Gearoid Macuait PhD student at The Moore Institute
One Act Plays
Title:
HER NAME IS MELINDA
Cast:
Tabatha
young, African woman
Secretary
secretary
Martina
admin staff
Joey
floor cleaner
Colin
security man
Mick
security man
Customer
customer
setting:
in the reception area of a public building in Galway; all the people in the building are Irish
and white
ACT ONE, SCENE 1
lights up; late afternoon; Tabatha is seen talking through glass to
Martina, who is visible to audience; she has one hand on a buggy
behind her; she looks around behind her, then quickly around the
reception area
Tabatha
Melinda! Melinda—where are you?
stands, looks around, shakes head; addresses glass
Did you see my child? (short pause, raises voice) My child! Did
you see which way my child—went? (backs off from glass)
Melinda! (runs to door on right, goes out comes back in
immediately) Melinda! (goes to glass, no one there, raps glass,
presses button) Hello? Where are you gone? I need to find my
child! Hello?
looks around, goes to opposite wall to where there are two doors;
knocks on one, no answer, it’s locked; knocks on other door, no
answer, it’s open; Tabatha sticks her head in door
Melinda?
back to first door, tries it again but still locked; bangs on door,
shouts into door jamb
Melinda!
bangs loudly on door; back to centre stage, visibly shaken; shouts
child’s name out to audience
Melinda! (no response, goes back to glass; bangs on glass and
rings bell, looks round)
Martina
(from behind glass) Yes? You Can stop ringing the bell now,
thank you.
Tabatha
Did you see Melinda?
Martina
Who?
Tabatha
Melinda—my child? She was here a minute ago.
Martina
No, I didn’t. I haven’t seen anyone. Did you check outside?
Tabatha
Yes.
Martina
Well...did you check the stairs?
Tabatha
Where are they?
Martina points from behind glass; Tabatha swings around, goes
behind partition, enters stair well and shouts; no response; returns
to glass
Tabatha
The other woman—the other woman who was helping me—can I
speak to her?
Martina
Well...who was she?
Tabatha
I don’t know. She was here. I spoke to her.
Martina
(slightly curt tone) What did she look like?
Tabatha
She...she—I can’t remember. (desperate, blurts out) She had nice
eyes!
Martina
(repeats) She had nice eyes. Okay. Wait here, please.
Tabatha walks centre stage; over to locked door, tries it again;
goes back to main door stage left, looks out, calls; goes back to
glass; rings bell, no response; from partition to stair well at stage
rear, Joey enters, wearing a white cleaner’s coat and carrying a
bucket and accoutrements
Tabatha
(goes up to him) Please, did you see a child going that way?
Joey
Sorry—who did you say?
Tabatha
My child, Melinda. (indicates height) She is only four years old.
She was here a few minutes ago. I do not understand where she has
gone. Did you see her out there?
Joey
No, sorry. But nobody uses those stairs. She must be here
somewhere. I’m sure she’ll be back in a minute.
Tabatha
(raised voice) I can’t wait for her to come back. She must be here
now! She is only four years old!
Joey
(taken a little aback by Tabatha’s voice) Did you try at
reception—ring the bell. I’m sure somebody will help you.
Tabatha
I...I... (gesticulates towards glass)
Joey
Did you try the lift?
Tabatha
The lift! Oh my God—the lift! No—wait. (pause) She would not
use the lift. She would never get in a lift without me!
Joey
(starts to leave) Well, as I said, I’m sure she’ll turn up. Try
reception there. They’re very helpful. I have to get on. I’m busy. If
I see her, I’ll ... let you know. (exits)
Tabatha looks around area, at the doors; then goes to glass; rings,
waits and rings again
Martina
The woman who was on before me has gone home. And nobody
else has seen anything.
Tabatha
We must ring the police. Now! Somebody has taken her—
main door opens, a customer walks in and goes to glass, standing
behind Tabatha
--please, we must ring the police.
Martina
Isn’t there somebody that you can ring? She’s probably with
someone right now. Did you come here with anybody?
Tabatha
No, there is no one here with me. We must speak to someone in
charge—please, now!
Customer
(to glass, holding up envelope) Could I just leave this...
Martina
(to Tabatha) Sorry, could I just deal with this customer, if you
don’t mind. If you could just stand aside and let—
Tabatha
(shouts) No! I won’t stand aside! (bangs on glass) We must ring
the police. You must ring the police! (searches her pockets)
Where is my mobile? (searches buggy; bangs on glass) My
mobile was here! What is going on in this place?
Martina
Please be quiet, and stop banging on the glass. Now, I don’t know
where your mobile is gone. I’ll get security. Hold on, please.
Tabatha
(turns to customer) Did you see a child when you were coming
here? She is only this size (indicates).
Customer
(unsympathetic, doesn’t look at Tabatha) No.
Tabatha
Did you come in the lift?
customer ignores Tabatha; Tabatha rushes out main door
Customer
(looks after Tabatha, to glass) What’s going on with that one?
(pause) You need to watch them, y’know. They’re always up to
something or other. Jesus Christ—our estate’s full of them. And
there’s always something going on with them, I’m tellin’ ya.
Martina
(calls out) Hello—are you there?
Customer
She’s gone. Quick as a flash. I’m tellin’ ya. They’re as slippery,
that lot.
Martina
Did you see where she went?
Customer
(shrugs shoulders) She said something about the lift. Looked like
she was in a hurry. Can I leave this? (holds up envelope)
Martina
She’s said her child is missing.
Customer
Yeah? (hands in envelope, starts to leave) Well, it wouldn’t
surprise me if it was a scam! Ya can take my word for it—it’s a
scam for sure. (exits main door, as Tabatha comes back in)
Tabatha
(to glass, flustered) She is not in the lift and she is not outside.
Where is my mobile?
Martina
If you could just wait a minute. Security are on their way here.
They won’t be long. Somebody is coming out to see you. They’re
bringing a chair. Would you like a drink of water?
Tabatha
(shakes her head) No...where is the security. I need to talk to
them.
Secretary
(enters through main door with a chair, offers to Tabatha)
Now, here we are. Sit down on this for a minute. Would you like a
drink of water? (Tabatha shakes her head, sits down) Now, tell
me what happened? God knows I know what young children are
like—always up to mischief and running off. Has she done this
before? They usually come back—
Tabatha
(jumps up) No! She does not do this. Someone must help me find
her. She is missing! What is wrong with this place? I come in here
and I am talking to someone behind the glass and the next thing
Melinda is gone and nobody knows where she is! Nobody has seen
her. Where is the security people? (to glass) When is the security
here? Who did you ring?
Martina
They are on their way. They’ll be here soon.
Secretary
(puts arm on Tabatha’s shoulder) I’m sorry but please try to stay
calm. Look, sit down. I know this is very difficult for you. Tell me
about Melinda—anything. What does she like?
Tabatha
(quieter voice) She does not like to go off on her own. She always
stays beside me.
main door opens, Joey the cleaner enters, carrying stuff; Tabatha
watches him; he goes to locked door stage right; fiddles with keys;
opens door slightly and squeezes in
Secretary
Are you sure that she came in through that door with you? Was she
in her buggy?
Tabatha
Yes, I came in through that door...I think she was asleep. There was
somebody else here. I don’t know who. I didn’t look. I just knew
someone else was here. They must have seen her. (excited voice)
The lady I was talking to when I first came in—can you ring her?
On her mobile. She must have seen Melinda.
Secretary
Wait here. I’ll be back. I’ll go into the office and get her number
and get one of the girls to give her a ring.
Secretary exits; Tabatha puts her face into her hands; door that
was locked opens, slightly and Joey edges out sideways; Tabatha
lifts her head and watches him; he looks away from her and goes
out main door; Tabatha gets up slowly and walks over to door, she
tries handle but it is still locked; she leans against it, pressing it
with her weight, then presses hard; two security men enter through
main door and stand watching Tabatha; one of them walks up
behind her
Colin
Can I help you with anything, there?
Tabatha
(turns quickly) You are the security people. You must help me.
Reception rang you for me.
Colin
(shakes his head) I didn’t get any call from reception. (looks over
at Mick) Hey, Mick. Did you get a call from reception?
Mick
(shakes his head) No.
Colin
(shakes head again at Tabatha) We didn’t get no call from
reception. Mick, make a note of that, will ya?
Mick
Will do. (takes out small notebook and makes note)
Tabatha
(frustrated) Okay. But my child is missing and you must help me.
Her name is—
Colin
I didn’t hear anything about a missing child. (keeps his eyes on
Tabatha; calls over to Mick) You hear anything about a missing
child, Mick?
Mick
Nope.
Colin
(still looking at Tabatha) Make a note of it Mick. (pause, still
looking closely at Tabatha) You want to tell me what you doing
at this door?
Tabatha
I just thought she might be in there. (raised voice) My daughter is
missing! She might be in there!
Colin
(motions to Tabatha) Stand aside, please. (tries door; to
Tabatha) It’s locked. (to Mick) Make a note.
Tabatha
(frustrated) I know it’s locked. That’s why I was trying to get in.
Colin
If the door is locked, why are you trying to get in there? (looks at
door; then over at Mick, who continues to make notes) If the
door is locked, how would your child get in there?
Tabatha
Can’t you believe me? Ask reception, they know. (walks over to
glass; Martina appears) Will you tell them that you know my
child is missing—that is why you called them?
Martina
I know that you said your child is missing. (pause) I didn’t see her.
I can’t say that I saw her if I didn’t. I can only say what I saw.
Tabatha
What about the other lady, the one who came out with the chair?
She said she would ring to find out what the other receptionist saw?
Martina
She’s on her way out to you. Now, I’m quite sure that if you
cooperate with these gentlemen, everything will work out fine.
Tabatha
What do you want to know? (looks at Mick) Her name is—
Colin
(interrupting) Mick. Talk to the staff in reception, first. Find out
what you can? (Mick goes out of main door; Colin turns to
Tabatha) Okay, then. First things first. What’s your name?
Tabatha
Tabatha Ogun. My daughter’s name is—
Colin
(puts up his hands) Hold on, hold on. I come in here and I find
you trying to force your way in through this door, here. And then
you tell me your child is missing and you think she might be
behind a locked door. (shakes head) I don’t wish to offend you Ms
Ogun, but I think you’re trying to take me for a fool. Wait, I’m not
finished yet. If you have a child and she’s missing, we’ll find her.
Now, have you got any form of ID?
Tabatha
Yes. In my bag. (Tabatha walks over to buggy, searches it; goes
to glass, looks, goes back to buggy; addresses glass). Where is
my bag? My wallet? Everything is in there. I left it...here, I think.
(indicates glass)
Colin
I’m sorry but I must repeat my question: have you got a form of
ID?
Secretary
(enters through main door, to Tabatha) I’m sorry but we are
unable to contact the receptionist you were dealing with when you
first came in. We’ve left her a voice message. I’m sure she’ll get
back in no time and all this will be sorted out. (goes over to Colin
and speaks in lowered tones to him, then exits)
Colin
Ms Ogun, I really do hope that you are not trying to waste our
time—
Tabatha
Why would I waste your time? My daughter is missing. We must
search the building. Are you stupid? Do you think I want to play
games when my daughter is not here?
Colin
--because we are very busy. And it’s getting late and people want
to go home. People are not going to be very happy if you are
wasting their time. They are not going to be happy at all, now are
they Ms Ogun? So why don’t you show some ID and we can get
this all sorted out.
Tabatha
(shouts) I can’t find my ID!
Colin
(Mick re-enters) Make a note, Mick: the client cannot produce any
ID.
Tabatha
To hell with you and your ID! Where is my daughter? (Joey enters
through main door; he hesitates then goes to exit) That’s him!
He has the key to the locked door!
Colin
(to Joey) Hey, Joey. Yhiss this your store room, isn’t it?
Joey
(looks over at Tabatha, then to Colin) Yes.
Colin
Can ya open it, please?
Joey
Eh, no. Sorry about that. I, eh, don’t have the key.
Colin
Mick, have you got the master keys?
Mick
(over to door) Sure have.
Joey
(moves to door) Ah, leave it lads. There’s no need to be going in
there. (speaks in lowered tones to Mick)
Colin
C’mon. Let’s get this over with. Joey—move!
Mick unlocks door; Tabatha puts hand on her mouth and walks
over; Mick pulls away in disgust; Colin puts his head in door, looks
around, goes in, reappears; Tabatha sticks head in door and comes
away clutching her mouth; Colin closes door
Jesus! What the hell are you doing in there? Have you moved in?
(no response from Joey) Are you living in the building, Joey? How
long, Joey? And what the hell are you using for a toilet in there?
(still no response from Joey) Jesus, Joey—get that place cleaned
up!
Tabatha has backed up to the chair and sits down on it; Colin
walks over to her and stands over her
Colin
Now Ms Ogun, as you saw for yourself, there isn’t any girl in there,
missing or otherwise. Now I think it’s about time you explained
yourself, don’t you? (motions to main door) You will accompany
us to our security office. This way, please.
Tabatha
(stands up, put her face up to his) I do not have anything to
explain. My daughter is missing! And I must find her!
Colin
Well then I’m sure you won’t mind coming to our office, where we
can get all the right details and set about solving this problem.
Now. if you’re ready...
END OF SCENE 1
SCENE 2
setting:
security office; no main light; just a low light and a couple of spots on the characters; Mick is
standing over a table; Tabatha is seated at the table
Mick
Look, listen to me and listen good. It’s easy, see? You just give him
what he wants and we all walk out of here tonight. Don’t mess up.
You say you got a daughter missing. Okay. Humour him, please
him, do—whatever you have to do? You want to look for your
daughter—we’ll look for your daughter. You want to do the right
thing for your daughter—you’ll play your cards the right way up.
(Starts to leave) Remember what I said. (exits stage right)
Colin enters; closes door behind him, stands one metre inside the
room; Tabatha stands up; Colin walks to the table
Colin
Sit down, please. (Tabatha sits) Name?
Tabatha
Tabatha Ogun
Colin
Nationality?
Tabatha
(hesitates) Nigerian. What has that got to do with—
Colin
Daughter’s age?
Tabatha
Four years of age.
Colin
Nationality?
Tabatha
Nigerian.
Colin
Father’s name?
Tabatha
Father’s name? Why are you asking me these questions? (stands
up) I want to speak to the police. I need to find my daughter. (goes
to leave) I don’t have time to—
Colin
Oh, the police are on their way. Don’t worry about that. And they
want to ask you a question or two, believe me. Now. let’s get it out
in the opening. You didn’t bring any daughter here today, did you?
You’re pulling a stunt. You’re gonna look for asylum, aren’t ya?
You’re gonna come out with some cock and bull story about your
daughter being in this country—(mocks) possibly kidnapped—and
how you can’t leave till you find her.
Tabatha
I will give you one more minute. Then I want the police and I want
this building searched. Do you think—big high security man—that
you frighten me? Do you think I care about you and your little
games when the life of my daughter could be in danger?
Colin
(reaches to the wall, and takes a police baton into his hand;
which he grips by the handle and holds it projecting up from
his crotch area) Do you know what this is, Ms Ogun?
Tabatha
(looks at it, sits down, looks away) Yes, of course. But how will it
help me find my daughter?
Colin
(brings baton crashing down onto table) Mix and Match. Mix
and match. Anything can happen in the fast-money round. (pause)
Here’s a starter for ten. How come our cameras didn’t pick
anything up? No lost girl—no crying—no ID! Well?
Tabatha
It happened! I tell you she was here—she is here... (stands) your
minute is up...
there is a knock, secretary enters stage left; walks to Colin, speaks
in lowered tones; he puts baton on table and leaves
Secretary
I’ll stay with you... Colin is just...
Tabatha
Is just what? What’s going on? Where is my daughter? (goes to
leave)
Secretary
(stands in doorway) You must wait here. It’s best. Colin will be
back any minute. If you keep on his good side—things will work
out. You’ll see.
Tabatha
What is this about keeping on his good side? Who is he anyway—
he’s just a security man! He’s crazy—he thinks he’s the judge and
jury. Why am I waiting on him? And what did you say to him when
you came in? Was it about my daughter? (goes to push past)
Colin
(appears in doorway, re-enters) If you want to talk about your
daughter, I’d advise you to sit down.
Secretary
Yes, sit down, Tabatha. Everything will be okay. But you must be
cooperative. Colin is trying to help you. You shouldn’t make it
difficult for him. And what about your daughter? How can you
expect to resolve this if you don’t cooperate? You’ll see, it’ll all
make sense.
Tabatha
(Secretary leaves; Tabatha sits down, emphatic tone) Where is
my daughter?
Colin
I’ve just spoken to the first receptionist you were talking to today
Colin takes off his jacket, puts it over chair, loosens his top button;
slowly, he rolls up his sleeves; he takes out a handkerchief and
lightly, almost ritualistically mops his forehead and cheeks
and she said that as far as she can recollect—
Mick knocks at door, enters and gives Colin a bag, then exits;
Colin looks into bag, nods; puts bag on table; Tabatha’s eyes
follow the bag
you may have had a buggy with you but she doesn’t remember any
child. (Tabatha goes to say something; he puts hand up) Let’s
go back to the beginning. Did you get a taxi here?
Tabatha
No. I got the bus.
Colin
The buses stop at the top of the square. What did you do then?
Tabatha
I walked over—I put Melinda in the buggy—Hang on, yes, I
remember, a kind man helped me to get the buggy off the bus—I
put Melinda in the buggy and walked over here.
Colin
And then?
Tabatha
I got in the lift. Melinda doesn’t like the lift, but she had fallen
asleep. When we got out we went into the place and I spoke to the
woman at reception. When I looked around—I had only been
speaking for a minute or two—and I gave her proof of my
address—and when I looked around, she was gone.
Colin
Did she say anything else—unusual, or make any comments?
Tabatha
Yes, she did...she said that they were very colourful—very
colourful ribbons in my daughter’s hair! She saw her—she saw
Melinda!
Colin
Your daughter was asleep, you say. Did you have her covered up?
Tabatha
Yes. It was cold.
Colin
There are images of you in the building with a buggy. it’s buggy is
big and there could or could not be a child in it. There are no
images of a child getting out of the buggy (shakes head) and being
taken out of the building—
Tabatha
Are you saying my daughter was taken out of the building? What
are you not telling me? What is in that bag?
Colin
This. (empties wallet, some documents and colourful ribbons
onto the table)
Tabatha
(catches her breath) They are Melinda’s ribbons! (stands up;
shouts) Where is Melinda?
Colin
(gesticulates annoyance) Shouting is not being cooperative. Do
you want to cooperate or not? Maybe I should leave you here for a
while to think about it?
Tabatha
I want my daughter! What are you talking about cooperative?
(stands) My little girl is in this building, and I intend to find her.
Out of my way! (he stands up as if to block her; she walks up to
him) You don’t frighten me, Mr Security man. (pause) Would you
like to know why you do not frighten me, Mr Security Man?
Because you need a big stick, and a man with a big stick is a
coward.
he starts to draw baton from the table, but Tabatha grabs it and
wrenches it from his hand; stands with baton held menacingly
high; Colin tries to shield himself
Are you a coward, Mr. Security man?
Secretary
(knocks, enters; looks at them) Tabatha—what are you doing?
Has it come to this? And all we’ve done to try and help you. Put
down the baton. Keep calm. They’re on their way. They’ll be here
in less than five minutes.
Tabatha
Who?
Colin
(leaving) The police. (exits)
Tabatha
Have they found Belinda?
Secretary
They want to talk to you?
Tabatha
(grabs ribbons off table, holds them up) And who found these?
Where is that woman I was talking to when I first came here? Did
she tell you about these?
Secretary
She’s...with the police. They’re asking her some questions. That’s
all I know. Wait here. Do not leave this room for any reason. Do
you understand (looks at her hard)? Do you? (Tabatha nods)
Good. Be patient. (leaves, closing door)
Tabatha sits down, stands up; walks over to door, listens; walks
back to table, picks up purse, drops it; walks back over to door,
puts her hand on door handle, lets go; walks back centre stage
Tabbatha
(stifles a cry; to audience) Her name is Melinda. Her name is
Melinda.
END