THE LAST TRIP

A Play with Music

Notes:

This play is based in a hospice and has as its general aim to challenge the way we consider

death and dying.

 

Staging

The stage will need capacity for four beds upstage.

Lighting can be used to separate the rooms. A nursing Station is set in a dominant place. A capacity to screen a section of the backstage through the use of screens or curtains.

One room, John’s, will need a scrim wall behind the bed.

An easy chair sits stage R.

A small chair is in each room, and a trolley table holds personal items. If there is room and back wall holds paintings/ items of a person nature.

 

Costumes:

Nurses casual with a similar top

Residents in various styles of bedclothes that suit their age and character

Heath and Katrina: When they are not actively involved in a scene can, at times, continue their work with least interruption to the action. This can involve visiting a resident, the distribution of medication. Getting tea, quietly chatting, writing up notes. It is clear that there is some affection between them. At all times, they are professional and demonstrate a high level of care.  They are capable of ‘Holding the Space’ for others. This means they are willing to walk alongside another in whatever journey they are on, without judging them, trying to fix them or trying to impact on the outcome. When they hold space for another, they open their hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control.

Musician

It is planned that the musician is onstage for much of the time. He/she can play background music (meditative) and accompanies the songs.

 

 

THE CHARACTERS

Katrina (30s)

Katrina has been a nurse at the Hospice for some time.  She is a single mother with an adolescent boy. She calls on her nursing experience to provide caring and responsive support to the residents and their families. Working with those who come to die at the hospice is not an easy job, and despite all her training, she finds it difficult not to get too involved with some of the residents.  On the other hand, she sometimes finds it difficult to build a relationship with others. There is an emerging, uncertain relationship between her and her co-worker Heath that both supports and complicates her role as a nurse in the hospice. It also affects her personal life because Heath is becoming a significant adult in her son’s life.

Heath (mid 20s)

Heath is the other nurse in this play. He is likeable, good looking, mischievous and is attracted to Katrina.  He is dedicated to the hospice and demonstrates this by looking after the grounds in his own time. The residents generally like his charm and find him easy to be in his presence. He is quite capable, despite his youthful approach to life, and can easily be present and responsive to the residents’ needs.  This ‘likability’ places him in some awkward predicaments when his desire to support the care and quality of life of the residents, comes into conflict with what one particular resident wants of him. He is a surfer and helps Katrina’s son in this sport.

Mike (Late Teens)

Mike is late teens- early 20s good looking, but not necessarily a good catch in Mary’ eyes. He is rough and ready, perhaps with a history of stretching the boundaries of what is right or wrong. Despite not being the brightest sandwich in the picnic, Paula is in love (or perhaps just infatuated) with him. Initially, he is not seen by Mary (Paula’s Grandmother), as being the most suitable boyfriend for Paula. Mike calls a spade a spade while not having the greatest command of language. Neither is he endowed with common sense. Still, he ’loves’ Paula for the time being.

Paula (Late teens)

Paula is Mary’s granddaughter.  There is a deep love between the two based on this relationship. Throughout the duration of the play this love changes to a love that is deeper and more mature. Paula is infatuated with Mike, perhaps trying a little too hard to make it work, and make it be seen to work. The male of the species confuses her. There is a similarity between Paula’s life and that of her grandmother. She is a little on the wild side.

Mary (60s +)

Well, if there is anyone who was born to be on the stage it is Mary. Flamboyant, engaging, lovable with more than a hint of the wild. She knows why she is here, and is certain to live out her days in the way she has lived to this point in time. She has lived a life with no regrets and waits for her ‘final curtain’. She is protective of her granddaughter, and ‘enamoured’ of Heath in her mischievous way.

Edward Smythe (60s +)

Edward has had a strong military background (Major in Vietnam) and  he is not sure why he is in the hospice at first and this view changes throughout the play  There is a ‘stiff upper lip’ about Edward and his background. While in the service he encountered death on duty, he now is not so sure his career choice was the best choice.  He has run his life and his wife’s in an orderly fashion and begins to realise that perhaps he was not the best husband he could have been.  He is a difficult resident and challenges Heath’s and Katrina’s capacity to meet his needs.

Mrs Smythe (60s)

Mrs Smythe has had to live the life of a military wife, and regrets the demands made on her by her husband. Despite this, she has been dutiful, but this has come at a significant cost. She is prim and proper. (Twin set and pearls) Her response to her husband’s imminent death is raw and heart felt.

Elsie (60s +)

Elsie is an informed, intelligent and educated woman. While she knows she is in the hospice to die,  she is troubled by many things. Getting everything in order is one of them, “I didn’t think death would be so busy”. Her children have not turned out to be the best children she could have wished for, and we are witness to their concerns over the will. Elsie is curious as to what lies ahead, after death, and places Heath in an awkward situation. The romantic relationship with her neighbour, Pat, is shared with the audience as she asks him ‘To Hold me one More Time’.

John (50s-60s)

John  has a spiritual background – not identified as being of a particular faith system. He is a gentle soul, self-aware and at peace with the life and death.

Daniel (20s)

Daniel is Elsie’s son and is keen to get his hands on his share of the Will. He is spoilt and self-entitled -not a likeable character.

Rebekah (20s+)

Rebekah is Elsie’s daughter and is interested more in the will than her mother’s pending death. Not a likeable character. She is the older sister to Daniel.

Carla (50s)

Carla is Elsie’s sister.  While on the surface the relationship is OK, underneath there is a tension based on her past with Pat, and Elsie’s first husband.

Pat (60ish)

Pat is Elsie’s neighbour. His wife Joan died in a similar situation to Elsie. Following Joan’s death, it seemed quite natural for Elsie and Pat to form a close (romantic) relationship. This happened despite Carla hitting on Pat. He is a good soul, caring and respectful.

Dave (20s) (Spirit)

Dave is a soldier from Vietnam who served under Edward and died on duty.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Actor One  Plays : Mary, Mrs Smythe, Elsie

Actor Two Plays: Mike, Daniel, Dave

Actor Three Plays: Heath

Actor Four Plays: Paula, Rebekah

Actor Five : Plays: Edward, Pat, John

Actor 6. Plays: Katrina, Carla

 

 

 

 

The lights come up on the set. The four beds have four bedcovers that reflect the character. When a character ‘dies’, the cover is taken away  and replaced with white sheets leaving room for the next resident.  John’s song plays while this stage is set.

 Katrina   sits at her desk sips a coffee, begins some business.

Mary and Edward enter and move to their beds. Edward moves and gets into his bed

Mary walks to 1^st bed. Quiet business – flattens bed. Adjusts her hair – she knows what the place is – finally sits and speaks to the audience.

MARY

(Turns to audience – conversationally) Ohhh hi!  I’m Mary. Comfortable are you? Well don’t get too settled. What happens here might make you a little uncomfortable. But that’s ok.   It usually does (small laugh). Like my hospice room?  Better than any  hospital room. My own bed cover. The fridge, I bet I can find my favourite food – Baileys. A glass of Baileys with a teaspoon of Sustagen –  the perfect meal. Well if the truth be told, I just wave the sustagen over the top….. spoils the taste really. Would offer you one, but it’s mine.  Then there are the paintings  – my own. Photos on the wall…as much like home as you can make any waiting room.

Why am I here?  Well? (Pause) Frankly,   I’m here to … do death.  Don’t particularly want to be here. Who does?  Death’s a mirror into which few of us want to gaze – right? I think it becomes me, don’t you?  We’ve all got to do it. I’m ready…are you?

Forgot to show you my Elmo (Favourite toy) – the only one of the family who hasn’t got an opinion.

A difficult journey for them, but I’m thankful to have them. Dying done as a family, is far better than dying done solo. (Katrina rises and goes to Mary.

 

KATRINA

Hi Mary.  I’ve got your meds. (Carries in a small tray with a miniature bottle of Baileys).

MARY

Thank God. It was my last Baileys’ repeat. Was wondering how I would convince the doctor to give me another script.

KATRINA

(both laugh) Comfy?

MARY

Not sure if I want to get too comfy. Not fond of waiting

KATRINA

Hmmm (smiles) Need anything?

MARY

Packed everything to be here. What do I pack to leave? (Small laugh – Katrina also laughs)

 

MARY

(To audience) Toothbrush? – won’t need that – no food.  Shoes? – no need. Sunblock? (Smiles- pause) That could depend on where you go. (Settles on her bed with a travel magazine. Katrina goes to the next room- Mr Smythe’s).

 

KATRINA

Good morning Major Smythe.

EDWARD (In the following conversation Edward is short and sharp- even interrupts)

Shouldn’t be here.

KATRINA

Major Smythe …….

EDWARD

Been here long enough.

KATRINA

Would you like something to read?

EDWARD

Don’t know what all the fuss is about.

KATRINA.

The news is on, would you like me to turn the ….

EDWARD

Should be at home. Can look after myself.

KATRINA

Something to eat?

EDWARD

Wife made me come.

 

KATRINA

Is there anything I can do? Would you like me to help you to the dining room?

EDWARD

I’m right thank you Nurse. I can do what needs to be done.

KATRINA

Would you like a cup of tea…coffee?

EDWARD

I’m right. I can do what needs to be done.

KATRINA

(Pause) Major Smythe, may I call you Edward?

EDWARD

Yes …. That can be done.

KATRINA

Ted?

EDWARD

No.

KATRINA

Eddie?

EDWARD

No.

KATRINA

(laughs) Edward it is.

EDWARD

Why do you work in this place?

KATRINA

I was born to be here. (Business – pause) I will be back later.(Leaves Edward’s room, stops, turns back to Edward) I wish I could….. (Goes to nurses station as a soldier [Dave] comes into Edwards’ room)

KATRINA

(Speaks directly to the audience, deeply)

I was told not to get involved. Can’t help it, so you may ask, ‘Why am I here?’ (pause) It’s love. You see, death needs love. Here, I can give it – completely. Edward needs it more than most. He’s hard to love.  Mary?  She’s easy – the humour, the drama- a reincarnation of Elizabeth Taylor!  And John? He is love, and Elsie, poor Elsie – surrounded by love that heals and hurts. (Dave enters and sits in Edward’s room)

I’m here because I love.

DAVE

You hear that Major Smythe- she loves you hard old bastard.  Ha! (Pause) Wish you could hear me.  I  wanna to tell you something. In Vietnam, we all knew it was a useless war, but we all believed in you. You made us soldiers. Even Kelly.  Chubby Kelly? He’s here too. Your room’s full of soldiers who served with you. No regrets here.  We’re here for you now.

EDWARD

Who is …?

DAVE

Dave Abbey Sir!

EDWARD

(Pause) I remember you son.

DAVE

We remember you too sir.   (Exits)

Another staff member walks through the outside door dressed in gardening gear – sweat marks as if he has been working hard….  Male – moves directly to Katrina. Katrina looks at him.)

 

KATRINA

God you stink!

HEATH

I thought you liked the musky man smell!

KATRINA

No way.

HEATH

(Tiger growl) Grrrrrr

KATRINA

Don’t push it my friend.

HEATH

Knocked off the front garden this morning.

KATRINA

Gotta say it’s looking good.

HEATH

So,  how’re you goin’?  (Leans over Katrina and runs his eye over what she is reading)

KATRINA

Flat out. When you’re ready to start your shift, can you check on Major Smythe’s meds? He’s showing signs of entering end of life.

HEATH

Sure (Starts to go) Hey, how did Daniel go in the surfing trials?

KATRINA

He got into the next round.

HEATH

Should be proud of that boy.

KATRINA

Yep. He’s a good’n. He likes you.

HEATH

Can I take him down to the surf club for a soft drink?

KATRINA

No way.

HEATH

What about we all go?

KATRINA

(Raises her hand as if to say stop.) Nope.

HEATH

Enough said.  Anything else for handover?

KATRINA

Mary- still funny as…John’s cool, and Elsie’s got family stuff still.

HEATH

Right. I’m going to get cleaned up. Back soon.

KATRINA

I’m off to give Major Smythe, Edward, his bath.

HEATH

And …..? (points to self)

KATRINA

Go ! (Laughs)

(He leaves through the back door and he appears dimly lit through a scrim. He has a shower. As he goes, Katrina rises and begins to prepare to give a bed bath to Edward. The issue portrayed here is of the body in its youth and in its age. Both are ‘washing’ at the same time. [music?]

 

 

KATRINA

(As she approaches Edward. The management of this bed wash reflects the army, stoic nature of the Edward. Conservative, precise, proper). Good morning Major Smythe – I mean Edward. Bath time.

EDWARD

Never.

(The ‘washing’ goes on. K assists in dressing Edward when done)

KATRINA.

Expecting any visitors today?

EDWARD

Mrs Smythe  at 11:00am. As usual. (Long pause)  I think.

KATRINA

Mrs Smythe always looks so immaculate.

EDWARD

As a military wife she has to. (Pause)

KATRINA

Your medals?  (Long pause)

EDWARD

Not mine. The boys who died in Vietnam.  Theirs. (Pause) Nurse … May I call  you Katrina?.

KATRINA

Yes, Of course, I’d love that.

EDWARD

When my boys died – couldn’t go home. Me, I can. (pause) can’t I?. (Long Pause) I’m confused Katrina.

KATRINA

What do you mean?

EDWARD

Why am I here?

KATRINA

This is a Hospice and ….

EDWARD

Here I …die?

KATRINA

Yes Edward.

EDWARD

My wife?

KATRINA

She’s coming at 11.

EDWARD

Today? …My poor wife

KATRINA

Yes Edward- soon.

EDWARD

(Confused) I’m not in control. I need to …. don’t I?

KATRINA

Some things can still be your way.

EDWARD

How?

KATRINA

Do what you feel you need to do Edward.

EDWARD

I’m not a harsh person.  Sorry.  My father was, and his father.  Not me. Is my wife coming?

KATRINA

At 11.

EDWARD

Our family was army. Not me.   I was (pause) nothing.  A military myth.  My life, wasted.  I’m so confused now Katrina. (Pause) My poor wife.

KATRINA

(Holds his hand) We all make bad decisions. I‘ve made my fair share. (Pause) Regrets are hard to live with, even harder to die with.  Why not talk to Mrs Smythe?

EDWARD

Ah.  My poor wife. The life I gave her …..What I put her through. Poor Elizabeth.

KATRINA

She’ll be here soon. Speak to her.

EDWARD

I’m sorry.

(Falls asleep. As Katrina leaves, lights go down on Mr S)

Lights come up on Bed 1 and go down on Bed 2 as Katrina finishes her task. Mary has two visitors. Her granddaughter (Paula – and the boyfriend – Mike. As lights come up Paula is in the middle of her conversation)

PAULA

… and we were at the restaurant when Mike’s ex stormed in. It was horrible. She came over to the table where we were, and she just – just tipped a glass of wine over him. Well, I went off. I stood up and if she was any closer, I would’ve  bitch slapped her. Instead Nanny, I gave her my evil stare- hashtag Scorpio. It was deadly.  I never felt so good. She was a bitch, Nanny, a real bitch.

MARY

And what did you do Mike?

MIKE

I was stuffed.

MARY

So you just sat there?

PAULA

He was marvellous (clutching his hand in protection). He was awesome.

MARY

And what happened next dear?

PAULA

She swore at me…she called me a bitch… and then stormed off.. She was so… so … so.. well you know.

MIKE

It was embarrassing Mrs Sievers. I hope I never come across her again.

MARY

If you do.  What then?

PAULA

(Stands and mimics boxing) He will give her what for Nanny. I’ve seen him go off! It is scary. She won’t like that.

MARY

(Quietly) So Mike, what will you do? (Silence)

 

MIKE

I don’t want to get angry anymore. I’ve had a gut full… How are you Mrs Sievers?

MARY

I have terminal cancer Mike.

MIKE

(Pause) Is that one of the bad ones?

MARY

Yes , it’s one of the biggies. Do you mind leaving us alone for a minute or two? (Paula looks anxious).

 

 

 

MIKE

Sure (Gives Paula a peck on the cheek and leaves the ‘room’ . He sits on a chair outside)

MARY

Before you go, I’ve got something for you. (Looks for it) It’s something that might help you with the ex. Here it is (pulls out a joint). Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty. (Mike takes it- uncertain- eyeing Paula quizzically – exits)

PAULA

Nanny! (Mike leaves)

MARY

I’m just a little ahead of government policy my dear. Nothing wrong with a little puff. Good for the soul- especially mine (smiles- pats the bed .Paula moves to the bed)

PAULA

Ohhh Nanny. I know what you’re going to say. He’s nice. I so want you to like him.

MARY

You know I love you, don’t you? Of all my grandchildren, I love you the deepest.

PAULA

Yes I know, but-

MARY

Ahh ahh.  (Pause) It isn’t that he’s nice, or even ok. It’s more … what do you see in him?

PAULA

He’s handsome… yes he’s a little bit wild – a few tats. But that makes him interesting. He has a great car, and a job… and a job Nanny!

MARY

Sweetie, what do you see in him?

PAULA

I see…I see (pause) a future.

MARY

Mmmmm? I loved someone like him. Wild, exciting, and (she smiles knowingly)

PAULA

Nooooooo! Lalalalala (hashtag ??)

MARY

(Smiling almost laughing)  I loved it!  He was so good.

PAULA

NO!!!! (Feigned objection – laugh together)

MARY

You young people – you think you are the only ones who ever (whispers)  lusted.

I quite enjoy those memories. My life’s been – one big production – lights, camera, action.  I played every part I wanted. (Pensive) I knew that if I made it to this age, I was not going to have one single regret. Not one. I’ve loved Paula. Ohhh,  how I’ve loved.

I’m not afraid. This final stage is the very reason you need to live….. even a little bit wildly. Be yourself. Don’t let others define the character you play. Don’t let others confine you!

PAULA

You are so wicked! (Laughs)

MARY

Still am, my dear, still am.

PAULA

What do you mean?

MARY

Well you have met Heath.

PAULA

(uncertain) Yes…

MARY

Well , when I have help to shower.

PAULA

Ohhhh Gross! Lalalala! Too much information! (laughs) –  I’ll leave Heath to you – I’ll keep Mike.

MARY

(Pause) So what do you see in him Sweetie? Beyond the handsome, beyond the car, beyond the job, beyond the …  (smiles)

PAULA

Well …

 

ALL THAT I NEED

I see him, I see in him

All that I need

I know him, I know in him

All that I need

When he says he loves me, my heart knows he needs me

When he smiles my way

I know he’s here to stay

Not just then, not just now, but forever

Not just then, not just now, but forever

I see him, I see in him

All that I need

I know him, I know in him

All that I need

MARY (sings)

And when he sees you, what does he see?

PAULA

He sees me, he sees in me

All that he needs

(Mike) I see you I  see in you all that I need

(Paula)        When he says he loves me

My heart knows he needs me

When he smiles my way

I know he’s here to stay

(Mike) Not just then, not just  now

But forever

(Mike & Paula) Not just then not just now

But forever

Not just then not just now

But forever

Forever.