Week Two - Performance

Characters:

Daughter

Mother

Props:

●     A simple mask, preferably one that looks like a smiling face

●     Optional: paper/sticky notes with words like “fine,” “happy,” “strong,” “I'm okay”

Setting:
A mother and daughter are sitting together at home. The daughter is holding a mask.

MOTHER:
You know, you don't have to wear that around me.

DAUGHTER:
Wear what?

MOTHER:
The mask.

DAUGHTER:
It's not a mask. It's just a mask.

MOTHER:
Exactly.

DAUGHTER:
What is that supposed to mean?

MOTHER:
It means sometimes I look at you and I can tell you're trying really hard to convince everyone that you're okay.

DAUGHTER:
I am okay.

MOTHER:
You always say that.

DAUGHTER:
Because it's easier than explaining everything.

MOTHER:
Easier for who?

DAUGHTER:
Everyone.

MOTHER:
You shouldn't have to make yourself easier for everyone else.

(The daughter looks at the mask.)

DAUGHTER:
Do you know how tiring it is?

MOTHER:
What?

DAUGHTER:
Pretending.

MOTHER:
Pretending what?

DAUGHTER:
That I'm not overwhelmed. That I'm not stressed. That things don't bother me. That I don't care what people think.

MOTHER:
Why do you feel like you have to hide all of that?

DAUGHTER:
Because when you tell people you're struggling, sometimes they don't know what to say.

MOTHER:
Maybe they don't know what to say because nobody taught them how to listen.

(Pause.)

DAUGHTER:
What if I don't want advice?

MOTHER:
Then I won't give you advice.

DAUGHTER:
What if I just want someone to hear me?

MOTHER:
Then I'll listen.

(The daughter slowly lowers the mask.)

DAUGHTER:
I think that's what people forget.

MOTHER:
What?

DAUGHTER:
That you don't always have to fix somebody's problem.

MOTHER:
Sometimes you just have to stay.

DAUGHTER:
Yeah.

MOTHER:
And sometimes you have to ask twice.

DAUGHTER:
Because the first "I'm fine" might not actually mean "I'm fine."

(The daughter turns the mask around, revealing the blank/inside side.)

DAUGHTER:
Maybe we're all wearing one.

MOTHER:
Maybe.

DAUGHTER:
So what are we supposed to do?

MOTHER:
Look past it.

DAUGHTER:
How?

MOTHER:
Ask. Listen. Don't judge. And let people know they don't have to pretend around you.

(The daughter places the mask on the table.)

DAUGHTER:
What if one conversation actually makes a difference?

MOTHER:
Then have the conversation.

(Pause.)

DAUGHTER:
With who?

MOTHER:
Start with someone you care about.

DAUGHTER:
And if they say they're fine?

MOTHER:
Ask again.

END

Audience Call to Action

After the performance, the daughter picks up the mask and says:

DAUGHTER:
“Before you leave, think of one person you haven't genuinely checked on in a while. Don't just ask, ‘How are you?’ Ask them how they're really doing—and be willing to listen to the answer.”

MOTHER:
“You don't have to solve their problems. Sometimes being there is enough to remind someone that they don't have to wear the mask around everyone.”

DAUGHTER:
“So take off your mask. And give someone else permission to take off theirs.”