Close Minds
A play in one act
By Bethsichard Dumene
Cast of Characters
ANAÏCA: Main character, wants a life outside of her family.
JUDELINE: Anaïca’s mother. Wants her children to live the life she chose for them.
STEVENSON: Anaïca’s father. Nonchalant but also very strict.
ROSELINE: Anaïca’s sister. Did not want the life her family chose so she ran away.
CASSANDRA: One of Anaïca’s friends but was also friends with Evangeline. Judeline doesn’t like her.
VANESSA: One of Anaïca’s friends.
MIRLANDE: One of Anaïca’s friends.
NATACHA: One of Anaïca’s friends.
EVANGELINE: Anaïca’s lover. Sweet, kind, gentle soul. Works for Anaïca’s family.
FRANTZ: The person Judeline chose for Anaïca to marry.
NARRATOR: Never actually makes an appearance. Cheeky and witty.
STAFF: The family’s staff. They cook and take care of Anaïca and her family.
GUARDS: The police for the town. Some live with Anaïca and her family.
CROWD: People of the town. Can be the audience.
Setting: A small Haitian town called Boudeuax. The people there speak both creole and English.
ACT 1
SCENE 1
Outside on a balcony. It is a cold windy night, Anaïca, Mirlande, Vanessa, Cassandra, and Natacha are standing on the balcony.
NARRATOR
Welcome to Boudeaux. A town that was settled by Haitian explorers. After Haiti got its independence, it went on to help other colonies liberate themselves. Through this adventure, they discovered this small island and established a town called Boudeaux. Through establishing trade with other countries, the town has learned new languages including English, but they still know their native tongue of Haitian Creole. The town was established by a well-off family, the Boudeauxs. The town has evolved since its establishment and now the town is being ruled by the fifth generation of Boudeauxs. This generation consists of Judeline, Stevenson, Roseline, we don’t talk about her, and Anaïca. The tea around town is that it hasn’t been the same with Judeline and Stevenson and they might be getting a divorce! Let’s start our story. Anaïca is the one with the long hair and cleaner clothes.
ANAÍCA
Thank you, guys, for comforting me.
CASSANDRA
Always. If you need anything, we’re here, but we do have to go.
VANESSA
Yeah, bye Anaïca.
Everyone exits except Anaïca, she approaches the railing.
ANAÏCA
(sighs)
Another day of…
JUDELINE
(offstage)
Anaïca? Anaïca, sweetheart, where are you?
NARRATOR
And this is Judeline the matriarch of the family. She married into Boudeaux family, and the family did not like her. There were tears, screams, and objections. You know how dramatic Haitian mothers can be? Since her wedding day Judeline had fought to create this perfect image of herself and her family. That’s why she kicked out her own daughter! She may say that she didn’t do it, but everyone KNOWS she did it. Rosaline did not just get up in the middle of the night and left!
Anaïca stays quiet, but there is a smile on her face! Judeline enters.
ANAÏCA
Bonswa Manmi.
JUDELINE
Hello sweetheart, why aren’t you in bed? I know your friends were just around, but you need to bed in now, big day tomorrow!
ANAÏCA
I know.
JUDELINE
Why aren’t you more excited about this?
ANAÏCA
I am, I truly am. I’m just tired.
JUDELINE
It feels like you’re more than just tired. Come on, what’s going on?
ANAÏCA
In all honesty, I’m stressed and sad. I’m overwhelmed.
JUDELINE
Stressed? Tired? Please, everything is done for you! And you’re stressed and tired? There are people with way less than you that are not stressed and tired.
Anaïca gets visibly upset.
ANAÏCA
Right!
Anaïca turns away from her mother. There is a tense moment of silence.
JUDELINE
(gasps)
Se yon ti gason!
Anaïca is taken aback by her mother’s conclusion.
ANAÏCA
What?
JUDELINE
It’s a boy, isn’t it? I know the look!
ANAÏCA
No, it’s not a boy!
JUDELINE
Of course, it is. See this is why I don’t like it when you hang out with your sister’s friends! Yap dejwew mem jan yo te dejwe Rosaline!
ANAÏCA
It’s not a boy and there is nothing wrong with Cassandra!
JUDELINE
Don’t listen to Cassandra! You know you’re not allowed to date!
ANAÏCA
And why not?
NARRATOR
Woy! Gade zin nan Pòtoprens!
JUDELINE
Because you’re the future leader of Boudeaux! You’re going to be a graceful, intelligent, beautiful, leader, with a capable partner. It can’t just be anyone off the street.
Anaïca stays quiet.
JUDELINE
You’re almost there, sweetheart! I’m glad you stuck around, unlike your sister! Your prince is coming tomorrow, and it will all be worth it in the end. Now, get ready for bed.
Judeline exits. Anaïca turns around and Judeline reenters quietly.
ANAÏCA
Why did my sister do that was so wrong? What if I was dating someone off the street? I can see nothing wrong with that! There are people just like me, they also deserve love! Just because they don’t have a lot doesn’t mean anything. And the only reason why my sister ran away was because she was forced! She didn’t fit into the stereotypical good girl daughter!
JUDELINE
(Gasps)
Anaïca, how can you say that? You know that girl was WICKED! She was doing all the things wrong and made us look bad. Plus, this is not you -- this is not who we are! How can you say something so vulgar out loud? There are people with ears everywhere!
NARRATOR
The dramatics!
JUDELINE
Don’t try and be like her, Anaïca, or you’ll end up like her -- in the streets with no one to care for her except a passerby who is looking for a good time at a low cost! Think about it next time you want to defend her.
ANAÏCA
That is your daughter! You just called your own daughter a low-priced whore!
NARRATOR
Gade yon manman? To have her as a mother am I right? I would’ve willingly gone! A low priced not even middle priced! Like… I’m shocked.
ANAÏCA
That is your daughter! You promised to love and take care of her, the moment she stepped out of your womb. But here you are bashing her for her not even mistakes but things you don’t even agree with! Dwet ou santi ou pa ka koupe l jete. Do you know what that means, mother?
JUDELINE
Keep behaving like this Anaïca! I cut off my finger once and I’ll do it again. Shape up Anaïca before you become jis yon lòt dwèt santi. I was going to help you prepare for bed, but you want to act this way! Evangeline is coming up with cleaned clothes. I’ll tell her to help you.
Judeline turns to leave.
JUDELINE
I expect your best behavior tomorrow or else!
Judeline exits. Anaïca stands there just looking at the night sky quietly. Evangeline enters quietly. Her head is tied. Her clothes are wet and made of multiple colors and rags.
EVANGELINE
Madame, your sheets are washed. I’m supposed to help you ready for bed.
Anaïca turns around. She smiles.
ANAÏCA
Hi, Evangeline! Yes, thank you! Just give me a second before bed. I know you’re tired, but I need a few moments to myself.
Evangeline stands back quietly.
ANAÏCA
Evangeline?
EVANGELINE
Yes, madame?
ANAÏCA
You know how love always conquers it all in the end in all the greatest love stories? I think that’s also true for real life.
EVANGELINE
I wouldn’t know, Madame. But I do know life is different from stories.
ANAÏCA
Yeah, but we can also learn from stories. I think that’s the hope in me. I’m ready for bed now.
Anaïca sighs. She turns around and exits. Evangeline follows.
NARRATOR
Anaïca, sometimes love just isn’t enough especially when a person like you is involved! Se sou chemiz blan an ou wè tach! Sometimes love isn’t enough!
SCENE 2
The next day. Hallway outside the ballroom. Anaïca, Judeline and some of her staff getting her ready to meet Frantz. Judeline and Anaïca are dressed in elegant gowns and the staff are all wearing the same thing. The staff’s clothing is ruffled and big in some places.
JUDELINE
My beautiful daughter. Oh, you look so stunning!
NARRATOR
Oh? Mhm! You? You just? Yeah, I see that!
JUDELINE
Clear!
The staff clears the room. Judeline and Anaïca remain.
JUDELINE
Anaïca, be on your best behavior today. You shamed me as a mother yesterday, taking your sister’s side. Today mache sou trèz ou pa pile katòz ou.
ANAÏCA
E si m pa vle, kisa w ap fè m?
JUDELINE
Wap konn Jòj. Lose the Creole and act formal, and you better not embarrass me.
Judeline exits the hallway and enters the ballroom. Anaïca follows suit.
Now inside the ballroom. Anaïca, Judeline, Stevenson, Frantz, Evangeline, and the staff are there. Judeline and Anaïca approach Frantz and Stevenson.
STEVENSON
There they are, my beautiful wife Judeline and my beautiful daughter Anaïca! Frantz, it’s so nice to meet you, but I have some affairs to attend to.
NARRATOR
That is Stevenson, our patriarch. He’s not only a strong soldier, but a strong intellectual. You didn’t hear this from me, but he misses his eldest daughter dearly, you can see it in his eyes every other second!
Stevenson exits the room. Frantz and Anaïca shake hands
FRANTZ
It’s finally nice to meet my future wife.
ANAÏCA
No!
Everything stops, frozen in place, not one muscle moving, no one is breathing. Quiet! Quiet like the nothingness in the world. Judeline turns around and looks at her daughter.
NARRATOR
I know that look. That’s the mwen pral fout touye’w look. I would not want to be in her place right now!
JUDELINE
(laughs)
Such a wicked sense of humor.
ANAÏCA
NO! I am not marrying this man.
(looks directly into Frantz Eyes)
I don’t want to marry you!
JUDELINE
(angrily)
And why is that?
ANAÏCA
Because I don’t want to, and I will never love him! I ‘m in love with someone else!
A collective gasp is heard around the room. It is now silent.
JUDELINE
(trying to keep her cool)
And who that might be?
ANAÏCA
A… A woman!
The room goes quiet. A glass is dropped and broken. All eyes on Anaïca. As all eyes are on her she starts to change. She grows tall, full of fur and her dress shreds. Anaïca is transformed into a monster in rags. The lights start to flicker, and lightning is heard. There is a strong and boisterous wind and things are flying around. People grow terrify and everyone but Anaïca, Judeline, and Evangeline remain.
JUDELINE
(gasps and yells)
Guards!
ANAÏCA
(crying and yelling)
No, please, please. No! I am not an enemy. I am not an enemy. No, please. Please! Father, it’s me, your daughter, no, please! Manmi, please!
JUDELINE
EVANGELINE!
Evangeline approaches Judeline.
JUDELINE
Did you know about this?
Evangeline gulps.
EVANGELINE
I— I—
JUDELINE
YOU, YOU, WHAT? All along, I thought it was a boy, but I had to worry about girls. I have a gay daughter. That is the worst thing to ever happen to me. I am humiliated. And for her to, to, to announce it in front of everyone! And Frantz and the other countries.
NARRATOR
Right! Yes! The most embarrassing moment of your life is demonizing your daughter! But I think there is a good tie between this and your mother-in-law trying to ruin your wedding day by airing out your dirty laundry quite literally. That woman did not like her, and still don’t like her, and I’m going to say for good reasons!
Judeline starts pacing around. She stops in front of Evangeline.
JUDELINE
Evangeline again please for the love of God, did you know of this? You spend some time with her, did she confide in you?
NARRATOR
She is stressed! Y’all she is stressed.
EVANGELINE
Non, mwen pa t konnen, non!
JUDELINE
(takes a breath)
Good, come with me!
Evangeline exits the room and so does Judeline.
NARRATOR
Mhm!
SCENE 3
It’s down in the cells. Anaïca is imprisoned and there are guards watching her.
GUARD 1:
Please stop your crying evil spirit! In the name of God, you shall leave Miss Anaïca’s body!
Judeline and Evangeline enters. Stevenson enters right after.
STEVENSON
Whatin the world is going on?
JUDELINE
Stevenson, it’s horrible.
(points to Anaïca crying in the cell)
Stevenson looks over and sees his crying daughter, not a monster in a cage.
STEVENSON
Why is my daughter in a cage?
Everyone stops and look at Stevenson weirdly.
JUDELINE
Stevenson, your daughter has an evil spirit residing in her. She said she was in love with a woman.
Stevenson still sees his daughter as who she is
STEVENSON
I don’t see an evil spirit! Release her immediately!
JUDELINE
(gasps)
NO! You know the people wouldn’t feel safe, you know your parents and your ancestors wouldn’t agree. It will destroy our reputation!
Stevenson sighs and give his daughter an empathetic look.
JUDELINE
We must execute her and her lover!
Stevenson is clearly taken back.
STEVENSON
Talè banm mwen mande yon bagay Judeline, ou fou? Gen lè ou fou?
NARRATOR
(laughing)
Oh?
JUDELINE
No, I’m not crazy. You always had such a soft spot for the girls. Always babied them and gave them attention. Attention which you never gave to me! No wonder they came out the way they did!
STEVENSON
FOUT LAN MERDE. NAN GYET MAREN OU JUDELINE. She’s, our daughter! Our daughter we made her, and you are on your high horse when you need to help her. My mother was right!
NARRATOR
Devan tout moun konsa? OH? Mhm! Me personally I wouldn’t take that! I would’ve left quietly! Like you wouldn’t hear from me again!
JUDELINE
I always felt like you loved them more than me and it’s true.
STEVENSON
Judeline banm tèt mwen! Someone get a priest and pray with her. I have to leave on business. Judeline if you start a witch hunt or even set forth an execution (yelling) we’re over!
Stevenson storms out.
JUDELINE
Prepare for an execution and get her friends here. We’re getting rid of these monsters and keeping our town clean and pure!
NARRATOR
Bon, mari l di chita pa fè bagay konsa! Gade sa l ap fè! BONDYE! To have her as a family member!
The guards nod and Judeline exits. They track don Anaïca’s friends. They are now standing in a living room with Judeline being interrogated with guards everywhere.
JUDELINE
Whatever I say in this room doesn’t leave this room!
(pause)
Now, my daughter is in love, and I think I know who it is!
Judeline walks over to Cassandra and gets close to her.
CASSANDRA
I’m going to need you to back up! And we don’t know who it is! We kept asking and she wouldn’t tell!
JUDELINE
It’s a woman!
CASSANDRA
And you think it’s me?
MIRLANDE
Cassandra is engaged to be married!
JUDELINE
She hinted at someone being low class…
CASSANDRA
Okay, you know how many low classes people are there? It could be anyone!
JUDELINE
I think it’s you Cassandra. You are a low-class vile creature on your own and loving another woman will finally show your true color!
MIRLANDE
Why are you being so hard on Cassandra, it could be any of us or anyone out there!
Judeline rolls her eyes and slowly turns to Mirlande.
JUDELINE
Stay out of this, ti fi sal.
NARRATOR
Mwen menm mwen tap reci fe Judeline konn Jòj! And she’s talking like she didn’t start as a tifi sal
JUDELINE
Besides, Cassandra is the only one who knows Rosaline and look what happened to Rosaline? She is the only common factor! IF YOU ARE NOT HER THEN WHO IS SHE?
NARRATOR
Nou tou les 4 ka bat li wi. Li pa tap genyen! The guards would regard it as a favor! They will let you!
CASSANDRA
Mwen pa fout konnen!
The guards move in on Cassandra, but Judeline stops them.
JUDELINE
I’m keeping my eyes on all of you! Send me an RSVP maybe you will have someone of real honor attending.
Judeline and her guards exit. The girls look upon themselves in shock and worry.
SCENE 4
It’s been a few days and Judeline has tried her best to get the name of her lover, but she failed every single time. Her friends didn’t say sticking by that they don’t know and Anaïca, of course, wouldn’t say.
Show a montage of Judeline interrogating people.
Now, she is in her bedroom drinking a glass of liqueur. She has changed and can barely look at herself in the mirror as she is starting to look like a “commoner.” Her hair is tied with a scarf and her clothes have become ill fitted and ripped.
GUARD
She still won’t talk.
JUDELINE
Is she really a she? Look at that hideous thing! It’s no longer human it’s it, a creature, an animal from the dark realm... Prepare for the execution.
NARRATOR
Girl ou bat boudaw twòp. And when Stevenson comes back… THIS IS WHY NO ONE LIKES HER. No one likes her! Someone get Stevenson’s family on the phone!
The guards exit and Judeline gets ready for her daughter’s execution. After she goes down to Anaïca’s cell.
JUDELINE
Still won’t tell me!... Fine!... Just know, you’re a bad person Anaïca!
ANAÏCA
You’re even worse, Mother!
NARRATOR
I mean you have her in a jail cell because she loves a woman, went after her friends, started a witch hunt in your town when your husband told you not to and created fear in your people who have other things to worry about and she’s a bad person? Plus, you kicked out her sister with nowhere to go! Thank God Rosaline had good friends, or she might be dead! Wait until your husband finds out! I don’t know—I think Satan might be waiting for you!
Guards get Anaïca out of her cell and chain her. Her outfit is dirty and ripped but that doesn’t matter. Anaïca, the guards, and Judeline walk out to the platform.)
JUDELINE
Welcome the people of Boudeaux. This is a public execution of Anaïca Boudeaux. Let’s start with prayer so she can make it up in heaven in the afterlife.
The crowd closes their eyes and there is a moment of silence.
JUDELINE
In this moment of prayer ,let her lover join us, Father. Her lover is also evil and needs to be sent to you so can be cleansed of the evil spirit that attached itself on her soul!
The people start to look around looking for this mysterious lover.
JUDELINE
Fine, you stay hidden like a coward just like your master Satan. If you don’t show yourself, you will be hunted down and not only will you get executed but also your family, friends, and everyone you’ve ever got in contact with!
There isn’t movement, and everyone is silent.
JUDELINE
Fine, have it the hard way!
Evangeline emerges from the crowd and gets on the platform.
EVANGELINE
I am! I want no harm done to my family! They’re good hardworking people.
Everyone is shocked.
JUDELINE
Mhm, the servant! If you’re going to like a woman Anaïca have better taste! GUARDS!
NARRATOR
I wish her father had better taste. Everyone wishes her father had better taste!
Someone jumps on the platform and stands in front of Evangeline. She reveals herself and it’s Rosaline.
ROSALINE
NO! Mother please don’t do this! What type of message do you think you are sending here?
JUDELINE
(chuckles)
It’s a 3 for 1 special today! Guards grab both of them!
ROSALINE
(pleading)
Manmi, NO!
There is a struggle between Rosaline, Evangeline, and the guards. The guards are confused about how strong the two girls are. Especially a servant.
ROSALINE
I am a real Boudeaux! BY BLOOD! You should be listening to me! And I command you to let go of Evangeline, my sister, and me.
The crowd claps and cheers. The Guards let go and Stevenson walks on the platform.
NARRATOR
BON, bon, bon, bon. Men met li. Finally put her in her place. Put her in her place! Please!
STEVENSON
What is going on here?
Judeline and Stevenson makes eye contact. He sees Anaïca in chains. The struggle. He advances forward and sees his daughter Rosaline. Stevenson is shocked and his eyes get teary.
STEVENSON
Guards let go of them.
There is a pause. Stevenson starts to cry. Rosaline and Stevenson run into each other arms and have a lengthy hug.
STEVENSON
I miss you so much. OH, my baby girl is back.
ROSALINE
Father!
STEVENSON
I missed you so, so, so much. I’ve had sleepless nights worried about you! Sent guards after you! I love you so much. My baby girl is okay!
NARRATOR
Yes, now that’s a good parent. I’m about cry. See Judeline! Take some notes! That’s a good parent. Oh, this is so beautiful!
STEVENSON
Guards, let go of Evangeline and free Anaïca!
Anaïca went to her father and sister, and they hug.
STEVENSON
I’m so sorry my babies. I— I— I should’ve been a bigger man, and a better father and protector. Evangeline I’m also sorry you have permission to date my daughter. Date her, love her, and cherish her.
JUDELINE
But this is…
STEVENSON
(yelling)
Judeline, be quiet!
NARRATOR
Fèmen dan w Judeline. Fèmen bèk ou! Pa gen moun ki ap pale avè w. Also, I’m not saying you’re getting a divorce but he leaving you and writing a memoir called Surviving Judeline!
STEVENSON
From now on, no one shall be demonized because of who they love! Love shall be love in Boudeaux starting today and forever on! We shall accept everyone with love and open arms! Like God did to sinners and like God continues to do for everyone!
It’s quiet.
NARRATOR
I mean you married Judeline! Of course, you can’t speak on other people! But well said.
STEVENSON
I know it’s hard to accept change, and that’s fine, but as time goes on, let us grow to be more tolerant and loving of each other! God would prefer that we accept and love, instead of judging and hating. Remember, judging others is a sin but loving one another is not!
The crowd claps.
STEVENSON
I would also like to ask my people for forgiveness for the terror and pain Judeline has put you through for the last few days. I’m sorry I couldn’t stand up to her for all these years. But now I can. I’m now announcing I’m ending my relationship with Miss Judeline
The crowd cheers.
NARRATOR
I volunteer! That slipped out! Buuuut, they ready to get rid of her too!
STEVENSON
Thank you for your time, people of Boudeaux, and have a good rest of your day!
Stevenson, Rosaline, Evangeline, and Anaïca exits. Judeline falls to her knees and cries as the crowd continues to cheer.
NARRATOR
Anyways, she so dramatic like. I can’t wait for Stevenson’s mother to come and kick her out! Like I would pay millions to see that. But in the end love prevailed like God always wanted. I hope smooth sailing to the Boudeaux family and the people residing in Boudeaux!
Translations in order as seen in play:
Bonswa Manmi: (greeting) good afternoon mother
Se yon ti gason: It’s a boy!
Yap dejwe'w menm jan yo te dejwe Rosaline: They will make you fall into doing bad things just like they did Rosaline.
Woy! Gade zin nan Pòtoprens: Wow look at the gossip!
Gade yon manman: Look at a mother. Insulting the way, the mother is choosing to parent.
Dwet ou santi ou pa ka koupe l jete: (saying) you can’t just cut off a family member, family remains family no matter what.
jis yon lòt dwèt santi: another stinky finger. Another family member that was cutoff
Se sou chemiz blan an ou wè tach: (saying) it’s with people of power a scandal is most likely to do the most damage.
mache sou trèz ou pa pile katòz ou: (saying) be on your best behavior.
E si m pa vle, kisa w ap fè m: And if I don’t want to, what will you do?
Wap konn Jòj: (saying/threat) you’re going to get what’s coming to you.
mwen pral fout touye’w: I’m going to kill you.
Non, mwen pa t konnen, non: No, I did not know.
Talè banm mwen mande yon bagay Judeline, ou fou? Gen lè ou fou: Wait let me ask you something Judeline, are you crazy? Are you crazy?
FOUT LAN MERDE. NAN GYET MAREN OU JUDELINE: Damn, F off Judeline
Devan tout moun konsa: In front of everyone like that?
banm tèt mwen: (saying) leave me alone.
Bon, mari l di chita pa fè bagay konsa! Gade sa l ap fè! BONDYE: Well her husband told her to sit down and not to do those things. Look at what she is doing! GOD!
ti fi sal: dirty girl
Mwen, mwen te reci fe Judeline konnen Jòj: I would finally give Judeline what was coming to her
Nou tou les 4 ka bat li wi. Li pa tap genyen: All four of you can beat her, she wouldn’t win.
Mwen pa fout konnen: I don’t know.
ou bat boudaw twòp: (saying) you’re doing too much!
BON, BON, BON, BON. Men mèt li: (saying) Well, well, well, here is the person that can stop her.
Fèmen dan w Judeline. Fèmen bèk ou! Pa gen moun ki ap pale avè w: (sayings) Close your mouth, Be quiet! No one is talking to you!
Bethsichard Dumene is a third year student at Cedar Crest College. She is a psychology major hoping to combine psychology and the writing process.