DTCW 34 Break Room

7/30/2019 DTCW 34 Break Room

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The

B reakRoom

by

Dorothy Tennov

A nursing home can be a tough place for anyone. It is filled with emergencies, neglect, pressure, andconfusion. Almost as low in the hierarchy as janitorial help and the residents, themselves, are the nursesassistants.

This is a play about how different personalities react to the problems and responsibilities they face onthe job. It explores interpersonal problems of people who find themselves obliged to do some of themost difficult, most physically demanding, and lowest wage jobs ... Jobs taken when no other choice isavailable.

Miriam Mason: Now in her mid-fifties, Miriam has been a nurses assistant for many years. Althoughshe is considered experienced and reliable by her employers, in fact she cuts corners

where she can, often at the residents expense. Her loyalties are divided and she loves togossip.

Chrissy Green: In her thirties and married, Chrissys genuine cheerfulness brings joy to the residents. Butdedication can lead to burnout. Whether it does or not can depend on support fromcoworkers, especially when doing the morally right thing is not the same as doing whatthe work schedule demands. Although Chrissy is uneducated and intellectually dull, she

feels that she holds high moral standards.Apple Amour: Still in her twenties, Apple is young, ambitious, and relatively aloof. The stint at Pleasant

Valley is a temporary stop toward bigger things. Apple attends classes in nursing at anearby hospital.

Sally Forrest: In her mid-forties, Sally is a newcomer and puzzling to the others. They suspect that she isnot quite what she seems, and they are right.

Spencer Robinson: Spencer is a male aide, about 35 years old. Theres always a special reason why a manends up as a nurses assistant in a nursing home.


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Characters referred to who do not appear on stage are include nurses assistants Valerie Buss, MarieWashington, Ruth Marble, and Charlene Harrison; residents Louise Dawkins, (referredto by the staff as Wacko), Mildred Sarason, Thelma Jackson, and Dorothy Billings(also known as 420a), 243b, attending physician Dr. Turland Rutgers; and AdministratorCynthia Holloway.

A small room with 2 chairs, sink, cabinet with drawers and shelves containing dishes, refrigerator, and coffeemachine. Along one wall are a dozen lockers.

MIRIAM

(Talking on the phone.) Okay I will. Yes. Okay, someones coming. Goodbye. (She quickly places the cellphone in her locker and closes the door. Then she turns and goes to the door and unlocks it.) Hello, Apple, niceto see you. Sorry to keep you waiting. I was adjusting my underwear and was afraid you might be

Spencer. (She pours herself a cup of hot water and sits down heavily with a sigh of fatigue.)

APPLE

Hows it going? (She peers into the refrigerator finally selecting a soda. She pops it open, gets a straw and sits in

the other chair.) You look beat.

MIRIAM

So do you.

APPLE

Oh, Im okay, considering what I have been doing all morning. Its good to sit for a while. Ive heardthat aides didnt used to get these regular breaks.

MIRIAM

Yeah. Thats right. It was the first big issue the old union took up. We got the breaks and we still gotthem. But we dont have the union no more since the strike. I guess Im the only one left from those

days.

APPLE

Howd you manage to survive?

MIRIAM

Kept my nose clean. I knew they didnt have a chance. There were no jobs, so it was either hang on to alousy job or have nothing to hang on to. I gritted my teeth, smiled at the right times and got a raise. Ive


3/21


kept that, too. They had to keep someone to train the new ones. I decided to be the one. The kids weresmall so . . .

APPLE

That must have made you real popular with the other girls. I notice you also get the best jobs and neverhave to do the graveyard.

MIRIAM

I lost one friend, but most just moved on. I felt sorry for them, but what the hell. Unions were on theirway out. I may not be educated, but I was smart enough to see that. I was rewarded. Still am.

MIRIAM

Yeah, Holloway kept her word. Anyway thats history.

APPLE

History with a lesson.

MIRIAM

I guess. But its still a lousy job. (Changing the subject after a pause:) What about you? You seem brightand with it? Is this your chosen career?

APPLE

Its a first step. Helps pay my tuition and I thought it would be an important experience.

MIRIAM

Important to who? (Pause) By the way, have you heard the latest?

APPLE

Im not sure. Did the raises come through?

MIRIAMYou kidding? Across the board raises will happen here the day 420a wakes up with a dry diaper and Dr.Rutgers gets here more than once a month.

APPLE

I thought the regulations require weekly visits.

MIRIAM

On paper and he makes them all right on paper.

APPLE

So whats new? Something juicy?

MIRIAM

Hmmmm. No, not juicy, run of the mill, really. 124b broke her arm.

APPLE

Is that all? People are always breaking things around here hips, knees . . . didnt Sarason break herbackbone last month?


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MIRIAM

It was a compression fracture and a stink was avoided because the girl who turned her convenientlyquit three days later.

APPLE

Conveniently?

MIRIAMNot available for questioning when the family called the State people in. Anyway, 324b case isnt that

simple.

APPLE

Oh?

MIRIAM

Rumor has it she was pushed.

APPLE

Pushed?

MIRIAM

So I heard.

APPLE

But who? And why? (Sally Forrest enters.)

SALLY

Hi there, Miriam, Apple. I hope Im not interrupting a personal conversation. (She gets coffee and standsleaning against the counter drinking.)

MIRIAM

Did you know about the resident who broke her arm yesterday?

SALLY

Dorothy Billings? All I know is that it happened. Poor woman. They said she had a lot of pain with it. Itwas Charlene Harrison who found her, wasnt it?

MIRIAM

Yeah, she found her all right.

SALLY

What do you mean?

MIRIAM

(Ignoring the question) I was wondering, where is Charlene? I havent seen her. Sorry, but my time is up.Salt mines are calling. See you all.

APPLE

See you, Miriam.


5/21


MIRIAM

Bye all. (She leaves.)

SALLY

See you later. (To Apple) I hope I didnt chase her away.

APPLE

Oh no, breaks are short and she was here when I came.

SALLY

Do you have time?

APPLE

Yeah, a little.

SALLY

I wanted to ask you something. Youve been here longer than I have and thought you might be able tohelp with something that has been bothering me.

APPLE

If I can.

SALLY

Ive been wondering about Spencer Robinson. Has he been here long? Do you know him well?

APPLE

Why? Whats up?

SALLY

Nothing, really. I dont know. I just wondered how the women felt about having a man bathing anddiapering them.

APPLE

Well I know for a fact that some of the old ladies think hes gods gift to them. 234b used to ask forhim. She said she felt safer when he got her into her chair because hes stronger.

SALLY

Past tense?

APPLE

He was transferred to the North Wing so he doesnt do her anymore. I dont know why.

SALLY

I wonder what happened.

APPLE

Ive got to leave now. Ms. Holloway lets me take off early to get to class provided I shorten my lunchand break times. Nice to talk with you, but so long for now.


6/21


SALLY

So long. (Apple leaves and Sally takes a notebook out of her pocket and writes in it. When the door starts toopen, she puts it away quickly as Spencer enters.)

SPENCER

Hello Sally Forrest, taking notes?

SALLY

Grocery list. How are you, Spencer?

SPENCER

Im okay, are you okay?

SALLY

(Laughing) Yes, Im okay. Tell, me how is Dorothy Billings? Is she okay?

SPENCER

I really dont know. I suppose as okay as an 85-year-old biddy can be with her arm in a cast. But much

as Id love to stay and chat, this isnt my break time. You didnt see me. (Takes a glass of milk from therefrigerator, downs it in a gulp and departs.)

(Sally makes another note in her book and leaves)

After a moment Apple enters, sees no one, takes a cookie from the cookie jar, and leaves. Shortly after, Chrissycomes in, turns her back to the audience and puts her hands to her face, as if weeping. Curtain closes.)

[Same time next day. Miriam enters as before. This time its Chrissy who comes in.]

CHRISSY

(She smiles a greeting to Miriam, pours herself some coffee and sits down)

MIRIAM

Whats with you today, little girl?

CHRISSY

(Bristling slightly) Im fine. Its such a beautiful spring day. Some of the residents will have their morningactivity in the courtyard. Thats really nice for them.

MIRIAM

Nice for them, a pain in the neck for us, getting the wheelchairs out there.

CHRISSY

Yeah, youre right about that..


7/21


MIRIAM

Feeling better today?

CHRISSY

What dya mean?

MIRIAM

When I saw you coming in here yesterday you looked as if you were going to burst.

CHRISSY

Oh, yes, well. Its okay now.

MIRIAM

What happened?

CHRISSY

I guess it was my fault. I was late bathing Mrs. Jackson and Hollaway let me have it.

MIRIAM

First rule: Never be late with baths.

CHRISSY

I know. I was talking to Mrs. Aukland next door. Her daughter was supposed to visit and had called tosay she wasnt coming and she was upset and I thought she needed cheering up.

MIRIAM

Yours is not to think and not to cheer up except along with other duties. Thats the job of Activity orSocial Service.

CHRISSY

Well it was 7 AM and they dont come in until 8:30, and she needed someone then.

MIRIAM

You wont last here if you take on other peoples jobs.

CHRISSY

Sometimes I think I wont last. But Ive got to.

MIRIAM

The money?

CHRISSYWe need it. Elliot has been out of work for seven months now.

MIRIAM

Considering what they pay here, cant you do better somewhere else?


8/21


CHRISSY

I dont want to work behind the counter at MacDonalds. Not that they pay any more. But its someaningless. Here, I could really be helping . . . if theyd let me. These people need kindness in their lastdays. Its morally wrong the way theyre treated sometimes.

MIRIAM

I dont see them complaining.

CHRISSY

You know theyre afraid to complain. And Im afraid to complain, too, if you want to know the truth.Forget I said anything.

MIRIAM

Thats the girl. Look out for yourself. You cant change the system.

CHRISSY

Its a rotten system.

MIRIAMIn some ways. Just do your job and think of other things. (Singing) Theres a blue sky over yonder,

Theres a blue bird in that sky . . . (She breaks off the song.) At least you can leave here and get somerest and have some fun every day.

CHRISSY

I know. Ruth Marble goes home to four kids, and Valerie has another job.

MIRIAM

And the residents sit around all day while we wait on them. You dont have to feel sorry for them.

CHRISSY

Youre right in a way, but it isnt pleasant for them. How would you like to be here?

MIRIAM

I wouldnt be here.

CHRISSY

What if you couldnt help it?

MIRIAM

I could help it.

CHRISSY

How?

MIRIAM

I just could. (The door opens and Apple enters.) Hi, Apple.

APPLE

Im glad youre here. People are acting pretty strange about 324bs broken arm. If we dont getinterrupted again, maybe youll give me the details. I had to leave early yesterday.


9/21


MIRIAM

It was on the last shift. I only heard about it. 324b fell out of bed.

APPLE

324b? I thought she had something up here would at least keep her in bed at night.

MIRIAM

I think that stuff about Miss 324b being normal mentally was bull. Insides, she was as nutty as the restof them. It doesnt surprise me in the least. The rumor is that she was pushed?

CHRISSY

Oh, no!

MIRIAM

Its only a rumor. Somebody comes up with a rumor every time something happens around here. Pay it

no mind. (There is a pause.)

CHRISSY

Whoops, its my time to go. Are you coming, Miriam?

MIRIAM

Not yet. Im on extended break to make up for a short lunch time.

CHRISSY

Bye, then and thanks for the advice See ya, Apple.

MIRIAM

Just keep your eyes in the skies and your feet on the floor. See ya, kid. (Chrissy leaves.)

APPLE

Advice?

MIRIAM

Little Miss Bleeding Heart is not long for Pleasant Valley.

APPLE

She should get a degree and hang out a shingle.

MIRIAM

Have you heard anything more about Mumbles?

APPLENo.

MIRIAM

In confidence? There are those who must not hear about this.

APPLE

Of course.


10/21


MIRIAM

I talked with Marie. Tell me, did you know Charlene?

APPLE

Sure, the new girl, Charlene Harrison.

MIRIAM

She hated 324b. Called her Mumbles.

APPLE

Hated Billings? Thats nothing, she hates them all, she called them those wrinkled old great-grandmothers we get paid a nonliving wage to lift and clean up before and after, with emphasis on theafter. Charlene hates them all

MIRIAM

Yes, but she hated 324b specially.

APPLE

But 324b isnt much trouble. Shes quiet. There isnt much there so whats to hate?

MIRIAM

Thats what Charlene thought! Anyway, about a month ago Charlene and Spencer were working thesame graveyard. It was about 2 AM, they didnt know where to go so they ducked into 324bs room.

That was when there was no 324a. Old Yacko hadnt moved in yet.

APPLE

Or out. They moved her down to intensive yesterday.

MIRIAM

Anyway, 324b should have been asleep. When they were just getting there, they hear 324b say, Stopthat.

APPLE

324a said Stop that? Its impossible. She doesnt speak. Mumbles sometimes, but thats about all. Youmean she caught them at it? And said Stop that?

MIRIAM

She said more. She said, Get out of my room. And she pointed to the door.

APPLE

Incredible! How do you know?

MIRIAM

Marie was in here and Charlene was so shocked she stumbled in and spilled the whole thing out. Shesaid Old Mumbles spoke with such authority it was like getting caught . . .

APPLE

. . . with your pants down . . .


11/21


MIRIAM

Ha!

APPLE

in a very unexpected way.

MIRIAM

It was unexpected.

APPLE

So what else happened? What did Spencer do?

MIRIAM

Spencer the room left quickly. Marie said she saw him zipping up. It seems he used to take care of 324bso he was even more shocked at being discovered as Charlene was at founding him out.

APPLE

Thats quite a story. How come we didnt hear about it sooner?

MIRIAM

Charlene swore Marie to secrecy.

APPLE

And she kept her word? So how come she finally told?

MIRIAM

Thats the news. When Marie heard the rumor about Charlene pushing Billings out of bed, she openedup. It seems that after the incident Charlene got very uncomfortable around 324b. She didnt like thelooks she was getting from her. As if she knew something.

APPLE

I know that feeling. Its spooky. But murder?

MIRIAM

I think she just wanted to get her out of the wing.

APPLE

Get her moved to intensive?

MIRIAM

Yeah.

APPLE

But 324b wouldnt do anything or say anything.

MIRIAM

Its not that. It really got to Charlene. She started thinking they all understand and hate us as much aswe hate them.


12/21


APPLE

Whataya mean, hate them. Would I say, Good morning, dear, I hope you slept well. Its a lovely day.Heres your breakfast, deary. to someone I hate?

MIRIAM

Yes. (Both laugh.)

APPLE

No, I dont really hate them, I feel sorry for them. Its just that Id rather be diapering my baby than anold bag.

MIRIAM

Dont I know. Resent is a better word, but with Charlene its hate. The very latest happened thismorning. Charlene quit.

APPLE

And Spencer?

MIRIAMNothing I know of. (Looks at her watch.) Oh, Oh. Now my time is up. Let me know if you find outanything.

APPLE

Sure thing. Bye. (Miriam leaves and Sally enters.)

SALLY

Looks like were gonna be short staffed again.

APPLE

Yeah, Miriam just told me that Charlene Harrison left.

SPENCER

(Spencer enters.) Hi, girls.

APPLE

Im leaving.

SPENCER

Is it me?

APPLE

No, Spencer, just the clock. Im kidding. I just got here. Heard any gossip?

SPENCER

Not really. Wacko had a bad time, but thats it. Oh yes, 324b is back in 324b in the other wing.

APPLE

You mean the lady who can speak real good if the occasion calls for it?


13/21


SPENCER

You know?

APPLE

Everybody knows. I thought you had a wife.

SPENCER

Me? No.

APPLE

Spencer, you told me you had a wife named Barbara.

SPENCER

I know. I say that sometimes. I used to have a wife named Barbara.

APPLE

And a son named Willy?

SPENCER

And a son named Willy.

APPLE

Whatd they do, throw you out?

SPENCER

I didnt have a job.

APPLE

Well you got one now.

SPENCER

Here? This aint no job.

APPLE

What would you call it?

SPENCER

Cruel and unusual punishment.

APPLE

Whatsa matter, you dont like the satisfying sight of gooey shit slivering out of a bedpan under the

expert guidance of your hose?

SPENCER

If I could get any other kind of work I wouldnt be here.

APPLE

Why, Spencer, I thought you liked old ladies, the way you joke with them and hug em and kiss em.Why cant you get other work? Youre a handsome fella. You stupid or something?


14/21


SPENCER

(Sheepishly.) Never mind.

APPLE

Oh that. Whatd you do?

SPENCER

Nothing. I was innocent, a victim of injustice.

APPLE

Come on, you son of a bitch.

SPENCER

I was accused of breaking and entering with a little cocaine in my back pocket planted there by thepolice.

APPLE

Isnt that what they all say? But didnt you have to show identification to get in here?

SPENCER

A friend of mine fixed some fakes.

APPLE

And they didnt check your references?

SPENCER

My theory is they didnt want to know.

APPLE

So you make do with a little here and there on the side.SPENCER

You could say that. Ya wanna make a contribution to the cause?

APPLE

No thanks. Romeo, you arent my type and my times up anyway so have a good day. (She leaves as Sallyenters. They nod to each other.)

SPENCER

You again.

SALLY

You have a problem with me?

SPENCER

Yeah. Theres something about you I dont get and I dont like. What are you always writing down inthat book? You remind me of a cop. Know what I think? I think youre some kind of snitch and I dontlike snitches.


15/21


SALLY

Now, now, little boy. Take it easy. Dont get yourself worked up.

SALLY

SALLY

SPENCER

Lemme see that book of yours. (He grabs her shoulder with his left hand and reaches for her pocket, but shegives a twist and breaks free.)

(Firmly) Dont you touch me.

SPENCER

(Backing off) Whod want to touch you.

CHRISSY

(Entering) Whats going on?

Spencer here is having a testosterone attack.

CHRISSY

A what?

SALLY

Its a kind of Superman illusion. Hell be okay, wont you, Spencer?

SPENCER

(As Chrissy goes to the refrigerator, Spencer glares at Sally.) Im leaving. (He goes out.)

CHRISSY

(As she and Sally sit down with their coffee) That guy kinda scares me. I havent wanted to be alone withhim here. And hes got a strange way with the residents. Kinda over friendly?

SALLY

You mean its not sincere?

CHRISSY

I guess so.

SALLY

You mean more than that, dont you?

CHRISSY

Yes. No. Im not sure. Theres no proof. Well, one day I went into Mrs. Dawkinss room. He wasdressing her.

SALLY

You saw something?


16/21


CHRISSY

Not exactly. I thought I saw him jerk her dress down suddenly when he saw me and there was a look onher face I didnt like.

SALLY

Fear?

CHRISSY

Im not sure. But thats all. No one said anything. (Chrissy leaves. Sally writes something in her notebookand leaves.)


17/21


(About three months later. Sally is alone in the break room writing in her notebook and sipping a coke whenChrissy comes in.)

SALLY

Hi there.CHRISSY

(Dejected) Hi.

SALLY

Its your last day, isnt it? Bet youre glad to get out of here.

CHRISSY

I would be if I had somewhere else to go.

SALLY

I heard you had something lined up.

CHRISSY

MacDonalds.

SALLY

But youll be a manager. Youll make more money, therell be no more bedpans or diapers and yourcustomers can feed themselves. Sounds like heaven to me.

CHRISSY

Yeah, in a way, when you put it like that. But Im going to miss feeling I could help people who need

help, and not just by taking their hamburger orders. I feel like Im failing people I got to know and carefor. People who need the attention I want to give them.

SALLY

So stay. You didnt get fired, did you?

CHRISSY

No, but Hollaway made it pretty clear that my work wasnt exactly satisfactory and that meant therewould be no raises, and no future here at all. I dont really have a choice. That last incident did it for me.

SALLY

What was that?CHRISSY

After I wheeled Mrs. Dawkins down to morning activity I stayed talking with her and some of theresidents. Holloway said it was loitering. I could see the same thing happening over and over because I

wasnt going to give them the brush when they just want a little conversation. Miriam and Apple maycall it repetitive babble but to them its not just repetitive babble. Theyre human beings. Hollaway saidstick to the schedule and the script. And thats what Miriam kept telling me I should do. Well, Id bettergo. Thank Miriam for me. I know she tried to help. And say goodbye to the others that I wont beseeing again. You know, Sally . . .


18/21


SALLY

Yes?

CHRISSY

I always thought you were different.

SALLY

How do you mean?

CHRISSY

I always felt you cared more.

SALLY

Cared more?

CHRISSY

Than the others. About how they felt. Spencer who doesnt really care, that I know, said you were aspy, that you were really here to write a book. Is it true?

SALLY

You wont tell?

CHRISSY

Of course not. Besides, Im leaving so I wont even be tempted. Miriam has a way of getting things outof people.

SALLY

Yes she does, Ive wanted to tell you, but I didnt dare.

CHRISSY

Then you arent really a nurses assistant like the others. What are you?

SALLY

Well I am a nurses assistant in that Im certified, but Im on leave from a position at the university. Ima sociologist.

CHRISSY

Whats that?

SALLY

Somebody who studies how people act with each other and then writes articles and books about them.

CHRISSY

How did Spencer know?

SALLY

Well, he doesnt know for sure but he caught me taking notes a couple of times. He thinks Im ajournalist.

CHRISSY


19/21


Whats the difference?

SALLY

Not a lot, I guess. I hate to see you go, Chrissy. I thought maybe it was because Dorothy Billings haddied.

CHRISSY

Well that didnt help. I dont know a lot, but I know she didnt get the right care.SALLY

You were with her, werent you?

CHRISSY

Yes, and she knew what was going on. I dont care what they say. I know she knew. (Suddenly burstinginto tears.) Oh, Sally, come see me before you write that book. I want to tell you other things, too.

SALLY

About Spencer?

CHRISSY

You knew that, too.

SALLY

I suspected, but he was pretty cautious when I was around. He wasnt the only one suspicious of me soI wasnt in on all the scuttlebutt.

CHRISSY

(Writing) Heres my home number. Id better go now, somebody might come in and I dont want to seeanybody else. Thank you. Im so glad we had this talk.

SALLY

Me too. (They hug, and Chrissy leaves. After a while, Apple enters.)

SALLY

So Chrissys off to MacDonalds. Too bad. The residents seemed to like her.

She was a sweet kid, but she set a tone that got the biddies upset with people who didnt treat them thatway. And if we all did...

APPLE

Yeah, well, she was a drain on the rest of us.

SALLY

What do you mean?

APPLE

SALLY

If we all spent time chatting instead of working the whole thing would fall apart.


20/21


APPLE

You got it.

SALLY

Hmmmnn.

APPLE

And she had a hard time with some of the heavy work.

SALLY

Bathing.

APPLE

And getting them in and out of their chairs.

SALLY

Even Spencer huffs and puffs sometimes. Well, Id better get back. See you later.

APPLE

Sure. (She takes out a compact and puts make-up on. Spencer enters.)

SPENCER

Making yourself beautiful for me, I see?

APPLE

You and everybody else in the world, including me.

SPENCER

Chrissy is so sad to be leaving me, she left with tears in her eyes.

APPLE

I dont think those tears were for you.

SPENCER

If I were on break Id grab your slender young waist and kiss your lovely red lips, but Im just sneakinga cookie to tide me over. Your loss, you lovely, seductive creature. Next time.

APPLE

Yeah, Spencer. (He leaves as Miriam enters.)

MIRIAM

How can you stand him?

APPLE

I cant. Hes just a dirty young man.

MIRIAM

Hes dirty all right. I dont know what got into Hollaway that she should have taken him on.

APPLE


21/21


He does his work . . . after a fashion.

MIRIAM

Its not really my business, but isnt your break time up?

APPLE

(Looking at her watch) Just about, see you later.

MIRIAM

(She closes and locks the door, unlocks the drawer and takes out the cellular phone.) Hello, Ms. Hollaway? ItsMiriam from the break room. Yeah, Im worried about Sally, too, but well get her. Ive got Spence onher case now. Okay. Yes. Dont worry. Thanks. Its my pleasure. Goodbye.

(She replaces the phone, locks the door and turns to make herself a cup of tea as the curtain falls.)

Copyright 1995 Dorothy Tennov

DTCW 34 Break Room

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Transcript of DTCW 34 Break Room