This is We.

a one man show

(with three men)

written by
Mark Smolyar

CAST OF CHARACTERS:
MICHAEL BRONSONthree men (m).

NOTES:
Three men play Michael Bronson.
When they are not Michael Bronson they arent Michael Bronson.

ACT ONE
(blackout.)
(lights slowly rise.)
(sounds of an echoing hospital lead into the distilled cries of a
newborn baby. Suddenly, MICHAEL BRONSON rolls onto the stage, 0
YEARS OLD. He cries and whimpers and looks dumb like babies do.)
MICHAEL
Whahhhhhhhhhhh.
(a MOTHER enters, followed by a DOCTOR.)
DOCTOR
Congratulations Mrs. Bronson. Say hello to your new son.
MOTHER
Its Ms. Bronson. Lord, hes beautiful, aint he? Thats my boy. And hes gonna
change the world.
DOCTOR
That seems premeditated.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 3, crawls onto the stage, followed by his MOTHER.)
MOTHER
Thats a good boy Mikey. Walk for Momma.
(MICHAEL tries to rise and stumbles, falling into a cry.)
MOTHER
Wipe those tears. Crying aint for men. Mommall cry for you.
(MICHAEL wipes his eyes.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

(MICHAEL, age 5, enters with his two best friends, TRENT and KOREY).
MICHAEL
I wanna go first on the swing!
TRENT
No, Im goin first!
MICHAEL
But I called it.
(TRENT pushes MICHAEL to the ground. MICHAEL begins
to cry but stops immediately, wiping his eyes. TRENT laughs at
him and runs offstage. KOREY helps MICHAEL up.)
KOREY
You can go second. Dont matter what Trent says.
MICHAEL
Thanks Korey.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 7, runs into the kitchen as his MOTHER sets the table. She
looks shaken. Her boyfriend JIMMY stumbles onto the stage.)
MOTHER
Cmon now Michael, dinner gonna be ready soon. Jimmys here too.
JIMMY
You listen to your Momma. Shes pretty smart when she aint being a dumb
bitch. Aint that right Janice?
(MICHAEL swallows as his MOTHER ignores the
comment. JIMMY laughs as MICHAEL tries to sneak up
and jump him from behind. JIMMY tears him off.)

JIMMY
Got some nerves you lil shit, you know that? Now lemme learn you a lesson
so you aint some softie. Take it like a man.
(JIMMY smacks MICHAEL as his MOTHER cries out. She
holds her hands, praying as MICHAEL passes out.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 9, sits in a classroom with his TEACHER
and MOTHER. MICHAEL scribbles on a notepad.)
TEACHER
Mrs. Bronson, Michael has an amazing grasp of the language arts. He is years
ahead in reading, spelling, and writing. But everything else seems to be
coming along slowly.
MOTHER
Everythinglike what?
TEACHER
Math, science, history.
MOTHER
The boy can read, God bless him. What else does he need?
TEACHER
He needs to know about the world.
MOTHER
Hell know about the world. Ill teach him.
(MICHAEL looks up from his notepad as his MOTHER
comes up and grabs him, huffing off in a storm.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

(MICHAEL, age 10, enters with KOREY and TRENT. They

dribble a basketball, passing back and forth.)
KOREY
Im gonna make the team this year!
TRENT
Ha, you wish you faggot.
(KOREY drops the ball, confused.)
MICHAEL
Whats that mean?
TRENT
You should know.
(he smirks and looks at his confused friends.)
My brother says it a lot. Older kids use it. Its for someone thats being stupid.
So you guys are being faggots.
(TRENT scoops up the basketball and exits, laughing.)
KOREY
Trent is a faggot.
(KOREY gauges MICHAELs reaction. MICHAEL
laughs and claps KOREY on the back.)
MICHAEL
Yeah, ha. What an idiot.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 11, sits in church with his
MOTHER. The PASTOR gives a sermon.)
PASTOR
And so we give thanks to our heavenly father, for we are here on this Earth,
and that in itself is a blessing.

MOTHER
Amen.
PASTOR
And today I ask that when you leave, you think not about yourself, but of your
world. Of all your fellows on Earth. For when the heavens open up, we will be
reunited with all our brothers.
(MOTHER claps feverishly as MICHAEL stares. The PASTOR
leaves the stage and MOTHER grabs MICHAELs hand to leave.)
MICHAEL
Does that mean Ill get to see Dad in heaven, Momma?
MOTHER
Dont ask stupid questions Mikey. Not in the lords house.
(MOTHER throws six hail marys.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 12, sits in a classroom next to KOREY. His TEACHER
scrawls on a chalkboard as MICHAEL and KOREY whisper to each other.)
MICHAEL
Whered Trent go?
KOREY
Hes with the boys. Skippin class.
MICHAEL
Again?
KOREY
Yeah.
TEACHER
Excuse me, Michael? Did you have something to say about Napoleon?

(MICHAEL looks around and sees KOREY grinning.)

MICHAEL
Yeah. Um. He sounds like a bitch.
(KOREY cracks up laughing as the TEACHER fumes.)
TEACHER
Detention, after class. Go to the principal.
(MICHAEL looks concerned for a moment but
smiles as KOREY keeps laughing.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 13, sits outside with TRENT and KOREY, reaching
out to grab a joint from TRENT. Trent dons a purple bandana.)
MICHAEL
What do I do?
TRENT
You inhale and you hold it in. Dont be a little pussy.
(MICHAEL does so and coughs. He passes it to KOREY.)
TRENT
What do you think?
MICHAEL
I feel lighter.
(TRENT laughs as KOREY takes a hit and coughs.)
TRENT
Hell yeah. You guys wanna go get some food? The girls gonna meet us.

MICHAEL
Is Keisha gonna be there?
TRENT
Why? You wanna fuck her?
(MICHAEL looks embarrassed and shakes his head sheepishly.)
MICHAEL
No. I was just wondering.
TRENT
Well good. Cuz I do. So you might wanna stay the hell awayLets go.
(TRENT grabs the joint from KOREY and starts to lead them out.)
KOREY
Hey Trent, whats with the rag?
(TRENT smirks.)
TRENT
Dont worry about it.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 13, walks out to a field with KEISHA. They flirt.)
KEISHA
So when are you gonna do it.
MICHAEL
Do what?
KEISHA
Kiss me.
(MICHAEL gulps.)

MICHAEL
I thought you were going after Trent.
KEISHA
Why do you think Id like Trent?
MICHAEL
Because all the girls do.
KEISHA
Well Im not all of them.
MICHAEL
Good. Trents..he can be a faggot sometimes.
KEISHA
Dont say that word.
MICHAEL
Why?
KEISHA
Its ugly. And its hateful. Youre better than that Michael.
MICHAEL
OK. I wont. Can I?
KEISHA
Yeah.
(They kiss. TRENT watches, unseen.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 14, sits at the dinner table with a dejected
MOTHER and a pacing, drunken JIMMY, holding a letter.)

10

JIMMY
You dumb son of a bitch. You little flaming piece of shit. How do you explain
this? Suspended? The fuck is wrong with you.
MICHAEL
Nothing.
JIMMY
The fuck youre doing nothing. What is it? Drugs? Playing hooky?
MOTHER
JimmyJIMMY
-Shuttup! You disappoint me. You disappoint your mother. The fuck you have to
say for yourself?
MICHAEL
Nothing.
JIMMY
All of a sudden now you got nothing to say? Well let me help you.
(JIMMY walks over and smacks MICHAEL across the face. He recovers
and looks up with a brave grimace, then looks at his MOTHER.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 14, sits in a classroom playing footsie with
KEISHA. His TEACHER speaks at the front of the class.)
TEACHER
Everyone did a great job with their poetry for the unit. I wanted a few of you
to read your pieces today. Michael, you had an exceptional poem care to
come up and read?
(MICHAEL looks up for a moment. He smirks and
shrugs, then takes his attention back to KEISHA.)

11

TEACHER
Well?
(Michael sighs and walks to the front of the class. He grabs his poem
from TEACHER, then trods through it with an emotionless candor.)
MICHAEL
Peppered lights match broken sounds,
Violence, metal, all around,
Taken all and everything,
All thats left are spoken means(MICHAEL begins to emote until he sees a smile on TEACHERs
face. He swallows nervously and grips the page harder.)
MICHAEL
-so if you like his gay ass pitch,
then you must be Mr. Parkers bitch.
(MICHAEL grins at the front of the class and bows, reveling
in his joke until he sees Keisha storm out of the classroom.
TEACHER walks up to MICHAEL, disappointment on his face.)
TEACHER
Detention. I want another poem Michael. And this time, I want you to try to
actually respect the reading. Writings one thing. Saying it is another.
(MICHAEL swallows and looks away.)
MICHAEL
Whatever.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 15, pulls from a joint. He sits
in the forest with KOREY and TRENT.)
KOREY
Just try it. It cant be that hard.

12

TRENT
Fine. Gimme a beat.
(KOREY starts beatboxing as TRENT raps.)
TRENT
Fuck you stupid fags, yall dont have no dads,
damn thats really sad, but only pussies get mad,
so let me say my piece, while I use my piece,
squeeze a couple rounds, bang bang.whatever.
(KOREY stops beatboxing as TRENT grabs for the joint.)
KOREY
Haha, nice bro. What about you Mikey?
MICHAEL
I dont think so.
TRENT
Try it. You cant sound any more gay than usual right?
(MICHAEL gives a stiff look, then nods. KOREY starts a beat.)
MICHAEL
A product of my environment, Korey told me to try this shit,
I am just so ambivalent, but I still got the flyest bitch,
Rhymin up in the forest, bitches try to ignore us,
But fall for us like trees though our pockets pretty poorish,
Cuttin class while smoking grass, thats the daily basis,
Teach is askin questions and I just show up wasted,
Click-clack, snap it back, my gun just rata-tat-tat-tatted,
And if you paid attention, you know that Trent likes fat chicks.
(KOREY stops and cheers, surprised. TRENT is
taken aback, but a sneer covers his face.)
KOREY
That was sick Mikey! You killed it.

13

TRENT
Ya. Great job writing it beforehand. Loser.
MICHAEL
I didnt.
TRENT
Whatever. I gotta go anyways. See you douches later.
(TRENT exits.)
KOREY
Did you hear about the Johnsons house?
MICHAEL
Naw.
KOREY
They got cased this weekend.
MICHAEL
Shit. That sucks. So what though?
KOREY
Well. I heard Trent did it.
MICHAEL
Oh.
KOREY
But, youre good at this stuff. The rapping shit. You should do it more Mikey.
MICHAEL
Yeah?
KOREY
Yeah.
(They share the joint.)

14

(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, age 16, sits in his room writing on a pad.)
MICHAEL
Yo its me Mikey B,
I tells it like I sees it,
I gotta make a livin,
How I do it is no secret,
Obstacles in my path,
No problem, I just move it,
Mikey is like Nike,
Homie I just do it.
(KEISHA walks in as MICHAEL raps and smiles at him.)
KEISHA
When you famous, you still gonna love me Mikey?
(MICHAEL looks up sheepishly from his pad. He
kisses her on the cheek and throws the pad down.)
MICHAEL
Im gonna love you till the day we die.
KEISHA
Rap somethin for me.
MICHAEL
I knew this little angel,
Went by the name of Keisha,
Met her as a kid,
Now she got them older features,
A creature so divine,
Like she came down from the vine,
Her existence should be a crime,
cuz she love you when she meetcha.

15

(MICHAEL stops as he hears a scream from downstairs. JIMMY drunkenly

stumbles into MICHAELs room holding a bottle. KEISHA yells out.)
JIMMY
Me and your motha got into a fight, shes OK, shes OK, shes bleeding just a
little. I dont wanna hear nothin outta you, you keep your mouth shut and its
gonna be OK, fuckin
(JIMMY stops as he sees KEISHA cowering. He looks at her with
interest and MICHAEL stands his ground, ready to pounce.)
MICHAEL
Get out of my house.
JIMMY
What. You got balls now all of a sudden? Or you pretendin to stop being a
homo while your girlfriends here?
(MICHAEL grabs a knife from his pocket and holsters it.)
MICHAEL
I said get out.
JIMMY
Whaddafuck are you gonna do? You gonna stab(MICHAEL lunges forward and stabs JIMMY. A few screams are heard.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 17, sits in the office with his COUNSELOR and MOTHER.)
COUNSELOR
Now Michael, your grades could be better, but I know you could still get into a
decent school. Your last year is coming up and if you pull it together you could
even go to a university. Thats a hot button term right now!
MOTHER
He can do it. My Mikey can do anything in this world he puts his mind to.

16

MICHAEL
Im not going to college.
COUNSELOR
Michael. You have a power with words. Imagine what you could do if you just
concentrated it. I believe in you. Your mother believes in you. Dont you think
you should give yourself a chance? Forget the criminal record. Forget where
you come from. Think about where you could go.
(MICHAEL thinks and MOTHER sniffles.)
MICHAEL
Only place I wanna go is here.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(KOREY and MICHAEL, now 18, sit on the ground, sharing a
joint. TRENT comes in, shuffling oddly with anxiousness.)
TRENT
Sup fags.
MICHAEL
Whatever Trent.
TRENT
Ya, cold blooded killah. I hear you. Got something you might like actually.
Somethin you might love.
KOREY
Whats up.
(TRENT nervously pulls out a pistol from his waistband and brandishes it. He
mimes blowing shots at KOREY and MICHAEL as they recoil.)
MICHAEL
Holy shit.

17

KOREY
Is that real?
TRENT
Of course its real. Think Ima thug with some fake ass gun?
KOREY
Prove it.
(TRENT aims at a tree and fires a round off. MICHAEL and KOREY stare
in a combination of awe and fear. TREY pockets the gun.)
MICHAEL
Whered you get it?
TRENT
Dont worry about it.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 19, steps into a recording studio. An
engineer, RANDO and KOREY follow him in.)
RANDO
You cousin Koreys friend, huh? I heard you can rhyme.
MICHAEL
Ya. Im learnin.
RANDO
Im Rando. This is Randos studio. Normally Rando charges but for Korey, you
spit in here this time for free. Ill see what you got.
KOREY
Hes real good Rando.
(MICHAEL steps behind a microphone, unfamiliar with the
professional setup. He grabs the mic as RANDO starts up a loop.)

18

MICHAEL
Fuck the red and blue,
Im so tired of color,
I dream of a world,
Where we dyin of lovin.
Instead of lovin to die,
I told my mama dont cry,
When she left another brotha,
I stood right by her side,
Penny for my thoughts,
Nickel plated reasons,
Protect my shit year-round,
365, all seasons.
Dont believe me,
Just turn on the fuckin tv,
And see the sneak previews,
For the long awaited heathens.
RANDO
Damn kid. You know what? You can come back here again. Randoll cut you
a deal on time if you drop bars like that off the dome. Whats your rap name?
MICHAEL
Dr. Mike.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 20, walks into his kitchen and sees his MOTHER
crying at the table. He walks over and kisses her on the forehead.)
MICHAEL
Whats wrong Momma?
MOTHER
Nothing baby.
MICHAEL
Did they let Jimmy out?

19

MOTHER
No baby. ItsI got this awful feeling lately.
MICHAEL
You got me Momma. I wont let things get awful. Not again.
MOTHER
Baby. Youve seen so much I wanted to keep you from. Thats how this world
is. You try to keep out the bad from getting in the good, but you cant always
do it. I want you to remember Michael, remember this when Im gone. This
world isnt about me, or you, or us. This world is about we. Never forget that.
(MOTHER embraces MICHAEL.)
MICHAEL
OK Momma.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 21, and KEISHA stroll through a
walkway, holding hands. Trent enters from afar.)
MICHAEL
Cmon baby, you know you like when I do that.
KEISHA
I dont want a part of it, Im leaving the room from now on.
TRENT
Hey Mikey. Hey Keisha. Long time no see.
MICHAEL
Whats up Trent.
TRENT
Not much. Heard your track on the radio last week. Tight shit.
MICHAEL
Thanks.

20

TRENT
SoI got a package coming next week. I thought maybe you could help me
move it. Like old times. You got some clout now. We could use that.
MICHAEL
You know Im not doin that shit anymore Trent.
TRENT
Its a one and done Mikey. Just do it for me. Aint we still friends?
(MICHAEL stares at TRENT without a word. He takes
KEISHA by the hand and they exit. TRENT watches them.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(KOREY and MICHAEL, now 22, pass around a joint.)
KOREY
You ever notice how good weed got? Since we were kids? I think it grew up
with us haha.
(KOREY passes the joint to MICHAEL, grazing his hand.)
MICHAEL
I guess I never really thought about it. One of those things that passes you by.
KOREY
Yeah. Guess soHey Mikey? Can I tell you somethin?
MICHAEL
Sure man. Whassup?
KOREY
I feel like ILike I known you forever.
MICHAEL
Yeah. It feels like forever.

21

KOREY
And II-IWell I always had your back on everything.
MICHAEL
You did manSo whats up?
KOREY
I...I love you man. I always loved you. And I know you dont feel the same.
But I gotta bad feelin lately. That things dont last forever. I had to tell you.
(MICHAEL stares at KOREY, unsure.)
MICHAEL
II dont know.
(KOREY takes a step closer.)
KOREY
You dont know what?...Michael?
(As MICHAEL begins to open his mouth shots ring out. The sound
of a vehicle screeching close. KOREY and MICHAEL turn to their side to
look. A few more shots ring out and KOREY falls. Tires screech away.)
MICHAEL
NO!
(MICHAEL grabs KOREY up. He tilts KOREYs head
up, his body limp. MICHAEL stares in shock.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL stands in his bedroom. KEISHA is waiting for him. They embrace.)
KEISHA
Im sorry.
MICHAEL
I love you.

22

KEISHA
I love you too.
MICHAEL
Its not fair. Why would god let Korey
KEISHA
Do you know who it was?
MICHAEL
No. They came by fast. Shot quick.
KEISHA
Ill be here for you.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL looks down at the ground. A PREACHER stands in front of him.)
PREACHER
Korey was a good child. A hard worker. A student. An angel of god. He was
taken too young.
(MICHAEL looks to the side as TRENT walks in. TRENT acknowledges
him but keeps his distance at the graveyard. MICHAEL eyes him.)
PREACHER
May he rest in peace. May he see the light. May he be protected. Forever.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL sits on a stump, smoking a joint, thinking.
TRENT comes in with trepidation. MICHAEL notices.)
TRENT
We gotta talk.

23

MICHAEL
I dont wanna talk.
TRENT
I dont care Mikey. This shit doesnt stay off the plate. He was my homie too.
MICHAEL
Was he?
TRENT
Dont be a bitch. Cool kids die too. Its the way it is. Its the way it goes.
MICHAEL
Who did it Trent. Who took Korey out.
TRENT
You know I dont know that.
MICHAEL
I dont believe you.
TRENT
Fuck you.
MICHAEL
I dont believe you had nothin to do with this.
TRENT
Fuck you Mikey.
(TRENT makes to leave but stops for a moment.)
You know what I do know though? That bulletthat shit was meant for you.
(MICHAEL freezes as TRENT walks out, watching him.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL stands in front of a grave.)

24

MICHAEL
Yo god? Its me, Mikey B a.k.a. Notorious Bronson a.k.a. Dr Mike. I know we
aint talked in a while. And Im sorry for that. I wanted to ask you somethin
though. And it aint an easy question, cuz otherwise I wouldnta bothered
you. But I been thinkin how this could happen. Maybe you had a reason. But I
cant think of what it is. Can you tell me? Why you did it?
(MICHAEL begins to shake. His eyes water.)
Whyd you take Korey? Whyd you let him go? He wasnt hurtin nobody. And
he was good, god. He was good. So whyd you do it?
(MICHAEL stares at the sky for a moment. He
sees no response and gets riled.)
WHYD YOU DO IT? Momma said everything happens for a reason. What was
the reason for him? He never hurt nobody.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 23, walks into RANDOs studio.)
MICHAEL
I need your help. I got a song to make. And I wanna make it right. Please.
RANDO
Thats it? You disappear on Rando for a year and come back in here and think
thats it? You can just come back after that radio silence bullshit? He was
Randos cuz too Mikey. That shit hurt Rando.
(MICHAEL stares fiercely back at RANDO. RANDO puts a loop on.)
RANDO
Well shit Mikey. This is gonna be a comeback, huh? A takeover? Randos
ready for it. Your fans missed you. Rando missed you.Whats it called?
MICHAEL
This is We.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

25

(MICHAEL, 25, walks into a packed arena, the sound of a

crowd surrounding him. A HYPEMAN enters with him.)
HYPEMAN
Are you all ready for Dr. Mike?.......I said, are you ready.forDR MIKE?
(The crowd goes wild as THIS IS WE begins to play.)
MICHAEL
Lord please deliver us,
Im sittin on a million bucks,
And Im willin to spend it,
To prove you dont give a billion fucks.
What if life was three acts?
Thats not enough to react,
Get unity to truly see,
That you just gotta give back.
Infatuated with violence,
You better off with some silence,
And Im six feet away,
From closin up both my eyelids.
Existence so crucial,
Third eye is often neutral,
Said this is we,
Right before I hit his funeral.
Seen enough friends,
Tattered down at the grave,
Enough to know the soul,
Aint the first thing we save.
(As MICHAEL enters the chorus a gunshot rings out. The gunman in the
audience runs away. Screams come in through the speakers as the chorus
distorts and MICHAEL falls to the ground, clutching his stomach..)
(blackout.)
(lights dont rise.)

26

ACT TWO
(blackout.)
(lights slowly rise.)
(Sounds of an echoing hospital lead into the distilled cries of a
frustrated KEISHA. MICHAEL lies on a hospital bed under the dulled
beeps of a heart monitor. KEISHA and the DOCTOR stand by.)
DOCTOR
Its a miracle hes alive. The bullet went right through his stomach.
(KEISHA cries out as MICHAEL stirs awake.)
MICHAEL
What happened?
KEISHA
He shot you Mikey. Right in the gut baby. And you trusted him.
DOCTOR
I should go
KEISHA
You look different now
MICHAEL
I know.
KEISHA
Im sorry.
MICHAEL
Its OK.
KEISHA
Mikey? What do you feel?
MICHAEL
I had the strangest dream just now.

27

KEISHA
About what?
MICHAEL
That Im going to change the world.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 26, stands at a podium, about to deliver
a speech. Two REPORTERS sit in the audience.)
REPORTER #1
Dr. Mike, Dr. Mike! Question right here!
MICHAEL
Yes, you, in the full suit.
REPORTER #1
Is it true youre leaving the music industry?
MICHAEL
YesYou, with the distinct outfit.
REPORTER #2
Dr. Mike! How do you feel about one of your former best friends attempting to
kill you?
MICHAEL
Poorly.
REPORTER #1
Dr. Mike, is it true youre pursuing a position in politics?
MICHAEL
Im considering it.
REPORTER #2
Dr. Mike. What do we call you now?

28

MICHAEL
Michael Carter Bronson. No more questions.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 27, sits in church with his
MOTHER as the PASTOR delivers a sermon.)
PASTOR
Darkness. It is always around us. In droves. In fleeting scraps. It will never truly
leave our grasp. It is the way it has been and the way it will be. But this is why
we prevail. And why we push. Because of the hope that one day, the light will
shine through. Thank you.
MOTHER
Amen.
(As the congregation disperses, the PASTOR walks to MICHAEL.)
PASTOR
Mr. Bronson. Its been a long time since weve seen you here.
(MICHAEL kisses his MOTHER and gestures for a lone conversation.)
MICHAEL
I apologize Father. Ive hadtroubles.
PASTOR
Youve been through some darkness yourself.
MICHAEL
Yes.
PASTOR
Do you doubt the lord? Do you have trouble seeing god now?
MICHAEL
...I dont understand how he can turn a blind eye to us.

29

PASTOR
That is the question for the ages Michael. But let me ask you this. Is he turning
a blind eye to us? Or are we turning a blind eye to each other?
(MICHAEL contemplates as the PASTOR exits.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 28, sits at a table with KEISHA. She holds a ring to the light.)
MICHAEL
Its not the right color.
KEISHA
Its the most gorgeous thing Ive ever seen.
MICHAEL
I fell in love with you before I knew what love was.
KEISHA
I hope when were married youll still try to make your words sound beautiful.
MICHAEL
I never planned to stop.
KEISHA
Do you remember what you said when you woke up from the accident?
MICHAEL
No.
KEISHA
You said you would change the world.
MICHAEL
That doesnt sound like me.
KEISHA
Well I want you to know that youve already changed mine.

30

(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 29, sits in a room with two young
advisors, PHILLIP and LAWRENCE.)
MICHAEL
Phillip?
PHILLIP
Here.
MICHAEL
Lawrence?
LAWRENCE
Here.
MICHAEL
You both have come highly recommended. To be honest, Im not sure I can
afford you.
PHILLIP
Im not sure you cant not afford us.
MICHAEL
What?
LAWRENCE
What Phillip is trying to say is that we know a winner when we see one.
PHILLIP
Former rap star with a long criminal pastMICHAEL
I was never really a criminalLAWRENCE
Cleaned up his act after a tragically fatal gunshot wound-

31

MICHAEL
It wasnt fatal, Im alivePHILLIP
And now all he wants to do is bring a shine to his hometownLAWRENCE
In hopes that he can make the world a sparkling place.
PHILLIP
People pay for stories like this.
MICHAEL
I dont want to misconstrue anything. This isnt about me, its aboutLAWRENCE
The people. I know it. Trust me do I know it.
PHILLIP
Theres more to you than you know Mr. Bronson.
MICHAEL
Michael Carter is fine.
PHILLIP
Im going to call you Mr. Bronson.
LAWRENCE
Phillip knows best. Trust him.
MICHAEL
Well. I cant do this myself.
PHILLIP
We know. Trust us. Were going to make you an advocate for the things that
you want to advocate.
LAWRENCE
All before you can say, Im innocent.

32

MICHAEL
I am innocent.
LAWRENCE
Exactly.
PHILLIP
Now lets talk about you.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 30, and KEISHA sit in their living room as a
REPORTER walks them through an interview.)
REPORTER
Im here with former-rapper-turned-social-activist Michael Carter Bronson in his
beautifully modest duplex.
MICHAEL
Thank you for coming.
REPORTER
Mr. Bronson, youve promised to help the people in the place you were raised.
Youve made generous donations from your bloodied rap money, but where
exactly have these donations gone? Last week, ten youths were injured in
gang-related violence. Dont you think the money could be used to stop it?
MICHAEL
Its all part of a process. I grew up here. I know the reality of the matter. You
cant avoid what youre surrounded by. You can hide from it, but it will find
you.
REPORTER
Are you referring to your violent stabbing of your stepfather Jimmy?
MICHAEL
That was an act of self-defense. But yes. Thats the type of violence I want to
stop. The drugs. The guns. The lack of structure. Its no environment to grow up
in and I sympathize with whats going on because I lived in that.

33

KEISHA
I grew up with Michael. Everything hes saying could not be more true.
REPORTER
Thats right Mrs. Bronson. You and Michael were high-school sweethearts.
KEISHA
Correct.
REPORTER
And never in that time was he unfaithful to you? You never found him inside of
a strange, exotic woman, sexually, so to speak?
KEISHA
No
REPORTER
Michael, a lot of your community wants to know how exactly it is youll fix
whats so long been broken.
MICHAEL
Well, to be honest, it wont happen overnight. We need to start on the streets.
This is my community, and their problems are my problems. Theres a systemic
issue here, and its not any lack of awareness. Its a lack of a solution. I want
to help. Ive started an after-school program for every school in the district to
encourage education. Ive given speeches at local prisons to discourage
recidivism. Already, weve seen graduation rates rise in the last five years
alone. But its a slow process, and we need all the help we can get.
REPORTER
So are you attacking the government for doing nothing?
MICHAEL
Of course not.
REPORTER
Rumor also has it that you have in fact inhaled.
(As KEISHA rises to object she suddenly grabs her stomach.)

34

KEISHA
Excuse me for a moment.
(KEISHA runs off. Vomiting arises from offstage.)
MICHAEL
Keisha?
(MICHAEL starts to exit the room.)
REPORTER
Michael, is it true you care more for the well being of your wife than this
interview?
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 31, paces through his office,
PHILLIP and LAWRENCE watching him nervously.)
MICHAEL
I want reform. I want changes. I want a platform to help my hometown.
PHILLIP
Thats a tall order sir. I think we should start small. Have a soup day.
MICHAEL
I dont want a soup day. I want peace.
LAWRENCE
Pea soup
MICHAEL
No Lawrence. No more foodstuffs. This city needs to be cleaned up. I couldnt
do it through music. But maybe I can do it another way.
LAWRENCE
Maybe not though.

35

PHILLIP
Michael, I know your baby is on the way and that makes your brain distracted
sometimes, but you need to think about the big picture. We can fast track you
to change the world. But one step at a time.
LAWRENCE
What Phillip means is that the steps would be singular.
MICHAEL
My baby is exactly the reason I need to hurry. I dont want to bring him into
the world I was brought up in. This place is racist. And sexist. And
homophobic. And violent. Its changing, but not quickly enough. Understand?
LAWRENCE
You want the change...to be quicker.
MICHAEL
Are you both on my side or not?
PHILLIP
As of nowyes.
MICHAEL
Good then. Call the mayor. Tell him Im taking his job.
LAWRENCE
Yes sir.
(LAWRENCE raises the phone to his head.)
LAWRENCE
Its the mayor sir. He says hes scared and hes sorry.
MICHAEL
Good.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 32, and his MOTHER sit at a dinner table in a restaurant.)

36

MOTHER
This world wasnt meant to pass by so quickly. I can sense the wind. Its goin
out now before I can even feel it.
MICHAEL
Mom(MICHAEL tries to interject as MOTHER keeps speaking.)
MOTHER
And you, Michael. You just want to help the world. But all they have is
questions. You have a good heart, and a beautiful newborn child. Why do
they have so many questions? Youre doin so much baby. And Im so proud of
you and everything youve done.

MICHAEL
MomMOTHER
I remember when you were a child. Such a sensitive boy. You used to cry when
the world wasnt fair. And I stopped you. I shouldve let you cry those tears. I
made mistakes. We all do. But I always think about how I didnt let you cry
those tears.
MICHAEL
You raised me well Mom. And I couldnt love you more for it. And what
people think, it doesnt matter. Ill help them no matter whatMOTHER
-No Michael. Its bout time people respected you for who you are and what
you do. Cant nobody deny nothin no more. I just(MOTHER suddenly grasps her heart. She falls to the table, struggling.)
MICHAEL
Mom? Mom? Somebody get an ambulance!
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

37

(MICHAEL, 33, visits KOREYs grave.)

MICHAEL
Hey Korey...Im sorry I havent visited you in some time. First I got busy. Then I
got scared. I thought maybe you wouldnt think the same way of me. After you
died.I changed. Im not sure if it was for the better. Im trying to make it that
way. I think about what you would be like if you were alive now, and maybe
youd still like me as I am. Or maybe you wouldnt. But Im trying to help
people now. Im using my words to help people. I thought you would like that.
(MICHAEL sits down at the grave.)
Keisha got pregnant. We had a son together. I named him Korey. Im gonna
raise him to be a man and be there for him because I never had thatMoms
sick now too. Something with her heart. The doctors think it broke one day and
never healed. Because of the world shifting and all that. Seems like life is just
moving from one loss to the next.
(beat.)
Sometimes I wonder what wouldve happened if I said I loved you back.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(KEISHA walks with a young KOREY JR. as
MICHAEL, 34, takes a phone call.)
MICHAEL
OK. I understand. But we need to make it more grounded. No. I dont want to
do that. Yes Phillip I know but this isnt your campaign. All right. Fine.
(MICHAEL hangs up.)
KEISHA
I know some of these things dont make sense honey, but you should trust
Phillip. Im sure he knows what you have to do to get what you want.
MICHAEL
I want to help my city. I dont want to become president.
KEISHA
Its the grand scheme of things. The big picture. One stroke at a time.

38

KOREY JR.
One stroke!
MICHAEL
You think so buddy?
KOREY JR.
Yeah!
(MICHAEL bends down to speak to KOREY JR.)
MICHAEL
Kiddo. I might not understand the world yet. But I hope one day I do. So I can
explain it to you.
KOREY JR.
World! Asplain!
(KOREY JR. runs around his parents and MICHAEL looks back at KEISHA.)
MICHAEL
I dont like the path Phillip has laid out for me. Its not the path I want to take.
KEISHA
Maybe you follow his path for now. Just for now. And then, you make your
own.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 35, stands at a podium, PHILLIP and LAWRENCE behind him.)
MICHAEL
Make this world not about them.but instead.make it about.we. Those
wise words were said to me by someone I cared about. And I think about them
every day. Its my honor to accept this title as mayor. I hope to bring the
changes that youve heard me talk about to this city...to we. Gun control.
Education reform. Community outreach. All of these things that-

39

(PHILLIP whispers into MICHAELs ear. MICHAEL

frowns for a moment but bites his tongue.)
...that your former Mayor messed up. These are things that I promise to fix.
Because this isnt a power grab. And this isnt a publicity stunt. This is the real
deal. I will fix this city. I will make it a safe place. And I will make these streets
a source of pride once again.
(Cheering rings from the crowd. LAWRENCE whispers
something into MICHAELs ear. He looks reluctant again.)
And please dont forget to grab some complimentary koozies from the
refreshment table.
(The cheering grows even louder.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 37, sits in the hospital with his MOTHER. The
DOCTOR looks concerned and stands at the foot of the bed.)
DOCTOR
We can make her as comfortable as possible. I ordered new pillows that have
feathers inside and outside, but Im not sure theyll be here in time.
MICHAEL
Thank you doctor. Is there anything else we can do for her?
DOCTOR
Aside from the inside-out feather pillowsjust be by her side. Oh, and Mr.
Bronson. Thank you for finding us the funding for our new pediatric wing.
MICHAEL
It was an honor to work on that campaign.
DOCTOR
The honor was ours. We were even able to afford an in-house clown. Speaking
of which, that devil owes me two hundred dollars and the explanation to that
seltzer nozzle.
(The DOCTOR exits. MICHAEL holds his MOTHERs hand.)

40

MOTHER
Im happy baby. I know Im dying but Im happy. Because I got to see the
beginning of it all.
MICHAEL
The beginning?
MOTHER
You changing the world. Just like I said you would. Just like God told me you
would.
(MICHAEL bites his tongue and holds back tears.)
MICHAEL
I love you so much Mom.
MOTHER
When youre President Michael, promise me something.
MICHAEL
Whats that?
MOTHER
Promise me youll make a good speech. About we.
MICHAEL
You mean about us?
(MOTHER shakes her head and coughs.)
MOTHER
Those tears I told you to hold back Mikey. You can let them go now.
(A heart monitor begins to flatline and MICHAEL
cries out floods as MOTHER slumps in the hospital bed.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

41

(MICHAEL, 39, looks tired as he files through papers on

his desk. PHILLIP and LAWRENCE stand over his shoulder.)
PHILLIP
We need to up our numbers Mr. Bronson. Our district could be looking much
better.
LAWRENCE
But on the plus side, it could also be looking worse.
MICHAEL
I dont care about the numbers Phillip. Im going to win this campaign with
values, not with numbers.
PHILLIP
Without numbers, there is no campaign.
LAWRENCE
Hes right sir. It would just be like general admission seats at a concert. No
structure and hard to gauge the general caliber.
PHILLIP
Do you want to be Senator? Do you want to keep helping your people?
MICHAEL
Of course. But at what price? What else do I have to compromise?
PHILLIP
A lot.
LAWRENCE
Or at least, not a little.
MICHAEL
I dont know how much more I can lie.
PHILLIP
Its not lying Michael. I know your Mothers death affected you. But I think its
time you begin to look towards the future. Imagine if you became Senator. You
could name the hall of a library after her.

42

LAWRENCE
Possibly even claim a fountain!
MICHAEL
Where is tomorrows speech?
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 40, sits in a confessional booth next to the PASTOR.)
PASTOR
Eight years is a long time Senator Bronson.
MICHAEL
Ive been busy.
PASTOR
Im sorry for your losses.
MICHAEL
Thank you Father.
PASTOR
Why have you come here today?
MICHAEL
To make my peaceII dont believe any longer.
PASTOR
In God?
MICHAEL
Yes.
PASTOR
I see. And why did you feel the need to tell me this? That you are no longer a
man of God?

43

MICHAEL
To know that it was true.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 44, walks and talks with two reporters.)
REPORTER #1
Senator Bronson, is it true you have plans to aim for the presidential
candidacy?
MICHAEL
I havent announced anything at this time.
REPORTER #2
Weve heard your wife Mrs. Bronson is sick. Is that a fact?
(MICHAEL ignores the question.)
REPORTER #1
Senator, rumor has it youve converted to atheism, based off of your terrible
luck with tragedy. How do you respond?
MICHAEL
Im not endorsing any religion, but any and all churches and places of prayer
will be supported.
REPORTER #2
Interestingly cryptic. How do you respond to accusations of neglecting your
son, Korey Jr.? He needs a competent father figureMICHAEL
Enough. That is enough. I am no longer answering these questions.
REPORTER #1
Thats all right, we mostly go off body language anyways. Would you mind
standing there a minute?

44

REPORTER #2
And Senator Bronson, what did you think of former-your-shooter-and-attemptedmurderer Trent having his sentence reduced by six months?
REPORTER #1
Meaning that the man that tried to kill you gets out in a year. Will you have a
scene meeting with him in the near future?
(MICHAEL doesnt utter a word. He freezes)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(KEISHA lies in bed with MICHAEL.)
KEISHA
Korey Jr. did something bad at school today.
MICHAEL
Did he throw his bag lunch at those birds again?
KEISHA
He was writing vulgar rap lyrics on the board while the teacher wasnt looking.
(MICHAEL smiles for a moment and tries to stop
himself. KEISHA sees. They both start laughing.)
MICHAEL
Hes becoming less boring.
KEISHA
Hes becoming you.
MICHAEL
What did the doctor say?
KEISHA
He offered an authentic replica of an armadillo on a keychain to me because
he had two. And then he told me some women have lived with this for only two
years. And some fifteen. And some were just fine.

45

MICHAEL
Youre in the just fine column.
KEISHA
I hope so, Mikey. I hope so.
(KEISHA starts to tear up until KOREY JR. runs into the room.)
KOREY JR.
Dad, I think Im gonna be a rapper.
MICHAEL
I heard.
KOREY JR.
And I think youre gonna be president!
MICHAEL
Well see about that.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 45, and PHILLIP sit inside a jail visiting room.
TRENT walks in, malnourished, frail, and seemingly smaller.)
MICHAEL
Hello Trent.
TRENT
Well shit. Goddamn Mikey B. in the flesh. Heard you was running for
president.
PHILLIP
Thats right.
TRENT
Who the hell are you? His hype man?

46

PHILLIP
Im whatever Senator Bronson needs me to be.
TRENT
That shit sounds straight gay.
MICHAEL
Trent. I came here today because I want to set things straight. On my own
terms. This isnt for you.
TRENT
Shit. You learned how to speak good. And you got honest. Not bad Mikey.
MICHAEL
Why did you try to kill me?
TRENT
Because I hated you. Is it that hard to figure out motherfucker?
MICHAEL
What happened to you?
TRENT
Im sick. Cant you tell? Everyone around you is sick, and its because of you.
(A buzzer beeps and TRENT looks behind
him. He smiles at MICHAEL and walks offstage.)
PHILLIP
If you want to, I can have him taken care of.
MICHAEL
What? No. Of course not. Whywhy would you even offer that?
PHILLIP
Michael. You are on a fast track now. Its time to get rid of loose ends.
MICHAEL
Absolutely not.

47

(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 46, sits in his office across from LAWRENCE.)
MICHAEL
Im sorry I have to do this Lawrence. Ive always enjoyed your company and
youve worked very hard for me, but I cant have you employed with the ties
theyve found to Trents murder.
LAWRENCE
You know Senator Michael Carter Bronson, I honestly dont even remember
putting the hit out on Trents life, but if you say I did, then I probably did!
MICHAEL
I know you didnt Lawrence.
LAWRENCE
What a relief! Id hate to have lapses in memory. I already have trouble with
film titles!
MICHAEL
Lawrence. What do you know about Phillip that I dont?
LAWRENCE
Hmmmwell lets see. Hes a renowned champion in water polo. An Ivy
League graduate. He always drinks his coffee black, unless they have milk and
creamer. Hmmmwhat elsewhat else.OH! Hes utterly ruthless and will do
anything to get his way. Why do you ask?
MICHAEL
I just have a few concernsespecially with Phillips insistence on becoming my
vice president.
LAWRENCE
Well, I do know that is politically confusing. But Im sure hes doing it for good
intentions, and nothing usurpery or betrayal-based. Anyways, I think as long as
your words come from the heart, you have this election in the bag. Find whats
important to you and go from there. So, good luck with the election. And sorry
for killing Trent, I didnt even know about it until now.

48

(LAWRENCE shakes MICHAELs hand and exits. MICHAEL thinks, then takes a
tape from his cabinet. He plays it, and THIS IS WE erupts from speakers.)
(MICHAEL smiles and nods his head. He takes a pen to a notepad and begins
writing. With his head down, he doesnt notice PHILLIP enter the room.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 49, stands at a podium at his Presidential
inauguration. He smiles brightly as a JUDGE swears him in.)
JUDGE
And now, the new leader of the free world, President Michael Carter Bronson.
(An unbelievable uproar of applause as MICHAEL takes the stand. A
faint chant of THIS IS WE floats in as MICHAEL calms the crowd.)
MICHAEL
Thank you. Thank you. I never thought Id ever be standing here. I remember
when I was a little boy; I found the beauty of words on the page. Each one
was like a new toy, a new gift. I couldnt believe the power that each one held.
Some long, some short; but each one had meaning. Every single word we utter
every single day has meaning. But none of them have ever had more meaning
in my life than the word we. Because we isnt just a word. Its an idea. The
collective versus the individual. Its a mindset that Ive always believed in.
Helping your fellow man. I didnt have an easy childhood. And perhaps that
was a good thing. It let me see that there is darkness in this world. Loss. Death.
Betrayal. Words that scared me. But for every bad word, theres a we; an
idea whose light outweighs the darkness. I want to bring this light to our
country. Because this isnt a dream. And this isnt a vision. This.is.we(A shot rings out and MICHAEL grasps his heart. His final words
echo as time slows and screams fly and he falls to the ground.)
(blackout.)
(lights dont rise.)

49

ACT THREE
(blackout.)
(lights slowly rise.)
(Sounds of an echoing hospital lead into the
lulled hums of machinery. MICHAEL lies on a
hospital bed. KOREY JR. and DOCTOR stand by.)
DOCTOR
The bullet lodged in his upper chest. Thankfully it was slowed by the finely
woven threads of his well-made Italian suit. We were able to remove it.
KOREY JR.
Dad? Dad, wake up. Its me, Korey Jr.
MICHAEL
Have I changed the world yet?
DOCTOR
Im afraid not. Youre still being shot at.
MICHAEL
Oh.
(KOREY JR. hands MICHAEL a gun.)
KOREY JR.
The police took this off the shooter. They said the investigations over and they
wanted you to have it.
MICHAEL
Why is that?
KOREY JR.
They said itd be traditionally symbolic.
(MICHAEL nods, then passes out.)

50

(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 51, walks with KOREY JR.s assistance into
KEISHAs room. She lies on a bed, sickly and gaunt.)
KEISHA
You look different.
MICHAEL
I know.
KOREY JR.
How are you feeling Mom?
KEISHA
Like the world has opened when my familys in the room.
(KOREY JR. wipes tears from his eyes.)
KOREY JR.
Mom. I love you so much, I just want you to knowKEISHA
Could you please leave so I can speak to your father Korey Jr.?
(KOREY JR. nods his head and exits.)
MICHAEL
Hes a good kid but he just doesnt know when to stop talking.
KEISHA
He reminds me of his father.
(MICHAEL struggles and sits down next to KEISHA.)
MICHAEL
Tell me what you feel.

51

KEISHA
I wonder how we ended up here Michael. Seems we go from deathbed to
deathbed.
MICHAEL
You cant leave me.
KEISHA
I have six months baby.
(MICHAEL shakes his head.)
MICHAEL
I cant put on any more faces.
KEISHA
You have to baby. You have a job to finish.
MICHAEL
I quit my job. Because I got shot. Again.
KEISHA
Then you get a new one.
MICHAEL
What do I do?
KEISHA
The same thing youve always done. Start with some words.
(MICHAEL kisses KEISHA on the forehead.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 52, enters the oval office where
LAWRENCE sits at the presidential desk with an AIDE.)
MICHAEL
Lawrence?

52

LAWRENCE
Hey there Mr. Former President Michael Carter Bronson. Thanks for coming
today.
MICHAEL
How did you end up here?
LAWRENCE
Its the craziest thing. It turns out the Vice President cant become acting
President if he tries to assassinate the current president.
MICHAEL
Oh. So
LAWRENCE
They asked me to take over! Yeah, I was just doing some other advising when I
got the call. How could I resist? I said, Theyll let just about anyone do this,
huh?. And they said, We need an answer by 1800 hours. ,and I said Yes,
Ill do it.
MICHAEL
I see.
LAWRENCE
Youre probably wondering why I called you in here.
MICHAEL
I have my assumptions.
LAWRENCE
How would you like to be President again?
MICHAEL
I wouldnt.
LAWRENCE
Oh. I seeCould you excuse me for a moment?
(LAWRENCE nervously whispers to his AIDE.)
.But why not?

53

MICHAEL
I thought I could change the world that way. And I was wrong.
LAWRENCE
Butits actually a really hard job and Im not sure Im good at it yet.
(The AIDE pats him reassuringly and LAWRENCE slaps his hand.)
Dont touch me Jason, we talked about this.
AIDE
Sorry sir.
LAWRENCE
Michael. You have such a gift. Your mouth is like a paintbrush. And your brain
is the easel. Why would you back away from something youre meant to do
just because one of your former advisors turned Vice President plotted an
assassination attempt against you?
MICHAEL
BecauseIm on the third act of my life. And I have to find my conclusion.
LAWRENCE
Well. I may not know how to do this job, but I do know one thing. I respect
you, Michael Carter Bronson.
MICHAEL
I thinkIll just go by Michael now. If you dont mind.
LAWRENCE
Of course, Michael. What are you going to do now?
MICHAEL
Im going to write about the things that I know.
LAWRENCE
Youre a hell of a man. God speed.
AIDE
Before you go Mr. Bronson sir, could you sign something for me?
(The AIDE steps forward with a mixtape.)

54

MICHAEL
Of course.
AIDE
Its a copy of your first sessions as Mikey B. With Rando. Im a huge fan.
(MICHAEL smiles and signs it.)
MICHAEL
There you go.
AIDE
Wait it just says Michael. How do people know its you theres like a million
MichaelsLAWRENCE
JASON, SHUT UP!
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 53, sits with KOREY JR. at a funeral for
KEISHA. A PREACHER speaks at the head of the crowd.)
PREACHER
A beautiful soul. An angel with a forever choir. She touched the lives of those
around her and spread love infinitely. We feel her loss as a loss for the world.
For some, she was the world. Her husband, Michael, will say a few words.
Keisha is survived by him and her significantly less successful son, Korey Jr.
(KOREY JR. starts crying and grabs MICHAEL. MICHAEL shakes him off
nonchalantly and makes his way to the preacher, somber.)
MICHAEL
Ive made one too many speeches up here. I feel compelled to curse the god
above me for taking another person from me. But I cant. I dont have the
strength anymore. I dont have the will. Half of me is gone. Maybe she floated
up to the heavens. Or maybe shes just stuck in the ground in eternal darkness
with the other pieces of me. Im not sure. But I dont think I have room for any
more halves. Id rather just not be whole.

55

(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 55, sits at a bar with a notebook
open. The BARTENDER slides over another shot.)
BARTENDER
Usual.
MICHAEL
Thanks.
(Another man named ARTHUR approaches
and takes a seat next to MICHAEL.)
BARTENDER
Usual, Arthur?
ARTHUR
Please.
(MICHAEL looks at ARTHUR with interest, eyeing him.)
MICHAEL
I havent seen you here before.
ARTHUR
I usually come for karaoke night.
MICHAEL
Ah.
(MICHAEL drains his shot and extends his hand.)
ARTHUR
Im Arthur.
MICHAEL
My name is Michael.

56

ARTHUR
Michael what?
MICHAEL
Just Michael.
ARTHUR
And Michael. What do you do?
MICHAEL
You dont know?
ARTHUR
No. Should I?
MICHAEL
NoIm not sure anymore what I do.
ARTHUR
Wellthat makes two of us Michael.
MICHAEL
You dont know either?
ARTHUR
I try to make the world make sense. It hasnt worked yet though.
MICHAEL
I feel the same. Except with an illustrious swirl of existential self-loathing.
ARTHUR
You have a way with words. Maybe you should put them together.
(He hands MICHAEL a number then kisses him on the cheek before leaving.)
Call me. Id like to hear more.
MICHAEL
That man wasan enigma. He didnt even know who I was.
BARTENDER
Arthur? Yep, hes a mystery. Hes also Canadian.

57

(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 56, sits across from his PUBLISHER.)
MICHAEL
I want it to be a warning. A cautionary tale. And a lesson. And a story. And
maybe there can be some poetry. But mostly the other stuff.
PUBLISHER
So I really cant sell you on doing this childrens book, huh?
MICHAEL
No.
PUBLISHER
Thats OK. Maybe we can make it after. You know, a manifesto is a large
undertaking. Usually you want to live at least a lifetime before you write one.
MICHAEL
Im working on that.
PUBLISHER
Do you know what you want to make it about?
MICHAEL
I have some ideas. And I have a new man helping me figure it out.
PUBLISHER
I dont know what that meansbut MichaelI think were in business.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 57, introduces ARTHUR to KOREY JR.)
ARTHUR
Pleasure to meet you.

58

KOREY JR.
You two know each otherhow?
MICHAEL
I spend many nights drinking myself into a stupor to forget my woes and fuel
blind, passionate tangents on papyrus with ink. Arthur also enjoys drinking but
usually comes on karaoke night. His calendar broke and fate was had.
KOREY JR.
I see. You know my fathers not well, Arthur. He had too many words in his
mind and theyve built up so much theyre starting to leak out.
ARTHUR
Young man, while I appreciate your candor you dont know anything about
love. Youre very plain and your significant other probably pretends to listen to
your conversations. I actually hear. Thats all your father wants.
KOREY JR.
Are you going to let him speak to me like that Dad?
MICHAEL
Of course.
KOREY JR.
He hasnt been the same since our mother died. Dont take advantage of him.
ARTHUR
Too late.
MICHAEL
What was that?
ARTHUR
I said, its fate.
(MICHAEL kisses ARTHUR on the cheek.)
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

59

(ARTHUR and MICHAEL, 60, sit at a restaurant. A WAITER pours them wine.)
ARTHUR
To your birthday. Its an old age, but a good age.
MICHAEL
Time doesnt move the same. I wake up and cant remember what year it is.
ARTHUR
Thats just your brains way of saying, start over.
WAITER
Oftentimes, I combat this with wine too.
ARTHUR
Shoo, shoo.
(The WAITER scurries away.)
MICHAEL
I want to thank you Arthur. For opening my heart again. Its interesting how
people hate the things they cant understand.
ARTHUR
You are a brilliant man of many lives Michael. The world has dealt you so
much pain. Greater men would have been silenced. But your pen hasnt run
out of ink yet. That to me is the most admirable thing about you.
(They hold hands across the table.)
MICHAEL
Ive felt a lot of loves. Theyve all seemed real. But this one is different. Theres
no fading in and out.
ARTHUR
I dont believe in faltering. Or the abstract. Love is finite. Its there and its not.
And right now its here. Happy birthday.
(They kiss across the table. The WAITER returns.)

60

WAITER
Gentlemen, I have a delicious aged Gruyere. It would pair well with your
wine. But Ive also enjoyed it atop microwaved, low-end pastries.
MICHAEL
Ill take five.
ARTHUR
Nonsense. Its his birthday. Bring us six.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 62, visits Koreys grave.)
MICHAEL
Hey Korey. I think this might be the last time I visit you. Ive been thinking
about things in the past and how they linger. I dont want that anymore. I dont
want to hang on to memories of things that no longer are. I want to look
forward. To whatever that might be. I met a man. He reminds me of you. I
thought about what couldve been between us. In another life. But I stopped
thinking because that isnt this life. Besides. Maybe he is you.
(MICHAEL sits down.)
Im old. I cant believe Im old. I swear my years have passed by in an hour.
Clipped along like little excerpts of someone elses movie. Some nonspecific
sect of media. Maybe a play. Oh also, Im going mad. Maybe because Im a
philosopher now, delving into the way the universe works. My publisher said
its a symptom of manifestos. But it feels related to a personal inferno brewing
inside. And Im having trouble linking ideas like I once did.
(beat.)
What Im trying to say is, youll still be up there. Somewhere. But if theres a
lock to open that door, I no longer want to own the key. Goodbye, Korey.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 64, has lunch with KOREY JR.)
MICHAEL
Finish your edamame Korey Jr. Youre a grown man.

61

KOREY JR.
Im distracted Dad.
MICHAEL
About what? Is my granddaughter all right? Im writing a childrens book for
her.
KOREY JR.
No its not that, she enjoyed the preliminary rough draft.
MICHAEL
Then what could possibly be wrong?
KOREY JR.
Its Arthur. I think hes using you.
MICHAEL
Using me for what?
KOREY JR.
Your heart and your words. He wants to be in your life story.
MICHAEL
Nonsense. I wont listen to this. You dont know Arthur at all.
KOREY JR.
You dont think its strange at all he came into your world only when there was
room for him?
MICHAEL
Theres no way that was deliberate and I refuse to speak about this any
longer.
KOREY JR.
I think hes frying your brain and your saga will end in a painful realization of
self.
MICHAEL
Ill believe it when I see it. For now, I think Im done speaking to you until you
start seeing things clearly again.

62

(MICHAEL starts to storm off.)

KOREY JR.
Will you still be picking up your granddaughter tomorrow afternoon?
MICHAEL
Of course, weve finished introductory sketches for the books artwork, theres
specifically a tragic baboon Id value her opinion on.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 67, solemn, sits across ARTHUR with a piece of paper.)
MICHAEL
I found this list last night, Arthur. Do you know what it is?
ARTHUR
Not the slightest.
MICHAEL
Its titled, Ten surefire ways to slowly ruin a loved ones spirit, and other
parlor tricks.
ARTHUR
Thats quite an unusual find. Im sure its an interesting read.
MICHAEL
That night at the bar where you met me. Did you know who I was?
ARTHUR
Of course I did. Everyone knows who you are. You are Michael Carter
Bronson, the man with everything to say and the most lovely way to say it.
MICHAEL
So why did you lie to me? Then. Now. All this time.
ARTHUR
Because there is something about manipulating people that makes it
worthwhile. This long con that we call life. Its all a game. Didnt you know

63

that? We dont play to win, or end up on top. We play the way we think is
most amusing. It changes of course. I mean, look at you. Rapper. President.
Philosopher. What a journey.
MICHAEL
Stop. Stop it Arthur. You dont know what youre saying.
ARTHUR
What a long, arduous road. Full of guilt and death and fury. You really are a
fascinating creature Michael. Everyone knows your story except you.
MICHAEL
No. Please, stop it. You dont mean it.
ARTHUR
Everyone knows your ending except you. A tragicomedy. Dramatic irony at its
finest. If you ask me, you are your own villain. Its a tale for the times.
MICHAEL
Leave now Arthur. I never want to see you again.
ARTHUR
Thats the thing Michael. Youll always see me. Youll always see everyone.
Because your life is your past, present, and future. You see it all as a circle of
everything and everyone; whether theyre inside or out. Thats what I adore
about you. I got to be part of the circle when you loved me. And Ill still be
part of the circle when you hate me. Your mother. Your father. Your son.
Korey. Trent. Keisha. Phillip. Lawrence. Everyone. They float in your head like
the thoughts you cant shake. And they wont disappear until you do.
(MICHAEL shakes and falls to the ground.)
MICHAEL
Please
ARTHUR
Goodbye Michael. I look forward to seeing you in your nightmares.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)

64

(MICHAEL, 68, goes to his bar and orders his usual. The BARTENDER nods.)
BARTENDER
Wheres Arthur?
(MICHAEL stays silent and drains his drink.)
BARTENDER
Another comin right up.
(A STRANGER comes up to MICHAEL and stares.)
MICHAEL
...What? Did you want your life systematically destroyed?
STRANGER
No. Mr. Bronson. I justI cant believe Im seeing you here. IIve followed
your lifes story. Im a huge fan. Of your music. Your politics. Your writing.
Your speeches. Youve had an enormous influence on me.
MICHAEL
I have?
STRANGER
I had a bad childhood. I grew up in a dark place too. I wondered if it would
ever get better. Seeking solace through writing. I think you said in an interview
once that you disliked the world outside your head, so you created one
inside. Thats what I did too. And I read about you. You gave people like me
hope. That we could grow up. Get better. Do better.
MICHAEL
Young manThat is the most grounded thing Ive heard in a long series of
quite colorful conversations. Its niceto hear Ive helped someone.
STRANGER
Yes. I dont mean to bother you. I just had to tell you something Ive thought
my whole life.
MICHAEL
I appreciate that you did.

65

STRANGER
Before I gocan I ask if youre working on anything else? Aside from your
childrens book series. It would be a pleasure to know I could hear more of
your thoughts. If we could.
MICHAEL
Im working on a compilation of ideas at the moment. A philosophy of sorts.
STRANGER
I look forward to reading that when its complete. Whats going to be in it?
MICHAEL
This will.
(The STRANGER smiles, nods, and leaves. The BARTENDER approaches.)
BARTENDER
Soyou wanna close up your tab?
MICHAEL
No. Leave it open.
(MICHAEL starts to leave and the BARTENDER calls after him.)
BARTENDER
What does that mean?
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 69, sits with his PUBLISHER, who leafs through some pages.)
PUBLISHER
Michael. My dear pal. This is nonsense. This is such a random collection of
ideas. Theres no through-line. Its inconsistently touching and comedic you
cant just balance emotions like that! Thats confusing tonally. And you call it a
manifesto but its just a bunch of random thoughts. Whats the connection?
MICHAEL
Im trying to find that out. When Im done, itll all link together.

66

PUBLISHER
I cant let you write a book if you dont know what its about. Thats insane.
MICHAEL
Youll have your book in due time. Unless you care more about money than
art.
PUBLISHER
I do care more about money than art. Youre a name, sure, but not if youre
going to come up with something crazier than a rat who controls a crew of
highly intelligent weasels. Actually, thats a good idea, write that down.
(MICHAEL takes note of it for a moment, then stops.)
MICHAEL
Hold on a second. No. I wont note that idea, or write that book. Because I
promise you, you will have my book. Have the patience to let me find it.
Philosophy wasnt found in a day. Or so Ive read.
PUBLISHER
Michael. Are you all right? Sometimes I think youre starting to go crazy.
MICHAEL
Theres nothing crazy about having ideas.
PUBLISHER
WellI think you may have proven that fact wrong.
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL, 71, sits at his desk, scribbling furiously.
KOREY JR. walks in and watches him, somber.)
MICHAEL
We cant be we if youre not you. Find the strength within to help those
without.
KOREY JR.
Hi Dad. Its me, Korey Jr.

67

MICHAEL
Youyou came back in another life.
KOREY JR.
No Dad. Im not him.
MICHAEL
But your name
KOREY JR.
You named me after him Dad.
MICHAEL
I would never do anything so stupid.
KOREY JR.
Dad. The nurse was asking if you were taking your medicine.
MICHAEL
Im writing a book son. Its about life and death and everything in between.
KOREY JR.
I know. I read the first chapter. It seems promising.
MICHAEL
Where did everyone go?
KOREY JR.
Your mom died. My mom died. Arthur tried to poison your mind, and he was
partially successful.
MICHAEL
Right. Now I remember.
KOREY JR.
Dad the reason I came here was to tell you something. My wife is pregnant
again. Youre having a grandson.
MICHAEL
Ill name him Korey. Korey Jr.

68

KOREY JR.
No, thats my name. And Im probably going to name him. Maybe Clive. Or
Patrick.
MICHAEL
Those are beautiful names. I also like Jurnurvitch.
KOREY JR.
Ill consider that. I thought maybe youd like to be there for the delivery.
(MICHAEL looks up from his notebook and sees KOREY JR.
for the first time in a while. He rushes over to hug him.)
MICHAEL
Congratulations. Youre the only thing I have left. Besides my book. Did I tell
you about it? Its almost done, Im on the verge of my last epiphany.
KOREY JR.
I love you Dad. And I want you to know you dont have to explain the world
to me. Or to anyone else. Ill love you either way.
MICHAEL
Did you know life is a series of rebirths?
(blackout.)
(lights up.)
(MICHAEL , 75, sits alone in a vacuous space, surrounded by
crumpled pages and a single, neat stack of manuscript.)
MICHAEL
Alone with my thoughts. Thats the way I prefer it. And thats how its always
been. Alone in a glassy globe. Or alone in my own private prison. A million
reflections race above in the swirling sky and I pull down whichever seems
right. Over and over and over. I used to think god sent them down to me. But
now I know that I threw them up there, and I could only reach for them when I
was ready.
(MICHAEL slowly reaches towards a crumpled page and
scans it. He smiles and adds it to his stack of papers.)

69

MICHAEL
A stranger in a bar instilled a thought in me. That maybe changing the world
isnt some grand scheme. Its not some long-winded plan that takes a lifetime.
And its not done through any metaphysical means. Its done through
ourselves. Changing within to help those without. Its so simple and it only took
a single era to figure it out. Perhaps your life is the counter to anothers.
Complements. Supplements. Antithesis. Were all part of each others change.
(MICHAEL flips over his manuscript and tries to fit a paperclip on it with no
avail then throws it at a stack of paperclips. He writes on the back page.)
MICHAEL
History is cyclical. All of our lives repeat themselves in stages. In scenes. In
acts. One is a mirror of another and another and we file through the pages as
we draw to the final conclusion. And who you are on the last page. That is
who you will be remembered as. The summation of self is an illusion. The
individual is a memory. But the usthe wethe collective mindset of all. That is
what will be remembered when the ashes of the self wash away. So a life
closes for another to open and ink dries on a page to leave one final message.
Three words that have led me down a life worth writing about, but perhaps not
remembering. The three words that have had clout within my own mind, but
stood for something bigger than I could ever be. The three words that allowed
me a bravery to change those around me. The three wordsThis. Is. We.
(MICHAEL motions to grab a gun from his desk. He signs
his manifesto and smiles, a few tears falling from his eye. He
fingers the gun and pulls it to his head, hand over the trigger.)
MICHAEL
Im out of words now.
(He squeezes.)
(blackout.)
(lights dont rise.)
END

OF

PLAY.

70