1.
THE
PANTHER
-­‐ a
play
in
2
acts,
80
minutes
-­‐
2009
CAMILA
APPEL
TRANSLATED
BY
ELISA
CORBETT
*
all
rights
reserved.
Registered
with
Escritório
de
Direitos
Autorais
da
Fundação
Biblioteca
Nacional*
1

2.
The
Panther
(In
Jardim
des
Plantes,
Paris)
Translated
from
German
by
Stephen
Mitchell.
His
vision,
from
the
constantly
passing
bars,
has
grown
so
weary
that
it
cannot
hold
anything
else.
It
seems
to
him
there
are
a
thousand
bars;
and
behind
the
bars,
no
world.
As
he
paces
in
cramped
circles,
over
and
over,
the
movement
of
his
powerful
soft
strides
is
like
a
ritual
dance
around
a
center
in
which
a
mighty
will
stands
paralyzed.
Only
at
times,
the
curtain
of
the
pupils
lifts,
quietly-­‐-­‐.
An
image
enters
in,
rushes
down
through
the
tensed,
arrested
muscles,
plunges
into
the
heart
and
is
gone.
Rainer
Maria
Rilke
2

3.
THE
PANTHER
CHARACTERS:
SHE:
approximately
30
years
of
age.
HE:
approximately
30
years
of
age.
PANTHER:
roar/play
of
shadow
and
light
to
the
discretion
of
the
direction.
TIME:
present.
PLACE:
an
upper-­‐middle
class
supermarket.
SCENE
1
–
SHOPPING
IN
THE
SUPERMARKET
There
are
three
parallel
aisles.
The
first
one
(from
left
to
right)
carries
cleaning,
gardening
and
personal
hygiene
products.
In
the
second
one,
there
are
juices
and
alcoholic
beverages
on
one
side
and
spices
and
sauces
on
the
other.
In
the
third
aisle,
there
are
candies,
cakes,
candles
and
products
for
birthday
parties
such
as
balloons,
and
a
fruit
and
vegetable
table
in
the
center.
I
suggest
that
the
scenery
does
not
realistically
portray
a
supermarket
and
the
products
should
not
be
familiar
to
the
public.
Scenography
can
abstract
from
this
idea
of
three
parallel
aisles
suggesting
a
supermarket,
as
long
as
there
is
a
claustrophobic
feeling
on
stage.
The
supermarket
is
lit
by
a
white
light.
There
is
a
red
sign
that
says
“EXIT”
on
the
right
hand
side
of
the
stage.
The
sign’s
red
light
is
off.
HE
and
SHE
choose
products
placing
them
on
the
trolley,
which
is
driven
by
He.
They
speak
in
a
low
voice.
The
audience
cannot
understand
what
they
are
saying.
The
dialogue
begins
right
after
the
third
bell.
HE
It
can’t
survive.
SHE
And
what
should
we
do,
lock
it
up?
HE
(Ironically)
No,
we
can
put
screens
everywhere.
SHE
I’m
not
living
in
a
prison.
HE
(Looks
at
a
shelf,
refers
to
the
products,
colored
boxes)
What’s
the
difference?
3

4. SHE
There
must
be
another
way.
HE
Well,
we
can
live
in
an
apartment.
SHE
No,
I’ve
always
lived
in
a
house;
I
like
houses.
I
spent
two
years
designing
one
for
us.
How
can
you
say
something
like
this?
HE
(Picks
up
a
box,
reads
the
package,
talks
to
himself)
Air
ticket
for
the
World
Cup,
I’m
taking
this
one.
(Puts
the
box
in
the
trolley).
If
we
let
it
loose,
it
will
die.
SHE
He’s
going
to
die
anyhow,
someday,
and
I
do
hope
it’ll
be
before
us.
I
prefer
the
one
with
fewer
calories.
HE
It’s
simple:
either
we
live
in
a
house
and
buy
a
dog,
or
in
an
apartment
with
a
cat.
These
are
just
as
fattening,
it’s
the
amount
of
fat
you
should
check.
SHE
I
want
a
cat,
in
a
house,
and
free!
HE
I
know.
But
if
it
is
let
loose,
it
won’t
survive.
SHE
Can’t
you
see
how
preposterous
that
is?
HE
(Thinks
a
little
and
says...)
No.
SHE
How
come
an
animal
must
be
imprisoned
to
survive?
HE
This
is
how
things
are.
SHE
Ahh,
let’s
hurry.
We
don’t
have
much
time.
Give
me
the
list.
4

5. HE
Here.
HE
offers
Her
the
shopping
list.
She
does
not
take
it,
distracted
with
what
she
is
saying.
SHE
(Quickly)
Oh,
I’m
anxious.
I
know
it’s
normal.
Everyone
goes
through
this,
that
is,
almost
everyone.
My
aunt,
poor
thing,
so
many
boyfriends,
she
was
always
almost
there.
There’s
a
pit
in
my
stomach,
and
it’s
not
from
the
diet
to
look
good
in
the
dress,
it’s
anxiety.
What
if
no
one
shows
up?
No,
absolutely
no
one
isn’t
possible.
(Sighs
poetically)
And
today
I
woke
up
with
a
strange
feeling...Like
one
of
those
days
that
you
spend
thinking
it’s
going
to
rain
at
any
moment,
but
it
never
does.
All
the
water
gets
trapped
somewhere
above
there,
humidity
caught
in
the
air.
She
takes
the
shopping
list
from
his
hands.
HE
Some
people
call
that
a
cloud.
SHE
You’ll
never
understand
this
feeling.
It’s
very
subtle.
It’s
a
gut
feeling
that
something
is
about
to
happen.
I
know
it’s
coming
and
I’m
ready.
I’m
ready
for
the
bang!
HE
I
feel
that
since
I
was
a
child
and
the
big
bang
has
not
yet
hit
me...
She
hands
him
a
cranberry
juice
bottle
for
him
to
place
in
the
cart.
SHE
Here,
we’re
only
taking
two
of
these,
HE
Is
this
that
super
juice?
SHE
They
say
cranberry
is
very
good
for
your
health.
5

6. HE
Who
the
hell
says
that?
SHE
Doctor
Amapola.
HE
(Mockingly)
Your
gyn?
SHE
Yeah.
There
are
some
anti-­‐oxidant
thingies
in
there...
HE
Oh,
anti-­‐oxidant
thingies.
Ok,
but
leave
the
juice
behind
because
they
take
up
a
lot
of
space
and
slow
down
the
cart.
I’ll
pick
them
up
at
the
end
while
you
wait
in
line
at
the
cashier’s.
SHE
He
has
e-­‐v-­‐e-­‐r-­‐y-­‐t-­‐h-­‐i-­‐n-­‐g
organized.
HE
You
must
have
a
plan
to
optimize
time
and
space.
Now
for
the
greenies.
SHE
Let’s
crab
some
redies,
we
need
more
tomatoes;
I
don’t
think
you
got
enough.
HE
More
tomatoes
on
their
way!
He
runs
pushing
the
cart.
SHE
Wait
for
me
my
little
leopard!
She
crabs
his
arm.
HE
Little
leopard?
That’s
new...
SHE
It’s
about
time
we
had
our
own
pet
names.
HE
Oh,
is
the
time
of
normal
names
gone?
6

7. SHE
Well...
I
want
more
intimacy.
HE
It’s
being
sold
over
there
in
aisle
8...
babe.
SHE
No,
not
babe,
it’s
too
generic.
HE
May
I
look
at
the
list,
my
butterfly?
She
hands
him
the
list.
SHE
(Mockingly)
Butterflies
are
too
fragile,
they
only
live
for
a
day.
Our
love
is
strong
and
everlasting!
HE
(Looking
at
the
list)
Six
packs
of
toilet
paper?
Why
don’t
we
get
only
what
we
need
for
the
party?
We
don’t
have
a
lot
of
time
and
you
have
here
cat
food
for
a
cat
we
don’t
even
have
yet.
SHE
That’s
it!
I
can
call
you
tomcat,
my
tomcat...
HE
Then
I’ll
never
know
if
you
are
calling
the
actual
cat
or
me.
SHE
I’m
going
to
call
him
by
his
name,
Sebastian.
HE
The
pet
has
a
person’s
name
and
I’m
named
after
a
pet.
She
picks
up
a
thick
chocolate
bar,
the
one
that’s
specific
for
cooking.
SHE
Do
we
have
enough
dessert
for
everyone?
HE
Yes.
7

8.
SHE
Well,
I’m
taking
this
anyway.
I
want
to
make
you
something.
(Showing
she
knows
what’s
his
favorite
dessert)
Chocolate
mousse,
huh?
HE
They
have
some
very
thorough
research
on
that.
SHE
On
what?
HE
A
couple
puts
on
weight
after
they
get
married,
because
one
keeps
trying
to
please
the
other
with
their
favorite
foods.
Wives
usually
put
on
more
weight
than
husbands.
SHE
Spoilsport,
I
was
only
trying
to
be
nice...
HE
(About
the
research)
It’s
true
though...
SHE
(Placing
the
chocolate
bar
in
the
cart)
Come.
They
get
to
the
vegetables.
She
picks
up
a
carrot.
HE
Got
it;
I’m
calling
you
my
little
rabbit.
SHE
I’m
not
that
fond
of
carrots.
HE
Rabbits
have
a
bunch
o
kids...
SHE
So?
HE
(Puts
his
hands
on
her
belly)
A
bunch
of
babies
in
this
cute
belly.
8

9.
She
takes
his
hands
off
and
starts
putting
tomatoes
in
a
transparent
plastic
bag.
SHE
So
why
don’t
you
call
me
chicken,
since
all
I’m
going
to
do
is
lay
eggs.
HE
Oh,
but
it’s
not
just
any
chicken...It’s
my
hot,
tanned,
yummy
chicken.
SHE
I
don’t
like
chicken,
least
of
all
baked
ones.
She
puts
the
tomatoes
in
the
cart.
She
takes
the
list
from
his
hand
and
a
pen
from
her
bag
and
crosses
something
out.
SHE
I
love
crossing
things
out
from
the
shopping
list.
It
feels
like
mission
accomplished.
We
need
more
beef
sauce.
HE
More?
SHE
It’s
never
too
much,
if
it’s
for
your
family.
HE
And
lets
get...
SHE
(Interrupting)
Oh,
I
need
deodorant,
come
here.
HE
Mustard
for
the
sauce
is
right
here.
You
don’t
want
to
go
for
all
your
basic
needs
now,
do
you?
They
get
to
the
mustard
shelf.
SHE
There
is
nothing
basic
about
my
needs.
Is
this
the
mustard
you’re
using?
9

10. HE
Yeah.
He
puts
two
mustard
jars
in
the
cart
and
picks
up
a
can
of
sauce.
SHE
Look
at
this
ready-­‐made
sauce;
it’s
on
sale.
It
could
be
good
for
an
emergency.
HE
Oh
no,
that’s
what’ll
give
me
an
emergency,
that’s
why
you
took
it
off
the
menu.
SHE
Today’s
menu?
HE
No...the
wedding’s.
SHE
Our
wedding’s
menu
my
sugar
loaf?
HE
Yes,
our
wedding’s,
my
cotton
candy.
Oh,
stop
that,
I’m
feeling
ridiculous.
She
places
the
sauce
in
the
shopping
cart.
He
doesn’t
notice.
SHE
Love
is
ridiculous,
come
here
my
fiancé.
She
kisses
him
on
the
cheek.
HE
I
hate
this
title,
fiancé.
Something
in
the
middle,
which
neither
means
single
nor
married.
You’re
neither
happy
nor
screwed.
I’m
in
a
nothing
state.
The
dictionary
should
say,
fiancé:
that
which
is
in
a
state
of
constant
pause,
in
limbo.
SHE
I
didn’t
change
the
menu,
mother
did.
Mother
was
in
charge
of
that.
HE
My
mother?
10

11. SHE
I
like
calling
her
mother.
She
is
our
mom.
My
mother
would
be
in
charge,
if
she
was
alive,
of
course.
Let’s
get
the
deodorant
now?
He
picks
up
a
candle.
HE
Can
you
give
me
a
minute?
I
wanted
to
crab
something
here.
SHE
Crab
it
then.
HE
It’s
a
surprise
for
you...
Could
you...
SHE
Ok,
ok,
I’ll
give
you
some
space.
He
wants
privacy
even
in
the
supermarket.
She
leaves
and
goes
to
aisle
1.
He
picks
up
a
cake
and
hides
it
under
other
products.
She
returns
holding
several
packs
of
toilet
paper.
SHE
Here
it
is.
This
is
something
we
can’t
be
without.
HE
That
many?
We’re
going
to
travel.
SHE
In
this
matter
you’re
the
one
that
doesn’t
optimize
time
and
space.
I
go
there,
do
what
I
have
to
do
and
leave.
You
don’t.
You
take
ages
in
there...philosophizing
about
life...
I
know
what
it
is;
men
have
erogenous
zones
behind
there...
HE
(In
a
bad
mood)
Oh,
men,
is
it?
SHE
Where’s
your
sense
of
humor?
You
get
bored
in
the
supermarket,
come
here
and
I’ll
make
your
eyes
shine.
She
makes
him
stand
at
front
stage
and
puts
a
white
bucket
on
his
head
and
signals
him
to
11

12. wait.
Then
she
goes
to
the
end
of
the
aisle
and
walks
towards
him
holding
a
bunch
of
broccoli
like
bouquet
and
humming
the
bridal
march.
They
stop,
arm
in
arm,
facing
the
audience,
as
if
they
were
in
church.
HE
Who’s
Lisa
taking
to
the
wedding?
SHE
Uh?
HE
Lisa.
Who’s
she
taking
to
the
wedding?
SHE
Why?
HE
I
was
thinking
of
introducing
her
to
Antonio.
SHE
Oh.
You
think
he
would
like
her?
HE
Of
course!
SHE
Why
of
course?
Because
she’s
hot?
HE
...yes.
SHE
Well,
she
will
certainly
look
beautiful.
She
had
a
dress
especially
made;
it’s
called
tattoo.
Do
you
know
why?
HE
Because
it’s
impossible
to
take
off?
SHE
No
stupid,
because
it’s
close
to
the
skin.
12

13. HE
(To
himself)
Hummm...
She
runs
her
hand
through
the
spice
jars
looking
for
something.
She
squats
and
looks
at
the
jars
on
the
bottommost
shelf.
SHE
Look
what
I
found!
The
best
black
pepper
in
the
world.
She
gets
up
with
the
product
in
her
hand.
HE
(Thinking)
The
one
and
only.
SHE
A
really
great
product,
with
an
edge…
Who
else
makes
organic
black
pepper?
I
want
to
see
anyone
who
has
the
courage
to
come
up
with
organic
spices
with
all...
all
the
sustainable
advantages,
like
you
did.
HE
That’s
it;
I
want
to
see
someone
who
does
that!
SHE
It’s
a
little
expensive,
isn’t
it?
HE
Sales
are
dropping.
I
cannot
decrease
the
margins.
But
this
is
what
screws
it
up,
the
consumer
has
to
kneel
down
to
pick
up
the
product!
SHE
And
what’s
wrong
with
that?
HE
Most
purchases
are
impulse
buys,
decided
on
the
spot,
and
people
are
lazy.
Only
those
specifically
looking
for
this
brand
are
going
to
bend
down
to
look
for
it.
SHE
I
was
specifically
looking
for
this
product.
HE
Because
you
designed
it.
13

14.
SHE
So
you
could
sell
it.
HE
Thank
you
light
of
my
life.
SHE
Light
of
my
life
is
corny,
isn’t
it
my
angel?
HE
I
can’t
do
my
angel
and
light
of
my
life.
My
little
leopard
is
out
of
the
question.
Babe
is
too
common,
my
butterfly
is
too
fragile.
See?
SHE
Let’s
stick
with
mine
then.
HE
What?
Mine?
SHE
I’ll
call
you
mine
and
you
call
me
mine.
HE
Listen
to
that!
Your
dad
will
love
to
hear
me
calling
you
mine.
But
that’s
what
you
are;
all
mine.
Come
here.
He
embraces
her
possessively.
SHE
Don’t
squeeze
me
like
this;
I
need
to
pee.
He
releases
her.
HE
Go
to
the
bathroom
then.
SHE
Yeah...
She
feels
something
strange
in
the
air.
SHE
Do
you
think
there’s
a
ladies
room
here?
14

15. HE
(Ironically)
No.
Employees
don’t
pee,
shit,
or
anything.
SHE
Ok.
Don’t
abandon
the
cart
anywhere,
ok
mine?
HE
No
one
is
going
to
steal
our
cart,
mine.
SHE
(Looking
around
her)
Well...
The
place
is
not
exactly
full.
I
don’t
see
a
single
person
around.
She
leaves
stage.
He
checks
if
anyone
is
watching
and
swaps
the
products
from
the
competing
brand
for
his,
putting
them
on
the
shelf
that
levels
with
the
eyes.
She
returns
and
notices
what
He
is
doing.
He
turns
around.
HE
(Feeling
caught)
Already?
She
is
paralyzed,
scared.
SHE
I-­‐I
didn’t
find
anyone.
HE
Ahn?
SHE
(Whispering)
There’s
no
one
in
here
but
the
two
of
us.
HE
Oh
really!
SHE
Let’s
go?
15

16.
HE
I’m
going
to
check
the
other
side.
SHE
No...
HE
Just
a
sec.
SHE
Something
really
bad
must
have
happened.
I’m
calling
your
mom.
He
leaves.
She
takes
her
cell
phone
from
her
bag,
and
dials.
The
call
does
not
go
through.
She
walks
around
the
supermarket,
trying
to
find
the
signal.
She
takes
everything
out
of
the
cart,
putting
the
products
on
the
floor.
She
sees
the
cake.
She
climbs
in
the
cart
to
try
a
signal
higher
up.
He
returns.
HE
What’re
you
doing?
SHE
The
cell
does
not
work!
HE
Get
down
you
monkey;
you’ll
fall
down...
SHE
Have
you
found
anyone?
HE
No,
no
one.
SHE
(Climbing
down)
Let’s
go.
HE
It’s
Saturday
evening,
the
supermarket
must
close
around
eleven.
16

17. SHE
Some
big
celebrity
must
have
died,
come.
HE
And
leave
the
stuff
here?
Humm,
and
I
was
making
you
a
surprise...
He
throws
the
candle
in
the
cart
and
leaves
stage.
Music.
Lights
fade;
all
the
audience
can
see
is
the
shadow
outline
of
the
supermarket.
SCENE
2
–
CAUGHT
IN
THE
SUPERMARKET
They
start
talking
backstage.
Lights
start
going
back
to
normal
as
they
come
up
on
stage.
SHE
Incredible!
How
did
they
lock
us
in
here?!
HE
I
have
no
idea.
They
enter
stage.
Lights
are
on.
SHE
It
doesn’t
make
any
sense,
have
you
ever
heard
of
something
like
this?
HE
(He
may
only
shake
his
head)
No.
SHE
For
heaven’s
sake,
do
something!
HE
Shoot,
I’m...
SHE
Frozen,
completely,
I
can
see
that.
(Shouting
to
the
ceiling)
Hey!
Uhu!
Hello
there.
17

18. HE
Calm
down,
it’s
not
so
bad.
SHE
What?
HE
I’ll
check
if
the
backdoors
are
open.
He’s
about
to
leave,
hears
her
shouting
and
comes
back.
SHE
(Shouting
to
nowhere
in
particular)
Hello,
anyone
there?
There’re
people
in
here!
Hello!
HE
It’s
easier
if
you
use
the
phone.
SHE
(Taking
a
deep
breath)
Mine
is
not
working.
Can
I
borrow
yours?
He
takes
his
phone
from
his
pocket,
gives
it
to
her
and
leaves
stage.
She
climbs
in
the
cart
trying
to
find
a
signal
again.
She
dials
something
but
the
connection
fails.
SHE
Amazing.
This
shit
doesn’t
work!
Hello!
Anyone
there?
She
sits
inside
the
cart
wrapping
her
arms
around
her
legs.
Holding
his
phone
she
starts
to
check
it
reading
his
text
messages.
She
reacts
negatively
to
something
she
reads.
He
comes
in.
She
dissimulates
and
puts
the
mobile
in
her
bag.
SHE
So?
18

19. HE
Nothing.
SHE
(Ironically)
Nothing...
HE
Couldn’t
open
a
single
door,
it’s
very
strange,
we
are
locked...
SHE
How
incompetent!
HE
This
is
not
my
fault.
There’s
no
way
out.
SHE
That’s
impossible.
You
just
couldn’t
find
one.
If
you
can’t
get
us
out
of
a
situation
that’s
not
so
bad...”
HE
It’s
not
easy
either...
SHE
...
I
don’t
even
want
to
think
how
it’ll
be
when
we
have
children.
HE
Some
free
association!
From
trapped
in
a
supermarket
to
kids.
SHE
I
don’t
want
to
talk
about
this
now.
HE
That
would
be
interesting...
SHE
(In
a
cold
sweat)
Love,
I
have
some
kind
of
phobia
of
these
things.
Everything
is
turning,
I’m
going
to
faint.
He
massages
her
shoulders
(She
is
still
sitting
inside
the
cart).
She
takes
a
deep
breath
and
begins
to
relax.
HE
Relax...
I’ve
never
seen
you
like
this
before.
Don’t
you
dare
faint
and
leave
me
here
alone.
19

20.
She
takes
some
medication
from
her
bag.
HE
What’s
that
one
for?
SHE
For
anything.
She
takes
the
pill.
SHE
How
are
we
going
to
get
out
of
here?
HE
Did
you
reach
anyone?
SHE
(Still
in
a
cold
sweat)
I
can’t
get
a
signal.
(Looking
around,
she
feels
claustrophobic)
Oooooh...
HE
That’s
psychological.
We’ve
been
here
for
a
long
time
and
you
were
doing
fine.
Who
did
you
try
calling?
SHE
911.
HE
Do
you
want
me
to
make
a
fool
of
myself
with
the
police?
Stop
being
neurotic!
SHE
Bastard.
HE
Sorry.
SHE
Why
don’t
you
go
to
the
cashier
and
try
to
find
some
kind
of
emergency
button?
He
goes
off
stage
He
(Off
stage)
Ok.
20

21.
SHE
(Taking
the
mobile
from
her
bag)
I’ll
check
if
we
have
a
signal
now.
HE
Shit,
I
can’t
see
any
button.
SHE
(To
herself)
Ah,
I’m
dizzy...
(To
him
at
the
back)
There
must
be
some
emergency
button
there,
something
red,
an
alarm
or
emergency
thing.
HE
Oh,
I’m
going
to
try
this
one.
It
lit
up
here
at
the
cashier.
Oh,
it’s
to
call
the
manager.
SHE
Hurry
up.
I’m
not
feeling
well!!!
HE
Oh,
so
why
don’t
you
call
Doctor
Amapola?
SHE
What
does
my
gyn
have
to
with
this?
HE
She
must
be
a
therapist
too;
you’re
always
in
her
office.
SHE
She
is
much
more
than
that.
Did
you
find
the
button?
HE
Found
several,
but
all
are
useless.
He
returns
with
a
radio
in
his
hands
HE
You
two
have
secrets,
is
that
it?
SHE
Look
who’s
talking!
I
don’t
concoct
secret
plans
without
telling
you.
21

22. HE
Have
you
lost
it?
SHE
(Climbing
out
of
the
cart)
I
saw
a
message
from
Antonio
in
your
phone.
He’s
all
happy
because
you
want
to
introduce
Lisa
to
him.
Why
have
you
talked
to
him
without
consulting
me?
(Changing
the
tone
of
voice)
What
are
you
going
to
do
with
this
radio?
HE
What’s
the
problem
with
introducing
them?
He
puts
the
radio
on
the
floor
and
tries
to
tune
into
a
station.
SHE
You
wrote:
“She’s
your
type,
it’s
a
sure
thing.”
HE
Since
when
do
you
check
my
messages?
SHE
Why
is
it
a
“sure
thing”?
HE
Since
when
do
you
check
my
messages?
SHE
You
think
every
single
man
will
fall
for
Lisa?
HE
(Speaking
or
gesticulating)
Cut
it
out?!
SHE
Ok,
it’s
ok...
She
is
very
beautiful
indeed.
Everyone
drools
over
her,
men
and
women.
I
can
see
how
it
will
be.
She’ll
be
next
to
me
in
church
in
that
sexy
red
tattoo
dress
and
I’ll
be
all
in
white
looking
like
a
nun.
What
will
your
friends
be
thinking?
They’ll
say,
that’s
a
lucky
guy;
I’d
marry
anyone
who
has
a
best
friend
that
looks
like
this.
HE
Your
full
of
it...
22

23. SHE
(Feeling
claustrophobic.
To
herself)
Oooh,
There’s
that
chill
again.
Should
I
take
another
one?
HE
I
just
tuned
in
to
something.
SHE
The
news?
HE
News
from
God,
It’s
a
Baptist
radio.
Let
me
try
finding
a
different
one.
SHE
Your
mother
likes
listening
to
these
religious
radios.
HE
She
likes
the
music,
says
it’s
uplifting.
SHE
I
tried
calling
her,
again,
not
the
Police.
She’s
my
number
1
dial
up.
HE
(Understanding,
remembering
she
has
already
lost
her
mother)
Yes,
I
know
my
love.
He
hugs
her.
HE
Are
you
feeling
better?
Soon
someone
will
come
to
get
us
ou...
SHE
She
even
said
I
was
a
very
understanding
woman,
because
I
didn’t
mind
you
having
so
many
close
female
friends.
HE
Please
don’t
start
with
that
jealousy
stuff.
You
must
learn
how
to
control
that.
He
grabs
the
radio.
SHE
Oh
yeah,
I
must
control
things
well.
Who
you
go
out
with,
where
do
you
go,
at
what
time
you
leave,
what
time
you
get
back.
HE
For
heavens’
sake,
make
this
shit
work!
He
throws
the
radio
on
the
floor,
and
hears
a
sound
much
23

24. louder
than
the
one
made
by
the
radio
falling
down.
HE
Did
you
hear
that?
SHE
What,
you
detonating
your
super
tool
to
get
us
out
of
here?
U-­‐hu.
HE
There’s
someone
else
here.
I’ll
be
right
back.
He
goes
to
aisle
3
and
listens
for
more
noise.
He’s
unsure
about
what
to
do
and
does
not
move.
He
is
the
only
one
to
hear
a
noise
neither
she
nor
the
audience
can
hear
anything.
He
reacts
because
he
finds
it
strange.
SHE
Don’t
leave
me
alone...I’m
not
feeling
well...
She
looks
around,
noticing
she’s
alone.
She
wraps
her
arms
around
her
as
if
she’s
cold.
SHE
I’m
not
well
today.
I
know
I
push
you
away
when
I
treat
you
like
this.
Why
do
I
do
it?
She
lowers
her
head
in
distress.
He
returns.
HE
(Puffing)
You’re
not
going
to
believe
this.
SHE
Hold
me?
24

25. HE
(Desperately)
There’s
no
time
for
this
now;
this
is
an
emergency!
I
think
there’s
someone
else
in
here.
And
this
someone
is
making
strange
noises.
Do
you
believe
I
couldn’t
open
a
single
door?
We’re
locked
in
here
and
there’s
someone
else
with
us.
Are
you
listening
to
me?
SHE
(Downcast,
not
even
listening)
Yes.
HE
Do
something.
Don’t
just
stay
there
with
this
look
on
your
face.
SHE
Don’t
blame
your
incompetence
on
me.
HE
Well,
aren’t
you
always
saying
you
are
Wonder
Woman?
So,
now
it’s
time
to
show
your
powers.
SHE
(Screaming)
Oh!
Wonder
Woman
was
Lisa’s
nickname!
I
was
Cat
Woman!
Cat
Woman!
You
fantasize
about
Wonder
Woman,
don’t
you?
Tell
me;
tell
me
you’d
rather
have
her.
Confess!
HE
(Calmly)
Yes.
That’s
it.
I
fantasize
I’m
in
bed
with
Wonder
Woman.
That’s
it.
(Screaming)
And
Wonder
Woman
is
Lisa!
They
hear
the
Panther’s
ROAR.
They
get
scared
and
hide
under
the
shelves,
or
somewhere
on
stage,
which
can
be
seen
from
the
audience.
Lights
dim,
the
audience
can
see
the
silhouettes
of
the
objects
on
scene,
and
that
of
the
couple.
He
moves
his
head
looking
for
something.
She
is
completely
paralyzed.
25

26.
SCENE
3
–
THE
PANTHER
They
pant
loudly.
Lights
are
still
dim.
SHE
What
was
that?
HE
I
have
no
idea.
SHE
What
was
it!
HE
Shush,
be
quiet.
The
panther
purrs.
SHE
Holy
shit,
is
there
a
beast
in
here?
HE
Yes.
SHE
There’s
a
beast
in
here!
HE
Shush!
Be
quiet.
The
panther
stops
making
noises.
Lights
go
back
to
normal
HE
(Getting
up)
Come.
SHE
Are
you
insane?
HE
It’s
at
the
back
of
the
supermarket.
Listen
Short
break,
they
hear
sounds
of
“dogs
in
the
trash”.
26

27.
HE
That’s
where
the
meats
are.
SHE
(Getting
up)
It’s
a
wild
beast,
I’m
sure
it’s
a
wild
beast.
What
kind
of
thing
makes
noises
like
these?
HE
We
must
find
a
way
to
protect
ourselves
for
when
it
comes
back.
SHE
Come
back?
Why
come
back?
HE
Animals
attack
when
they
are
hungry
or
in
self-­‐defense.
SHE
There’s
enough
meat
for
months,
back
there.
HE
But
some
attack
just
for
fun.
SHE
Help!
Help!
He
covers
her
mouth
with
his
hand.
HE
Shush,
stop
calling
attention.
Animals
also
attack
when
they
feel
fear
from
their
prey.
They
can
smell
fear.
And
they
first
go
for
the
weakest.
You
must
be
careful.
SHE
(Taking
his
hand
away
from
her
mouth)
So
I
am
the
weakest
one,
am
I?
HE
Help
me
get
some
boxes.
We
need
to
make
a
base
for
us,
divide
the
territory.
They
start
pilling
up
boxes,
making
a
small
circle
around
them
(the
area
barely
fits
two
people).
27

28. SHE
They
have
x-­‐ray
vision
for
feelings.
They
can
see
you
are
trying
to
hide
your
fear.
It
can
see
that
the
noise
I
make
is
superficial
and
that
yours
is
much
more
dangerous.
It’s
the
sound
of
a
repressed
man.
HE
Thanks
love.
Look,
let’s
make
a
weapon.
Animals
are
afraid
of
fire.
More
noises
come
from
the
back
of
the
supermarket.
SHE
They
have
alcohol
in
the
next
aisle.
It’s
the
cleaning
products
aisle.
They
have
cloths,
brooms
and
lighters.
You
can
go
and
pick...
HE
I’ll
bring
everything
over
here
and
you
can
wrap
the
broom
with
the
cloth,
soak
it
in
alcohol
and
get
ready
to
set
fire
to
it.
Got
it?
SHE
Got
it.
He
comes
in
through
the
passage.
She
holds
his
arm.
SHE
I
like
seeing
you
take
care
of
things.
You're
my
man.
HE
Be
careful.
Don’t
make
sudden
moves
and
don’t
even
think
about
getting
out
of
here.
He
goes
to
the
middle
aisle
and
gets
to
Aisle
1.
He
hands
her
a
broom,
then
a
cloth.
She
wraps
the
cloth
around
the
broom.
He
hands
her
the
alcohol.
She
puts
alcohol
on
the
cloth.
He
returns
to
where
she
is.
HE
(Trying
to
cheer
himself
up)
Great.
(Practically)
Now
we
go
in
our
fort
and
close
the
entrance.
28

29. They
go
in.
They
are
cramped
inside
and
can
hardly
move.
SHE
Ok,
I’m
ready.
I
can
do
this.
Can
you
hand
me
the
lighter?
He
doesn’t
answer.
SHE
The
lighter!
He
looks
down.
SHE
Fuck!
What
am
I
going
to
do
with
this,
hit
the
beast
on
the
head?
HE
I
couldn’t
find
a
lighter.
SHE
Do
I
have
to
do
everything?
What
else
scares
these
beasts?
HE
Uhum...
SHE
(Teasing
him)
Uhum...
She
stands
up
to
get
a
lighter
from
her
purse.
HE
Fire...
SHE
Really.
HE
Wait!
Fire,
water!
Where’s
that
juice?
SHE
(She
gets
the
juice)
Here.
She
opens
it.
29

30. HE
When
it
comes,
we’ll
throw
this,
and
it’ll
run
away...
SHE
Really,
it’ll
disappear.
Noise!
Check
if
you
can
find
anything
that
makes
some
noise.
The
panther
purrs,
not
aggressively.
Its
shadow
goes
by
slowly,
but
not
threatening.
She
throws
the
cranberry
juice
at
the
shadow.
For
the
remaining
of
the
play,
the
juice
stays
on
the
floor
and
they
spread
this
red
liquid
all
over
the
supermarket’s
white
floor.
They
scare
the
shadow,
which
runs
away.
SHE
Holy
shit,
it’s
big.
HE
She’s
huge.
SHE
Why
SHE?
HE
The
shadow
looks
like
a
she
panther.
SHE
Shadows
are
black.
What’s
this
about
seeing
females
everywhere?
She
takes
a
lighter
from
her
bag,
and
ignites
it.
She
crabs
the
alcohol
with
the
other
hand.
SHE
Come
kitty
kitty.
I’m
going
to
set
your
cute
panther’s
ass
on
fire...
HE
Now
you
are
in
“female
exterminator
mode”,
are
you?
30

31. SHE
That’s
it.
(As
if
calling
a
cat)
Come,
tisk,
tisk,
tisk.
Hey,
where
did
you
get
that
lighter?
She
keeps
calling
for
a
cat
and
doesn’t
answer.
He
pulls
her
by
the
arm.
She
holds
the
lighter
close
to
his
face.
HE
Hadn’t
I
told
you
to
stop
smoking?
SHE
(Nodding)
Yeah.
HE
(Takes
the
lighter
from
her
hand)
Have
you
started
smoking
again?
SHE
I
never
stopped.
I
kind
of
gave
it
a
break,
but
never
actually
stopped.
HE
Smoking
is
the
stupidest
thing
in
the
world.
SHE
Doesn’t
seem
to
be
what’s
threatening
our
lives
at
the
moment.
The
Panthers
shadow
comes
back;
it
is
curious,
not
aggressive.
They
stare
at
the
shadow.
She
soaks
the
cloth
in
alcohol
hurriedly
and
tries
to
light
it
with
the
lighter.
The
cloth
does
not
catch
fire.
The
shadow
is
startled
and
leaves
annoyed.
SHE
Oh!
31