NÓRA,by

DiarmuiddeFaoite(c2017)

basedontheshortstory‘NóraMharcuisBhig’byPádraicÓConaire

2ndDraft

NÓRA,by

DiarmuiddeFaoite(c2017)

basedontheshortstory‘NóraMharcuisBhig’byPádraicÓConaire

2ndDraft

MAJORCHARACTERS:

NóraMarcusBegNee(becomesknownas‘Helen’inActII)MarcusBegNeeMarcus’Wife(MáireNee),sometimesreferredtoasMother.PeadarMarcusBeg(Nee)PatrickJohnMatthew(Amedicalstudentwithrelativesinthearea)TomásMichaelanGhabha,(nineyearsoldinActI,eighteeninActIII.)PriestinLondon(FatherMacConsaidín)Molly(aprostituteinLondon)MichaelanGhabha,Tomás’father.

MINORCHARACTERS:(Thecastaboveenacttheseroles)

LocalPriest.MairéadChóilMhóirRynneSarahMhichaelanGhabha,Bid(Nóra’sgodmother)Beairtle,alocalman.

Cáit(Kate)ChóilMhóirRynne,awomanwhoworkedfortheNee’s.Neighbour1,FemaleNeighbour2,FemaleNeighbour3,MaleStewardD1-6(variouscharactersdependingonthescene)ButlerAwelldressedmanAgentleman(client)Sailor(client)UsherPimpAnn(PatrickJohnMatthew’swife)A1-A4,variouscharacters.

ANOTEONTHESTAGING:Theactionmovesthroughvariouslocationssothesetconstructistocreateaplayingspacethatcansuggestvariousspacesandallowforanopenplayingratherthananyattemptatrealism.Material,props,soundandlightingareusedtosuggestvariousspaces.Atleastonepartofthestageisraisedandmaysuggestabridge.

ACT1

PROLOGUE

Nóra(12yearsold)islyinginherbed,awhitesheetoverherandapillow.CHILDREN’SVOICES:(singing)MylittleNóra,wherewereyou?Thismymotheraskedme,Backofthehouseandnearthewell,dancestepsIwaslearning,OhmyNor,youaremydear,indeedyouaremytrueloveOhmyNor,youaremydear,withyouIaminpurelove.NORA’SVOICE:OhAngelofGod,myguardiandear,ThroughwhomGod’sloveyouguidemehere,MayyoualwaysprotectmefromevilsoboldMayyoualwaysprotectmeinbodyandsoul.Lightsgodownonthescene.Thenextverseisheardasthechurchbelltollsandasacristylampfliesin.GLÓRTHAPÁISTÍ:AndLittleNóra,wherewereyou?Inthegardenbrightly.Whowaswithyouoverthere?Thepiperandhispiping.OhmyNor,youaremydear,indeedyouaremytrueloveOhmyNor,youaremydear,withyouIaminpurelove.

SCENE1MOTHER:Nóra,hurryforheaven’ssakeorwewillbelatefortheConfirmation.Nóra’smotherandfather,MARCUS,appearinsilhouetteupstage.Nóra,dressedinaconfirmationdress,runsbetweenthemandassoonasshedoesallthreewalkforward,blessthemselves,genuflectandkneel,Nóra’sfatherkneelingtooneside.Therestofthecastarriveinintwosfromupstageandrepeattheaction,againwiththewomenandmenseparatingout.ThereisanothergirlpresentinaConfirmationdress.PatrickJohnMatthewispresentasa13yearoldboy,butisbetterdressedthantherest.PEADARMARCUS,Nóra’sbrother,arriveslate.Hisfatherisnottooimpressed.MARCUS:Wherewereyou?

PEADAR:NowhereHisfathergiveshimalookUpatthepitchAnactorputsonastoletobecomethepriest,walksuptheaisle,allrise.MARCUS:HatPeadarremoveshishatLOCALPRIEST:DominusvobiscumCONGREGATION:Etcumspiritutuo.Congregationkneels.LOCALPRIEST:ConfíteorDeoomnipoténti,ALL:beátæMaríæsemperVírgini,beátoMichaéliArchángelo,beátoIoanniBaptístæ,sanctisApóstolisPetroetPaulo,D1:Doesn’tshelookbeautiful....CONGREGATION:BeautifulomnibusSanctis,etvobis,fratres(tibi,Pater),D2:Theyareyoungwomennow,Godblessthem.CONGREGATION:Thetimedoesn’tbelonggoing.quiapeccávinimiscogitatióne,verboetópere:(beatingthebreastthreetimes)meaculpa,meaculpa,meamáximaculpa.D3:Marcusdidn’tsparethemoneyonher.D1:Hehasittospend.CONGREGATION:TheyearneditIdeoprecorbeátamMaríamsemperVírginem,beátumMichaélemArchángelum,beátumIoánnemBaptístam,sanctosApóstolosPetrumetPaulum,omnesSanctos,etvos,fratres.Guíarmoshon,chunanTiarnaDia.AllstandLOCALPRIEST:MayGodAlmightyBlessyou,InthenameoftheFather,andtheSonandtheHolySpirit.CONGREGATION:Amen.

LOCALPRIEST:SolemniacompletasuntinnomineDomineNostriIesuChristivotumnostrumsitacceptumcumpaceCONGREGATION:DeoGratias.

SCENE2ThepriestremovesthestoleandtakestheroleofMICHAELANGHABHA.TheCongregationleavethechurchexceptforNóra,hermotherandBID.BID:(ToNóraassheplacesarosaryinherhand).ItseemslikeonlyyesterdayIwasatyourbaptismandlookatyounow:Confirmation!Well,myheartfeltcongratulationstoyou,darling,I’masproudofyounowasifyouweremyowndaughter.(Bidgivesherahugandbeginstoleave.Nora’smotherisabouttofollowherwhenNóranoticesbloodonherdress.Sheisembarassed.NÓRA:Mam…MOTHER:…What?(Nóraistooembarassedtosayanything)Whatisit,child?NÓRA:I’mwetdownbelow.MÁTHAIR:What?(Nórashowsheraredstainonherdress.Hermotherlooksaroundforfearanyonemightsee.Nóraisafraid.)NÓRA:WhatisitMammy?MOTHER:Bid,comeoverheretome.(Bidcomesoverimmediately)Shehasstartedhercycles.(MotherandBidcoverherandbegintoleadheroff.)NÓRA:(leaving)AmIbleeding?MOTHER:Bequiet.Youhavetogohome.BID:You’reinluck,love,youhavetheredluck.Nóra’smothergivesBidadirtylook.MÁTHAIR:Whatwouldyouknowaboutit?BidiscuttothequikMARCUS:Whatisyerehurry?

BID:Ahm,shehadafaint…MARCUS:Whatfaint,isshealright?BID:Ohyoudon’tneedtoworryatallabouther.Justoneofthosethings.We’llmindher.(Shefollowstheothertwoout)PEADAR(15),MARCUS,MICHAELANGHABHA,hisdaughterandson(Sarah(12)andTomás(9)remain.PEADARwantstogo.MICHAELANGHABHA:CongratulationsMarcus,whowouldhavethoughtyouryoungestdaughterwouldbecomingofagesosoon,hah?MARCUS:Hah?GABHA:TheConfirmation,I’msayingMARCUS:Ohyea,yea.ThanksMichael,Thankyouverymuchindeed.Andcongratulationstoyourselvestoo,ofcourse.Strangehowtimefliesisn’tit?GABHA:Isn’titjust?HowisyoureldestladgettingoninGalway?John,isn’tit?MARCUS:Yes.Good,goodnow,togivehimhisdue.He’swithSonnysoheisgettingagoodapprenticeshipnowanyhow.GABHA:WithSonny?Yougothimagoodplacementthen.MARCUS:Well,yousee,havingspentsomuchonhiseducation,it’dbehardlyworthlettingitgotowastenowwouldit?Andanyhow,didn’tourJohnalwayshavethegiftofthegabandhe’sintherightshoptheretomakeuseofit.GABHA:That’sitexactly.Shopkeepersarethesmoothestoftalkersalright-MARCUS:yeah…GABHA:Yeah.Andtheyhavesensetoo,ofcourse.MARCUS:Ofcourse.

GABHA:Butofcoursesensedoesn’tcomebeforeagetheysayandhe’sstillyoung,Godblesshim.YoumightcalldowntomeonMondaywiththatcartwheel?(tohisdaughter)Let’sgo.Thebigwheeloflife,theysay.(Theblacksmith(gabha)pausesupstagetofillhispipe).(Peadarstartstomoveoff)

MARCUS:What’syourrush?PEADAR:There’safootballmatchupatthepitch.MARCUS:Istherenow?PEADAR:Thereis,yea..MARCUS:Andwhataboutthegreycow?PEADAR:Can’tshewait?MARCUS:Waittogivebirth?Whatkindofasimpletonareyouatall?Marcusbeginstoheadoff.Stops.Looksathisson.Reluctantly,Peadarfollowshim.MARCUS:Giveoveryourmeanderingnowandgetuphomefast.(HepushesPeadaraheadofhim)Fast,Isaid!GABHA:(watchingthemastheyleave)Anapprenticeship,sayshe.Anapprenticeshipindrinkingandbullshittingmorelike.

SCENE3:

Someyearslater,Nóra,SarahandMairéadChóilareoutforastroll.NÓRA:Wherewillwego?MAIRÉAD(Moraid):OldSeán(Shawn)willbesailingfortheislandtodaysohecanstretchoutinthegrassforhimselfandhaveafewdrinks.NÓRA:Aslongashewon’twantustostretchoutinthegrassbesidehim!ALLTHREE:Yeeeuchhh!MAIRÉAD:Iwouldn’tkisshimifIwasofferedabagofgoldforit!SARAH:YoukissedJackMartinandhehasn’tasinglepenny!MAIRÉAD:(SheattacksSarah)Ididnosuchthing!SARAH:Yesyoudid!

MAIRÉAD:Whataboutyoukissingyourownbrother,that’sagainsttheLawofGodyouknow.SARAH:Inever!NÓRA:Sarah,wesawyou.MAIRÉAD:Gettinginabitofpractice,wasit?SARAH:Yecangosailingonyereownso,yeshowerofwhores.MAIRÉAD:Whatdidyoucallus?SARAH:Youheardme.Whores.MAIRÉAD:Takeitback.SARAH:Fine,I’lltakeitbackfromyoubutnotfromyouNóraMarcusBeg,thewomanwholikestogochasingsummerswallows…NÓRA:Excuseme?SARAH:SummerswallowsiswhatIsaid,NÓRA:Ihaven’tanotionastowhatyouaretalkingaboutnow…SARAH:Becauseyoudon’twanttoknow,doyou?YouknowfullwellwhatIamtalkingabout.Youwereseenunderthebridge.(shestartstoleave).You’dthinkadoctor’ssonwouldbringhertoahotelatleastbutIsupposeheknowshe’llgethisbitanyway.(Theyfight,hairbeingpulled,Mairéadtryingtointervenebetweenthem)MAIRÉAD:Stopit,giveitupforGod’ssakewouldye?Christalmighty,we’veonlyjustcomefromConfession.NÓRA:Shestartedit.SARAH:You’vetornmydress!Startstocry.Iwon’tbeabletomendthat.You’veruinedit.Myfatherwillkillme.MAIRÉAD:Letmesewitforyou,noonewillknowathingaboutit.SARAH:Theywillknow.MAIRÉAD:Theywon’t,anddoesn’tMairéadtheTailoralwayscarryaneedleandthreadanyhow?Nowshowitheretome.(shebeginstomendthedress)

SARAH:(stillwithasourface)Itwon’tlookrightanditwilltearagain.MAIRÉAD:Areyoucriticisingmysewingskillsnowareyou?Crikey,we’reprettybadtodaygirls,aren’twe,whateverthematteris.NÓRA:Theheavyweather,Isuppose.SARAH:(underherbreath)Orrandiness.(Mairéaddeliberatelypricksherwiththeneedle.)Ahh!MAIRÉAD:Sinners!Greedandlechery!Drinkanddebauchery!IwondershouldwegotoConfessionagain?TheylaughNÓRA:Ohmyword,Ithinkonesermonfromhimperweekismorethanenough,nottomentiontheextraoneintheconfessionalbooth.He’dfrightenanun,thatlad!MAIRÉAD:Praisehehadforme,actually!NÓRA:Andawholerosaryforpenancetoo,Ibet.MAIRÉAD:Tenofthem,nowthatyoumentionit,bettermakeastartonthem…“HailMaryfullofGrace….,”Theylaugh.MAIRÉAD:Holdstillyou.SARAH:Don’tbemakingmelaugh,so.NÓRA’SMOTHER:(inthedistance,comingonupstage)Nóra,Nóra!I’vebeenlookingforyouforthelasthalfanhour.Bringthebitoflunchuptoyourfatherandbrotherbeforetheystarvewiththehunger.MAIRÉAD:IreckonweshouldhavejumpedaboardOldSeán’sskiffwhilewehadthechance.SARAH:SailawaytoEnglandMAIRÉAD:OrAmericaNÓRA:OrGlasgow.MÁTHAIRNÓRA:Nóra,doyounothearmecallingyou?NÓRA:Smilingknowingly.Coming!

SARAH:Didn’tItellyou!Mairéadpricksheragain.Oww!YoungTomás(Tumaws)Michael,Sarah’sbrotherappears.TM:You’reneededSARAH:Neededforwhat?TM:Dadwantsyou.SARAH:Anotherdaygonetowasteattendingtomen.NÓRA:smilingsweetlyAndanighttoo.Sheleaves.TheothersstareateachotherbutsaynothingasTomásispresent.MAIRÉAD:I’mnearlydone.TMhangsaroundwaitingforhissister.Henoticesthesewing.TM:Whathappenedtoyourdress?Theothertwoturnonhim.MAIRÉAD+SARAH:Yousawnothing.SARAH:Doyouhearme?HeskulksoffasMairéadfinishesherwork.Thegirlsleave.

SCENE4

Marcusandhisson,Peadar,arebuildingawall.Peadarisinahurry.MARCUS:Whatareyouat?Thatwillcollapseforcertain…It’suseless.You’llhavetostartagain.PEADAR(incensed,butbeginstoreplacethestone)MARCUS:AndwillyoukeepitstraightforGod’ssake.(pause)Areyoulisteningtomeatall?Look,standbackfromitnow.(hegives‘thewall’akick.Itcollapses)Whatuseisthat,hah?Whatuse?Sureifacowrubbedherselfupagainstititwouldfall.You’rewastingthedayonus…Whatisthematterwithyou?Areyoustillcribbingaboutthatmatch,areyou?

PEADAR:Ihaveaplaceontheteam.MARCUS:Youdoandyouhaveaplaceheretooandifyouweremorecarefulinyourworkhereyoumightevenbeplayingtoday.PEADAR:HowcanIgettoplaywhenyou’reknockingwallsonme!MARCUS:Meknockingwalls?Thatwasn’tawallyou’dbuilt,itwasacairnofstones.Itwouldn’thavestoppedacalffromgettingoutontotheroad,nevermindabullock.Lookit,lookhere.Lookaroundyou,man.Whoownsthegreenestfieldsaroundhere?Who?Seethedrainagewe’vedone.Doyouseeit?Canyouseeanyrushesaround,canyou?PEADAR:Ican’t.MARCUS:Anddoyouknowwhyyoucan’t?PEADAR:Thesweatofmybones.MARCUS:Thesweatofmybonesisright.Anddoyouknowwhy?PEADAR:Forourbenefit.MARCUS:Foryourbenefitandforyoursisters’benefitandnotforthebenefitofthatdrunkardofabrotherofyourswho’donlypissitupagainstawall.Beginagain!(workingawaynow)NowonderheendedupintheBritishArmy,they’retheonlycrowdthat’dtakethatrake.Anddoyouwanttoenduplikehim,doyou?UsNeeshavefortyacresofthefinestlandhere.Thefinest.AllI’maskingfromyouisthatyoulearntodothingsproperlyandyoucanplayfootballthentilkingdomcome.PEADAR:Iwon’tgettokeepmyplaceontheteamifI’mnotthere…MARCUS:Look,son.Youwon’tmanagetoholdontoafarmeitherifyoudon’tworkit.Halfofthatcrowduptherespendhalftheirdayatthepitchandtheotherhalfinthepub.Theonlythingtheyhavegrowingintheirfieldsiswetrushesandwhentheirhealthfailsthemthey’llhaveneitherlandnorfootballbecausethey’llhavedrankitall.Wheredoyouthinktheseaddedacrescamefrom,hah?(pause)Answerme.PEADAR:Thesweatofyourbones.MARCUS:FromMichaelanGhabha’sbrotherwhodiedfiveyearsago,Godresthim.Hedrankit,everysingleacre.Andwegotit,yes,bythesweatofourbones.AnditlooksawholelotbetternowthaniteverdidwhentheMichaelshadit.Anddon’tthinkIdon’thearthebackchat.Grudgingrespectiswhatitreallyis,anddoyouknowhowIknow?Becausetheyarepoisonedwithjealousyishow,becausetheyareashamedandwouldprefertoseeusinthepubdrinkingratherthantoseeusherebelowputtingthemtoshamewithwhat

wecando.Showyourselfsomeselfrespect,boy.Nowcanwefinishthiswall,please,beforeitgetsdarkandthere’llbeplentyoftimeforfootballagain.Peadartriestostartworkingagainbuthecan’tkeepittogether.Heisalmostintears.Hegoestoleave.MARCUS:Whereareyouoffto,hah?Don’tthinkforamomentI’mgoingtofinishitoffforyou.Comebackhereyou!Marcus’sWife,Máire,arrives.MARCUS’WIFE:Haveyefinished?Whereareyouoffto?PEADAR:ToAmerica!(leaves)MARCUS:America?Youdon’thaveenoughbetweenyourtwoearstogetyouasfarasGalwayeven.MARCUS’WIFE:Marcus.MARCUS:What?Wheredidwegetthemfrom,hah?Fromwherenow?Heisveryworkedup.Motherishurtbutdoesnotrefertoit.MARCUS’WIFE:Imadesometeaandsconestokeepyegoing.Ithoughtyemightkeepgoinglatewiththefineweatherwehave.PauseMARCUS:Wewilltoo.Hebendstohisworkagain.Máireleavesdownthebasketandstaysawhile.Lightsfade.

SCENE5

Night.TomásMichael(8-9yearsold)issatnearariver.HehearsNóracomingandhides.Nórawaitsnownearthe‘bridge’.Sheisdisappointedtoseethereisnoonetheretomeether.Sheseemsnervoustooaboutbeingseen.PATRICKJOHNMATTHEWsneaksoutfromahidingplaceandsaysPATRICK:Boo!

NÓRA:frightened.OhSacredHeart,wherewereyou...PATRICK.Herealiseshehasactuallyreallyfrightenedher.Itsalright,you’refine.I’msorry.NÓRA:whenyouweren’thereIthought…PATRICK:Don’ttellmeyouthoughtIwouldleaveabeautifulwomanlikeyouwaiting,didyou?NÓRA:Arastop!PATRICK:I’mnotjokingatall.I’mhere!Andyouarehere.AndIwouldratherbeherenowthananyotherplaceinthisworld.Willwestrollabitbytheriver?NÓRA:(somewherebetweenshynessandboldness)Ifyougivemeakissfirsttosoothemynerves…PATRICK:(lookingaround)Here?NÓRA:(Sheglancestowardthebridge).PATRICK:Iwill,andtenmorebesides.Hetakesherbythehandandtheypressinagainsttheshadeofthebridgetobemoreoutofsight.Hekissesher,herbodyrespondstohim.NÓRA:Areyousure?PATRICK:ThatIwanttobewithyou?Don’tyouknowIdo!(Hetriestokissheragain,shegiveshimapeckinreturnNora:I’msorry.Iwasanxious.Patrick:OhNóra,noneedtobeanxious.SingsOhmyNor,youaremydear,indeedyouaremytruelove(kissinghernecknow)OhmyNor,youaremydear,….withyou….Iam….Nóra:(shegiggleswithpleasure)Patrick:(hisfingersdanceonherskin)Ticktacktwo,apairofshoesforyouNóra:Stop!You’reticklingme.Patrick.Ohlook!Goosebumps!Sheeludeshisattentionsandskipsawayfromhim.Shesits.Hesitsbesideher.Shegivesalittlepeckonthecheek.Shepointsupatthesky.

Nóra:Whatdidyoucallthatfistofstarsthereagain?Thesisterswasit?Patrick:Yes,that’sthem,sevenofthemwouldyoubelieve?ThePleiades.Alluptheregossipingawayateachother.NóRA:Perhapstheyallgetalongfine.Theyseemquitecontentupthere.PATRICK:Butifonlyyoucouldhearthem….pssh…wisshwisssh…DidyouhearwhatOriondidyesterdaywhilehewasouthunting?Didn’theshootanarrowatUrsamajorandhithiminthearse!NÓRA:laughsWhereisOrionnow?PATRICK:Right,doyouseeasortofrectangletheretothesoutheast,onetwothreefour,andtherearethreestarstheninthemiddleona‘diagonal’sotospeak.NÓRA:Dyeangle?PATRICK:Di-agonal.Thiswayratherthanthis.TheycallitOrion’sstaff.NÓRA:laughs.Ohreally?PATRICK:Yes!NÓRA:Ócrikey,Iseeit,he’sgotabigonehasn’the?PATRICK:Huge,especiallywhenyoutakeintoconsiderationhowfarawayfromhimweare!Andtherearehishandsthere…NÓRA:…OhIsee,he’slikeawarrior!PATRICK:Anarcher,tobeprecise.Heembodiestheformofanarchershootinganarrow.NÓRA:(lookingfromPatricktothenightsky)Iwillneverlookattheskyinthesamewayagain.Theremustbehundredsandthousandsofstoriesandadventuresupthere.PATRICK:Ohthereare.Otherlivesandotherworlds.NÓRA:Areyoulookingforwardtoreturningtoyourotherlifebeyondoncemore?PATRICK:InGlasgow?I’dprefertostayherewithyou.ButifyouwereinGlasgowwithme,ifonlyyoucouldseetheplaceNóra!Youwouldnotbelievethebuildingsthatarethere,andthepeopletoo.Theycomefromeverywhere.ThebuildingIamstudyingin,whenIstudy,itsfivestorieshigh,canyouimagine.

NÓRA:ThetallestthingI’veeverseenisourlittlechurchhere.Well,IwasinClifdenoncewithmyfather.ArethehousesinClifdenthreeorfourstoriestall?PATRICK:They’reonlysmallthings.TherearebuildingsbeyondthatareasbigasanentirestreetinClifden.NÓRA:(inamazement)StopitPATRICK:That’sthetruth,madefrombigblocksofsandstone.NÓRA:Sandstone?PATRICK:Yeah,that’sthesortofstonetheyhaveoverthere.Itisn’tashardasthegraniteyehavehereanditismucheasiertobuildwithandmucheasiertocarvetoo.Youshouldseetheornamentation!Spiralsandbuttressesandgargoyles…NÓRA:Ihaven’tacluewhatyouaresayingnowPATRICK:Thedecoration:statues,imagescarvedintostone,archers,halfnakedvirginsNÓRA:Halfnaked?PATRICK:Halfnaked.Thatkindofthingdoesn’tbotherthematall.Andit’sagoodjobtheydon’tespeciallywhenoneisstudyinganatomy,doyouunderstand?NÓRA:Youtoldmethatonebefore:thescienceofthebody,isn’tit?PATRICK:Correct.NÓRA:Asaformofstudy?PATRICK:Yes.NÓRA:SoIamastudyforyou?Heisdisappointed.I’msorry.IknowIamnot.It’sjusttheyoungladsaroundherearealwayswantingtopawyou.Afootballorabreast,theyhavetobepawingsomethingroundandsoftthewholetime.PATRICK:Theycouldbedoingworse.NÓRA:laughsIknow,ohIdon’tknowwhat’sthematterwithme.You’releavingPatrickand,well,Iknowyou’llbearoundagainatChristmasbut.Shethrowsherarmsaroundhim.I’llmissyou,thereisnobodylikeyouaroundhere.

PATRICK:Thereisnobodylikeyoubeyond.NÓRA:Plentyofwomenbeyond,Patrick,I’msure.PATRICK:Yestherearebutyou’renotthere.Theykiss.PATRICK:WaituntilyouseethehousewewillhavewhenI’mqualified,doriccolumnsoneitherside,statuesonplinthstowelcomeguests.NÓRA:Nakedonesofcourse.PATRICK:Ofcourse.Abigmarblestaircaseascendingleftandrighttothebedrooms,myownstudywithcigarsandbrandy.NÓRA:Seegars?PATRICK:Acigar.AbigrolloftobaccofromHavana.NÓRA:Abigroll,bydad.Howbig?PATRICK:Thisbig.NORA:Thatbig?MyGod,thedoctor’swifeisgoingtohavetolearnaboutthesebigrolls.PATRICK:They’renotgoodforyourhealth.NÓRA:Aren’ttheynow?Sherubshisnetherregions.Thestudyofthebody.ButifthedoctorthinkstheyarenotgoodformyhealththenperhapsIoughttogiveitup?PATRICK:Youshouldn’t.NÓRA:Shouldn’tI?PATRICK:Youshouldn’t.NÓRA:Eventhoughitsnotgoodformyhealth?PATRICK:Aslongasyoudon’tlightit.NÓRA:Howdoesonesetlightit?PATRICK:Likethat.NÓRA:Shestops.WhatamIdoing.YoumustthingIamawhore.OhI’msorry,Ireallydon’tknowwhatthematterwithmeis.Shestandsandstraightensherclothes.

Hegrabsherhand.PATRICK:Nóra.Wearedoingnothingwrong.NÓRA:Weshouldn’tbecarousinglikethis,isn’titagainstGod’slaws?PATRICK:Isthatthepriest,yourfatheroryouwhoistalkingnow?shemovesawayfromhimabit.Shestartstolookatthestarsoncemore.Pause.NÓRA:Christmasisn’ttoofarawayIsuppose.PATRICK:Iwon’tbearoundatChristmas.(Nóraisshocked)Iwon’tbeNóra.Thisismyfinalyear.Ihavetodosomestudyorthey’llfailme.‘HewhosowsintheSpringshall…’NÓRA:Don’tsayit!That’soneofmyfather’sstockphrases.HewhosowsintheSpringshallreapintheAutumn.Sowingandharvesting.Thesweatofmybones.PATRICK:Ihavetodosomework,that’sallI’msaying.NÓRA:Iunderstand,Ido,it’sjustIwasn’texpectingit.Lastyear…PATRICK:Iwasn’tinmyfinalyearlastyear.pauseNÓRA:Ayearyoureckon?PATRICK:That’swhatitwilltake,beforeIqualify.NÓRA:Well,PatrickJohnMatthew,youhadbetterstudyorI’llendupthewifeofthedoctor’ssonratherthantheactualdoctor’swifeandthatsimplywouldn’tdoatall!PATRICK:Lookatyouwithyournotions!NÓRA:Ithinkit’syouthathasthenotions,morelikePATRICK:How?NÓRA:Abignotion(shefeelshimagain)PATRICK:It’llbealongyear.NÓRA:Yes,itwillbe.Shemovesclosertohim.Toolong.You’dneedtoknowthere’llbeanicepresentwaitingforyouafterthatlengthoftime.PATRICK:Won’tIhavemydegree?

NÓRA:Yes,andsomethingelsetoo.PATRICK:Likewhat?NÓRA:Me.Lieback.PATRICK:Where?NÓRA:There.Inthefairycircle.PATRICK:Whatfairycircle?Heliesdown,shesitsonhim.NÓRA:Thispatchofgrass,it’samagicring,thefairys’dancefloor.WeseeTomásMichaellwatchingthemnow.NÓRA:Isthatbigrollaftergettingbiggerorisitmyimagination?PATRICK:ItsbecauseofyouNÓRA:Well,thedoctor’swifeneedstobelearningaboutseegarsnow,mustn’tshe?PATRICK:Isupposeshemust.OhNóramydear,you’rethe…I’dratheryouthanthewholeofIreland.NÓRA:AndScotlandPATRICK:AndScotland.NÓRA:Puttogether.Lightsdown.TomásMhichilstillwatching.Exeunt.

SCENE6

Thesacristylampfliesin.Theactorsenter,blessthemselves,genuflectetc.Thewomentooneside,mentotheother.D1:IwonderwherePeadarMarcusis?LOCALPRIEST:ConfíteorDeoomnipoténti,

CONGREGATION(+PRIEST):beátæMaríæsemperVírgini,beátoMichaéliArchángelo,beátoIoanniBaptístæ,sanctisApóstolisPetroetPaulo,D2:Didyounothearthenews?D1:Ididn’t.CONGREGATION:ómnibusSanctis,etvobis,fratres(tibi,Pater),D2:PeadartookoffaftertheFairinOughterard.D3:Thesecondoneofthem?CONGREGATION:Árdquiapeccávinimiscogitatióne,verboetópere:D2:Yesandwiththepriceoftwobullocksinhispockettoo.CONGREGATION:meaculpa,D1:TwobullocksCONGREGATION:meaculpa,D2:InhispocketCONGREGATION:meamáximaculpa.D3:AndtheeldestsonCONGREGATION:IdeoprecorbeátamMaríamsemperVírginem,beátumMichaélemArchángelum,D3:MichaelMarcus:firedfromhisjobD2:fired,D1:fired,D1-3:firedfromhisjobCONGREGATION:beátumIoánnemBaptístam,D1-3:BecauseofthedrinkCONGREGATION:ÓlsanctosApóstolosPetrumetPaulum,D2:Whatelse?

D1:Whatelse?D2:DrinkD1:DrinkCONGREGATION:omnesSanctos,etvos,fratresÓlD1:JoinedtheBritishArmyD3:WhoelsewouldtakehimD2:TwobullocksSAGART:PrayformetotheLordourGod.D2:Theblackguard(Marcusandeveryoneelsehearsthis)CONGREGATION:Amen.Allstand.Massisended.SAGART:SolemniacompletasuntinnomineDomineNostriIesuChristivotumnostrumsitacceptumcumpaceCONGREGATION:Deogratias

SCENE7

ThepriestandthecongregationdepartleavingMarcus,hiswifeandNóraonstage.Thesacristylampfliesout,lightschangeandtheygodownontheirknees,athome.TheyaresayingtheRosary.Nóracan’twaitforittofinish.MARCUS: … Grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. NÓRA+MOTHER:Amen.Theyblessthemselves.Nóraimmediatelygoesintoher‘room’.Shetakesthesheetfromthebed,laysitoutonthefloor,getsapenandpaperandbeginstowritealetter.NÓRA:‘MydearestPatrickJohnMatthew,howareyourstudiesprogressing?ThebodyscienceImean.Keepawayfromtheseegarnowuntilyouaredonewiththebooks.’Stopit.

Nóra’smotherandfatherareuncomfortableineachother’scompany.Pause.MARCUS:Imusttakealookatthecow.MARCUS’WIFE(MÁIRE):She’snotreadytocalfyet.MARCUS:(sharply)Howdoyouknow?Heimmediatelyregretsbeingsopricklywithher.Máiremovestowardshim.Youheardthemtoday.MARCUS’WIFE:Itwouldhavebeenhardnottohearthem.MARCUS:WearealaughingstockMARCUS’WIFE:Iwillmisshim.MARCUS:We’renoworsewithouthim.MARCUS’WIFE:Whichofthem?pauseMARCUS:Theblackguard.Shemovesawayfromhim.Pause.Afterallwedidforthem.Theyshowedlittlethanks.(shedoesnotrespond)Theyhaveshamedus.MARCUS’WIFE:Don’tIknowwelltheyhavebutwouldyoupleasestopsayingit?PauseMARCUS:Thedirtythief.Iknow.Iknow.Nóracanbeheardnowhumming‘WildMountainThyme’orafastversionof‘LochLomond’.Pause.Máireisworried.MARCUS:Isupposeitsanillwindthatdoesn’tblowsomeonegood.

MARCUS’WIFE:Whatdoyoumean?MARCUS:Nóra.PauseMARCUS’WIFE:AndwhataboutBríd?MARCUS:Hasn’tBrídgotherownlifenowoverinEngland?Idon’tthinkshe’llbecomingback.MARCUS’WIFE:Whowouldhavethought,withfourchildren,thenestwouldbeabandonedsoquickly.MARCUS:Whoknows,theremightbeanewbroodhereyet?MáirelooksatherhusbandSure,thereisn’tafarmer’ssonorshopmerchantwithintwentymilesofusthatwouldn’tbedelighted,eventhrilledtomarryNóra.Hah?Didn’ttwocomeaskingforherlastyear?MARCUS’WIFE:Sheisakindandalovinggirlrightenough.MARCUS:Thereisn’thermatchinthewholeparish.Andfortyacresofthefinestlandgoingwithheraswell.Wewon’tbelosinganysleepoverthatothertwoanymore,I’mtellingyounow.Hegoestoleave.Yes,indeed.Godisstrongandhasagoodmother.Nórahasfinishedherletternow.MARCUS’WIFE:Whereareyouofftonow?MARCUS:I’mgoingtolookatthatcow,whatelse?Máireisleftonherown.Sheissickwithworry.Pause.Nóraislookingattheletterandatthesheet.Shenow‘reads’thesheet:NÓRA:‘Mr.PatrickÓMalley,TheFacultyofMedicine,UniversityofGlasgow,Scotland.’Youhaveitrightthistimeanyhow.Youhaditrightthelasttimetoo.Ididnot.Icouldn’thave.Sheliftsupthesheetandwecanseenowitlookslikealargeenvelopewithanaddressandared‘stamp’onit.Beautifulpenmanship.(childlike)thankyou,Miss.

Shewrapsthe‘envelope’aroundherself.OhPatrickJohnMatthew,opentheenvelope’tilyouseewhatthepostmanhasbroughtyou.Sheopensitdramatically.Dadam!MaybeIforgottoputastamponit?Checks.Rightso,thisisit.Goodtogo.Shefoldsthesheetcarefullyuntilitisnotmuchbiggerthanalargeenvelopeandplaces‘theletter’init.Inthekitchen,hermothertakesaletterfromherapronandlooksatit.Norasealsherownletterwithakiss.Shepressesittoherbreast,thennoticesherbreastsaresomewhattender.Pause.Mr.Postman,don’tletmedownagainorIwillhavetowritealetterofcomplainttothatQueenofyours.Noracomesoutofherroom,letterinhand.Hermotherhidesawaythelettershehasinherownhand.MARCUS’WIFE:Whereareyouoffto?NÓRA:Tothepostoffice.MARCUS’WIFE:WillyoubetakingflightaswellNóra,willyou?NÓRA:Noraembraceshermother.Ihavebigplans,mother.MARCUS’WIFE:I’mserious.NÓRA:YesandsoamI,Iamgoingtobuildapalacehereforusoutofsandstoneanddecorateitwithstatuesandallsorts.MARCUS’WIFE:Sandstone?Maybeyouhaven’ttakenoffliketherestbutyou’reoffyourrockerI’mthinking.NÓRA:MaybeIamandmaybeI’mnotandthere’smoremaybestoomother!Oh,Mam,everythingwillbejustfine.ShortpauseMARCUS’WIFE:Ofsandstoneisit?NÓRA:Yes,withsculpturetoo.MARCUS’WIFE:Isitachurchyou’regoingtobuildforusthenorwhat?NÓRA:Nochurch,mammy,apalaceIsaid,apalace!

Nóraleaves,hermothertakestheletterfromherpocketoncemore.Sheisatalossastowhattodo.MARCUS’WIFE:OhdearGod,helpme.ShelooksinthedirectionNórawent,thenlooksdownattheletter,thenlooksup.

SCENE8Fourpeoplecomeincarryingtheopensheet,lettingitfloatandcatchtheair.Nórafollows.ALL:

Closeyoureyesmyheart’sdesire,

Mypartoflife,myspeciallove,

Closeyoureyesmyheart’sdesire,

You’llgetagiftsoonenough.

Yourfathercomeshomefromthehill

Carryinggrouseinhisarms,

Andsleepgentlynowbythehearth,

You’llgetagiftsoonenough.

Nóraliesonthegroundandtheycoverherwiththesheet.Wenotice‘Notatthisaddress’iswrittenacrossthesheet/envelope.Theactorshumtheairforthesongoverthefollowing.D1:AletterhereforyouNóraD2:Thatwasreturned(sheletsaletterfallonher)D3:AnotherletterhereforyouNóraD4:Thatwasreturned(sheletsaletterfallonher)MOTHER:Andthere’sanotheronehere,thatwasreturned.(sheletstheletterfallonher)Theactorssootheher.

DI:MylittleNóraD2:Wherewereyou?D3:Whowaswithyouthere?D4:Whatsortofadance?Nora’sfatherappearsALL:(exceptforNóra)Yourfathercomeshomefromthehill

Carryinggrouseinhisarms,

Andsleepgentlynowbythehearth,

You’llgetagiftsoonenough.

Nórascreams,hermotherandfatherturnupstageatthesamemoment.Theotheractorsremovethesheetfromherandleave.Nóravomitsslightly.Shetriestocleanherselfupabit.Herfatherturnsbacktoher:

SCENE9MARCUS:You’rewhat?NÓRA:GoingtoEngland.MÁTHAIR(turningaround)GoingtoEngland?NORA:YesMARCUS:Haveyoulostyourmindorwhat?You’renotgoingtoEnglandandyoucanstoptakingthemicknow.NÓRA:I’mnottakingthemick.I’mgoingtoEngland.MARCUS:Haveyoulostyourmarblesentirely?Youwanttovisityoursisterisit?NÓRA:No.MARCUS:She’stakingthemick.NÓRA:No,Iamnot.IamgoingtoEngland.

Marcus:Butwhy?NÓRA:Why?MARCUS:Yeswhy?NORA:AchangeinlifeMARCUS:AchangeinlifeMARCUS’WIFE:Can’tyouchangeyourlifeheretoo,youcouldyouknow.

MARCUS:Easyenoughtochangeyourlifeisn’tit?MARCUS’WIFE:Sureifyougotmarriedherewouldn’ttherebemajorchangesonthecardsforyouandwe’dbedelightedforyou,wewould.MARCUS:Wewould.MARCUS’WIFE:Bothyourfatherandmyself. NORA:Idon’twanttomarry.MARCUS:Youdon’twanttomarry?MARCUS’WIFE:Youdon’twanttogetmarriedandwhatelsewouldyoudowithyourselfandfortyacresgoingwithyouifyouhavesense?NÓRA:Goingwithme?MARCUS:Yes,Nóra,ofcourse,surethereisnothingyourmotherandIwouldlikemorethantoseeyougetagoodman,andwe’llmakesureyoudoandwon’tyehavethelandandthewholelotthenwhenwedie?(sheappearstobe‘packing’orcleaningherownspace/room)NÓRA:Whatabouttheboys?MARCUS:Don’ttroubleyourselfwiththoseboys,notafterwhattheydidtous.We’renoworseoffwithoutthem,butNóra,you’reouryoungestgirl,ourjewel,don’tyouknowonlytoowellallwewantisthebestforyou?NÓRA:Andisn’tthatwhatIwantformyselftoo.MARCUS:Youwon’tfinditoverbeyond.NÓRA:Howdoyouknow?

MARCUS:Becauseitishereforyou.NÓRA:AreyougoingtocutBrídouttoo,yeah?MARCUS:WewilltakecareofBrídbutBrídisoverbeyondandshehasherownlifethere.NÓRA:That’swhatIwanttoo.MARCUS:Butwhowilltakecareofthefarm?Sellit,isthatit?Thebestfarminthisparish.Alltheyearssqueezingthesweatofmybonesintothosefields.Hardyears.Pause.Tohiswifethen:Haveyounowordtoaidme?MARCUS’WIFE:ListentoyourfatherNóra,he’sright.Wehearthechurchbell.Theymoveoff.ThisisaquickMass.Thesacristylampdoesnotflyin.PRIEST:ConfíteorDeoomnipoténti,CONGREGATION:beátæMaríæsemperVírgini,beátoMichaéliArchángelo,beátoIoanniBaptístæ,sanctisApóstolisPetroetPaulo,D1:Butwhatdoyouthinkshe’suptothatshewantstoleave?D2:I’dsaythingscan’tbegoodathome.CONGREGATION:ómnibusSanctis,etvobis,fratres(tibi,Pater),D3:Threecameaskingforherhandlastyear.CONGREGATION:Threequiapeccávinimiscogitatióne,verboetópere:meaculpa,D1:Three?CONGREGATION:meaculpa,D2:Three?CONGREGATION:meamáximaculpa.D3:Threeknowntohaveplentyofmoneytoo.CONGREGATION: IdeoprecorbeátamMaríamsemperVírginem

PRIEST: May God the Almighty have mercy on us, forgive us of our sins and bring us to everlasting life. CONGREGATION: Amen. Allstand.PRIEST:SolemniacompletasuntinnomineDomineNostriIesuChristivotumnostrumsitacceptumcumpaceCONGREGATION:DeoGratias.AllleavebarNóra,motherandfather.Wearebackintheirhouseoncemore.MARCUS:Willyousitdownherewithmeforaminute,Nóra,Iwouldliketohaveawordwithyou.Nóra,mydear,Iamsoproudofyou,youknowthatdon’tyou?NÓRA:Iknow.MARCUS:Anddoyouknowyouarethefinestgirlinallthesevenparishes?NÓRA:Ifyousayso.MARCUS:Youareindeed.Thereisnoendtothemenenquiringafteryou.Ican’tgotoafairnowwithouthavingoneofthemaskingafteryou.NORA:Peoplehavemanners.MARCUS:Ofcourseit’sgoodmannersbutitsmorethanthat.Theywantyou,doyouunderstandme?NÓRA:Ido.MARCUS:Don’tthinkforaminutethingswillbethesamebeyondforyou.NORA:Idon’tknowiftheywillortheywon’t.MARCUS:Doyounotsee,youdon’tknowthefirstthingaboutthatplace.ApoorIrishgirlformtheWestofIrelandwithlittleornoEnglish.You’llbeinaverypoorposition.NORA:IthoughtIwasrich.MARCUS:Yes,youare.Comparedtoothersaroundherewearewelloff,yes.Andyou’llbeevenbetteroffifwefindyoutherightman.Shegiveshimalook.Hechangestack.

You’llbeacompleteunknownoverthere.They’llhavenorespectforyou.NÓRA:Idon’tknowwhatthey’llthinkofmebutIdoknowtherewillbeopportunitiesthereforme,Dad.Thereiswealthbeyondpeopleherehaven’tevendreamedofsure.MARCUS:Yoursisterhasn’tseenmuchofit,hasshe?NÓRA:Howdoyouknow?Maybeshe’skeepingitalltoherself?MARCUS’WIFE:Don’tspeakaboutyoursisterlikethat.NÓRA:Iapologise.MARCUS:That’salrightnowbutdon’tyousee,Nóra,youhaveeveryopportunityandeverypossibilityherenowwiththatotherpairoffoolsgone.Surethereisn’tafarmer’ssonwithin…NÓRA:…WillyoubereferringtomeasafooltoowhenI’mgone?MARCUS:Notmerelyafool,you’llbethegreatestimbecileonearth.NÓRA:NoMARCUS:YesNÓRA:NoI’msaying.MARCUS:YesagainforIsweartoyouthat’swhatyou’llbebecauseitisthemoststupidthingI’veheardofinmylifeandit’snotonlymethatknowsit,everyoneelseknowsittoo.MARCUS’WIFE:Marc–MARCUS:What?WhatamIsupposedtosay,hah?Cripesalmighty,thereisn’tashopkeepernorafarmer’ssonwithintwentymiles…NÓRA:Twentymiles,notafarmer’ssonnorashopkeeper.HowmanymoretimesdoIhavetohearthis?IwanttogotoEnglandandthat’sthatandIwouldmuchrathergowithyourblessinguponmeratherthanyourcursebutneitheroneofyouwillchangemymind.Iwillnotletyouchangeit,andI’msorry.(sheispracticallyintears.Sheleaves)MARCUS’WIFE:Youwillhavetotryadifferenttackwithher.MARCUS:Adifferenttack?Howmanydifferenttackshavewetakenthusfar?Sheisasstubbornasamule.MARCUS’WIFE:Iwonderwhereshegotitfrom?

Thechurchbellisheard.Theychangeposition.Castin.PRIEST:DominusvobiscumCONGREGATION:Etcumspiritutuo.Allkneel.CONGREGATION:Omniosrl….quietlyasthepriestspeaks…PRIEST:Inthoughtsandinwords,inwhatyouhavedoneandwhatyouhavefailedtodo.D1:IheardshewasinvolvedwithJohnMatthew’sson.PRIEST:Butitdoesn’tendthere,no,that’sonlythestartofit.Thereistheutteringoffalsehoods,thereisadultery,thereisbearingfalsewitness,thereissacrilege,D2:ThefellawhowasinthebigschoolinGlasgow?D3:ThesamemanPRIEST:Thereismurder,thereistheft,gluttonyandcovetousness.D4:Hewasabadeggthatlad.D1:YousaiditPRIEST:Greedanddesire!CONGREGATION:Amen!PRIEST:Letuspray.Allleavebarthefamilyoncemore,whisperingtheprayersuntilthereissilenceoncemore.Then:MARCUS:… Grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. M,M+N:InthenameoftheFather,andoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit,amen.Silence.Norabeginstoassistquietlyinthehouse.Theyareallexhaustedfromthebattle.Nórahasnotchangedhertune.MARCUS’WIFE:WhatwouldIdowithoutyou?

NÓRA:You’dmanagefine,Mam.PauseDidn’tyehavethemeanstohireKate,themaid,yearsagoandye’reevenbetteroffsince.MARCUS’WIFE:Youknowwellthisisnotaquestionofmoney.NÓRA:Iknow.MARCUS’WIFE:YouaretheonlyonewehaveleftNóra.NÓRA:Iknow.MARCUS’WIFE:I’mafraidsomethingmighthappenifyouleave…don’tyouseehowpainedheisthelastmonth?NORA:Icansee.MARCUS’WIFE:Don’tleaveus.NÓRA:Iwillwritetoyoubotheveryweek,IswearIwill.MARCUS’WIFE:Ican’ttakeitanylonger.MARCUS:Nóra!Nórafoldstheteatowelinherhandslowly.Sheistryingdesperatelytoremaincalm.NORA:YouhadtwosonsDad.Andtheybotheloped.Theybothshamedyou.HowdoyouknowIwon’tdothesamethingifyoudon’tletmegowillingly?Pause.Shegoesintoher‘room’,stillvisible.PauseMARCUS’WIFE:SheisthelastofthemMarcus.Andeventhoughitisbreakingmyhearttopartwithher,maybeitisthebestthingforher.MARCUS:Itsnot.Hegoestoleave.Hestopsatthedoor.Helooksathiswifethen.Hecanseeherhurtnow.HereturnsandgoesasfarasNóra’s‘door’.Helooksinather.MARCUS:You’llstaywithyoursisterinLiverpool,won’tyou?Alongpause.

NÓRA:Iwill.Heleaves.Nóracomesasfarasherbedroom‘door’tolookathermother.Shewouldliketoembraceherbuttheyarebothintoomuchpain,toosensitive.Hermothergoestothe‘fire’.Lightsfade.Sheleaves.Nóraremovesherapron.