students looking at her and

Hayley sees Jane and Aaron talking and walks over.

Aaron leaves. Hayley eyes Jane suspiciously before

They sit at a table, books open.

Aaron leaves to get some food.

Teck grabs Jane’s phone and holds it up at her.

Jane makes a funny face. Teck laughs.

Jane does another funny face, Teck laughs again.

Jane does Naruto hand signs for “Chidori”.

Jane looks around to check that no one is watching. Jane

Jane tries to replicate one of Hayley’s influencer poses.

Jane notices two students looking at her.

They both pick up each other’s phones.

Jane hands Hayley back her phone.

Hayley sees the photos on Jane’s phone and starts

Hayley shows the phone to everyone.

Hayley notices a photo of a drawing of Jane’s mom.

Several students snicker. One starts to film.

Hayley hands the phone to Jane but drops it “by accident”

Jane pushes Hayley. They tussle and fall to the floor.

Hayley quickly gains the upper hand. Teck does nothing,

Aaron returns with a tray of food.

Aaron separates them.

Hayley storms off.

Aaron follows Hayley and leaves the canteen.

Jane grabs her phone and Teck picks Jane up.

Jane runs out from the canteen.

Jane walks home alone.

SONG: Someone Who Isn’t Me

I see a door, it slams into my

Just for a day

Someone who isn’t me

A deliveryman on a scooter whizzes past Jane, almost

Someone who knows exactly how to

Silhouettes of people walk past her. Jane is lost and

And on that day

Someone who isn’t me

AARON AND TECK

MOTHER AND HAYLEY

JANE, MONSTER, AARON, TECK,

Can someone tell me how to be

A mysterious silhouette behind Jane.

SCENE 2: INT. JANE’S BEDROOM NIGHT - SINGLE PARENT FAMILY

Jane’s living room. Jane’s MOM, in beer auntie clothes,

Jane’s bedroom is small and furnished with cheap

Jane sits on the floor next to the mirror. She draws a

Her phone with a shattered screen next to her pings.

Jane opens the post: it’s a video of her fighting with

Jane looks at herself in the mirror, a bruise on her

Jane starts for the door, but catches herself in the

Mom tries to open the door. It’s locked.

Jane stays silent.

JANE AND VOICE