Summer of 1905

ACT I
Scene 1
Opening dance performance "Waqt" by EP. A group of
8 teenagers from various backgrounds. Veronica
Khan enters, breaking their performance.
VERONICA
Wah wah, zabardast!

They all stop and look at her.

VERONICA
Acha istemaal ho raha hai chuttiyon ka. Saari
creativity summer break mein nikalti hai tum logon ki!
I like it!

They all seem to be attached to her, especially

Vishal and Inaya.
VERONICA
Result ka kya bana?

VISHAL
(to Inaya)
Chalo dou meri atthani.
She makes a face and gives him the money.

VISHAL
Meine kaha tha chuttiyaan shuru hotay hee sabse pehle
aap humara result poochein gee!
INAYA
Miss mein 2nd aayi!! Aur Vishu sey tou na hee poochein.
She laughs as Veronica pats their heads.
VERONICA
Bas parhayi zaroori hai, position nahi!

Vishal sticks his tongue out to Inaya who makes a

face.
VERONICA
Aur Qudsia, tumharey exam ka kya bana? Kab ban rahi ho
tum phir yahan ki best doctor?
Qudsia makes a long face.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.

VERONICA
Kya hua, munn kyun lattak gaya tumhara?
QUDSIA
Ms. Veronica, exam hua kahan? Ek achi Biology teacher
aayi thiin, unko bhi transfer karwa diya, because
thanks to our color; humein achay teachers milnay ka
right nai hai. Inn angraizon ke hotay huay hum kuch nai
kar paayein gey. Yahan sey nikalna parrey ga.
INAYA
Qudsia, har waqt negative hona zaroori hai! Yeh log
bohot kuch kar bhi tou rahey hain na humarey liye. Yeh
na hotay tou aisey schools bhi na hotay.
QUDSIA
Faida kya jab wahan na achay teachers hain, na
facilities! You need to take off those rose-colored
glasses for the English.
Meanwhile, Veronica notices a kid.
VERONICA
And you are... (thinking) Oh!! Are you the famous
cousin?
QUDSIA
Jee Ms. Veronica. Yahi hai meri cousin, Jasmine!

Veronica shakes her hand with Jasmine.

VERONICA
Oh the future lawyer! I have heard so much about you.
Aaj finally mil bhi liya.

JASMINE
Meine bhi aapke baarey mein bohot suna hai Ms.
Veronica. In fact aapka sun kar hee mujhe lawyer
ban’ney ka shouq hua. Dekhna jab mein barri hojaun gee
mein bhi aap ki tarhan change laaun gee yahan pey!

INAYA & VISHAL

Kaun badlay gi Hindustan? JASMINE KHAN JASMINE KHAN!
Jasmine holds her hands up to quiet them. Veronica
feels a little sad but encourages her.

VERONICA
Tum bas issi tarhan dil laga ke parhti raho, you will
be even better than I am. Tou aap yahan summer holidays
ke liye aayi hain?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.

JASMINE
Actually mein inki help karne aayi hun, festival ke
liye!

Veronica looks at them, puzzled.

INAYA
Jeee miss. Hum iss saal festival mein participate
karein gey!

VERONICA
Don’t tell me... The George M. Cohen festival??
They all say YES. Veronica looks around,
worriedly.

QUDSIA
Meine tou kaha hai miss, koi faida nahi. They will
never let us participate.
VERONICA
Yeh kiska idea hai?
VISHAL
Miss, kaun hai humarey beech, the next Stanislavski!
They laugh as they all look at Manmeet.

VERONICA
Tumhein pata hai na how difficult it is for people of
color to participate in that festival?
MANMEET
Aithey tussi aandey o na miss. Koi apnay taaluqaat
chalao saada bohta mann aey iss dafa. Jasmine wi tagri
rehearsal kara rai aey saanu!!
VERONICA
Lekin-
MANMEET
(cutting her off)
Bas miss hunn tussi aen tey aon tey lekin wekin nai
karo. Tussi balle balle karo assi shaava shaava karaan
gey.
They all laugh as a shoe comes flying in the air.
Jasmeet enters.
JASMEET
Haye ni tera baira tar jaaway. Durr fitteh munn tera.
Fer tu nachan gaan tey lageya huaya aey tey mein galli
galli dhindora peet riyaan ke Manmeet kithay aa,
Manmeet kithay aa.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.

Manmeet is running around as everyone is laughing.

Jasmeet stops to see Jasmine.
JASMEET
Oye Jasmine! Tu wi shaamil hogai es waari? Hun tey
raula pona aey tussi saariyaan ney. Veronica jee tussi
samjhao na aina nu.
Veronica laughs.
VERONICA
Jasmeet jee, kya samjhaun! Bachay hain, rola tou
daalein gey. Yahi umar hai inki.
JASMEET
Fer wi! Waikho saadi Jasmine, wakeel tey saadi Qudsia,
daactar. Aes nalayek nu samjhao. Jaddo wekho thumkay
tey gaaney. Miraasi jaya, daka nai torhda!
Manmeet hides behind Veronica.
VERONICA
Arey Jasmeet jee. Jitnay zaroori wakeel aur doctors
hain, utnay hee zaroori artists bhi hain. Woh insaani
jism ke liye kaam kartey hain lekin yeh insaani rooh ko
zinda rakhney ke liye zindagi guzaar dete hain! Poetry,
literature, music, yahi tou humari rooh ki khooraak
hai!

JASMEET
Tuadi gal jahaaz wargi sar dey uttun tapp gai aey. Chal
Manmeet, abba sadd raye ney teinu!!
Manmeet goes with her as others follow.

JASMINE
Oh, meine ghar ke liye ration liya tha. Tum log jao
mein samaan utha ke arahi hun.
They all go off-stage as Jasmine goes in the other
direction. From the corner she picks up the things
and struggles to hold it all in her hands. As she
is struggling to walk, she is stopped and
surrounded by some British officials.
MARTHA
Oh look, what do we have here!
Martha stands right in front of Jasmine. She takes
a threatening step forward. Jasmine, still
unflinching, stares back resolutely, though her
hands tremble as she hides the food behind her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.

MARTHA
Haven’t seen you around! New here?
She doesn’t say anything and keeps looking.
MARTHA
What are you staring at? Huh? Eyes down!
Jasmine keeps staring at her.
MARTHA
I SAID EYES DOWN!
Jasmine looks down. Martha laughs and then sighs.
MARTHA
It’s cute. You people always think you can stand up to
us. But you know what happens next! APOLOGIZE, right
now!
Jasmine stays silent. The officials point their
guns at her. She gets scared. Martha puts her hand
up and goes towards one of the officials, putting
his gun down.
MARTHA
Now now, don’t waste your bullets on this one. She just
wants to play, so let’s play, shall we?

Martha sircles around her like a predator.

MARTHA
Name?
JASMINE
(mumbling)
Ja..jasmine..
MARTHA
SPEAK UP GIRL! Or do they not teach you how to talk
where you’re from?

JASMINE
Jasmine.. Khan.
MARTHA
Huh, typical.
JASMINE
Madam.. I didn’t...do anything.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.

MARTHA
Is that so? You people always pretend to be innocent!
Always the victim, never the problem. Illiterate.
Savages!

JASMINE
Madam I was just..going..home.
Martha looks at the things in her hands.
MARTHA
Oh going home I see! And what is this you are stealing?
JASMINE
Stealing? No.. It’s ration for my family..
She signals the two officers and they come to her,
snatching it away. She struggles but is
overpowered and falls to her knees.
JASMINE
Please sir, madam, please, it’s for my family. My
father is not well today have some mercy.
Martha keeps circling around her slowly as the
officials take the stuff away from her. Jasmine is
on the ground, crying now. Martha smiles.

JASMINE
Please madam..some mercy..
MARTHA
Mercy? You dare beg me for mercy? This is what you
people deserve!!! We give you food, education,
facilities. Yet you act like animals! You don’t deserve
a scrap of what we give you, bloody little thief!
JASMINE
I didn’t steal it... I just want to- go home, madam,
please.

She keeps circling, smirking.

MARTHA
You and your kind don’t even belong here. The audacity
of calling this your home! Strolling in these streets
like you own this place.
JASMINE
Madam please.. I just want to see my family..
Martha keeps looking at her in disgust and then
towers over her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.

MARTHA
Okay, you can go, who is stopping you?
Jasmine takes her time and then puts her hands on
the ground to get up. Martha’s boot slams down on
her hand. Jasmine screams in agony and falls back
down.
MARTHA
Oh, you’re still here? I thought you wanted to leave?

After a few seconds, Jasmine tries to get up

again. Martha steps down on her hand again. She
screams and falls, crying.
JASMINE
Madam please!! I beg of you, please please, let me go!

MARTHA
(yawning)
Begging already? Of course you are. It’s what you
people do best. I just allowed you to leave. GET OUT OF
MY SIGHT!

Jasmine tries to leave again as Martha steps again

and laughs. This time she prolongs it. The
officials laugh too.
JASMINE
I’m sorry. I’m SORRY!! God it hurts so much please
please leave me, let me go. I’m sorry I’M SORRYYY!!
Martha leaves the hand and sighs.
MARTHA
That’s right. Apologize. It’s the only thing you are
good for. Remember girl, you are nothing more than a
slave, and that’s all you ever will be.
She spits on her and leaves as the British
officials follow. Jasmine stays on the floor,
crying. Curtains close.
Scene 2
The two kids we saw in the previous scene are
going to sleep: Vishal is sitting as Inaya is
putting a piece of cloth as a spread on which they
will sleep. Vishal seems to be looking at the
mosquitoes. Inaya kills one.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.

INAYA
Kya tum bethe macharon ko dekhte rehte ho!!
VISHAL
Humse to behter hee hain yeh machar. Inke maap baap tou
hon gey.

INAYA
Chalo jee ab hum macharon sey jealous hon gey? Humarey
bhi hain!

VISHAL
Kahan hain?
INAYA
Aasmaan mein hai na. Ms. Veronica ney kaha tha ke jinke
maa baap nahi hotay, woh Khuda ke special bachay hotay
hain!
Vishal starts snoring as Inaya hits him playfully.
VISHAL
Inaya aapi aapke falsafay sun ke neend achi aati hai
waysay.
INAYA
Aur tumharey kharraaton sey neend nai aati mujhe! Mein
soti shumaal mein hun lekin uth’ti janoob mein!

VISHAL
Agar mein mar gaya na tou mere kharaatey yaad karein
gee aap.
INAYA
Yaad kya karna hai tere kharaatey wahan sey bhi sunaayi
dein gey sabko.
She laughs at this as Vishal gets up.
VISHAL
Mein nai bol raha aapse.
Inaya lies down on the cloth and looks up as
Vishal is leaving.
INAYA
(jokingly and louder so he can hear)
Shukar hai, ab mein araam sey soun gee.
He comes back laughing as he pushes her to make
space for himself to speak. She pushes him back
and they keep laughing and teasing each other.
Lights off.
 9.

Scene 3
Curtains open. "Highway to Hell" plays. A group of
9 white teenagers is dancing to it. Isabella
enters excitedly, interrupting their performance.
Martha and Uncle Albert enter slowly behind her
too.
ISABELLA
O my God, O my God, that was so good! Are you
rehearsing for the festival?
HERMIONE
Are you blind? Of course we are; you and your
ridiculous questions!

ISABELLA
But..why did no one tell me..?
OLIVIA
Oh how adorable!!! Miss. Isabella wants to join us for
the festival! Why not! But you know..there is a
condition..they only accept real talent!
ELEANOR
Yeah sorry, we actually have to win so we are strictly
avoiding nobodies!

They all laugh as Isabella looks down, sadly.

Martha hugs her son, Herbert.
MARTHA
How’s everything going, son?
HERBERT
Mother, everything is absolutely glorious! We have been
rehearsing non-stop and we are more than ready to
perform.

ROSIE
(to Uncle Albert dramatically)
Uncle please, I’m dying, I need some tea. My energy is
totally depleted.

UNCLE ALBERT
Certainly, my lady!
He brings tea for her as she uses his hand as her
personal table.

MARTHA
The state has spent a fortune on this festival and they
expect nothing less than the best!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.

HERBERT
Oh mother, I assure you, you will be more than pleased!
ROSIE
This festival better be good. I gave up my summer in
France for this, hot, humid, place full of dirt and
savages!
Uncle Albert fans her. Hermione is fanning herself
all this while and sighs loudly.

HERMIONE
God Rosie it surely is a big festival! Did you know
that the judges are from all over the world! I can’t
wait to be recognized as the star I am. I am going to
shine. People are going to forget Judy Garland and hand
me a ticket to Hollywood right there!

OLIVIA
Yes Hermione, your future is so bright, it’s blinding!
ELEANOR
Yeah butter her up all you want, she still won’t take
you with her.
HERBERT
I have lots of ideas too that I wanted to discuss with
you mother.

MARTHA
Of course, son! We shall be delighted to hear them.
ISABELLA
Oh I have some ideas too. I was thinking -

They all look at her with disgust.

CHARLOTTE
(laughing)
This girl has ’ideas’ too now!!

OLIVIA
Have some self-respect lady!
HERMIONE
Who are you teaching self-respect? She has always been
trying to fit into places she doesn’t belong.
HERBERT
ANYWAY. Let’s focus on the festival guys and ignore
these good-for-nothing distractions. We will shine and
win this!! No question about it!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.

MARTHA
(pleased with her son)
And I expect nothing less!
ELEANOR
YES! We shall bring the house down!!
HERBERT
Good time to chant our slogan?
They nod excitedly and stack their hands in one
spot. Isabella puts her hand on top, still
hopeful. Rosie takes her hand out suddenly with
disgust, since hers was the one Isabella was
touching.
ROSIE
Ewww!!! Uncle please!!
Uncle albert gives her a napkin.
HERMIONE
Get away from us, loser!

Martha looks at Herbert.

MARTHA
Do the honors, son.

Herbert takes Isabella by the arm harshly and

makes her stand far from them, in the corner.
HERBERT
This is your area, never cross it over!

Isabella stays silent, tears in her eyes.

ISABELLA
But. I also want to perform at the festival...

HERBERT
Well you have to earn your place to do that. So you
stay here in your little corner. Understood?
She looks down, weeping.

HERBERT
UNDERSTOOD???
She nods.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.

HERBERT
Good girl.
He comes back to his team.
HERBERT
NOW TELL ME, WHO ARE WE??
EVERYONE
BILL ALEXANDER SOCIETY!

HERBERT
WHAT DO WE WANT?
EVERYONE
WE WANT TO WIN!

EVERYONE
STRIVING FOR GREATNESS, UNITED WE STAND!
HERBERT
BILL ALEXANDER IS

EVERYONE
THE BEST IN THE LAND!!
Martha claps for them and hugs her son as the
curtains close. Meanwhile, Isabella comes forward
slowly.

Scene 4
Isabella looks down sadly.
ISABELLA
It’s always been like this. Everyone thinks, having a
white skin is enough to be included. But here’s the
thing about racism - it runs deep. It isn’t just the
slurs or the stares. It’s the way they decide, quietly
and collectively, that you don’t belong. I was 3 years
old when my father passed away. I don’t remember his
face. But I remember my mother’s. I remember her
sobbing, whispering, "I’m sorry, Isabella. It will
never be the same for you." I didn’t understand what
she meant. Not then. But I grew up learning it the
painful way what she had known all along: the world is
kindest to those it recognizes as its own. I still
remember standing at the edge of the playground, my
hands gripping the cold bars of the fence, watching the
other kids laugh and run. I wanted so badly to be part
of it - to join their games, to laugh with them. But
they never let me in. I was always just outside, close
enough to see their perfect little worlds but never
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.

ISABELLA (cont’d)
close enough to be a part of it. Even when their
parents invited everyone over for dinner parties, there
was always some excuse for us. "Oh, it’s a small
gathering," or "We didn’t think you’d be interested."
Their pitying glances said, You’ll never be one of us.
I keep pressing my face up against the glass, hoping,
praying, for just one crack in the wall. But the cracks
never come. They’ve built their world so perfectly, so
tightly, there’s no room for someone like me. I don’t
know when..when I’ll ever stop feeling like I’m chasing
something I’ll never catch..
She is crying when she hears some voices from
behind the curtains
MANMEET
Arey yaar tum log kyun mujh sey behes kar rahey hou.
Meine bohot baar gaana suna hai.
JASMINE
Meine bhi suna hai. (singing) It’s strong and cruel at
times, but it just might save your wife!

Curtains open. We see Free Birds busy in

rehearsals.
MANMEET
Aey lo jee! Jasmine kan tey mail jam geya aey tere.
Pehli baat tou (singing) it’s strong and it’s sudden IT
CAN BE cruel sometimes. Doosri baat, but it just might
save your LIFE. That is the power of love! Taen taen,
taen taen.

INAYA
Yaar kitni behes kartey ho tum log, rehearse bhi karna
hai ya nai!
QUDSIA
Koi point nai hai!! Woh humein register bhi nai karein
gey.
INAYA
Ek tou tum beech mein aisi baatein karke saara josh
nikaal deti hou!

MANMEET
Tussi khud dasso zara! Save your wife kyun hoga? Power
of love hai gaaney ka naam!
JASMINE
Tou? Love wife sey hee hota hai!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.

VISHAL
Dafa karo yaar life ho ya wife? Mein kehta hun yeh gana
hee nai kartey. Chaddo paraan!
JASMINE
Chaaaalo jee ab shuru sey socho kya karna hai -
As she turns in despair, she sees Isabella
observing them.
QUDSIA
Yeh kya kar rahi hai yahan?
Inaya smiles.
INAYA
Hello, my name is Inaya.

Isabella takes a step towards them. They all move

back reflexively as Jasmine covers them bravely.
JASMINE
NO! Not today! Please don’t attack us.

Isabella is surprised.
ISABELLA
What...

Inaya looks at her and then at the others as she

stands slowly.
INAYA
I think woh humse kuch baat karna chah rahi hai.

JASMINE
Ek white larki humse baat kyun karey gee.
MANMEET
Meinu lagda aey ae rasta wasta pul gai aey nai tey
saadi galliyan ich aeda ki kam.
VISHAL
What you do here?
INAYA
Ugh. What are you doing here? Angraizi seekh tou lou
pehle.
QUDSIA
Humari apni zubaan hai tou inki kyun seekhein bhai.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.

INAYA
Mujhe lagta hai yeh ro rahi hai.. (to Isabella) Are you
okay..?
Isabella looks at them.

ISABELLA
Oh no I was just -
She takes steps towards them and they reflexively
back down again.

MANMEET
Mein keh reya uss churail Martha ne ainu saadey tey
nazar rakhan layi pheja hai.
ISABELLA
Why are you so scared of me?
QUDSIA
Duh, do you really not know!
Isabella looks at them, a little puzzled.

JASMINE
Oh we forgot, you live in your tiny little, privilged
bubble to know the injustices that your people do to
us.

ISABELLA
But... We are the ones who give you so many
facilities...
They all look at each other and start laughing.

QUDSIA
These are just cover ups for the horrible things done
to us. Just that day your beloved Martha was terrible
to our friend Jasmine.

JASMINE
(showing her hand)
It’s still bruised.
VISHAL
Our parents were executed just because they wanted to
be justly paid for their labor!
MANMEET
My brother was tortured constantly until he said yes to
serving in their army.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.

QUDSIA
Not to mention how they systematically exclude us from
good education and jobs.
JASMINE
We are trapped here and can’t even go to theaters,
parks and clubs of high quality because people of color
are not allowed.
Isabella looks horrified when she listens to this.

ISABELLA
I had no idea guys.. I am so sorry.. I wish I could
make it better. But what can I do standing on the
outside myself..
MANMEET
You can leave us in peace right now so we can rehearse
for the festival!
ISABELLA
(excitedly)
You will be performing in the festival?

ISABELLA
Is there a... I mean if you... No leave it.
They all look at each other in confusion.

INAYA
Please complete what you want to say!
ISABELLA
Can I...perform with you guys?

Collective gasp.
QUDSIA
Whaaat!

JASMINE
A white girl performing with us..?
VISHAL
Impossible!!

INAYA
Besides, you have your own team to perform with!
ISABELLA
No, I don’t. They don’t allow me to perform with them.
But I really want to perform at the festival!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.

They all look at each other.

JASMINE
No! We don’t want to perform with anyone white. Go away
now!! And please don’t disturb us again.

Isabella looks down, the familiar feeling of

rejection creeping in. She turns and is about to
go.
MANMEET
Wait!!
They all look at him.
MANMEET
What are you guys doing?

VISHAL
Kya?
MANMEET
Rejecting her, why?

VISHAL
She white man!
MANMEET
So? Rejecting on the basis of....color? What is the
difference then between us and white people?
They all think.
QUDSIA
He is right guys..

INAYA
What? You, of all the people?
QUDSIA
Yes because, we of all people know what it feels to be
excluded, to feel differentiated and to not be allowed
in the places we want to be..
They all think more.

JASMINE
I agree with them guys... What do you think?
They all smile and nod. Jasmine looks at Isabella.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.

JASMINE
So... Would you like to rehearse with us?
Isabella smiles and nods.
ISABELLA
Boy, do I!!!
"Bye bye bye/want it that way Glee mashup" plays.
They all dance together. At the end, curtains
close.

Scene 5
An announcer comes in front of the curtains.
ANNOUNCER
Give it up for the Wonder Kidssss!!! That was a
phenomenal performance. ARE YOU HAVING FUN??? (YAYY
sounds) Next up it’s down to two more performances.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, the GLORIOUS BILL ALEXANDER
SOCIETY!!! (everyone hoots) and performing for the
first time at the George M. Cohen festival FREE
BIRDS!!!
There is silence as the curtains open. We see the
students of Bill Alexander society.
HERBERT
Who the hell are the Free Birds?
ANNOUNCER
I don’t know sir, they are on the list.
HERMIONE
Then call them!! Now! Let’s see if they’re brave enough
to stand after meeting us!
OLIVIA
You heard her! Call them.

ANNOUNCER
I’m sorry madam, the teams are not supposed to interact
before the event!
ROSIE
Are you saying NO to us?
HERBERT
Do you even know who I am?
He grabs the announcer by the collar.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 19.

HERBERT
Tell me who these "Free Birds" are or I will make sure
you never work another event in your life!
ANNOUNCER
Sir, respectfully, you can’t talk to me like this...
ELEANOR
Oh but he can, you’re not in a position to deny us!
They all gang up on him as he backs down, when
they hear a voice cutting in the rising tension as
Herbert is about to punch him.
JASMINE
HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!

They all look towards her. Rosie is almost

fainting.
ROSIE
UHHH! What is this filthy thing doing here!!

JASMINE
I heard you guys demanding to see the Free Birds. So I
thought we should make a formal introduction.
INAYA
Hi everyone!! We are the Free Birds, pleased to meet
you!
Everyone except Isabella comes on stage.
ROSIE
(panicking)
AAAHHH!!! Someone check if there’s any dirt that flew
on me. UNCLE!
MANMEET
Oh my God, ainu mirghi da daura pey gaya aey kya?

QUDSIA
(laughing)
Welcome to the white world!
HERMIONE
What kind of a sick joke is this. Go back to whatever
hole you guys crawled out of!
ELEANOR
(covering her nose)
Can’t take this stench anymore!!!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.

Herbert takes charge of the situation.

HERBERT
Are you lost or something? Because last I checked, this
event is for clean people!
JASMINE
And last we checked, this was the festival in which we
are formally registered to perform.

Silence and then the whites start laughing.

Herbert sarcastically claps for them.
HERBERT
Fantastic! We have a comedian among the illiterate. But
here’s the thing - since you can’t read obviously. The
first rule to perform here is... You have to be white!
So take your circus act elsewhere. Because you are done
here, you sand-niggers!
He turns around as they all smirk and follow, when
they hear a familiar voice.
ISABELLA
Hi guys, miss me?
As they look at Isabella, they collectively gasp.

HERBERT
YOU? NO WAY.
ISABELLA
Thought I’d pay you a visit, wouldn’t want you to
forget me.
HERMIONE
How could you betray your own kind??

ISABELLA
My own kind? You mean the kind that never included me
in the first place?
ROSIE
Are you going to dance around with these monkeys now?
This is beyond revolting!
HERBERT
You can’t do this! You can’t side with them!
ISABELLA
Actuallly I can. The rulebook says so. You yourself
said, remember? So Free Birds will be performing
tonight.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.

HERMIONE
Isabella, you were always disgusting to us..but this.
This could be your chance to change that!
Isabella stands quietly for some time.

ELEANOR
Don’t you want to be accepted little girl?
VISHAL
Isabella...

QUDSIA
Don’t listen to their lies.
HERMIONE
If you don’t get them out of here we will make sure,
you never forget!
After a few seconds, Isabella smiles.
ISABELLA
I would like that!

The Free Birds smile as Herbert reddens with

anger.
HERBERT
ARGHHH!! I will have you all kicked out of here!

JASMINE
Aw, what are going to do? Run crying to your mommy
again, Momma’s boy?
HERMIONE
Hey, watch what your mouth you filthy -
VISHAL
She’s not wrong!

ROSIE
Ah Lord! Get this filth out of my eyes before I vomit!
QUDSIA
Why don’t you just blindfold yourself!

They are all coming face to face, tension

increasing.
OLIVIA
The nerve of these savages!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.

VISHAL
We can teach you a thing or two about real nerve.
ELEANOR
Listen, you don’t wanna mess with us! Trust me.

MANMEET
Oh yeah, what are you gonna do about it!
They come too close to each other.

HERBERT
We’ve crushed worse than you. Want a reminder of your
place?
Herbert shoves Manmeet.

HERBERT
WE SAID DON’T MESS WITH US BLOODY SLAVES!!! And this is
just a sneak peek.
QUDSIA
You want a fight? Bring it on, coward!

ROSIE
I will die before even thinking of touching your sort!
JASMINE
Great, it will make our work easy when we kick you
down.
HERBERT
YOU REALLY THINK YOU STAND A CHANCE WITH US?

INAYA
Only one way to find out. Try us, we dare you.
They all charge towards each other when Martha and
Veronica enter stage and break them up.

VERONICA
Hey. HEY!! BREAK IT UP! All of you.
MARTHA
HOW DARE YOU COLORED PEOPLE COME EVEN CLOSE TO US!

Martha looks at Jasmine.

MARTHA
YOU? Didn’t learn your lesson last time? You people
always become a problem if you’re allowed to exist.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.

VERONICA
Madam choose your words carefully.

She looks at Veronica.

MARTHA
Veronica? What’s a noble lawyer like you doing with
this trash?

HERBERT
They are not even allowed here!!
VERONICA
Says who? They have an equal right to participate. You
can’t become a hurdle in that...lawfully.

MARTHA
I know there is colored filth mixed in your blood
Veronica, but you have to choose the superior side!
Stop defending them.

VERONICA
They are just children madam. They don’t even know what
skin color means. We are the ones who teach them to
differentiate and hate each other. Now...this is a
peaceful festival. Let’s keep it that way, shall we?

Martha looks around.

VERONICA
Unless of course, you want the sponsors to think they
made a mistake backing you.

Martha lowers her voice.

MARTHA
See you in the competition, savages!

She smiles towards the people as the white people

look at them angrily and the free birds thank
Veronica. A sad song to transition into two halves
of the stage: Bill Alexander Society and Free
Birds. Both getting ready, simultaneously. One
side lights on.

MANMEET
Jigron! Aaj hum yahan sirf apne liye nahi, sab
Hindustaniyon ke liye larr rahey hain!
QUDSIA
Meine hamesha tum sab logon ko kaha ke hum yahan tak
nahi pohonch paayein gey. But, thanks to our dear
friend Isabella, and all of your constant perseverance,
you proved me wrong!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.

JASMINE
Tonight, we will all put on the best show of our lives!
ISABELLA
I am so happy just to be here tonight, thanks to you
all!

INAYA
No, thank YOU Isabella! Let’s show them!
EVERYONE
COZ WE ARE THE FREE BIRDS!!!
The other half lights up.
HERBERT
Alright listen up you all! Failure is not an option! We
have to win. These hideous, disgusting savages think
that by bending one little rule, they have got it! But
we have to prove them wrong!
ROSIE
Oh don’t you worry! I would love to prove them wrong
and see their stupid, crying faces when we win!
HERMIONE
It’s time for me to shine bright like the diamond!
HERBERT
WHO ARE WE??
EVERYONE
BILL ALEXANDER SOCIETY!
HERBERT
WHAT DO WE WANT?
EVERYONE
WE WANT TO WIN!

EVERYONE
STRIVING FOR GREATNESS, UNITED WE STAND!
HERBERT
BILL ALEXANDER IS

EVERYONE
THE BEST IN THE LAND!!
HERBERT
It’s SHOWTIME!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.

ANNOUNCER
Here’s the Bill Alexander Society!!!

Everyone claps and hoots. "This is the greatest

show" plays. They end their performance as
everyone claps for them.
ANNOUNCER
Oh wow!! As expected, Bill Alexander Society gave us
the best show of tonight by far. Until now at least! We
still have a performance left to make a final
judgement.
They bow and move out as the Free Birds enter,
giving them a face-off as they go off-stage.

MANMEET
Alright, the moment is here guys!
JASMINE
I want to say that...I am so happy just to be able to
perform here tonight.
VISHAL
Our dream to perform here is finally coming true...
INAYA
Honestly, I am kind of nervous.. Look at the crowd!
What if we don’t win..
QUDSIA
Standing here is already a win Inaya!

MANMEET
Yes. We have already won. We do this for the love of
art! Together!
They all hold hands.

ISABELLA
It’s time for the outsiders to shine tonight! Let’s do
this!!!
They smile nervously and face the audience.

ANNOUNCER
And for the final performance tonight... Please welcome
THE FREE BIRDS!!!
"Hamesha" by EP plays. They perform on it. A small
scene takes place. "Mary on the cross" plays.
Their performance ends. Huge roar of applause.
They all hug and cheer, smiling.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.

ANNOUNCER
MY MY MY!!! That was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Can we hear
it once for the Free Birds!!! Hard to top this one,
honestly.

A boy runs on stage to hand him an envelope.

ANNOUNCER
Oh, and we have our resultsss!!!
Bill Alexander society and Free Birds are on
stage, waiting nervously as the announcer opens
the envelope. He smiles as he increases the
anticipation.
ANNOUNCER
I knew it!!! This summer, please welcome the WINNERS OF
THE GEORGE M. COHEN FESTIVAL 1905...
Bill Alexander students smile smugly as the
announcer takes his time.
ANNOUNCER
THE FREE BIRDS!!!!
Free birds can’t believe it as they jump and
cheer. Bill Alexander society stops short. Martha
has to present them the trophy as Veronica joins
them too in the celebration.

HERBERT
WHAT!!! This is IMPOSSIBLE!
Martha has to feign the smiles and claps as they
enjoy their trophy. Herbert comes to her.
HERBERT
Mother! These are people of color! How the hell is this
possible...

ROSIE
How can this filth win over us. UNCLE!
Uncle Albert comes running in to fan her.
HERMIONE
(crying)
I just can’t believe it!
OLIVIA
It’s okay Hermione, you will have plenty of other
chances!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 27.

HERMIONE
What chances!! This brown dirt is mixing with the likes
of us! It’s because of you Olivia.
OLIVIA
What did I do!!
ELEANOR
Yeah you forgot your steps!
OLIVIA
What about Rosie. She had no energy on stage!
HERBERT
SHUTUP ALL OF YOU! Mother... How could you let this
happen!!

MARTHA
I hate it more than you all do, believe me. But I am
powerless here...
QUDSIA
That’s right! The judges are from all over the world.

JASMINE
So it’s a free and fair result. They don’t see race or
color!
ISABELLA
Goodbye, Losers!
The Free Birds laugh as Manmeet is doing Bhangra
around the whites. They flaunt their trophy as
they are getting off stage. Vishal tries to hug
Herbert as he pushes him away, seething in anger.
Herbert charges towards him but Martha holds his
arm. Curtains close.
Scene 6
Inaya and Vishal are approaching their place to
sleep. They are both still singing the song that
they performed for their winning performance, high
with their victory.
INAYA
Uff bohot time hogaya, chalo bhai, sonay ki tayaari
karein.
Vishal can’t believe her.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 28.

VISHAL
Kya?? Aapi! Abhi time hee kya hua hai!
INAYA
Mein bohot thak gai hun bhai!

Vishal makes dancing postures.

VISHAL
Celebration karne ka waqt hai aur aap sonay ki baat kar
rahi hain.. Hum. Aaj. Jeetay. Hain! GEORGE M COHEN
FESTIVAL!!! THE greatest festival.
He picks her up and starts making her dance too as
she laughs. They both fall down and laugh as
Vishal sighs sadly.

VISHAL
Aapko yaad hai har saal maa baba humein festival
dikhaaney ley jaatey thay!!
Inaya gets emotional at this.

INAYA
Haan! Baba baari baari humein apne kandhon pey
bithaatey thay taakeh hum itni durr sey dekh sakein.
VISHAL
Khair, aapko hamesha zyada der ke liye bithaatey thay
woh! Mujhe zidd karke apni baari leni parrti thi.
Inaya laughs sheepishly.
VISHAL
Aaj woh hotay tou woh kitnay proud hotay na.. Unke
bachon ney na sirf uss festival mein hissa liya, balke
iss saal ke winners bhi baney!! Kaash woh yeh sab dekh
saktey.
INAYA
Woh dekh rahey hain Vishu. Meine kaha na, woh aasmaan
sey humein dekh rahey hain.
They both look up.
VISHAL
Unke jaaney ke baad mujhe laga tha ke mein bohot akela
parr jaunga. Lekin aapi, humein itnay achay dost milay!
Jou family sey bhi zyada khayaal rakhtey hain humara.
Manmeet ki kahaniyaan itni interesting hoti hain, aur
pata nai kaisey uske paas har baat ke liye joke ready
hota hai! (they laugh)

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.

INAYA
Han Vishu.. Thori si chot lag jaye tou Qudsia aisey
ilaaj karti hai jaisey doctor ki degree mil chuki hou!
Aur Jasmine ney tou hum sab ka khyaal rakhney ka thaika
ley liya hai.

VISHAL
Jab bhi hum sab saath hotay hain, mein itni khushi
mehsoos karta hun. Aisa lagta hee nahi ke humarey maa
baap iss duniya mein nahi. Aur sab sey bharh ke aap
aapi, aapke beghair tou mein kuch bhi nai hun. Aap ney
hamesha mera itna khayaal rakha hai. Jab tak zinda hun,
mein aap pey kabhi koi mushkil nai aaney doon ga!!
Inaya smiles through her tears and hugs him.
MARTHA
Oh, what a God awful monologue.
HERBERT
Is this how you brownies party?
Inaya and Vishal stick together, scared.

INAYA
What are you- what are you doing here?
They get more scared as the two of them advance
slowly.

HERBERT
Sorry to ruin your emotional moment guys, but we
actually wanted to..congratulate!
Inaya and Vishal look surprised.

VIHAL
Congratulate...us..?
HERBERT
Yes. Weren’t you the one trying to...hug me?
INAYA
Are you not angry because we won?
Martha laughs.

MARTHA
Aww sweetheart, why would we be angry? It’s just
another festival for us. A way to get donors you see.
We get huge money for this so anyway, we are the real
winners. It’s a celebration for small people like you!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 30.

HERBERT
So..
He extends his hand towards Vishal.
HERBERT
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt
congratulations!
It’s a tense moment. The two kids don’t know how
to respond. Finally, Vishal shakes his hand. Just
at that moment, Herbert squeezes it tightly and
pulls him towards himself. Martha holds Inaya. The
kids scream.
VISHAL
Inaya aapi!!

HERBERT
What did you think you filthy little boy, how dare you
even think of laying that dirty finger on me, let alone
HUG me?

Martha pulls at Inaya’s hair as she screams.

Vishal charges toward her but Herbert puts his
foot out and he falls down. Herbert puts his boot
on his face.
HERBERT
Come on now, this is no way of accepting our
congratulations!!
INAYA
Leave him please!! I beg of you, please!! (crying) You
said you were okay with us winning..
HERBERT
Oh but why did he have to come and try to hug me? You
see, there are rules. You can narrow them down to two
things: It’s my way, or the high way.

He starts to sing "MY WAY" by Frank Sinatra.

During the song, Inaya is tied up, Martha puts her
knee over Vishal’s neck and presses it down. She
then puts a shopper over his head and drags him.
When they are sure that he has stopped breathing,
they hammer his head down. Inaya cries helplessly.
Curtains close.
 31.

Scene 7
In front of the curtains, Rosie is walking with
Martha and Herbert.
MARTHA
It’s been six weeks Rosie. Can you just get over it!
ROSIE
Mom, I thought you guys will just teach them a lesson,
I still can’t believe that you -
MARTHA
Shutup Rosie. I have heard enough. I have told you so
many times...they deserve this. This is your brother!
You should be on his side.
She fixes Herbert’s clothes.
MARTHA
You haven’t been much help all this time. Go, fight his
case and make him win!
She looks at him proudly as he smiles and exits.
Rosie looks at Martha.
ROSIE
But mom.. He was innocent, just an innocent little kid.
You shouldn’t have killed a child..
She exits as Martha follows.
Scene 8

Curtains open. We see a courtroom. Inaya is

standing with her head down as Veronica is in
front of her.
VERONICA
Inaya, you don’t have to be afraid. Tell us. Tell us
what happened that night.
Inaya looks up as Veronica nods and encourages
her.

INAYA
It was a dark night. But everything...everything is
clear in my head, imprinted almost like daylight.. We
had just won the festival and my Vishu.. (she struggles
with her tears) my innocent little brother, he was just
talking to me about how..about how..

She starts crying.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 32.

VERONICA
It’s okay child, you can take your time.
INAYA
About how thankful he is. Just then these two monsters
(pointing towards Martha and Herbert) came along and
then.. It took them a minute.. Only a minute to..
Change my life forever.. They murdered him,
cold-blooded murderers!!! THEY MUST BE PUNISHED!!
She cries and screams at them angrily.

JUDGE
Order please.
VERONICA
Thank you Inaya! I know it’s difficult..

JUDGE
Does prosecution have any questions?
Rosie shakes her head.

JUDGE
Very well. Thank you Inaya, you may take your seat.
Inaya goes back to her friends.
VERONICA
I would like to call Herbert at the stand please.
JUDGE
Mr. Herbert, please approach the stand.
Herbert gets up and takes his position behind the
stand. The bible is presented to him. He
hesitates, then extends his hand over the bible.
HERBERT
I hereby take oath that I will speak the truth and
nothing but the truth.
The bible is taken away. Veronica takes her
position.
VERONICA
So, Mr. Herbert! Can you narrate the events of the day
of George M Cohen festival.
HERBERT
Sure. Bill Alexander Society was as usual ready to be
the highlight of the festival with their performance.
We gave it too. But unfortunately, we did not win. We
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 33.

HERBERT (cont’d)
were disappointed, naturally. But my mother, Martha
cheered us all up by taking us to my uncle Jack’s house
downtown.

VERONICA
Ahan. And the festival..who won it?
Herbert controls his anger.
HERBERT
Some other team.
VERONICA
You were the anticipated winners. I am sure you do
remember the name and participants of the team that
won?

HERBERT
Free Birds.
VERONICA
Sorry, could you speak up please?

HERBERT
FREE. BIRDS.
VERONICA
Oh, and can you confirm if this team was made up of
majority brown people?
Herbert controls his anger.
VERONICA
Also Isabella, the girl you all had outcasted.
She is clearly trying to provoke him.
MARTHA
(to Rosie)
Say something.
Rosie stays quiet.
VERONICA
Also Vishal, the child that was murdered.. You must
have been so angry!! I mean..a team comprising of brown
people and Isabella won.. Over you!!
Herbert is controlling his anger.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 34.

VERONICA
It must have hurt you that Isabella went on and took
side of people of color! I mean it is because of her
that they all got a chance to perform at the festival.
Oh, the audacity! To perform right next to THE Bill
Alexander society! And then to win!! At a festival,
whose main organizer is your own mom. I am sure it must
have angered you.

HERBERT
Of course. I was angry. We all were.
VERONICA
How angry were you? Did you feel like killing anyone?

HERBERT
No. Never!! I could never even think like that Ms.
Veronica.
Martha smirks at this as Veronica controls her
anger.

JUDGE
Ms. Veronica, any other questions?
VERONICA
No.

She sits down angrily as Herbert smirks.

JUDGE
Prosecution, any questions?

ROSIE
No your honor.
Herbert gets out from behind the stand and sits
down. Veronica gets up.

VERONICA
I would like to call Martha to the stand.
JUDGE
Ms. Martha, please proceed to the stand.

Martha gets up and walks slowly as she gets behind

the stand. The bible is extended towards her. She
looks at the judge.
MARTHA
I refuse to take the oath.
There is pin drop silence.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 35.

MARTHA
I am a colonel, a law abiding officer of this country
Our word is as true as the word of God.
VERONICA
You will still have to take the oath Ma’am.
MARTHA
What? How dare you? You know the value of our work? We
make sure the law is followed. We keep criminals away.
We make this a civilized society, we take oath to our
duties and responsibilities.
VERONICA
I acknowledge all that but the court has some rules -
MARTHA
I will not take the oath. Not because I do not believe
in truth, but because my word alone should suffice. I
am an Englishwoman - my word carries the weight of
generations, of civilization, of God’s will itself. To
ask me to swear on the Bible is to insult the very
foundation of this Empire. And yet, here I am, being
questioned - not just by this court but by someone who
is hardly in a position to challenge me. What an irony,
isn’t it? A woman of mixed blood, standing here, daring
to contest me. The very principles you cling to, the
very laws you invoke, were gifted to you by this
Empire. Without us, you would have none of it. No, I
will not swear on the Bible. My word alone is truth.
This court knows who I am. Or is this court doubting
the word of a colonel? In which case I will have none
of it.

She leaves the stand to go back to her seat.

JUDGE
Madam Martha. The court apologizes. You don’t need to
take the oath. Please approach the stand. (to Veronica)
Please proceed with your questioning.

Veronica looks at the judge as the bible is taken

away. Martha smiles as she takes her position.
Herbert looks at her proudly.
VERONICA
Ma’am, is true that recently the Code Red was issued?
In fact, just at the festival night?
MARTHA
Absolutely. As should be done.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 36.

VERONICA
May I ask why?
MARTHA
Child, you should sometimes also take a look at the
statistics. Theft has been increasing at an alarming
rate. In such a scenario, protocols have to be
followed.
VERONICA
Could you elaborate what the protocols were? The Code
Red I mean.
MARTHA
A search warrant to Lt. Kendrick for areas high in
criminal activity.

Before Veronica can speak -

MARTHA
A random search.
VERONICA
You mean areas dominantly brown?
MARTHA
Don’t put words of your own accord, lady. I did not say
that. Civilized areas were excluded from the search.

VERONICA
And do you think that by any chance the area Vishal
lived in was included in the search warrants?
MARTHA
No. Free Birds were part of the festival. They were off
limits! In fact, we provided extra protection to them.
Especially to Vishal. We felt he might be in danger.
VERONICA
You said that you ordered Lt. Kendrick to tell his men
that Free Birds weren’t to be touched.
MARTHA
That’s right.
VERONICA
And Lt. Kendrick was clear on what you wanted?
MARTHA
Crystal.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 37.

VERONICA
Any chance Lt. Kendrick ignored the order?
MARTHA
Ignored the order?

VERONICA
Any chance he forgot about it?
MARTHA
No.

VERONICA
Any chance Lt. Kendrick left your office and said, "the
old woman is wrong"?
MARTHA
No.
VERONICA
When Lt. Kendrick spoke to the platoon and ordered them
not to touch Free Birds, any chance they ignored them?

MARTHA
You ever served in an infantry unit, child?
VERONICA
No, ma’am

MARTHA
Ever served in a forward area?
VERONICA
No, ma’am

MARTHA
Ever put your life in another man’s hands and asked him
to put his life in yours?
MARTHA
No, ma’am
VERONICA
We follow orders, child. We follow orders or people
die. It’s that simple. Are we clear?

VERONICA
Yes, ma’am
MARTHA
Are we clear?!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 38.

VERONICA
Crystal. Colonel, I just have one more question. If you
gave an order that Free Birds weren’t to be touched,
and your orders are always followed, then why would
they be in danger? Why would it be necessary to provide
them protection? Especially Vishal.
MARTHA
Vishal was a threat. He was..
VERONICA
That’s not what you said. You said he was in grave
danger.
MARTHA
That’s correct.

VERONICA
You said he was in danger. I said "grave danger"? You
said...
MARTHA
I recall what I said.

VERONICA
I could have the court reporter read back to you...
MARTHA
I know what I said! I don’t have to have it read back
to me, like I’m...
VERONICA
Then why the two orders? Colonel?

MARTHA
Sometimes men take matters into their own hands.
VERONICA
No, ma’am. You made it clear just a moment ago that
your men never take matters into their own hands. Your
men follow orders or people die. So Vishal shouldn’t
have been in any danger at all, should he have,
Colonel?
MARTHA
You snotty, little bastard.

ROSIE
Your honor, I’d like to ask for recess.
VERONICA
I’d like an answer to the question, Judge.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 39.

JUDGE
The court will wait for an answer.
VERONICA
If you gave an order that Vishal wasn’t to be touched,
then why did he have to be protected? Colonel? Did you
actually order the code red on account of increasing
theft? Or did you order it to have cover for murdering
Vishal?
Gasp and murmurs throughout the courtoom.

MARTHA
SHUT UP!!!
JUDGE
Order order!! Consider yourself in contempt!

VERONICA
Colonel Martha, why did you order the Code Red?!
JUDGE
You don’t have to answer that question!

MARTHA
I’ll answer the question. You want answers?
VERONICA
I think I’m entitled!

MARTHA
You want answers?!
VERONICA
I want the truth!

MARTHA
You can’t handle the truth!, we live in a world that
has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men
with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, these curry
folks? I have a greater responsibility than you can
possibly fathom. You weep for Vishal and you curse the
Miltary. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of
not knowing what I know, that Vishal’s death, while
tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while
grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives! You
don’t want the truth, because deep down in places you
don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall.
You need me on that wall. We use words like "honor",
"code", "loyalty". We use these words as the backbone
of a life spent defending something. You use them as a
punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination
to explain myself to a woman who rises and sleeps under
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 40.

MARTHA (cont’d)
the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and
then questions the manner in which I provide it! I
would rather you just said "thank you", and went on
your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon,
and stand a post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what
you think you are entitled to!
VERONICA
Why did you order the Code Red?

MARTHA
I had to get the job done.
VERONICA
What job? To get rid of the child??

MARTHA
YOU’RE GOD DAMN RIGHT I DID!!! You sand nigga!!!
JUDGE
Ms. Veronica! You are disrespecting the orders of the
court!! I am warning you to stop this line of
questioning now.
VERONICA
This is a clear case of racism your honor!!
JUDGE
In this courtroom, Ms. Veronica, justice is blind to
matters of race, creed, color, religion and sexual
orientation.
VERONICA
With all due respect, your honor, we don’t live in this
courtroom, do we?
JUDGE
That’s enough. Defendant is disallowed to give any
closing statements.

Veronica storms off angrily and sits down.

JUDGE
Madam Martha, you may take a seat. Thank you!
Prosecution, it’s time for your closing statement.

Rosie gets up slowly and takes her position.

ROSIE
When I was a girl, I had my mother give me one of those
air rifles, she said I’d rather shoot a tin can in the
backyard but then she knew one day the temptation would
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 41.

ROSIE (cont’d)
become too great and I’d want to shoot a bird. She said
I could shoot all the birds I want probably knowing I’d
never be able to hit one. But I always remembered it
was a sin to kill a bird, a sin, a crime against GOD
only time I ever heard her use that word, asked her why
and she said I don’t know, probably because they were
innocent! And that was just a bird.
Silence as Martha is looking angrily at her.

ROSIE
I practiced over and over for my closing statement. To
prove the state’s case right! That it was an accident.
A case of being killed in a police encounter. But not
only has the state not produced any evidence, I mean
not one square inch that it was an accident, the state
hasn’t produced any credible evidence of why the code
red was issued in the first place. It was clearly not
an accident, no one from the brown people is guilty,
but someone in this courtroom is.
JUDGE
Council, I might remind you, you are fighting for the
British Raj state not against it
ROSIE
Yes your honor! I have nothing but pity in my heart for
the state but my pity does not extend as far as pinning
it on an accident. Inaya and Vishal are the victims of
poverty and ignorance and the system is rigged against
them. Tomorrow you can pity the state but not today.
Vishal had no bullet in his body. He was strangled and
dragged! There are signs of struggle around his neck, a
hammer wound in his head. Can that be an accident?
Whispers in the court.
ROSIE
I knew Inaya would be asked all sorts of questions. To
distract her from the actual murder. Questions like why
Vishal tried to gave a hug to Herbert after the show.
She told the truth you know. That Vishal felt sorry for
Herbert. But the second she said it, I knew that was a
wrong answer. True, but wrong. How can she say that you
know? How can a sang nigger feel sorry for a white
person?? And try to hug him? O MY GOD, the audacity!
She should have said it was a mistake, a misjudgement
on Vishal’s part. Even if someone like Vishal sees how
someone like Herbert badly needs compassion which was
never provided from our mother, that a simple act of
compassion would be seen by this jury as an insult. No,
no, no, he doesn’t know his place, he has forgotten who
(MORE) (CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 42.

ROSIE (cont’d)
he is. His only fault was that he cared. Cared too
much...

Martha looks down in disappointment.

ROSIE
I still went on and did what was expected of me, you
know? I tried to antagonize Inaya. Tried to break her
so she woundn’t tell the truth. I treated her with
disrespect and contempt.. But she never broke! So why
would she break today? Well, the answer is she didn’t,
you saw her, you heard her, that wasn’t a slip of the
tongue Inaya said exactly what she meant. She told it
exactly as it was. You know I did end up shooting the
bird. I cried so much, went to my mother, told her I
killed a bird and bords are innocent. She dismissed it.
Said, ignore it, these things happen! I ignored. I wosh
I hadn’t. Maybe the temptation to kill a child would
have stopped there and then mother! I can’t ignore it
now... I just can’t. No because I remember a human
should have his dignity, a sin, a crime against God,
can’t go on like this, we have to heal this wound or we
will never stop bleeding, we have to make good this
crime we have to show justice in this courtroom or we
can start gathering animals two by two because we will
be showing God’s justice in a hurry, can’t go on like
this!! We know that so lets hasten the change, lets
hasten the end and the beginning, lets do it right now
in make them, lets begin with justice, you know what
happened, you know it, don’t do this, punish the people
who committed the crime. For God’s sake, punish them!!

She points towards Martha and Herbert as they look

at her, shocked.
MARTHA
What the hell are you saying ROSIE!!!

JUDGE
Order please! Thank you for that..strong closing
statement.
She bows and sits down.

JUDGE
I have reached a decision.
Everybody is alert.

JUDGE
After all the evidence and witnesses, the court has
reached the decision that the prosecution is in
fact...guilty!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 43.

Martha and Herbert are shocked as Veronica gets up

happily. All of them celebrate. The court is all
happiness as justice has been served. Just then, a
boy comes in with a letter and gives it to the
judge. The judge reads it and after a few seconds,
bang son his table sadly.
JUDGE
Order order. The court has just received an order from
Winston Churchill himself. The decision has been
changed. To continue the case, the defendants will have
to re-appeal.
Just as the celebration had come, it all dies
down. Rosie is shocked. Martha and Herbert smile
satisfactorily.

JUDGE
Main defendant Inaya will be investigated further.
Court is adjourned.
The judge stands up as everyone else does too.
Martha and Herbert smile, leaving the court. All
the kids come one by one to Veronica, feeling sad
but thanking her. Jasmine stops.
JASMINE
Why did we lose Ms. Veronica?

VERONICA
I’m sorry Jasmine. Real world sometimes disappoints
like that.
JASMINE
So..you’re saying that truth doesn’t always win?
Veronica controls her tears.
VERONICA
No.. It does Jasmine! You just have to be better than
me, than all of us! Promise me?
Jasmine nods and shakes Veronica’s hand.
Curtains close.