I Never Sang for my Father - Robert Anderson
ALICE: You’re staying because you can’t stand dad’s wrath. He’ll lash out at you with his sarcasm, that will kill this lovely, necessary image you have of yourself. The difference between us is that I accept the inevitable sadness of this world without an acute sense of personal guilt. You don’t. I don’t think anyone expects either of us to ruin our lives for an unreasonable old man. I think this is all rationalization to make tolerable a compulsion you have to stay. What do you think you’ll find? You're looking for something that isn't there, Gene. He wants your balls . . . and he’s had them! I’m sorry. I want to shock you. When has he ever regarded you as a man, an equal, a male?
The Cocktail Hour- A.R. Gurney
Ann: All right, then, I want to say this: I don’t like all this psychological talk, John. I never have. I think it’s cheap and self-indulgent. I’ve never liked the fact that you’ve consulted a psychiatrist, and your father agrees with me. Psychiatrists make you think about yourself too much. And about the bedroom too much. There’s no need!
No, please let me finish. Now I want you to write, John. I think sometimes you write quite well and I think it’s a healthy enterprise. But I think you should write books. In books, you can talk the way you’ve just talked and it’s not embarrassing. In books, you can go into people’s minds … Now we all have things in our lives which we’ve done, or haven’t done, which a book could make clear. I mean, I myself could tell you … I could tell you … I could tell you lots of things if I knew you would write them down quietly and carefully and sympathetically in a good, long book.
The Children’s Hour - Lillian Hellman
Martha: (To Karen) Isn’t it wonderful? (To Mrs. Mortar) Why did you refuse to come back here and testify for us?
She doesn’t know. She expected to walk right up to a comfortable fire and sit down and she very carefully waited until the whole thing was over (Leans forward, speaking to Mrs. Mortar). Listen, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie bought a libel suit against a woman called Tilford because her grandchild had accused them of having what the judge called “sinful sexual knowledge of one another” (Mre. Mortar holds up her hand in protest and Martha laughs). Don't like that, do you? Well, a great part of the defense’s case was based on remarks made by Lily Mortar, actress in the toilets of Rochester, against her niece, Martha. And a greater part of the defense’s case rested on the telling fact that Mre. Mortar would not appear in court to deny or explain those remarks. Mrs. Mortar had a moral obligation to the theatre. As you probably read in the paper, we lost the case.
The James Play Pt. 1 by Rona Munro
Joan: We killed the pigs today. Did you hear them screaming?
The baby jumped to hear it.
There was a little boy watching, he was only about three, he was terrified.
I saw the little boy’s mother wrap her arms round him and then his father picked him up and kissed his soft little cheek and whispered in his ear… I knew what they were saying… ‘ This is natural. This is just how it has to be. Who could get through a winter without meat?’
And I thought, you can teach a child anything, can’t you? Killing pigs or killing men. Just kiss it’s soft little cheek and tell it why it has to be done.
‘We need salted meat to last through the cold.’
It’s always cold here. They’re always hungry.
I don’t want my baby to be born here.
Do you understand what’s wrong now?
Anna Christie by Eugene O'Neill
Anna: But one thing I never wrote you. It was one of them cousins that you think is such nice people - the youngest son - Paul - that started me wrong. (Loudly) It wasn’t none of my fault. I hated him worse’n hell and he knew it. But he was big and strong-(Pointing to Burke) like you!
That was why I run away from the farm. That was what made me get a job as nurse girl. (With a hard, mocking laugh) And you think that was a nice job for a girl, too, don’t you? (Sarcastically) With all them nice inland fellers just looking for a chance to marry me, I s’pose. Marry me? They wasn’t looking for marrying. I was caged in, I tell you - when I wanted to be out! (With a sudden weariness in her voice) So I gave up finally. What was the use?(The condemnation she feels in their silence goads ANNA into a harsh, strident defiance) You don’t say nothing - either of you - but I know what you’re thinking . You’re like all the rest! (To Chris - furiously) And who’s to blame for it, me or you? If you’d even acted like a man - if you’d even been a regular father and had me with you - maybe things would be different!
A View From The Bridge - Arthur Miller
CATHERINE: It's only that I—He was good to me, Rodolpho. You don't know him; he was
always the sweetest guy to me. Good. He razzes me all the time but he don't mean it. I know. I
would just feel ashamed if I made him sad. 'Cause I always dreamt that when I got married he
would be happy at the wedding, and laughin'—and now he's—mad all the time and nasty— (She
is weeping.) Tell him you'd live in Italy—just tell him, and maybe he would start to trust you a
little, see? Because I want him to be happy; I mean—I like him, Rodolpho—and I can't stand it!
[...] If I was a wife I would make a man happy instead of goin' at him all the time. I can tell a
block away when he's blue in his mind and just wants to talk to somebody quiet and nice... I can
tell when he's hungry or wants a beer before he even says anything. I know when his feet hurt
him, I mean I know him and now I'm supposed to turn around and make a stranger out of him? I
don't know why I have to do that, I mean.
ALICE: You’re staying because you can’t stand dad’s wrath. He’ll lash out at you with his sarcasm, that will kill this lovely, necessary image you have of yourself. The difference between us is that I accept the inevitable sadness of this world without an acute sense of personal guilt. You don’t. I don’t think anyone expects either of us to ruin our lives for an unreasonable old man. I think this is all rationalization to make tolerable a compulsion you have to stay. What do you think you’ll find? You're looking for something that isn't there, Gene. He wants your balls . . . and he’s had them! I’m sorry. I want to shock you. When has he ever regarded you as a man, an equal, a male?
The Cocktail Hour- A.R. Gurney
Ann: All right, then, I want to say this: I don’t like all this psychological talk, John. I never have. I think it’s cheap and self-indulgent. I’ve never liked the fact that you’ve consulted a psychiatrist, and your father agrees with me. Psychiatrists make you think about yourself too much. And about the bedroom too much. There’s no need!
No, please let me finish. Now I want you to write, John. I think sometimes you write quite well and I think it’s a healthy enterprise. But I think you should write books. In books, you can talk the way you’ve just talked and it’s not embarrassing. In books, you can go into people’s minds … Now we all have things in our lives which we’ve done, or haven’t done, which a book could make clear. I mean, I myself could tell you … I could tell you … I could tell you lots of things if I knew you would write them down quietly and carefully and sympathetically in a good, long book.
The Children’s Hour - Lillian Hellman
Martha: (To Karen) Isn’t it wonderful? (To Mrs. Mortar) Why did you refuse to come back here and testify for us?
She doesn’t know. She expected to walk right up to a comfortable fire and sit down and she very carefully waited until the whole thing was over (Leans forward, speaking to Mrs. Mortar). Listen, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie bought a libel suit against a woman called Tilford because her grandchild had accused them of having what the judge called “sinful sexual knowledge of one another” (Mre. Mortar holds up her hand in protest and Martha laughs). Don't like that, do you? Well, a great part of the defense’s case was based on remarks made by Lily Mortar, actress in the toilets of Rochester, against her niece, Martha. And a greater part of the defense’s case rested on the telling fact that Mre. Mortar would not appear in court to deny or explain those remarks. Mrs. Mortar had a moral obligation to the theatre. As you probably read in the paper, we lost the case.
The James Play Pt. 1 by Rona Munro
Joan: We killed the pigs today. Did you hear them screaming?
The baby jumped to hear it.
There was a little boy watching, he was only about three, he was terrified.
I saw the little boy’s mother wrap her arms round him and then his father picked him up and kissed his soft little cheek and whispered in his ear… I knew what they were saying… ‘ This is natural. This is just how it has to be. Who could get through a winter without meat?’
And I thought, you can teach a child anything, can’t you? Killing pigs or killing men. Just kiss it’s soft little cheek and tell it why it has to be done.
‘We need salted meat to last through the cold.’
It’s always cold here. They’re always hungry.
I don’t want my baby to be born here.
Do you understand what’s wrong now?
Anna Christie by Eugene O'Neill
Anna: But one thing I never wrote you. It was one of them cousins that you think is such nice people - the youngest son - Paul - that started me wrong. (Loudly) It wasn’t none of my fault. I hated him worse’n hell and he knew it. But he was big and strong-(Pointing to Burke) like you!
That was why I run away from the farm. That was what made me get a job as nurse girl. (With a hard, mocking laugh) And you think that was a nice job for a girl, too, don’t you? (Sarcastically) With all them nice inland fellers just looking for a chance to marry me, I s’pose. Marry me? They wasn’t looking for marrying. I was caged in, I tell you - when I wanted to be out! (With a sudden weariness in her voice) So I gave up finally. What was the use?(The condemnation she feels in their silence goads ANNA into a harsh, strident defiance) You don’t say nothing - either of you - but I know what you’re thinking . You’re like all the rest! (To Chris - furiously) And who’s to blame for it, me or you? If you’d even acted like a man - if you’d even been a regular father and had me with you - maybe things would be different!
A View From The Bridge - Arthur Miller
CATHERINE: It's only that I—He was good to me, Rodolpho. You don't know him; he was
always the sweetest guy to me. Good. He razzes me all the time but he don't mean it. I know. I
would just feel ashamed if I made him sad. 'Cause I always dreamt that when I got married he
would be happy at the wedding, and laughin'—and now he's—mad all the time and nasty— (She
is weeping.) Tell him you'd live in Italy—just tell him, and maybe he would start to trust you a
little, see? Because I want him to be happy; I mean—I like him, Rodolpho—and I can't stand it!
[...] If I was a wife I would make a man happy instead of goin' at him all the time. I can tell a
block away when he's blue in his mind and just wants to talk to somebody quiet and nice... I can
tell when he's hungry or wants a beer before he even says anything. I know when his feet hurt
him, I mean I know him and now I'm supposed to turn around and make a stranger out of him? I
don't know why I have to do that, I mean.
Once in A Lifetime - Kaufman and Heart - May (female)
May: I understand he sold the act. Look, George, There is a new invention called talking pictures. In these pictures the actors will not only be seen, but will also talk. For the first timein the history of pictures they will use their voices. I’ve got an Idea! Most of these bozoes haven’t ever talked on a stage! They’ve never spoken lines before! And who’s going to teach them? We’ll open a school of elocution and voice culure!. We’ll open a school, Jerry. Teach ‘em how to talk! They’re sure to fall for it, because they’ll be scared stiff! We’ll have them coming to us instead our going to them! It’s a cinch! Just watch! Come here, George! Say “California Here I come”. Now then stomach in, chest out! Wait a minute maybe it’s the other way around! No that’s right, stomach in, chest out! Now say it again!
The Norman Conquests - Alan Ayckbourne - Annie (female)
Annie: Anyway, all that happens is that Tom comes round here like he has done for years. I feed him. He sits and broods. Sometimes we talk. That’s all…. Oh, super exciting things like does the kitchen ceiling need another coat and distemper and hardpad and foot and mouth and swine vesicular disease. Then I pot Mother and retire to bed...alone...otching. And count sick sheep crashing headlong into the gate. Look for all I know he may be passionately in love with me. He may be flashing out all sorts of secret signals which I just haven’t noticed. But he’s never even put a hand on my knee!
Boudica - Tristan Bernays - Boudica (female)
Boudica: Give word amongst your men, and so to ours
And all the rest that we rise with the dawn
And shall before the sun has crowned the sky
Have brought down hell upon the Roman fiends.
And bring them hell we shall - or so we must
Else I have brought this army here for naught.
Tis not just me and mine I have enjoined
Unto this course, but thousands of others too,
A multitude of swords at my command,
Each every one willing to die for me,
Their lives all in my hands, their blood - If I
Do not claim victory today, then all is - No.
Steel your heart, woman. Be you a queen.
No Exit - Jean Paule-Sartre - Inez (female)
To forget about the others? How utterly absurd! I feel you there, in every pore. Your silence clamours in my ears. You can nail up your mouth, cut your tongue out - but you can’t prevent your being there. Can you stop your thoughts? I hear them ticking away like a clock, tick tock, tick tock, and I’m certain you hear mine. It’s all very well skulking on your sofa, but you’re everywhere, and every sound comes to me soiled because you’ve interpreted it on it’s way. And what about her, about Estelle? You’ve stolen her from me too; if she and I were alone do you suppose she’d treat me as she does? I won’t stand for that, I prefer to choose my hell; I prefer to look you in the eyes and fight it out face to face.
A Bright Room Called Day - Tony Kushner - Zillah (female)
Zillah: I used to be a normal human being. Like most Americans of my class I would fatten and thrive on governmental scandals, as long as they were relatively infrequent and bloody enough when they occured to alleviate the ennui of being a citizen in a two-party democracy. Watergate was one of the happiest times of my life, really well done, dramatic and garish and incredibly funny. Not at all like the bone naked terror of these days. I’ve lost my sense of humour. I have become instead a completely, humorless paranoiac. I see elements of profound truth in nearly all the Kennedy assassination theories. If you tell me tht Happy Rockafeller, John Paul I and John Lennon were killed by a cabal of lapsed-Catholic anti-Trilateralists, I will believe you. I read the histories of Germany. I read the Book of Revelations. I read the TImes. I sense parallels. Just call me paranoid.
May: I understand he sold the act. Look, George, There is a new invention called talking pictures. In these pictures the actors will not only be seen, but will also talk. For the first timein the history of pictures they will use their voices. I’ve got an Idea! Most of these bozoes haven’t ever talked on a stage! They’ve never spoken lines before! And who’s going to teach them? We’ll open a school of elocution and voice culure!. We’ll open a school, Jerry. Teach ‘em how to talk! They’re sure to fall for it, because they’ll be scared stiff! We’ll have them coming to us instead our going to them! It’s a cinch! Just watch! Come here, George! Say “California Here I come”. Now then stomach in, chest out! Wait a minute maybe it’s the other way around! No that’s right, stomach in, chest out! Now say it again!
The Norman Conquests - Alan Ayckbourne - Annie (female)
Annie: Anyway, all that happens is that Tom comes round here like he has done for years. I feed him. He sits and broods. Sometimes we talk. That’s all…. Oh, super exciting things like does the kitchen ceiling need another coat and distemper and hardpad and foot and mouth and swine vesicular disease. Then I pot Mother and retire to bed...alone...otching. And count sick sheep crashing headlong into the gate. Look for all I know he may be passionately in love with me. He may be flashing out all sorts of secret signals which I just haven’t noticed. But he’s never even put a hand on my knee!
Boudica - Tristan Bernays - Boudica (female)
Boudica: Give word amongst your men, and so to ours
And all the rest that we rise with the dawn
And shall before the sun has crowned the sky
Have brought down hell upon the Roman fiends.
And bring them hell we shall - or so we must
Else I have brought this army here for naught.
Tis not just me and mine I have enjoined
Unto this course, but thousands of others too,
A multitude of swords at my command,
Each every one willing to die for me,
Their lives all in my hands, their blood - If I
Do not claim victory today, then all is - No.
Steel your heart, woman. Be you a queen.
No Exit - Jean Paule-Sartre - Inez (female)
To forget about the others? How utterly absurd! I feel you there, in every pore. Your silence clamours in my ears. You can nail up your mouth, cut your tongue out - but you can’t prevent your being there. Can you stop your thoughts? I hear them ticking away like a clock, tick tock, tick tock, and I’m certain you hear mine. It’s all very well skulking on your sofa, but you’re everywhere, and every sound comes to me soiled because you’ve interpreted it on it’s way. And what about her, about Estelle? You’ve stolen her from me too; if she and I were alone do you suppose she’d treat me as she does? I won’t stand for that, I prefer to choose my hell; I prefer to look you in the eyes and fight it out face to face.
A Bright Room Called Day - Tony Kushner - Zillah (female)
Zillah: I used to be a normal human being. Like most Americans of my class I would fatten and thrive on governmental scandals, as long as they were relatively infrequent and bloody enough when they occured to alleviate the ennui of being a citizen in a two-party democracy. Watergate was one of the happiest times of my life, really well done, dramatic and garish and incredibly funny. Not at all like the bone naked terror of these days. I’ve lost my sense of humour. I have become instead a completely, humorless paranoiac. I see elements of profound truth in nearly all the Kennedy assassination theories. If you tell me tht Happy Rockafeller, John Paul I and John Lennon were killed by a cabal of lapsed-Catholic anti-Trilateralists, I will believe you. I read the histories of Germany. I read the Book of Revelations. I read the TImes. I sense parallels. Just call me paranoid.