Scene 8: The Transformation
Jack: Pacing I was just trying to make a buck. I knew our presence here was a mixed bag - I never thought Big Tobacco was the Red Cross or anything but this, this is ridiculous. That girl working in the factory is no older than my niece. There's sickness everywhere, the forests are gone. I need a smoke…Jack lights up cigarette, sits on the edge of the platform, takes a beat.
Gaia and Lopi enter, see Trotos' rattle. Lopi picks it up and when she does, she shakes it a bit. This isJack's cue to start his monologue again. Gaia & Lopi continue to walk stage left to right, slowly and in grief.
As if I don't have enough to worry about. The doctor is still giving me grief for not quitting smoking. He said since I became addicted to nicotine I lost the ability to make an adult decision.(l) Of course I can make an adult decision. (puts out cigarette, takes a beat)
Nothin' I can do about that I suppose. But this, I've got to make this better for these people. (stands, takes out another cigarette & lights it)
Doyen: Perhaps you should start by making things better for yourself.
Jack: Hey, I didn't see you up there on the mountain. You, you have a voice.
Doyen: Of course, every person has a voice (gently joking). You can hear folks best if you're listening. (Jack starts to interrupt to apologize, Doyen carries on) Your choice to move into our country has forced us to make difficult decisions about how we live. If you want change this situation you have to start with yourself and the choices you make.
Doyen: (looks at cigarette) I can see you do not fully realize the consequences of your life decisions. Here in Ecos, when we need guidance we ask the birds to help us. The bird will lead you to the place where you can make the most difference. (enter bird)
Jack: A bird?! Come on now, I'm serious. I want to help.
Doyen: Then consider what you do in your own country that effects us here. Tell your people what the effects of their choices are for us.
(Jack follows bird into and around audience)