The time of the play: 1969 - 1972

Costume: Miniskirts for some of the women; others, affecting a unisex look, will wear men's clothing.

NAN O'NEILL-

A warm, outspoken, attractive woman of forty. President of STAT- a fledgling feminist organization.

JONAH -

Nan's husband. Chemist. Handsome. Good-natured--struggling to understand feminist goals and grievances.

DEDE -

Will play dual roles that of "WOMAN" and TV ASSISTANT.

HELENE -

Psychologist. Thoughtful. Articulation is quietly considered, deliberate, precise.

LESLIE -

Beautiful, athletic, wealthy, fairly well-educated woman in her mid-fifties (looking much younger). Has a Southern drawl which she exaggerates or diminishes for effect. And sometimes deliberately uses poor grammar--again for effect.

CONNIE -

Newspaper reporter. Old New England ancestry. Actions casual and cool. Forty- plus or minus.

DR. LOMBARDO -

Physician. Urbane. Reserved. Barely managing to tolerate Nan's time and energy-consuming feminist activities.

LIBERTY -

Doll-like prettiness. Early twenties. Naive. Urban poor. Determined to improve herself.

MARIE -

Medical assistant. Mid-thirties. Meticulous grooming. Taut. Wears a nurse's uniform throughout the play.

SEAN PATRICK-

Good looking, confident television newscaster. Mid-twenties.

SENATOR ROMANELLI -

Richard Gere-like looks. lawyer and liberal legislator.

TANIA -

Husky figure and voice. Highly intelligent. Belligerent. Curt. Aggressive. Careless in dress.

MARGUERITE-

Fragile beauty. Social worker and Hispanic rights activist.

Scene 1

Setting:

August evening. Nan's house. The set should allow for kitchen, dining and entertaining areas.

Jonah sprawls on couch reading the paper. Nan tidies the kitchen.

(phone rings)

NAN;

(answers phone) Hello-

Oh, thanks for returning my call, Mr. Bey. I wondered if we could meet sometime soon to discuss common areas of concern for women and minorities.

I'm sorry- I should have said- I'm the president of STAT- the organization for women's rights-

Yes, I know you're very busy. (flatters) I've seen you on the six o'clock news many times.

Yes, we've been promised television and newspaper coverage.

Well, besides me- our attorney and probably Doctor Helene Swanson. We're meeting tonight-

I'm sorry. I did try to contact you several days ago. Our meeting tonight will be here in my home but we'r usually in the basement of the Unitarian Meeting House on Park Road. Why don't we say-- the Casual Buffet on Friday?

(struggling not to become angry) No, it has nothing to do with being afraid of coming into the ghetto. The Casual Buffet is centrally located for all of us. Don't you work just two blocks away at the State Office Building on Monroe Street?

Yes, I thought so. O.K. we'll see you this coming Friday at twelve-thirty at the Casual Buffet. My treat.

Fine. I look forward to meeting you. (hangs up phone, sighs loudly, comes to couch and sprawls beside Jonah)

JONAH:

{folding newspaper)

Quincy Adams-Bey sounds like a tough customer-

NAN:

Yeah, self-important and bristly. I don't like being at the receiving end of all that anger even if it's the result of ages of discrimination by somebody else's ancesters.

JONAH:

You have to admit it's been worse than women's discrimination-

NAN:

And triple worse for black women--but I still want some respect-

(looks through a pile of magazines and newspapers on the coffee table)

Did you see my MS magazine?

JONAH;

No. Did you let some one take it? Before you know it, your women's movement will cover the globe.

NAN:

And I really shudder to think how it'll be when the consciousness of women all over the world is aroused. It could be volcanic.

JONAH:

I don't know about feminism in the galaxies--but I liked our house better the way it used to be--before STAT.

NAN:

Oh, my poor darling-

(pulls him up and hugs him)

Don't worry. I'll be happy if we just get the word out to this planet. But seriously, obviously--I didn't like the way things were- in a word, brutally unfair-

JONAH:

{shields his head. Clowning-)Don't hit- don't hit! "Brutally unfair"-- (repeats--more soberly)"Brutally unfair." What have you ever wanted that I've refused?

NAN:

Nothing that I can quickly think of- But if you say what you just said very slowly you can hear the oppressor.

JONAH:

Oppressor? Oppressor?!(folds the newspaper)What did I say that got you fired up?

NAN:

O.K. The key words were, 'I've refused you'.

JONAH:

(yawns and stretches)

O.K.--don't shoot. I get the message.

NAN:

(gets notebook from one of the side tables)

Hey, I'm working on a new poem. Listen-

JONAH;

Do I absolutely have to?

NAN;

Yup. You're totally captive.

NAN:

Gray hurricane winds warn/whisper--then fall weeping at my window-(looks to him for reaction)

JONAH:

Haiku?

NAN:

Right. I'm impressed.

JONAH:

I don't know..."warn/whisper" hits my ear funny-

(knock at the door)

NAN:

(laughs)Someone's at the door--that hits my ear funny-(Jonah opens the door)

HELENE:

(enters with several magazines tucked under her arm.)Am I the first?

NAN:

Yes, that's good. Come in- (Nan waves hand towards Jonah)You remember, Jonah-

JONAH:

How goes the war?

HELENE:

Up and down--like all wars.

NAN:

I was just reading Jonah one of my poems-

HELENE:

Yes- Leslie told me you dabble in poetry. I understand you gave her one of your poetry notebooks. She said your writing is powerful. When she's through reading them, I'd like to....(drifts off)

NAN:

I hope the whole group will read them. Some day I might get rich and publish them myself. What are the magazines about?

HELENE:

(settling into an armchair)Umm--sheer heaven. I'd like to take this chair home with me-

JONAH;

-and you may for three hundred fifty smackeroos-

HELENE;

In that case, no sale. Nan, you'll be interested in an article in this issue of Today's Psychology-(hands her the magazine.) A female gynecologist supports the Freudian theory of female orgasm. Her antiquated ideas are out of some dark cave-

JONAH:

(coughs embarassedly. Gets an idea out of the blue)Listen, I'm going across the road to see Jake about borrowing his skill saw.

NAN:

(sits opposite Helene)(calls to Jonah as he leaves)Thank Margaret for the banana muffins-

JONAH; (as he exits)

Start the revolution without me-(leaves)

Nan:

Margaret's the most amazing woman in the world--scrubbed her kitchen floor so vigorously, she wore it out--the linoleum, that is. Can you imagine the size of her frustrations and angers? Yet she's the kind who would never leave her prison-

HELENE;

(joking)Are you trying to take my shrink job from me?

NAN;

(laughs) I'm sorry. I don't really know text book psychology--just television soap opera psychology. Without delving into her psyche I have to admit that Margaret's a good soul. Sends over muffins and clothes that her rich sister no longer wears and are a size too large for her. I'm not rich enough to be proud.

HELENE:

Yes- absolutely classic--but it does sell linoleum and muffin mix. Doesn't it? How many children do you have?

NAN:

Two. Twins. Rebecca and Greg. They're at college-freshmen. They're marvelous--but they should be. God, Jonah and I poured our guts into them. (silence)What about some tea?

HELENE:

If you have herb tea, it would be wonderful.

NAN:

(goes to the kitchen area to prepare the tea)I blend my own herbs-

HELENE:

You know, Nan, we're moving ahead very rapidly and there's no question that we find all the press attention and drama very exciting--but the critical question is direction. How do you see us in thirty years?

NAN:

(brings a teapot and small Chinese bowls to the coffee table) That's a good question. But right now we're just plowing ahead- What we have crawls with maggots...a world full of screwed-up, lunatic women--hiding under lipstick and roses. Dumb puppets being pulled this way and that by men who profit from their stupidity. They're making their children crazy and killing themselves with home-made diseases and drugs and booze-- and humilating motel jousts-

HELENE:

What you just said--very poetic--you should be more serious about your talent- (flipping through Nan's fashion magazine)Of course I agree there is too much feminine psychological maladjustment. I'm amazed you stil get this magazine--it programs women to spend lots of money which they don't have- You know the rest.

NAN:

(Nan pours the tea)I know--I know. Guilty as charged. But I have to have a little beauty and foolishness in my life. This movement's so khaki and gray. Look, we're off the subject. I'm taking Berry Katz to lunch tomorrow. I hope to entice her into doing our legal work for free--no money. What do you think?

HELENE:

Perfect. She'll get lots of publicity representing us and that will help her budding legal career.

NAN:

I'm taking her to the Two Guitars hoping to razzle dazzle. We desperately need money. Leslie has tons but eeks it out penny by penny.

HELENE:

That's how the rich get richer. They have their money salted away and find ingenius ways of getting ours. (looks at watch) They're late- (knocking at the door)

NAN:

(claps her hands)Speak of the devils! (goes to let them in)

(Dede and Leslie come in together)

LESLIE:

(taking in the scene)Well- well. Havin' a little tea party are we?

NAN:

Oh, shut up, Leslie and sit down. You, of all people, scolding us--you Texas oil aristocrat. You're late.

DEDE:

It's Leslie's fault. She was on the phone for an hour- (sits on the couch)I could've been here on time-

LESLIE:

Shush,Dede you know I was talkin' with my broker. And everybody knows how important that is to us-(takes pillow from the couch and throws it on the floor)Dede you sit there. You have a younger ass than mine-(all laugh. Dede obliges. Leslie sits on the couch)O.K. What's next?

NAN:

Herb tea anyone?

LESLIE:

(Leslie picks up the various magazines- looks at them and throws them on the coffee table)Why don't you grow up, Nan and cancel those subscriptions-

HELENE:

(enthusiatically)

We should all take up herb teas and natural foods. For this women's rights war, we need strong bodies--and brains-

DEDE:

We should vote on it. Right?

LESLIE:

(impatiently) What the fuck kind of lady's club shit are we imitating anyway. If we want to eat that grass they call health food-- then damn well eat it. We don't need a fuckin' convention. That's how men decide to do something- (puffs chest- masculine stance) First they get a committee to investigate. Feasibility, I believe they call it. Then grafts and deals and reports. Shit, we're going to be different. Right? Damn straight.

NAN:

(claps gaily) Yay- Leslie! No lady's clubs--and no men's style conventions. (gently scolds) and no men's language either.

LESLIE;

My language is the most liberatin' and sweetest thing about me. Another thing, let's get rid of Robert's rules. I hate that fuckin' parlimentary procedure play acting. Why do we have to ape what stupid men do? Monkey say- monkey do.

HELENE:

Chaos, Leslie- anarchy. We some need rules-

NAN:

We'll analyze that another time. (slaps the table) Ten minute break to stretch-

DEDE;

God, I'm tired.(returns to chair- gets sweater and puts it on)

(Women mill around talking among themselves. Helene and Nan pick up the tea pot, tea bowls etc.)

LESLIE:

We need a lot more publicity. Connie Barnes promised she was coming tonight. Nan, did she call you?

NAN:

No- but you never know--maybe something horrendous came up--a rape murder--a serial killer-

LESLIE;

(takes a cigarette from the pack and puts it into her mouth but keeps it unlit.) I hope everyone's noticin' my willpower- Anyone want to fly to New York tonight? Plane's all set-

NAN;

(impressed) How long've you been flying?

LESLIE;

Since old Amelia Earhardt. (quickly) Had my own plane from the time I was twenty-one. Not many women flyin' back then. (laughs) Bet none of you can guess how old I am-

DEDE;

(lies to flatter) Forty-

LESLIE:

Dede, you lie like a bear rug. Had my face lifted three times. Eyes only once. First lift when I was thirty-seven. All for fuckin' men.

NAN;

Which men, Leslie?

LESLIE;

Let me count the guys-- Two husbands, four lovers, a gigolo and a half- That's before I got me some taste. (puts unlit cigarette in ashtray)O.K. kids--enough bullshit. Nan, you write one of your great letters to the editor about the newspapers discriminatin' with those separate male/female want ads. Dede, you get working on bringin' in new members. I'll call Connie again and offer a little booze for incentive--always works.

HELENE;

I went with a newspaper reporter in the early sixties. It was such a farce--I mean our relationship-He wanted to stay at the apartment and wait for inspiration to write the great American novel while I worked myself into numbness-

(knock at the door)

NAN;

(opens the door) Hi, you must be Connie-

CONNIE;

I must be because that's what it says on my press card.

LESLIE;

(goes to Connie. Puts an affectionate, comradely hand to her shoulder)Hey, about time, pal. Your ears must've been burnin'- Kids, this is Connie Barnes, the most intelligent--but under paid reporter at the Chronicle. Don't believe anyone who says she does undercover work for the F.B.I- Connie, (pointing)this is Dede. That's Helene--She's a p-h-d. And there in the queen's chair, Nan--our president. Get this--she's also a wife, mother and pretty decent poet. (indicates space beside her on the sofa. Both sit) And we forgive Nan's bein' a wife and mother - Back then she was just a baby--didn't know what the hell she was doin'-- How old, Nan- twenty?

CONNIE;

(takes a pad and pencil from her large shoulder bag)Leslie, would you say you were chiefly responsible for changing that law which prohibited women from standing in bars?

LESLIE;

No, sister. That was before STAT was organized. It was just six of us workin' together. No stars in S.T.A.T. Imagine, those farts arrestin'women like Dede and Helene treatin' them like whores. (laughs) Of course, all you married women are prostitutes- Sex for room and board. Listen, Connie- no articles about me. Get it. Only write about the others.

CONNIE:

(leans back and sighs--skims through a pile of feminist literature on the coffee table) (protests) But you're a name, Leslie.(tapping the literature) God, this women's lib stuff is so raw--primitive-

HELENE;

You must understand, Connie, that we're trying to develop our own language. For a while, it will of necessity be and seem somewhat simple.

NAN;

(raps the table) O.K. Can we get down to business? Is there an agenda for our media coalition meeting?

DEDE;

Helene's good with things like agendas-

HELENE;

If you'd like, I can dash off the usual things--women in better jobs--changing the dreadful stereotypical image of women in movies and TV-- developing job training programs for untraditional-

NAN;

(interrupts)Excellent. You take care of that, Helene.

LESLIE;

Let's adjourn. I can only stand so much meeting bla bla-

CONNIE;

(putting her pad and pencil away) If you don't mind, I'll hold off on a story until you get to that media coalition meeting.

LESLIE;

(verging on anger) But I want people to know what we're doing now,Connie-

CONNIE;

(calmly)Trust me-a week or so later will be better.

LESLIE;

(accepts statement with a shrug) O.K., but make it a bang-up story.(takes camping canteen from her bag) Sip,anyone?

CONNIE;

Music to my ears. (leans forward for a hearty sip)

LESLIE;

Anyone else?

(Dede and Helene murmur- 'no thanks'-)

HELENE;

Could we p[ossibly hold off the bacchanal for a few minutes? We still have to decide on the demonstration.

LESLIE;

Look, Nan and I will do some preliminary planning and get back to the rest of you for a final O.K. Anyone disagree?

NAN:

Leslie, who appointed you Napoleon? The last time I looked I was the president of this motley crew-

LESLIE;

(rushes to Nan, kneels before her, kisses her hand while the rest laugh)Pardon, your queen-ness. You and me on the demonstration. O.K.?

NAN;

I suppose so. O.K.--motion to adjourn?

DEDE;

O.K.I make a motion to adjourn-

CONNIE:

Did I just hear Leslie offering me another sip of that good stuff she carries in her canteen to get me on my way?

LESLIE;

Haha. I didn't say anything--but be my guest anyway. Have to keep on your good side. But don't lose count. We don't want to be draggin' you outa some alley drunk as a skunk-(Leslie unscrews the canteen and offers it to Connie who takes a sip and returns it.)

NAN;

-and a second-I'm still waiting-

DEDE;

(stands before the group and in a style of the narrator of a documentary says)And for one moment let's go back to the early days of our republic. The British pushed us beyond reasonable limits-- so a group of burly guys got together. The first one said, 'I make a motion to sneak out at night go to the ship and dump the tea-' Another of the mates interrupted, 'point of order,lads--is it one ship or two?' (the women start laughing)The huskiest one growled. 'Are we dumping the tea or not?' A slight chap seeming to be only fifteen or sixteen years old said, 'One moment, gentlemen--let's not forget Robert's rules.' Then the burly one said,'Fuck Robert's rules!' (women laugh for several seconds.)

LESLIE;

(claps highly amused) Right on, Dede! Listen everyone I'm seconding the fuckin' motion to adjourn. I'm also adjournin' the meeting.

(Nan shrugs that she gives up.)

CONNIE;

Sister Leslie, you'll never see me drunk as a skunk- You on the other hand-

NAN;

(Interrupting. To Connie-) We're very grateful that you stopped by--and we hope we'll see a lot more of you. I'm putting you on our newsletter list. Maybe when you get to love us, you'll even join STAT-

HELENE:

I assume the meeting's adjourned-

DEDE;

Yes, Helene- the meeting's adjourned. Did you nod off for a few minutes back there? I'm exhausted. Let's go-

HELENE;

L

It was a very productive meeting. Could I hitch a ride with someone? Because it was on his way, a friend brought me-

DEDE;

You can come with me if you don't mind riding in an old rattletrap-

HELENE;

Thanks, Dede. As long as it moves-

(Dede and Helene in unison)Goodnight- See you soon.

(they exit)

CONNIE;

(to Nan) I'll see you again. It was interesting-

NAN;

Just 'interesting?' It's such a bland word.

LESLIE;

What you do want, Nan--a standing ovation? I say, take what you get from the press and shut up.

NAN;

Leslie's right. I just remembered that I lothe the word "interesting."

(Connie waves and leaves laughing)

LESLIE;

(takes cigarette from pack-puts it in her mouth but leaves it unlit)fucking filthy habit. Are you happy with the meeting?

NAN;

I'm too tired to assess.

LESLIE;

Then I'll assess. It was a damn good meeting. You better get some sleep. You look like shit. I have to go. I'm flyin' down to Rio. Just kidding-(picks up her bags)I promise I'll put a check in the mail tomorrow-

NAN;

(laughing)Where and when have I heard that before?-

(they walk to the door together)

Scene 2

Time: Late August.

Place: The office of Dr. Giancarlo Lombaro. The main action takes place in the small reception room, stage left which is decorated in the art nouveau style with much chrome and glass, two contemporary paintings in gray, rose and blue, and the marble bust of a woman. A glass partition separates the reception room from the assistant's office. Her room will dominate. A door upstage suggests the doctor's office and examining room. Nan wears a lab coat over a pale blue dress.

Phone rings

NAN;

Hello-

Hi, Leslie.

I was preoccupied-- I should have answered, . 'Dr. Lombardo's office-'

No, I'm not Dr. Lombardo and I'm not his Office. Don't be cute. What's up? Are you at your lodge in Maine, the family ranch in Texas, your special getaway in Newport, or your condo here?

God, you really are our own Ms. Mellon-Dupont- Megabucks.

Yeah, I finally met Quincy Adams-Bey and I didn't like him. He's like an oiled porcupine. And don't say I'm racist.

Membership? Great. Since Connie's newspaper stories, we've had a huge jump.

Well, generally all kinds of women but mainly educated. And the publicity's fantastic--radio-- televison. Intoxicating and scary. Strange people smile at me and I smile back wondering where I know them from-

I'm not complaining. Our next meeting's Wednesday night and I expect you to be here. Berry's going to discuss instituting a lawsuit against the State. The sons-a-bitches never had a cramp or a spot of blood and they decide what happens to our bodies like they're God.

Yeah, I know white boys wrote the Bible-

(Dr. Lombardo comes from his office and stands beside her waiting for her to stop talking and attend to him)

Listen, I have to say goodbye. If anything big comes up, I'll leave a message with your answering service.

(gently and guiltily hangs up the phone)

DR. LOMBARDO;

(icily)If one could only anticipate the same enthusiasm for this office-

NAN;

(ignoring Dr. Lombardo's tart comment, reads rapidly from note pad)Mrs. Flanagan says she's sent us two insurance forms but we haven't received them- Mr. Curtin says he has to have more Valium- Rita O'Brien says she hasn't slept in two weeks- Virginia Green's social worker-

(interrupts- holds up his hand to indicate that she stop the recitation)And where are their folders?

NAN;

(guiltily) I haven't pulled them-but I will in a second-

DR. LOMBARDO;

Well, then, please do--and kindly get Dr. Alexander on the phone-

NAN;

Yes, Doctor-(begins putting her enormous handbag in order.The doctor stays to watch)

DR. LOMBARDO;

(amused and smiling broadly)Do you always carry that overnight bag?

NAN;

(delighted by his rare smile)Here's erything I need in case I get busted.

DR. LOMBARDO;

Please, for the love of god, stay out of the slammer. And-- don't forget those folders and Dr. Alexander--

(returns to his office).

NAN;

(phone rings)Dr. Lombardo's office-

Hi, Connie. How are you?

We're up to our eyelashes suing the state for making abortion illegal--and exploring the true nature of orgasm--also cornering vibrator stock- (as she talks, she removes patients' folders from the file cabinet.)

I'm glad you find me refreshingly candid. And I find you refreshingly candid too-

Listen, I think we're oversaturating the media with me. Can't you spotlight someone else?

O.K.--if I'm news--I'm news. What about Sunday? The kids are coming home to get money and do laundry. I'd like you to meet them. Come at six. We'll have an early supper. Nothing fancy-- maybe Canadian bacon, tomato and cheese omelet, fruit salad with Crointreau-

laughs) You're right. Once a hausfrau--always a hausfrau.

No- there's nothing wrong with being a homemaker. It can be splendidly creative--rewarding. It's men who think it has no value. No Nobel prizes, medals, statues--just shitty baking contests and Miss Mostly Nude America--all friggin lying hemmorhaging mucous shit-

Yes- O.K. I'll clean up my language for your family paper.

Have to run.

DR. LOMBARDO:

(storms from his office and throws a medical journal to the floor)(in a barely controlled rage)Does it take an act of Congress for you to get those folders for me? And Dr. Alexander?

NAN;

(nervously twists her wedding band. Eyes downcast. Upset and uncomfortable to be lying. Stammers)That was a patient cancelling her appointment.

DR. LOMBARDO;

(doesn't believe her but doesn't pursue it.Picks up the medical journal from floor. She extends the folders to him which he accepts without comment)And I want no telephone interruptions for at least twenty minutes unless it's the Pope, the President or Fidel Castro-that's after you get me Sam Alexander."

(returns to his office)

NAN;

(Nan begins putting folders back into the file cabinet. Consults a small phone directory. Dials.)Dr. Lombardo to speak with Dr. Alexander, please. I'll wait-

Thank you.

(buzzes the intercom)

I have Dr. Alexander on the wire-

(hangs up phone. Sighs. Examines the two office plants for dryness.)

Scene 3

It's a brisk October evening. Action takes place at the Brooks Street Women's Center. Odd worn chairs and sofas, a coffee table, a television set, unmatching lamps, pillows--all refuse from attics and summer cottages. A shelf on the wall contains pamphlets on various subjects of women's interests. Fiery wall posters--one depicts a woman with fist clenched and stretched upwards--urging Freedom, Equality and Humanity. General untidiness. There's a bottle of jug wine on the coffee table and several plastic cups.

MONICA:

Dede, please change my name on the mailing list. I'm not Monica anymore.

DEDE;

What does that mean--you're not Monica anymore? Are you legally changing it?

MONICA/LIBERTY;

I'm not sure about legally changing it. I'm going to talk to Berry. Last week at the consciousness raising group in Southbridge, we talked about how we all have men's last names. Some of the women there have already given themselves new first names. Isn't that great?

LESLIE;

(kindly) What's yours, child?

MONICA/LIBERTY;

(shyly) Liberty. Do you like it?

LESLIE;

Honey, I love it!

HELENE;

(laughs but abruptly stops herself) That's very nice, Monica- I mean, Liberty. Let's drink a toast to Liberty- (lifts wine glass while other pour more wine into their glasses)

NAN:

(raises glass) Here's to Liberty-Belle long may she ring and sing with our successes-

(Leslie and Helene say- "here-here")

LESLIE;

Taking an original name is a damn good idea. On the other hand, for me the old family name opens lots of doors- Well, let's get on with it. The troops are waitin'.

NAN;

Actually, we've covered everything but the business of who's going to write the newsletter-

LESLIE;

Nan, I appoint you. Considerin' everyone else is stupid and you're the poet.

NAN:

We don't insult sisters, Leslie. I'm going to ask for volunteers. Anyone?

(No one volunteers. Silence.)

LESLIE;

No volunteers- O.K., I nominate Nan. Any objections?

NAN;

(smiling benignly and ignoring Leslie) I'm still running this meeting. Anyone second?

HELENE;

I second the nomination. I didn't know being a poet was a requisite-

LESLIE;

Shut up, Helene. Stop holding up the meeting with your everlasting hairsplittin'-

NAN;

Any other discussion? None. O.K. I would like to comment that I already have too much to do. I have a house and garden, two children, a sick father-in-law, a husband, a full time job outside the home and the presidency of this revolutionary organziation. Why can't we use one of the new members?

LESLIE;

(sighs loudly)For pity sakes will you stop whinin'. We're not the Junior Women's club. We should call them the Little Women- The reason we can't give the job to the new members is because they don't have our background. They're still in shock from leaving the coffee klatch!

LIBERTY;

You're sure in a ripping mood tonight, Les-

NAN;

Leslie, you keep forgetting that all women are sisters whether you like their style or not. Now, on the matter of the newsletter--I'll do it because in all modesty I'm the only gifted, goddam literate one here-

HELENE;

Bravo!--Nan's a veritable superwoman.

LESLIE;

(stands and applauds) I second what Helene said. We should get one of them women's presses to publish your poems- (hubbub follows)

NAN;

(sternly I haven't adjourned this meeting yet- (hubbub subsides) Does anyone know what's going on with Matilda Lindstrom? Remember, she's getting less pay than the men she's teaching. Matilda was supposed to be here tonight to give us an update on her lawsuit-

DEDE;

(stands) I can report. I don't know why she's not here but when I talked with her last week she said that the company's firing, laying off, or retiring any of the women who'll testify for her.

HELENE

That's outrageous. They can't do that. There's the National Labor-

DEDE;

(interrupts) Excuse me, Helene. The company always makes very good reasons for getting rid of the women.

LESLIE;

(leaps up angrily) Fucking men! Always pushing the world around with their pricks. I'm going to find us a bomb-maker--the only language they understand.

LIBERTY;

Don't talk like that, Les. I'm against violence-

HELENE;

On the subject of violence there are no easy answers- Generally, I'm with Liberty and against violence.

LESLIE;

(furiously, bitterly) Yeah, except when it's done to us. Violence against women is O.K. Rape us- Beat us- Kill us-put your foot on our necks- (walks to the bookcase)

NAN;

Leslie,cool off and please come back. We have more business to settle.

Leslie puts a cigarette into her mouth, keeps it unlit and returns to her chair.

NAN;

I'm just as anxious as the rest of you to leave. Leslie, would you call Connie about getting some publicity for Matilda's war? Two more things very quickly and I'm adjourning or I'll be too tired to go to work tomorrow and I'll get fired and then what'll we do for freaking money?

LESLIE;

Now don't you go worryin' yourself about money, honeychile. Didn't you get my check?

NAN;

Yeah- sure-- but that was spent before it arrived. do you know what I spend just in postage and phone calls?

LESLIE;

I'll give you more tonight. What are the two things?

NAN;

One, I'd like some really imaginative picketing at Matilda's factory to show support. And- I appoint Helene to be in charge of planning that demonstration-(all applaud)

HELENE;

(surprised out of her fog) Oh, O.K. I'll call a few people-

NAN;

The second item is membership. We need more bodies. Politicians only want to know "how many" --how many members we have. We can't keep getting away with exaggerating the number. I appoint Liberty to be in charge of recruiting new members-(clapping) And now I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

LESLIE;

You don't have to entertain I'll make the motion-

HELENE;

I second her motion.

NAN;

Wonderful. The meeting's adjourned.

DEDE;

(puts her chair back--goes stage left and waves) Bye everyone. Have a good weekend-(leaves)

HELENE;

(to Nan) Are we actually having the minority media coalition meeting here?

LESLIE;

No. No men here- period.

NAN;

Simmer down, Leslie. That meeting will be at the Casual Buffet. It's more centrally located for all of us and we'll be able to order coffee. I only hope they don't cancel this time.

HELENE

(preparing to leave) Well, I'll be in touch, anyway. See you-(goes to the door)

LIBERTY;

(running after her) Wait, Helene, I'll go with you. Bye-everyone. (exits)

NAN;

(packing her brief case.) It was a good meeting- don't you think-

LESLIE:

lies on couch, turns on side, resting on elbow- studies Nan through narrowed lids) So-so. Are you O.K.?

NAN;

(sighs) I'm tired. I haven't written anything worth mentioning in two months. I go all day and much of the night. Do you know that I even plot actions and quotable quotes in my dreams? To eat a meal in peace, I have to take the phone off the hook. Last week Gallagher called me from Washington at two in the morning. Two A.M. for Christ's sake!

LESLIE;

(sits up. speaks firmly but gently) When all women are liberated, you can do all the creative writing you want. Aren't you always telling me you're superwoman able to juggle a dozen balls at a time? Just to be on the safe side, I want you to take a bunch of vitamins. I'll bring them over myself. Drink a glass of wine before bed--and have sex only when you absolutely have to-

NAN;

Vitamins, wine and no sex--the strangest damn health advice I ever heard-(wearily sits beside Leslie on couch. You must be a witch doctor-

LESLIE;

I'm older than you, wiser and a witch doctor too. How's old Jonah managing? He keeping up his end of things?

NAN;

Even though we both know I'm superwoman, the housekeeping's slipped a couple of notches. I spend less time with the kids when they're around. Jonah's not getting the same old rapt attention of pre-lib days. Sometimes when I'm ranting and raving about the demented male power structure, he gets defensive. Then I try reassuring him that my battle's not with him and he's not responsible for a thousand years of demented male behavior.

LESLIE;

(flatly) You two'll probably end up divorced-

NAN:

Shut your mouth, witch. Seriously, Jonah's helpful in his way...taking calls...cheering me up and even pointing out injustices to which I'm blind --you know, it's as if we've been burned and burned and ended up numb and blind.

LESLIE;

Hooray for Jonah. You know I like him. How old are you?

NAN;

Forty. Why?

LESLIE;

(surprised) You don't look it. Must be all that clean straight sex.

NAN;

Ha ha. (stands) Listen, can't we get someone else to do some of the media stuff. I'm beginning to sense a little fang sharpening jealousy in the wings. I've been center stage for too long. We have that program on abortion coming up on Chanel 8. Sean Patrick says he's getting Archbishop O'Connor-

LESLIE:

We can't send anyone else. Use your head. First of all, you're the president. Right? The feedback I get from Connie is that the press is nuts about you. She says you always give such quotable stuff-

LESLIE;

Listen, I'm glad you said that--it reminds me of something I've been meaning to tell you. Don't send those two out to represent us.

NAN:

(surprised) Which two?

LESLIE:

The lesbians.

NAN:

(amazed) What lesbians? We don't have any lesbians.

LESLIE;

Don't be so blind and provincial, Nan.

NAN;

I swear- believe me- I have no idea who you're talking about.

LESLIE;

(mild impatience) It's so obvious-those two-

NAN;

(timidly) Helene?

LESLIE;

Bingo. And?

NAN:

I give up. Who else?

LESLIE;

Our little roller skating champion--Dede Phelps.

NAN;

How can you make that judgement? If it's not true, gossip can hurt them-

LESLIE;

I'm never wrong about people. Don't know how you missed it-

NAN:

(stands and begins pacing) I'm not well informed about lesbians. I've read that Sapho was and Gertrude Stein-

LESLIE:

Did you ever hear the expression-"it takes one to know one"?

NAN;

I know you are- You just don't seem mysterious enough-

LESLIE;

Thank God I don't seem mysterious. Come on- Don't tell me you were never in love with another woman-

NAN;

In love? A divine illusion/delusion? Listen, I've admired certain very beautiful or brilliant or courageous women--sometimes almost revered them--but that's not man-woman love. I never wanted to have sex with a woman-

LESLIE;

(yawns) Oh, really? What's man-woman love?

NAN;

(tired, irritated and stream of consciousness outpouring) Beef bourguignon...a wool quilt...gardenias.. (increasing irritation) Chopin...an orange..ragtime...a brook.. an ocean.. (stops) A can of worms. I'm beat. I'm going home.

LESLIE;

Good idea. You goin' to call me?

NAN;

Yeah. Will you lock up the place?

LESLIE;

(waves her along) Sure. You go home now. Get some rest. Hear? (Nan starts to leave) (Leslie calls) You coming to the lesbian rap?

NAN;

(turns back surprised) First I've heard of it.

LESLIE;

You must be outside the in group. Write it on your calendar--October 15th at the Women's Health Collective. You need some educatin'-

NAN;

(approaching door) O.K. but remind me again a few days before- (exits)

BLACKOUT

ACT I

Scene 4

Place:

Dr. Lombardo's office and Nan's room. There is a copper vase of bittersweet on her desk.

Time:

Late morning on a glorious blazing colors October day.

DR LOMBARDO;

(enters-- appearing worried and pre-occupied)

Hi- everything under control?

NAN:

Everything's quiet for a change. The floor nurse told me you spent the night at the hospital. How's little Joanie Deerfield doing?

DR. LOMBARDO;

(sighs)It's still touch and go but the surgeons are satisfied...Do me a favor and get Dr. Winslow on the phone.

NAN;

Did you eat lunch?

DR. LOMBARDO;

I risked ptomaine with a bite at the hospital cafeteria.

NAN;

(slight laugh) (suddenly and surprising herself)

How'd you like me to take you to lunch at the Coral Terrace on Wednesday for your birthday?

DR. LOMBARDO:

(registers shy pleasure, surprise, and finally sensibly considered propriety. Teases-)

And one would assume, according to the preaviling feminist philosophy that you'll be paying-

NAN;

Of course, I'll pay--but, if you're more into the ancient philosophy of male chivilry,you may-

DR. LOMBARDO;

(returning to his usual reserve)

I don't think you can afford my epicurean standards.

(starts back to his office)

NAN;

(calls after him)

Want me to call the hospital about Joan?

DR. LOMBARDO;

(sadly) No, thanks--I'll go over later- By the way, would you call Gary in maintenance and ask him to bring up the Chippendale armchair from my station wagon. It's wrapped in an old quilt.

(takes car keys from his pocket and gives them to Nan) I think it will be attractive in my office by the bookcase. Don't you agree?

NAN:

(cool)I'm no interior decorating expert. I don't know much about antiques.

DR. LOMBARDO:

I see. Well,I'll be dictating some letters. Please tend to the chair.(returns to his office)

NAN:

(dials phone)

Hi, this is Nan-233-at Dr. Lombardo's office. Would you take my calls for a few minutes. I have to go to maintenance. If there's an emergency, the doctor's in his office. (she stands to leave) Thanks, Carla-

MARIE:

(enters the office) Hi, there- Haven't seen you in a long time. Is everything alright with the prince?

NAN:

I see him more as a pope. Celibate. I can't understand where his five children came from-

MARIE:

(jokes)It might be that Miranda had a handsome carpenter-

NAN:

No- they're his. They look and act like him. Your doctor has a brood too. I guess these doctors need dynasties to inherit all their money-

MARIE:

(suddenly angry and defensive of the doctors)

You have to consider the cost of their education and the years of internship and residency and the long hours they put in at the hospital--when you consider all that--they probably make the same as your average plumbing contractor. Why is it, that it's always open season on doctors?! (phone rings) You're busy. See you later-

NAN:

Please stay, Marie. (phone stops ringing) The answering service is taking it. I was on my way to ask Gary to bring up a Chippendale chair. I need the walk-

MARIE;

(calm and regretting her blow up)

Yes. I heard that he recently inherited a ton of antiques. While Carla's taking your calls, let's go to the coffee shop for a cup of tea-

NAN

Tea sounds divine--but I don't dare. I was on the phone with women's rights business for hours-

MARIE;

(sour face) It's funny. You don't seem at all like one of them-

NAN:

(slightly cool) Sorry, Marie but you don't have the vaguest idea what you're talking about. The press has made us seem like total bitches- Once you get to know us...Say, why don't you come to our next meeting- I'm serious.

MARIE;

(slowly accepting the idea) Maybe--O.K. I guess I should see what it's all about for myself- (Dr. Lombardo returns with the folders) (greetings with Marie exchanged)

DR. LOMBARDO:

Is Ted going to the Staff dinner? (puts folders on top of the file cabinet)

MARIE:

You can bet on it. Dr. Johnson hasn't missed a Staff dinner in seven years.

DR. LOMBARDO:

I'm afraid I have a lower threshold for boredom than Ted. (to Nan) Did you talk with Gary about getting the chair?

NAN;

I was just about to leave when Marie stopped by-

DR. LOMBARDO;

On second thought, forget the chair. I'll stop by on my way to the hospital. (Nan returns his car keys to him)

(to Nan- coldly) Mrs. R., would you be good enough to finish the Bernardi report and put it on my desk before you leave tonight. (exits)

MARIE;

No tea then?

NAN:

Didn't you hear the ice in his voice?

MARIE;

Has he invited you for a ride in his new Ferrari yet?

NAN;

Do I understand you to mean the classy Italian racing car?

MARIE;

Yes, the same. So I guess that means you haven't been invited for a spin.

NAN;

No invitation--the aloof bastard.

MARIE;

He's probably shy. Dr. Johnson says he races and even won a few trophies. Some night when you're leaving the parking garage notice the Chinese red Ferrari with his nickname, on the license plate--SHEIK-

NAN;

(laughs wildly) "Sheik?!" He wishes. I bet that racing car set him back a few bills-

MARIE;

Hey, I have to run. Want me to bring back some tea for you?

NAN;

It would be heaven. (gets change from her handbag and gives it to Marie)

So, he races a Ferrari- (as Marie leaves, she nearly bumps into a A harried woman who's coming into the office and peering at the doctor's name on the door)

WOMAN:

(to Nan) Are you the one who's the president of women's lib?

NAN;

(surprised) Are you looking for me-- Nan Reznik?

WOMAN:

(studying her face) You look like the girl from the Sunday paper...

NAN:

(surprise continuing)How did you locate me here?

WOMAN;

I called the newspaper and the girl said you work here.

NAN:

I see. Well, I'm at my job now. I can't spend much time with you-

WOMAN:

I think what you're doing is beautiful. If I was young--I'd join up with you. (sits on chair which is deskside) See--my husband ran off with this bimbo tramp six years ago and left me with three small ones. But I'm proud--no welfare. I wait tables-

NAN:

(nervously glances at her watch and then the door)

I'm expecting the doctor back any minute. Could you call me at home tonight?

WOMAN:

(glumly) Can't. I work till twelve by the time I get home- No car-

(takes a cigarette from the pack in her handbag- puts it into her mouth and looks for book matches)-

NAN;

I'm sorry. No smoking in the office. The doctor absolutely won't allow it.-(woman returns the cigarette to the pack and shoves it back into her handbag)

What kind of discrimination are you experiencing?

WOMAN:

(stands over Nan)

You mean like rights? Lady, I got no rights. Nowhere. Work all day. Work all night. Get hounded by them blood sucking bill collectors-- You call this a life? (studies her) You probably don't understand..an educated girl, working in a doctor office. You got a good husband, good house, good kids.

(takes a crumpled tissue from her handbag and loudly blows her nose)

My husband, Lucky, was trouble from the day we was married. I shoulda known he was bad luck. A lot of times I wished he was dead- Honestly. Dead.

NAN:

You'd be wonderful at one of our consciousness-raising sessons-

WOMAN;

(irritably) Nobody cares about me. Who am I? My looks gone. Right? Almost died with hemorrhage when I had my Marcie. Put on forty-three pounds. (rummaging in her handbag) I got a picture when I was young- (produces a picture)

NAN:

(looks at the picture) Very pretty- yes, quite pretty. (returns the picture to woman)I really can see that- Look I have to say goodbye now. (fearing doctor's return)The doctor will be back any minute- I truly am sympathetic to all your problems. Won't you come to our next regular meeting at the Women's Center? Do you where that is?

WOMAN:

(unhappily) I thought you could help me.

NAN:

I hope the day will come when we can treat all the complex parts of your problem--but it's too early in our movement right now. We're still getting organized. Our major thrust is reproductive freedom and equal pay for equal work.

WOMAN:

(sadly-angrily)By that time I'll be dead.

NAN:

(stands to indicate that their meeting's over)

I'm certainly going to work hard to prevent that from happening.

(writes a number on a piece of paper)

This is my home phone number. Please call me at night if you'd like to talk a little more-

WOMAN:

(glumly)I told you I have to work at night.

(they begin walking to the door)

NAN:

I'm sorry I forgot. Thank you for stopping by.

WOMAN:

Don't mention it. Well, thanks anyway. (exits wearily, sloppily)

NAN

(returns to her desk and begins typing up a storm. Stops abruptly and dials the phone)

Hi,this is Nan,-233, at Dr. Lombardo's office. Any messages? (writes them down) O.K. Appreciate it-- thanks.

MARIE:

(Carefully walks in with tea) Hi- I hope it's still hot. Had to wait forever for the darn elevator.

NAN:

(sips the tea on and off during the conversation)

Oh, thanks--it's divine. Just the thing I need to get me through the day and the Bernardi report. Six long pages long!

MARIE:

How're you two getting along? I mean--the prince and you-

NAN:

O.K. It's taken him three years to feel relaxed and trusting with me. Mostly he calls me Mrs. R. Once in a rare while, he forgets, warms and calls me Nan. Thank God, now we're down to only two volcanic eruptions a week.

MARIE:

How do you handle him?

NAN:

Not too well. I still don't have a system. Usually I get very quiet and wounded. Even if it's not me, I take everything personally. Then he gets concerned and more gentle-

MARIE:

Don't take his tantrums personally. I've known him for ten years and all the girls who worked for him. He's an odd guy. You can't have a thin skin.

(phone rings)

NAN:

(to Marie) Excuse me. (answers phone) Dr. Lombado's office-

Hi-heavens!--haven't heard from you in an age.

Of course--we're always busy here. What's happening?

Sure, I like it, Liberty. But it'll take me a while to stop calling you Monica.

Pregnant? Jesus, Monica- I mean, Liberty! How far along?

Can you still get an abortion?

(hopeless little laugh) Half the time you want an abortion and half the time you want the baby. When will you make up your mind? We need a long talk and maybe Leslie should be with us.

Look for the moment--don't worry. Come to supper tonight. You probably need a good meal.

Great. Wonderful. See you tonight. (hangs up the phone)

(to Marie) Sweet Mother of God--she says she's pregnant!

MARIE:

(reaching into her pocket) Mint?

NAN:

(absent-mindedly accepts) Yes..thanks-

MARIE:

(sighs) Life's certainly confusing. Isn't it? He, I mean your prince, was separated from his wife before you came to work for him.

(gets a magazine from the waiting room and flips through it from time to time)

NAN:

Mrs. Lombardo's very nice. I've talked with her on the phone half a dozen times and she's been in a couple of times. Very friendly, down-to-earth--totally unlike him.

MARIE:

Dr. Johnson blames his mother.

NAN:

What was she like? He never talks about his parents.

MARIE;

She was that crazy dancer, Athena Morgan.

NAN:

Athena Morgan was famous! I think even a feminist. Am I thinking of the right one?

MARIE:

Yeah, that's the one. Danced half nude in seaweed and veils. Dr. Johnson says your boss was the love-child, you know, illegitimate-(mockingly) because Athena Morgan didn't want to be chained in a bourgeois marriage.

NAN:

Thanks for telling me. I think that explains a little of his weirdness. What else did Dr. Johnson say about the prince?

MARIE:

Listen, you have to keep everything I'm saying secret.

NAN:

Of course! I never repeat what might end up in the ears of the person it's about. I won't willingly hurt-

MARIE:

I didn't think you'd gab it around. The other thing Dr. Johnson says is that Lombardo's father was an Italian count or duke--something royal. (stands) I've been gone too long.

NAN:

Hey, thanks for the tea and the intriguing stuff about my boss- I didn't have a clue-

MARIE:

(starts to leave- stops- and returns)

By the way, how much time does your women's lib take? I mean hours or days. I saw you on Chanel 3 television news picketing the "Chronicle". It's a wonder you girls didn't drown in the rain-

NAN:

(gently takes the phone off the hook)

The rain dampened our publicity--but three or four people actually stopped and asked intelligent questions. Other people shouted obscenities from their cars. The most important thing was the television coverage. That reaches the most people.

MARIE:

I still don't know why you girls want to live and act like men. We have a good deal now. Why do you want to spoil it?

NAN:

(flares) You think groveling on all fours is a good deal? You think earning a living on your back is a good deal?!

MARIE:

(blazing with anger) I don't earn my living on my back--but maybe you do.

NAN:

God, I'm sorry, I came on so strong, Marie. You know I hear so many stories of cruelty and unjustice from women--sometimes it makes me a little crazy. I hope some day you'll wake up and join us.

MARIE:

I seriously doubt it. (looks at her watch) It'll be quitting time soon-(goes to the door) See you-(exits)

NAN:

(calls just as Marie exits)Thanks for the tea-

(begins typing up a storm to make up for the time she spent talking with Liberty and Marie)

DR. LOMBARDO:

(enters carrying a beautiful Chippendale chair)Hi. All quiet on the western front?

NAN

Surprisingly yes. That's quite a chair.

DR. LOMBARDO:

(stands by to admire it)

It is rather handsome. Isn't it? Mrs. Lombardo's in her in her art deco phase-

NAN:

Lucky for you that she is. Now you have that nice chair for your office-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(noticing that the phone's off the hook. Points to it. Icily-)

May we resume the practice of medicine?

NAN:

(Gently replaces the phone. embarassed) Sorry, I forgot-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(pushes aside her deskside chair and puts the Chippendale chair in its place and sits beside Nan)

In a week or so we'll be marking your third anniversary in this office. In the past, I've given you, more or less, automatic raises-

(Nan nervously fidgets with a pencil)

Despite the overwhelming committment you've made to this women's lib cause, I can't fault most of your work.

(Nan brightens slightly)

But-it occurs to me that you might be happier doing some other kind of work-

NAN:

(flushed stammers)

Are you giving me my walking papers? Do you find me undependable?

DR. LOMBARDO:

(smiles) No. If you have one sterling characteristic, it's your utter reliability. I'm merely idly wondering what you'd really like to to-

NAN:

(relieved that she's not being fired. Tired but keeping irritability in check)

Don't laugh but when I was nine or ten, I wanted to be an actress--actually I wanted to be Sonia Heinie. I soon realized I wasn't a pretty blonde Scandinavian and I couldn't figure skate. (Dr. Lombardo smiles)I'm really a closet poet but this-(taps her desk) is the only work I'm trained to do that will pay me-

DR. LOMBARDO

(repeats)'closet poet' (stands, smiles broadly)

Well, we can probably manage another raise. But please, please let's keep the women's lib spillover here to an absolute minimum.

(picks up the Chippendale chair)And let's be think about what fabric we might use to recover this chair-

(returns to his office)(Nan resumes typing)

BLACKOUT

ACT I

Scene 5

A Cold December evening. The women are assembled at the Brooks Street Women's Center. The room is more untidy than usual. Nan, Marie, Liberty, Leslie, Helene, and Tania are arranged in a semi-circle sitting either on pillows on the floor or in chairs and the couch.

TANIA:

Who gives a shit what Freeman says. She should find herself another husband and make him gallons of chicken soup-

HELENE:

Tania, reflect on this. First of all Freeman is a sister. Then her writings woke many middle-class housewives from their ennui-

NAN:

My debt is to Simone-

TANIA:

(anger barely checked) Rich, isolated French mandarin. What the fuck does she know about the real world? Was she ever a welfare mother with six kids and a junkie husband in jail?

HELENE:

I concede that to you, Tania. The intellectual is often removed and her awareness abstracted-

LESLIE:

(laughing)That's hot shit, Helene- you do go on like you're writin' your thesis. Relax, girl- relax.

TANIA:

(stands) O.K. Thanks, Leslie for being a breath of fresh air. Let's get started. Welcome everyone. I'm Tania Coolidge. I play the dulcimer, eat vegtarian and write for G-clef, the magazine for musicians.

(Nan and Helene exchange impressed glances)

LESLIE:

(draws up a chair and sits beside Tania. Apologises)Sorry for interruptin'- (teases) Want to get close so I can learn somethin' about you dykes. (several women laugh appreciatively)

TANIA:

(ignores Leslie) We're here to talk about sexual orientation--or--are dykes really human-- or just some fucked-up man haters still clinging to mommy's tit.

(Nan smiles forcedly to convey understanding)

LIBERTY:

(whispers to Nan) Did you see Warner Crandall last night on Chanel 7? He talked about the movement. He was real good.

LESLIE:

Hey, Liberty, you play tennis? You look like a naural-born athlete-

LIBERTY:

(pleased by Leslie's attention)Oh, sorry,no, Les. But I love tennis. Sometimes I watch the big matches--like the French Open-- on my Mom's T.V.

TANIA:

(Interrupts, barely holding anger in check) Everyone- everyone--may I have your feeble-brained wandering attention?!

LESLIE:

My fault and I apologize for bein' feeble-brained. Now you have my undivided attention.

TANIA:

Leslie, you know as well as anyone how much I hate structured meetings--but we have to move aloang or we'll never get this communication between us and our straight sisters off the ground-

LESLIE:

(stands in front of Tanis and takes over) O.K. Any questions? Come on--speak up. Cat got your tongues?

HELENE:

Would you say that generally lesbians have a stronger father or mother identification in childhood?

DEDE:

Oh- mother, definitely mother. You should know-- you're a shrink-

LIBERTY:

Who said if we relate more to women than men, we're lesbians? But they didn't say anything about having sex with another girl....

TANIA:

(pushing Leslie aside) Alright, Leslie, you've done your schtik not sit down and let me continue. (pleased with Liberty) Thank you, Liberty. It makes sense that physical love is the natural outgrowth of closenss.

NAN:

(almost timidly to Tania) Were you ever in love with a man?

LESLIE:

(takes a pillow from the couch and sits on the floor. Enthusiastically-)Now we're gettin' hot.

TANIA:

(sarcastically to Nan) I won't answer that question because it's too silly.

NAN:

O.K. I'll try another question that might not be silly. Did you ever achieve orgasm with a man?

TANIA:

(sighs loudly as if to indicate end of her patience) What took you so long? The classic straight people's pitch- or should I say 'bitch'?-- If only super stud could roll us in the hay, we'd have the four star orgasm and be straight forever. Right?!

NAN:

(embarassed)Something like that, I guess...

LESLIE:

(grumbles) No man ever gave me sexual satisfaction-

TANIA:

(angrily and sarcastically to Nan) Madam President, I'm fucking tired of your hostility-

LESLIE:

(jumps up-amazed and annoyed)Crazy. You off your rocker, Tania?

TANIA:

(pulls out a pack of cigarettes from her shirt pocket and lights one-)(still angry) O.K.-- stay ignorant. The rest of you can come out or stay in the closet-- I don't give a shit.(goes off to stage left, sits in shadow, smoking and sulking)

NAN:

(looks to Leslie for direction) We should probably continue exploring our feelings- Right?

LESLIE:

No reason to close up shop-

MARGUERITE:

(raises her hand. Nan nods agreement)

(Marguerite stands and struggles to be heard and to put her thoughts into accurate words)

My mother, you know,always put my father first--my brothers too. Me and my sisters were like servants. You know the trouble with my people is too much machismo-

LESLIE:

(laughs) That's the same trouble with my people too, Marguerite. (looks to Marie) Marie--I think that's your name-- you want to share an experience with us?

MARIE:

(surprised and tongue-tied a moment)

Is it O.K. if I don't stand? This is my first meeting- I don't know if this is appropriate--I've never told it before. When I was twelve or thirteen, my mother's boarder--a professor, used to corner me when no one was around and squeeze my breasts. We were poor. I sensed that what he was doing was dirty but wasn't sure. No one ever told me that it was. He always gave me three dollars- saying 'go see a movie'... (goes silent)

HELENE:

Did he take any other inappropriate liberties with your body?

MARIE:

No--just breasts. I'd wriggle away. He acted like it was a game or joke. I didn't want to make him so angry he'd leave--stop being a boarder. That would hurt us financially. Also I wouldn't be getting the three dollars any more.

MARGUERITE:

What did you do with the money?

MARIE:

Most of the time I gave it to my mother. I lied that the rich old lady on the hill gave it to me for doing errands-

HELENE:

What are your feelings today about that professor and what he did?

MARIE:

I hate him and hope he dies suffering. He must be dead now... And I'm disgusted with myself for letting him get away with it and taking his filthy three dollars-

DEDE:

Now don't you people say I'm talking like a Communist but I think she let it happen because she was poor and felt powerless-

MARIE:

It also happened because I was dumb.

(sits down abruptly. Shyly) Sorry- I didn't mean to monopolize your meeting.

LESLIE:

Honey chile, it's not my meeting. It's our meeting--everyone's. I'm ready for a break-

(Marguerite, Tania, Dede and Helene mill about)

LIBERTY:

(softly to Nan) I feel funny. Let's go. I feel out of place-

NAN:

O.K....(rises slowly, trying to be inconspicuous)

LESLIE:

(spots them and rushes over)

Now where you-all goin'? Right when the evenin's startin' to get good. Wasn't Marie great? Glad you talked her into coming.

(calls) Hey, Dede- tell what's going to happen next-

DEDE:

(stands and speaks looking at the floor as if reading from cue-cards) See- all our lives we've been ashamed of our bodies. Tits too small--ass too big- Even in the paintings and statues you have in museums, women never even had pubic hair. We've always been ashamed. Men made jokes about our bodies. Tania and Dede, me and others say,fuck 'em-- our bodies are beautiful.

LESLIE:

(stands and wildly applauds)

Right- on, Dede! You say it like it is.

DEDE:

Look, we're all different but we're all beautiful. We don't have to be bullied by fashion magazines. Those models are starving and dieting and dizzy and doin' drugs and crazy-

TANIA:

(reappears from the shadows--more cheerful in mood. Takes charge)

O.K., Dede- let's cut to the chase. What we're going to do--those of us who're secure in sisterhood is take off our clothes-

(small gasp from Liberty) (Dede returns to her place on the couch)

LESLIE:

What're you stopping for--wastin' time? I'm going to start right now-

(sings the stripper's theme and coyly removes her sweater)

TANIA:

As I was saying, we're going to take off our clothes. For example, if I've been conditioned to hating my breasts, I'll say, 'my breasts are pendulous and I'm considering surgery to reduce them-' Then, a sister will say, 'Tania, your breasts are beautiful like Persian melons.' There will be no shame-

(Nan motions to Liberty with a 'come on' wave and starts cautiously towards the door)

LESLIE:

(catching her arm)

Rushing away so soon? Afraid you'll see something you like?

NAN:

You know me almost better than anyone, Leslie and you know I'm not comfortable with this hysterical exhibitionism-

LESLIE:

There you go--thinking like a nun.

LESLIE:

(to Liberty) Doesn't she sound like a nun, Liberty?

LIBERTY:

(shrugs) I don't know any nuns-

TANIA:

(calls) Come on, everyone- let's get going-(begins slowly taking off her clothes)

(the other women with the exception of Nan, Liberty and Leslie, slowly begin removing their clothes.)

LESLIE:

(to Nan) Ole Tania's going to be a shot in the arm for all of us-

NAN:

(slightly sad--cautiously)Let's see. It'll be interesting anyway-

LESLIE:

(studying Nan) You look plum tuckered out. Run along. I'll call you tomorrow-

(Nan and Liberty exit together)

(The women are in various stages of undress--but no total nudity when the curtain falls)

CURTAIN

ACT II

Scene 1

Dressing room at Chanel 8. Three chairs, a dressing table,a mirror and a coat tree. Nan is brushing her hair. Liberty sits beside her watching.

SEAN PATRICK:

(head in doorway) Hi- how're you doing?

NAN:

O.K. I never get nernous until that final countdown when I'm sitting in the chair with the beast camera staring and waiting to pounce on me. My heart beats so loudly, I'm sure they hear it in Idaho.

SEAN PATRICK:

(laughs and enters room) That's pretty standard--but no one's quite put it that way. But you're a television pro now- Aren't you?

NAN:

Hardly. The Archbishop here yet?

SEAN PATRICK:

We're still waiting. When you're finished in here, I'd like to quickly go over what questions you'd like me to ask-

NAN:

I'm ready but first I'd like to introduce my friend, Liberty Magee.

SEAN PATRICK:

(takes Liberty's hand and European kisses it) Such loveliness- You're a credit to the movement.

LIBERTY:

(shyly) Thank you Mr. Patrick.

TELEVISION ASSISTANT (Dede):

(come to door) Ten minutes, Sean- Want to bring them in?

SEAN PATRICK:

(to Assistant) Any word of Archbishop O'Connor?

TELEVISION ASSISTANT:

Yeah- they called from his office. He can't make it. Their right-to-life attorney's coming instead. I think he's also a priest-

LIBERTY:

(gasps) Oh, Leslie was right. She said O'Connor would never appear on the same program with you. Nan, those people think you're too militant.

NAN:

Sean, you promised me the head honcho-

SEAN PATRICK:

(shrugs) What can I do? Can't fight the Vatican. When I first took this up with the Archbishop, he agreed. He's very charming. Have you ever met him?

NAN:

No. I enjoy charming men-- but I have trouble with those who keep their foot on my neck-

SEAN PATRICK:

(laughs and repeats) "foot on your neck"? De-licious. The thing is, we've been having trouble getting through to him all week. (look at his watch) Come on-- You'll be great. (starts to leave)

NAN:

(Gets up slowly. Obviously disappointed) I can't stand the flaming ass attorney who's coming in the archbishop's place. His favorite story's about a woman who'd been exposed to German measles-- knew she'd have a defective child but she rejected abortion and gave the kid the blessed gift of silence.

SEAN PATRICK:

His argument would be that the gift of life was better than no life at all- Come on, save that exquisite venom for the camera. (exits)

LIBERTY:

(gathering up the coats and handbags) Well, maybe afterwards they could do an operation to help the kid hear a little-

NAN:

And what if there were other defects? Liberty, she gave the child the gift of deafness.

(both exit)

Scene 2

Second floor of the State Capitol. There is a hall center stage. Stage left--a door leading to the vast assembly hall. Stage right--a door marked "Men" indicating the men's room.

Leslie, Nan and Helene are in the State Capitol to lobby for support of the Equal Rights Amendment.

LESLIE:

I still can't understand why we don't have more women today-

HELENE:

Most women can't take off in the middle of the day. They're either mothers or working in some restrictive job-

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(strolling by) Morning, ladies-

LESLIE:

Senator, do you have a minute?

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(stops- looks at watch) I have a committee meeting in a few minute- But (shrugs helplessly) I'm always helpless with pretty girls.

LESLIE:

(turns away and retends to vomit from his insincere flattery) -just a little indigestion. I'll be alright.

NAN:

(frowns at Leslie and hands the Senator a brochure) We've already sent a copy of this to your office. It spells out the reasons why STAT wants ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment-

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(slightly chilly) STAT? Oh, yes- I want to be frank with you. I have nothing against women. (fake laugh) My wife's one. (more seriously) You must understand how threatening equality is to most men and a lot more women thank you girls think.

LESLIE:

The only men who're theratened are those with sexual problems-

HELENE:

(attempting to smooth things) Senator, you're the chairman of the Human Rights Committee. We must have your support. It's vital-

NAN:

And- when it gets to be election time, we guarantee you'll have the support of STAT women-

LESLIE;

(drawls)We'll make coffee, lick envelopes--not that that's anything new to us. Right?

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

No, girls- don't misunderstand. I appreciate your offer. But at this particular moment in history STAT support can be a handicap. You girls don't have the same respectability as, say--The Women Voters Union-

LESLIE:

(angrily) Drink tea with their little finger crooked. That right, Senator? Means a lot-

NAN:

(sternly) Don't cut other women, Leslie. Remember--divide and conquer-

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(looks at watch) I'm late. Sorry girls, I hate to rush away-

LESLIE:

(tough) If you hate to--don't. You're your own man- Aren't you?

HELENE:

(ameliorating) Senator, perhaps you can give us a few suggestions for changing the minds of the other congresspersons and senators.

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(ah, now this is in his ball park)"Congresspersons" --Now that sounds silly to me. Listen, first you can't label concerns "human rights." That's the kiss of death. Call everything "labor" legislation. Another thing--you've got to be realistic. Nobody gets everything he wants.

NAN:

(corrects) "he" or "she", Senator.

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(irked) Semantics. That's exactly how you turn people off-

HELENE:

(still playing "nice") We know what you mean. Please continue,Senator.

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(hurriedly) In a nutshell, find a represenative to be your spokesman--someone who can help you get your legislation through and then promise to work for him.

LESLIE:

There you go again, Senator, with "him". But didn't you say it would be the kiss of death for any politician to line up with us?

SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

(frustrated- rushing away) We'll take this up another time. Good luck, ladies- (exits)

NAN:

I'm so furious I could make confetti of these brochures and toss it all through this building-

HELENE:

That's childish, Nan and will only reinforce their negative oopinions of us.

LESLIE:

(reaching into her large canvas bag, takes out the classic women's clenched fist in the female symbol decals and two folded posters showing the same) Well, I don't give a shit about your professional opinion, Helene. What do you say, Nan--are you game?

NAN:

(smiles- sensing mischief) For what?

LESLIE:

Never mind. Are you--or aren't you game?

NAN:

I'm game. Helene?

HELENE:

(hesitates) I think not. I have to consider my job with the state-

LESLIE:

Of course you're right. O.K., Helene, you stand watch. Nan and I are goin' in the men's room to do a little interior decoratin'.

NAN:

Oh, no! (nearly doubles over with laughter) Tell me, you're kidding-

LESLIE:

I'm dead serious. We're going to paste these right where they pee and play with eachother. These men are all fags. They screw their wives and secretaries once a week to prove they're real men- but you never see them with women- (Nan's hearty laughters inspires Leslie further) Sure--what do you think them footballs players are doin' when they go into a huddle?--playin' with eachother--(starts towards the men's room, turns and waves to Nan) Come on--we have to move fast. (heads towards men's room door)

NAN:

(still laughing, hands her briefcase and bochures to Helene. Runs after Leslie) You're crazy, Leslie. What if we're caught- (both exit into men's room)

(sounds of soft talking and laughing)

Scene 3

December. Leslie, Tania, Nan, Dede, Helene and Liberty mill about or sit and wait on a long bench and various wooden chairs outside the courtroom door. (the same set can be used with very few changes as the previous scene)

DEDE

(to Liberty) I'm glad we came to the hearing. Right up to the last minute the equal rights commission members tried to get us to drop out and leave the complaint to them.

LIBERTY:

I don't get it. Do you?

DEDE:

They said that two plaintiffs complicated the case but Nan said-

TANIA

(interrupts) this whole fucking patriarchal system stinks with corruption from top to bottom from court to church.

LESLIE

So's our Capitalist system of the few chosen rich.

DEDE:

(shocked) Hey, Leslie--are you a Communist?

LESLIE:

(flip)Right as well. It's a minority party- but not on the voting machine-

NAN:

I hope you're joking, Leslie, because you of all people would go crazy and murder if the State appropriated your airplane, three homes, your boat, your horses and God knows what else-

TANIA:

(impatiently) Oh, cut the theoretical bullshit, both of you. I want us to haul Vortex into court and sue their asses for every employment violation in the book.

NAN:

Do you have documentation, Tania?

LESLIE:

Documentation? Documentation?! Whose side on you on, Nan? I'm telling Berry to sue the bastards. I'll pay all legal costs-

HELENE:

One thing at a time, Leslie. Let's get this newspaper want ads victory first.

NAN:

Besides, Les--it's not that simple. We can't go around indiscrimionately suing the world-

TANIA:

(abruptly) I have to pee. (leaves)

LESLIE:

Some of us think you've changed, Nan. (turns to Liberty) Don't you think Nan's changed?

LIBERTY:

(shrugs) She seems the same to me-

NAN:

I think I've changed. One factor is my job. In a way, I've become Dr. Lombardo. I answer his phone, accumulate his money, guard his reputation, watch his appearance, enchance his prestige, run interference for him with his wife, other doctors, his patients. I anticipate and pamper every mood. At least once a day I decide to quit- And this presidency of STAT is making things worse. The spark's going. I'm losing enthusiasm. I think I should take off-

LESLIE:

(interrupts) Jesus, you know something, Nan? You're getting very boring. I'm going inside to see if they've started-(exits)

HELENE:

(depressed) We'd fall apart without you, Nan. You're the catalyst. You're the inspiration- Don't let Leslie get to you.

NAN:

(turns her attention to Liberty) How's the baby doing? Not much time left-

LIBERTY:

I'm getting there. Did I tell you I'm seeing a doctor in your building?

(at this point the three judges-- comprised of two men and one woman arrive--They carry briefcases and nod to Nan and Liberty as they enter the courtroom.)

NAN:

(points to the door and whispers) The judges. Which doctor in my building? Do you like him?

LIBERTY:

Dr. Solomon. He's O.K., I guess. Sometimes he treats me like I'm cheap--low class. Know what I mean?

NAN:

I know Dr. Solomon. Sometimes he sends us a patient. He's handsome but a pompous ass. Don't let him get to you. When's your date of confinement?

LIBERTY:

You mean, due? Valentine's Day. Isn't that great? It it's a girl, I'm naming her Christiann and if it's a boy, Christian. This religious organization is helping me with the layette and stuff.

NAN:

That's very nice --but do they want your baby for their adoption business?

LESLIE:

(returns.) - Have to have a weed before I die- (puts cigarette in her mouth but doesn't light it)

LIBERTY:

(eyes wide) Adopt? Oh, no-Nan. They know how I feel. My baby's all I have. You know, I even talk to her when we're alone-

NAN:

(smiles and asks) Her?

Oh, I know for sure I'm having a girl. I just feel it.

LESLIE:

(applauds. removes cigarette from her mouth and puts it back into the pack) Be a shame to spoil my record now. That-a-girl, Liberty. Only have girls. (to Nan) You should go in there. They're starting. It'll make you puke-

TANIA:

(returns) Have I missed anything?

LESLIE:

Not a thing, honey. Just men bein' pricks.

NAN:

(to Liberty) The important thing now is to stay in top top condition. Then have a normal delivery of a healthy baby-

TANIA:

Why don't you have a midwife and screw the system.

LESLIE:

Good idea. In the beginning it was all midwives. Suzanne Taylor says the way men took over obstetrics was a guy came into the delivery room in drag-

HELENE:

(laughing) I never heard that! It's too rich!

LESLIE:

(angrily) We can thank men for every fucking thing that's wrong in this world.

NAN:

(Kneels, makes backwards sign of cross, bends head to pray) Holy Mother, forgive thy sons. They know not what they do. They are born physiologically flawed. They are fragile and vulnerable-

TANIA:

(snaps) Cut the horse shit, Nan. The reason they run the world is that women always died in childbirth and men were physically stronger-

LESLIE

But completely stupid--dumb as cow shit. (to Liberty) Well,girl- how do you like your doctor?

HELENE:

(interrupts)Liberty, you have to ask questions about anything that bothers you. Make a list-

LIBERTY:

Oh, he's very busy and he tries acting relaxed--but I always feel like he wants to finish with me so he can do something more important. He says, "I do this all the time. Trust me."

TANIA:

(to Leslie and Nan) A classic bit of male strategy--act superior--make women wait--make them feel unimportant-(to Liberty)Listen to me, Liberty, you have a right to information and respect.

LESLIE:

And if he doesn't treat you like a queen, let me know- I know a three hundred pound Chinaman specializes in castrations-(others laugh)

HELENE:

I think we should go in-

LESLIE:

It's a circus. Women have no say. Wait'll you see them--all so-called experts--speaking for us. You'll puke.

(women prepare to go into the courtroom. Tania and Helene are the first to leave.)

LIBERTY:

I noticed during our newspaper hearing everybody who spoke first was a man--the expert psychologist was a man, the media people were all men, the legislators were all men, the priest was a man. Do you think we'll win?

LESLIE:

Sure we'll win when they figure out how they'll profit--make money on us-(Leslie shakes her head in weary disgust)

NAN:

How can we lose, Liberty? It's men against men and men always win.

(liberty and Nan enter the courtroom)

Scene 4

Early February. Dr. Lombardo's office. There's an atmosphere of chill in the office.

NAN:

(on the phone. Voice strong but a slight quiver of intense emotion now and then)Listen, Helene, the Vortex situation stinks. You know the new members--Diane, Ruth and Selma all work there and they say that Tania's a professional trouble maker. Wherever she's gone, she's left organizations in shambles. Tania's ax is political. Her supposed lesbianism is a blind-

(gets up from chair and tidies her desk plants while she listens to Helene. Answers-)

I don't like being the tool of this Commie worker.(laughs) I've heard that Leslie's calling me a redneck. I don't care. I won't be bullied or threatened or manipulated by any political faction--red, black or purple.

Oh, I'm well aware of Leslie's wrath. Hell hath no fury like it. I've even heard that she's paid Berry a bundle to work against me- The laugh'll be on her. I'm not running for re-election.

DR. LOMBARDO

(Dr. Lombardo enters carrying a portable television set. He frowns at her, annoyed that she's on the phone and sets the TV in front of the file cabinet where Nan can see it)

NAN:

Helene, hang on for just a minute-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(sourly) May we expect the use of our office phone soon?

NAN:

(nods yes to him) Helene, I have to say bye now- Please stay level-headed and open-minded. Call me at home tonight.(hangs up the phone)

DR. LOMBARDO:

(angrily, slowly,in controlled volume of voice) Is this office going down in the annals of history as the headquarters of the revolution?

NAN:

(delighted and gleefully)- Yes!

DR. LOMBARDO:

(deadly seriously) Don't.

NAN:

(hurrying to make up) What's the TV for?

DR. LOMBARDO:

(slightly sarcastically) I know such things as moon shots seem a sexist pursuit to you--but I hope you'll have anough native curiosity about a scientific marvel to observe from time to time.

NAN:

(grumbling) It's a chauvinist ego trip...wastes money...benefits no one-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(disappointed) I actually thought you and the girls across the hall could take breaks every now and then. I know that Marie's excited-

NAN:

(snappish) Marie would be excited. Marie identifies with men in power--like astronauts, presidents, and doctors- (fearing she's gone too far, changes the subject) I've made an appointment with the barber for you at two--after lunch. then you have to go to Clinic-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(runs hand over the back of his head) Yes, it's time. Isn't it? (smiles, pleased) Thanks. (bends down and studies the appointment book) Who do we have today?(phone rings)

NAN:

Dr. Lombardo's office-

Oh, hi, Liberty. What's up?

DR. LOMBARDO:

(stops to listen, smiles. Fascinated repeats to himself) Liberty. Liberty?

NAN:

(with increasing emotion) Twenty minutes apart?

I can't, Sweetie, we're seeing patients now. Do you have cab fare?

Did you call Dr. Solomon?

Oh, come on. You're kidding. He's in Switzerland?!

O.K. Who's taking over for him?

Feigen?

Alright- listen- I'll call his office and make sure he knows. You get right to the hospital. I'll come to the OB building as soon as I can to see how you're doing.

O.K. Good luck, Sweetie. Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine.

DR. LOMBARDO:

(wryly) We seem to be running an obstetrical clinic from this office as well as a cell for feminist revolutionaries-

NAN:

(suppresses a laugh) (seeking his friendship) Poor kid--has no husband. She's just a kid--and she's doing it alone.

DR. LOMBARDO:

(seriously, gently) I think you girls are into some very dangerous waters with this sexual revolution-

NAN:

We have to try dangerous waters to chart our own courses.

DR. LOMBARDO:

(quickly impatiently)Well- I have to see some people over at the hospital. (nearly bumps into Marie)

MARIE:

(spotting the TV. To Dr. Lombardo) Oh, you did remember-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(looking at Nan) The feminist icon isn't interested. She believes moon walks are an idiot male fantasy-

NAN:

That's not exactly what I said--but it's close enough. I can't identify with a project which is mainly conceived and excuted by males.

MARIE:

Nan,I think they have women scientists. Doctor, are you coming back to watch the moon walk?

DR. LOMBARDO:

(looks at his watch) I'll try. I might be able to catch some of it.(sassy) Dare we ask Mrs. Reznik to get me some lunch? Does it come under the category of sexism?

NAN:

(playfully) Dr. Lombardo is taking Ms.Reznik to the Tuscan Terrace. They'll be showing off his new haircut-

DR. LOMBARDO<:

(drily) Some other time- (looks at watch) I'm late. (starts to leave--turns back) Don't forget lunch-- please-

NAN:

The usual?

DR. LOMBARDO:

Yes--the usual. (exits)

MARIE:

I have to go too--but I'll be back in a little while to watch- (leaves)

(Nan begins typing up a storm)

CONNIE:

(breezes in) (play acts) Nurse, I wonder if y9u can help me. I have these blinding headaches, pains in my lower back, ringing in both ears-(they laugh)

NAN:

(falls in with play acting) Your problem is obviously due to lewd and lascivious carriage. You'll need a brain scan, I.V. feedings, and a mustard plaster on your chest-(gives in to giggles)

CONNIE:

Did you get my message?

NAN

Herr Doktor delivered it himself--somewhat grumblingly, however--and reminded me once again that he is not my secretary but rather the other way around.

CONNIE;

You two are really an adorable couple-

NAN:

Yeah, I know. Are you the bearer of good or bad tidings?

CONNIE:

Mixed. First the good. The Chronicle is paying the tab for both of us to cover the STAT conference in New York--Manhattan, that is. It could be fun. Betty, Ella, Glo-glo, and Grace-E, are going to be there. All the superstars of feminist heaven. Are you impressed?

NAN:

Are you sure about Grace-E? She usually doesn't mess with us borderline establishment types. She prefers Trotskyites. What about Kate?

CONNIE:

Lord, I don't know all the guests. Don't you read your mail?

NAN:

(soberly) I get tons. Lately I don't even open STAT mail. What's the bad news?

CONNIE:

Why do I get the impression that you're giving me the bum's rush?

NAN:

Because I am. Do you know that I spend anywhere from half an hour to three hours a day on women's rights. Jonah's father had another stroke last week and his sister couldn't get us on the phone because I was talking to a young rape victim-

CONNIE:

Cranky, cranky. Whatever happened to good old fashion self-sacrifice and dedication?

NAN:

Sometimes we burn out. (changing subject) Listen, We haven't had a women's lib story in the Chronicle since I can't remember when. Have we stopped being amusing and cute?

CONNIE:

Come on, Nan. You can't expect people to always want to read the same old stuff-

NAN:

So the media's turning us off. It's finally dawned on the boys in power that we're a threat to status quo--and the mountains of money due to men.

Don't quibble. Didn't I tell you that the Chronicle wants the report on the STAT conference in New York and will pay expenses-

NAN:

Big deal. Diarrhea. Throwing the girls a bone.

CONNIE:

This new Nan has lost some of her charm.

NAN:

Sorry. You know I love you. You've been a peach all through this revolution. But it ain't over yet.

CONNIE:

"Sorry-sorry". You say that a lot. Have you noticed?

NAN:

(smiles) Yeah, now that you mention it. Still remnants of that nice-lady mold we were all pounded into. I think the rest of it is guile--to make you think I'm all a'quiver with ultrasensitive emotion.

CONNIE:

God, I didn't ask you to dry clean your soul for me-

NAN:

No, really--I'm glad you brought it up. From now on, I'll only say 'sorry' when it's a real deep soul regret. O.K. now let's have the bad news-

CONNIE:

(takes a letter from her shoulder strap bad) Tanis mailed this to me. I gather it's a letter Leslie sent to all STAT members.

NAN:

Why you? Tania barely knows you..(Connie shrugs that she doesn't know. Goes to waiting room, selects a magazine and returns. Sits beside Nan and absent-mindedly flips through the pages) (Nan reads the letter with increasing alarm)

I can't believe this. I can't believe this. I never took a single copper from Vortex --either under or over the table. When their personnel guy took me to lunch, I only ordered coffee and I paid for it myself! How can she lie like this?!

CONNIE:

Listen, I talked with Dick Parson at the paper--he's the lawyer for the newspaper-- and he says you can sue for slander.

NAN:

Connie, I don't think you should be showing this letter around! It'll damage the movement. There are a million people out there just aching for this kind of amunition. Can you hear them? -'when they're in the same situation, women are no better than men' (both are silent a moment) How could Leslie do this to me? We were so close ...

CONNIE:

You shouldn't take it to heart. DeQuincy said, 'friends are as dangerous as enemies.'

NAN:

I could never sleep believing that- Why do you think Leslie did it?

CONNIE:

I don't think this means that Leslie hates you. It's a power play. Nan-(cocks her head and studies her) did Leslie ever make a pass at you?

NAN:

Nothing blatant. No pressure. There were invitations to go here or there with her--a party in Soho- a weekend at Nantucket Island...And there were casual testimonials about the superiority of lesbian love-making--for my part, I always thought she was sensational--witty, bright, gutsy, good looking. But no sexual magnetism-- no humming in my mons-(waves letter) What am I going to do about this?

CONNIE:

O.K.--Leslie's fascinated by Tania. She probably wants Tania's body. Tania, on the other hand, is using her appeal to get the presidency of STAT which will be a neat platform for her politics.

NAN:

(angrily) Leslie's not that powerful. I'll leave STAT when this term's over and under no circumstances am I passing the torch to evil Tania. (confidentially) As a matter of fact, I'm grooming Helene to be my successor.

CONNIE:

Aha, the guys at athe paper are right.

NAN:

About what?

CONNIE:

Yesterday I saw a note on the bulletin board near my desk. It said, 'Nan Reznik chews tobacco.'

NAN:

(laughs merrily- claps hands) I love it! I absolutely love it. Tell the guys I enjoyed the compliment.

CONNIE:

I think this is the first instance of female graffiti in the history of our fair State. But before you get too carried away--consider the other side of the coin- This morning I found an unsigned note on my desk saying, 'Who is Madam LaFarge? Who is Lucrezia Borgia? Who is Nan Reznik?"

NAN:

Now that's not quite so funny. Do they really see me as a castrating bitch?

CONNIE:

They're having a little fun at your and my expense for all the STAT stories.

NAN:

I prefer the chewing tobacco one. (rereads the letter to herself) This is awful--insane.

CONNIE:

You could use the editorial column in your STAT newsletter to put things straight.

NAN:

If the mainstream press got wind of it, they'd have a field day. No- I won't dignify her lie. The people who really know me won't believe this and the rest,well- time will show the truth. I hope-

CONNIE:

(stands) Well, I have to go cover a meeting between some environmental whale lovers and the governor. What about the New York conference?

NAN:

The way I feel this minute, the whole fornicating movement can dry up and blow away. Tell me what I'm doing draining my life away on theories when I should be writing poems.

CONNIE:

You'll have to ask God. Look,I have to fly. Take two aspirins and go to bed. You probably won't feel any better in the morning. (leaving calls back) And don't call me to report.

(exits)

NAN:

(consults her small phone directory. Dials phone)

Hello- This is Dr. Lombardo's assistant. Can you tell me if Liberty Magee is in delivery?

Yes, I'll hold. (rolls paper into typwriter)

Hello- She's not? Where is she?

Why was she sent home. I don't understand-

(sadly) I see. Thank you. (hangs up phone)

(dials another number. Waits and waits. Finally hangs up with a sigh)

LESLIE:

(comes in evidencing the merest guilt and alienation) Alone?

NAN:

(puzzled and suprised to see her) The doctor's at the hospital. You must have bumped into Connie on your way in- She brought me that foul, libelous letter you've been sending everyone-

LESLIE:

That so-called libelious letter just tells everybody that you're sympathetic to Vortex- (takes a cigarette, puts it into her mouth and talks with it unlit) I'm glad I missed Connie. I want to give you one more chance to reconsider your decision not to support Tania's law suit-(takes cigarette from her mouth and tosses it into the waste basket)

NAN:

Get off your high horse and sit down for a minute. We need to discuss this mess.

LESLIE:

(continues to stand) There's no mess but the one you're making. These law suits are what STAT's all about-

NAN:

Some law suits are--but I asked for documentation and never got any-

LESLIE:

(interrupts) You're not indispensable. We can do this without you. The lawyer's on our side.

NAN:

(stands) I won't be bullied, manipulated or threatened-

LESLIE

(betrays a second's discomfort but rallies) 'Manipulate'--manipulate! You sure like fancy words.

NAN:

Leslie,I'm so steamed, I could throttle you. You're lucky I'm more oncerned about Liberty this minute. I have to go over to the hospital to find out exactly what's happened to her-

LESLIE:

(affected but playing tough) Liberty? She finally havin' that baby?

NAN:

(forgetting anger) It looked that way a while ago. Now the nurses say she's not in the hospital-(takes handbag from desk drawer) How can they misplace a patient? Jesus Christmas!

LESLIE

(grumbles) Dumb kid--got herself knocked up-

NAN

(dials phone) Hi, Carla. This is Nan, 233. I'm going over to the hospital for a few minutes. Would you take my calls. The doctor's at the hosital. Then later at the Clinic.

LESLIE:

(starts to leave) If you change your mind on Vortex--call me-

NAN:

I'm not changing my mind. (Leslie leaves)

(Nan turns out the desk light and exits)

Scene 5

Same day--early evening. Helene, Dede, Marguerite and Nan are seated about a television set in the Women's Center.

HELENE:

I hope someone from the press picked up Marguerite's statement about domestic workers. Coming from a Hispanic, it carries more weight than anyone else-

MARGUERITE:

(interrupting)Connie took my statement for the Chronicle. But when she asked me what kind of work I did, I had to say, social worker.

DEDE:

It does sound as if your statement comes from the position of insider.

No, I think it was fine. What time is it?

HELENE:

Might as well turn the set on. We can keep the sound down until we see the STAT logo- (goes to the set and turns it on but keeps the sound off)

NAN:

Well, I'm calling Liberty again- (goes to phone and dials)

Hi-

Marilyn, this is Nan. Any word from Liberty?

(astonished)She's coming here to the Center?!

Has labor stopped?

(Dede waves to Nan, beckoning and pointing to the TV)

I see- Thanks, Marilyn.(hangs up phone and rushes to the couch before the television)

VOICE OF SENATOR BOB ROMANELLI:

My late mother, God rest her soul, was a living saint. Our whole family kept her on a pedestal. Believe me, the world was a better place when women were kept on a pedestal instead in the gutter.

MARGUERITE:

(jumps up and turns the sound off) We don't need to hear no more bullshit.

CONNIE:

(enters and stops abruptly taking in the scene of everyone glued to the television) Oh, look at the egotists looking at themselves!

NAN:

(waves her over) Hurry, sit down and shut up. Don't talk through our historic moments.

CONNIE:

(laughing--sits with them) What happened? I waited for you at Chuck's Bar.

HELENE:

Marguerite, you're nearer the set. Please turn up the sound. There's Marion Cornfield-

DEDE:

Isn't she the president of the Women Voter's Union?

MARGUERITE:

Well, I vote that I don't want to hear her ass-kissing talk.

NAN:

Come on, Marguerite- I want to see how much of her statement they left intact-(turns up the sound)

VOICE OF SEAN PATRICK:

STAT president, Nan Reznik, summed it up by saying, 'Men only protect us when it profits their wallets.' And when we come back, we'll learn how two Brookledge teenagers held up the Iroquois Bank and Trust- (Helene turns off the set)

MARGUERITE:

(outraged) That's all? None of us even on camera. That shitin' press is always fucking us over.

LIBERTY:

(slowly opens the door and enters--pauses a moment. She is clumsy with pregnancy. All go silent. She wears a large gray men's cardigan sweater, dark gray baggy slacks and a men's khaki Army coat over all.

(Waves) Hi, everyone-

NAN:

(rushes to her) My god, what happened to you?

LIBERTY:

My pains stopped so they sent me home- I'm having pains now--every twenty minutes- but I'm not going back to the hospital until they get a lot worse-

HELENE:

You look pretty wobbly to me. Have you eaten anything today?

LIBERTY:

My room-mate made me a lettuce and tomato sandwich.(sits beside Nan)

NAN:

You need something more substantial. I'll go to the market across the street and get you some real food.

DEDE:

No, I don't think she should eat. They'll probably give her an enema first.

MARGUERITE:

They don't do that thing any more--only in the old days.

CONNIE:

(to Nan)Enemas--information I don't need. (sighs) Well, mother hen, are you going to get the kid something to eat or not?

NAN:

Nag--nag. (starts pulling on her boots)

LIBERTY:

(clumsily gets up and starts for the rest room)I hope no one's in the john-

CONNIE:

What's wrong?

LIBERTY:

(turns and says)I've started leaking- (phone rings)

DEDE:

(answers phone) Women's center-

Nan Reznik?

Yes. Just a minute-(gestures to Nan) For you--a guy from Associated Press-

NAN:

(angrily slams briefcase on table)Damn it to hell--this everylasting fragmentation!

(politely into phone)How may I help you?

Yes, I have a copy of my statement. Please hold a minute-(rummages in her briefcase.)

LIBERTY:

(comes from rest room slowly--looking very distressed)Nan, I think I better go back to the hospital. My pains are getting real mean-

NAN:

(torn- looks to phone and studies Liberty) I"ll take you. Someone else can read him my statement. Helene?

CONNIE:

But the press wants you, Nan Someone else can take Liberty-

LIBERTY:

(struggling into her coat. Marguerite jumps up to helps her) No, that's O.K. I can take the bus-

HELENE

(takes charge) Nan, you go talk with that gentleman from the press. I'll take Liberty. You know how damn hard we all worked to finally get the media to listen-(she begins putting her coat on. Takes her handbag and gently ushers Liberty out)

NAN:

(saddened, returns to phone)Hello-?

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. We had a little emergency here-

Scene 6

A bone chilling March night. Nan's house. Jonah and Nan are preparing dinner. Jonah baste a chicken with barbeque sauce while Nan tears salad greens.

JONAH:

Why do we have chicken three times a week?

NAN:

It's only once or twice, Sugar, and that's because it's economical-(phone rings) Would you please take that?

JONAH:

Hello-

(happily) Hi, Rebecca- What's up?

We're fine. How are you doing?

Mom's making salad and I'm working on the chicken

How's school?

Glad to hear everything's going great.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, your mother's talking about quitting her job with Dr. Lombardo-

NAN:

(dries hands on towel)May I have a few words with my daughter?

JONAH:

Baby, your mother insists on having a few words. Take care of yourself- Bye-(hands phone to Nan)

NAN:

Hello, lovey-

No, I didn't have a fight with Dr. Lombardo. I desperately need peace and quiet for a while--and it's dumb to keep working as a medical assistant when what I really want to do is finish a book of my poems-

How are you doing? Well, hang in there. The semester's almost over.

Are you taking your vitamins? Do you ever see your brother?

I know his interests are totally different from yours-

I'll send more Vitamin C- Have to say bye now, lovey. We're organizing an advisory council tonight. Doesn't it sound serious?

No, I'll sit out this dance. Give our love to Greg and tell him to call, for god's sake. Know that we love you- Bye...(hangs up phone with a sigh) I've missed my kids these past three years. Our contact has been so fleeting...

JONAH:

You can't do-or be everything.

NAN:

Don't be a smartass. Haven't I racked up some fantastic achievements in my short troubled life?

JONAH:

More or less. (opening oven door) How much longer on this chicken?

NAN:

Ten minutes. And write this down and hide it behind the refrigerator--before I die, I'm going to light some lights with my writing.

JONAH:

You bet- Lighting lights What are you--an electrician?(pause) not to change the subject--is Leslie the lesbian coming tonight?

NAN:

I have no idea but I hope so. Helene says that Tania's stormed back to Boston. I wonder if this means a permanent split...

JONAH:

Has Leslie really changed into an antirely different person?

NAN:

(sinks into chair) Leslie's changed towards me. She wrote that stinking letter.. You know how much I loved her-

JONAH:

Yes and I'm happy to say you didn't love her the way you love me.(pulls her up and hugs her)

NAN:

(gently kisses him) I know, Sugar. You're the the most precious person in the world to me.

JONAH:

And that's because I keep bringing home the bacon-(she mock socks him)O.K.--For Pete's sake, stop moping about Leslie and let's eat. Candles?

NAN:

Yes, please. (she brings the salad to table. Candles are soothing-

JONAH:

(lights candles) (clowning with French accent) Oui, Madame. Wine, Madame?

NAN:

Absolutely. How do you say 'absolutely' in French?

JONAH:

I never had to say 'absolutely' in French. (takes a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. continues accent)Ah, so fortunate--a rare chardonay, Madame-(pours wine into their glasses)

NAN:

(sitting down) O.K.--back to reality. We have to finish before the mob arrives.

JONAH:

(lifts glass) To a romantic evening. Fat chance!(both eat in silence a moment)

NAN:

I wonder who'll take my place-

JONAH:

(teasing)No one. We both know that no one can take your place. What place are we talking about?

NAN:

Oh, did you think I meant STAT? No, with Dr. Lombardo-(phone rings) (slaps table) Damn, we forgot to take the phone off the hook. Never mind- I'll take it-

Hello-

(more sweetly)Mrs. Rogers, what a nice surprise.

Oh, yes- I've seen Leslie's letter.

No, you don't have to call all the members to testify to my character- but I really apprciate your confidence and love.

I suppose you're right about these things happening in organizations-

Is that right? I had no idea about the problems you had in the early days of the birth control movement. The thing is- I thought sisterhood transcended human frailties.

I have nothing against her being a lesbian. For all I care, Leslie can sleep with two women, a giraffe, a cello- I'm sorry. Forgive me for being silly.

Yes, I will. And you take care of yourself. You are precious to us. Thank you for calling. I really appreciate it.

Bye, Mrs. Rogers.(hangs up the phone and returns to the table)

JONAH:

She's a great old broad. Isn't she?

NAN:

A marvel. And I'm going to work like hell to be like her when I'm eighty. (they finish eating in silence)

(knock at the door)

JONAH:

(goes to door) I'll get it-(opens door)

MARIE

(enters) I know I'm early-

(begins removing her coat etc. She's still wearing her white nurse's uniform. Jonah takes her clothes and puts them in the closet)

NAN:

I'm so happy you came.

MARIE:

Have I interrupted dinner?

NAN:

No- just finished and about to have coffee. And you'll have some with us-

MARIE:

O.K. if you're sure I'm not barging in on you-

NAN:

Please, Marie--don't exhaust me with superfluous good manners. We're up to our necks in a revolution-

(laughs)(Jonah sets up for coffee. Nan pours and points to chair across from Jonah indicating she sit there.)

MARIE:

(seating herself)(sighs) I went to see Liberty last night. Did you know that after Helene left her at the crowded hospital admitting office, they kept her seated on a bench until her bag of entirely waters broke--soaking her coat--everything. She was so humiliated that she ran to the ladies room and hid. A long time afterwards an aide came and took her to the labor floor.

NAN:

I tried and tried to get her on the phone but her aunt kept saying that Liberty couldn't talk with anyone. The poor kid sounds in an awful depression-

MARIE:

You can hardly blame her. When I talked with her last night she seemed the same. I asked her to come here-

JONAH:

(getting up) I only met her a couple of times but she seemed a darn sweet kid.(puts on his jacket) As much as I hate to leave you charming women-

NAN:

Hon, on your way back from your meeting, would you pick up a container of milk-

JONAH:

(putting on coat, scarf etc-) Sure--anything else?

(calls from door) And don't decide to bomb anything until I get back- (laughs- exits)

NAN:

Ignore him. He thinks he's funny. (silence)Do you think Liberty will be able to shake the depression?

MARIE:

I guess on some level it will always haunt her. First of all, she was quite ignorant about what to expect--and then she spent most of her labor totally alone except for the times when she deliberately cried so loudly they were forced to come and look at her-

(knock at the door. Helene and Marguerite let themselves in)

NAN:

Hi- you know where to hang your clothes. Want coffee and a brownie?

MARGUERITE:

No, thanks. I was hoping this would be a short and sweet meeting. Hector's bitchin' about all my nights at meetings.

MARIE:

What do you care. Let him bitch. (looks to other women for confirmation) Should we use the word "bitch?"

HELENE:

(seats herself in the living room area. The others follow)

Don't worry about feminist semantics, Marie- I like the word "bitch" to mean complain.

MARGUERITE:

Has anyone talked to Liberty about coming to this meeting?

HELENE:

I called her this morning. God, I had no idea--When the resident finally saw her, he said, "Young lady, the baby's in a breach position." And then he took off. So she was quite scared-- and left alone again.

NAN:

(goes to answer the phone)Helene, don't tell any more until I get back-

(answers) Hello-

Hi, Dede. What's up? and don't say, "sky."

What celebration party?

They did? No jokes please. (very animated and joyous) God, that's wonderful news! Wait until I tell the women-

Sure, we'll have a big party with champage. You and I can plan it. Meet me at the hospital cafeteria tomorrow noon. We'll lunch and plan-

(gentle knock at the door and Connie enters, waves hello and hangs her clothes in the closet)

Thanks, Dede. I love you. God, you don't know how desperately we all needed some good news.

(hangs up phone. Connie joins the other women)

NAN:

Nice to see you, Con- Good news later. Helene,please tell me all you know about Liberty's ordeal-

HELENE:

That's about it. What I told you- I didn't want to push Liberty to go into more detail-

MARGUERITE:

Jesus Christmas- I can't believe this. When did they finally catch on about what was happening to the poor kid?

HELENE:

They were in no way expecting the chin presentation. Liberty says she soaked the bed with blood before she saw an obstetrician- (phone rings) Such savage blundering is inconceivable!

NAN:

(holds hand up--halt)Helene, don't tell any more until I get back-(goes to answer the phone)

Hello-

Dede-

What celebration party?

They did? You're joking- right? (very animated and joyous-

God, that's wonderful news! Absolutely--a party. A party with champagne and cake and balloons.

(gentle knock at the door and Connie enters, waves hello and hangs her clothes in the closet)

Thanks for calling, Dede. I love you. We all desperately needed some good news-(hangs up the phone)

(Connie joins the other women who are all abuzz with curiosity)

Nan returns to her chair but doesn't sit-

MARIE

What's all that about a party?

(Connie takes out her pad an pen-- readying to write)

NAN:

Listen to this- the gentlemen,usually the "ungentlemen" of the Supreme Court have just decided that prohibiting a woman's choice of abortion is illegal. (all begin talking) We've won. Do you realize what this means?!

MARGUERITE:

(stands and applauds) We did it! We worked so damn hard. I could just kiss those guys-

CONNIE:

Someone call Tania and tell her that the system does work--eventually. Oh, I forgot--she's back in Boston. O.K. give me some reactions. Helene?

NAN:

Thanks, Connie- we do need press- but could we speak on that in a few minutes- This meeting was specifically called to set up an advisory council.

CONNIE:

(raises her hand and speaks before getting recognition) Madam chairwoman or chairperson--I have to get this story in before 9:30-

MARGUERITE:

And some of us still have to go home and do laundry-

HELENE:

Nan, may we get down to business so Connie can get her story-

MARGUERITE:

Excuse me- if Liberty had a spinal, she was probably awake during delivery. Did she see her dead baby?

MARIE:

Tuesday I was in line behind her doctor in the hospital cafeteria and I asked him for details. We send him a lot of patients and he likes me. He said the baby was normal in every way--wouldn't have even been considered a preemie- But it drowned in the blood. (gasp from a few of the women) (shaking her head)No, I'm sure they wouldn't let her see her dead baby- (all silent a moment)

NAN:

(sighs deeply)O.K. let's finish this. We need to elect a pro tem officer for the meeting. Nominations?

HELENE:

I don't understand why we need another officer to preside over a five minute meeting- (knock at the door)

NAN:

(goes to answer and opens the door to Liberty) Liberty! (hugs her) God, I'm so glad you came. Are you alright?

LIBERTY:

(wiser, sadder but with a new strenth about face and stance) It's good to be with everyone- (puts her coat etc. into the closet)

(warm greetings all around.)

(Helene and Marguerite hug Liberty briefly)

(Marie gets another chair from the kitchen for Liberty)

CONNIE:

Considering your ordeal, Liberty, you look great.

LIBERTY:

(hands on breasts) I had a lot of trouble with my milk. It just kept coming in and pouring out. See your body doesn't know there's no baby-(chokes up but controls herself)

MARGUERITE:

I hope you never go back to that stupid jackass doctor again.

LIBERTY:

My regular doctor came back from Switzerland. I saw him yesterday.(sits on the chair)

NAN:

Did he give you a medical explanation?

LIBERTY:

You mean the diagnosis- It's all I have

(quotes)

" premature separation of the placenta with infarct"-- that means blood clot. It's pretty rare but I told him I'd never have another baby.

MARIE:

Oh, don't say that. It's too early for you to be making such a serious decision.

LIBERTY:

Do you know what he said? He said, 'women are like cats--you'll forget-' To him I'm no more than an alley cat. He's really a very dumb bastard.

MARIE:

I think he was trying to be light. I would judge him too harshly.

MARGUERITE:

I think we should corner him and beat the shit out of him-

CONNIE:

Now that would be a great story-

HELENE:

Liberty, would you like to be on the advisory council? In light of your recent experience-

LIBERTY:

I know what you're saying, Helene- but no thanks. I've been talking with Mrs. Rogers and Holly. We're going to start a women's health clinic. Holly was with the Boston women when they began theirs. Mrs. Rogers is giving us some money to start up. She wants us to stress education.

NAN:

That's a marvelous idea. We can put a notice in the next newsletter and ask for donations of supplies. You and Holly can make a list-

CONNIE:

If you promiuse to create your advisory council so I can get back to the paper, I promise to write a story on the women's healgth clinic when you get going.(begins preparing to leave)

MARGUERITE:

Right on, sister. I nominate Nan to be head of the council.

NAN:

Thank you, Marguerite- but I decline. I'll be a member of the council, without title--just to make sure you all walk the straight and narrow.

CONNIE:

Isn't it about time to be announcing your STAT presidential successor?

NAN:

This is still a democratic organization. Several women would be excellent. One more thing about the council--I think Mrs. Rogers and Leslie should be members. In my crystal ball I see Marie Warren emerging as the new firebrand-

MARIE:

(laughs) I think you need a new crystal ball.(all laugh)

CONNIE:

Before I hit the trail- I'm parched. How about a little wine?

NAN:

(stands) A little wine is definitely in order.

(others stand. Hubub. Helene gets the jug of wine)

Scene 7

Location:

Dr. Lombardo's office. An unusually balmy Day in May. Nan wears a sheer georgette dress. The colors of the flower print are pink, lavender and acquamarine. She doesn't wear the customary white lab coat today.

NAN:

Yes, Mr. Thornhill, I'll ask him to call you the minute he returns from the emergency room-

I didn't know he told you-

No, I won't be looking for another doctor. (laughs at the joke)Dr. Lombardo's spoiled all other doctors for me.

(Marie Warren enters)(Nan waves her in)

I have to say bye. (lies) A patient just came in. Have a wonderful time in Egypt, Mr. Thornhill-

Thank you. I'll try-(hangs up phone)

MARIE:

(sitting down) That was chummy and mysterious-

NAN:

A personal friend of Herr Doktor-

MARIE:

One of the select four?

NAN:

(surprised) You know about the select four?

MARIE:

Of course! He gives that same list to every assistant he's ever had and I think it numbers about eight assistants including you. (imitates) 'I'm only to be interrupted for calls from the President, the Pope, a proven emergency and these four people-

NAN:

And you realize that the four people are all men--important men. I wonder if he knows any important women-

MARIE:

No such thing. That's why we're in STAT. And speaking of important women, the nominating committee called me last night-

NAN:

I heard a rumor that they might. And?-

MARIE:

They asked if I'd be treasurer.

NAN:

And you said, yes- I hope.

MARIE:

I said, yes and I have to admit I'm a scared.

NAN:

That's wonderful, Marie. It's going to change your life-

MARIE:

For good or bad?

NAN:

Mostly good.

MARIE:

It's already changed my life. If you told me a year ago that I'd be running for office in a women's lib group, I'd have said you were nuts. But it's all happening so fast-

NAN:

It was the same with me. One minute I was too shy to speak up in a group of four women--the next minute, Associated Press was picking up something I said and quoting me far and wide. I have to admit that Connie had a lot to do with showing me how to handle the press.

MARIE:

STAT will never be the same without you. Helene's great but she has no sense of humor.

NAN:

You don't have to go into mourning just yet. I'll hover around like a benign angel or witch. Give Helene a chance. She has a lot of good qualities that I don't have.

MARIE:

O.K. what's the real reason you're leaving Dr. L.?

NAN:

I need another direction. This is a massive step for me. It's easier to drift along. I'd even worked out a mellow work duet with him-(points to the doctor's door)

MARIE:

How'd he take your notice?

NAN:

Like a Prussian soldier. But Mrs. Lombardo says he's in a real funk. (persuading herself) He'll be better off without a smartass feminist like me. (becomes blue)

MARIE:

I hope you know what you're doing.

NAN:

I'm not sure but if I don't jump now, I'll lose my nerve and be boring everyone to death grousing about what a great poet I almost was- (lowers voice)This is weird--it's almost like there's a magnet pulling me away.

MARIE:

Probably destiny. (gets up) Well- my destiny is back at the office. (starts to leave) Don't forget, I'm taking you to lunch tomorrow.

(Dr. Lombardo enters the office, pauses in the doorway and nods hello to Marie)

NAN:

(to Marie- hands pleading) And don't forget, please-please, no heart-rending farewell parties. Just you and me. O.K.?

MARIE:

I promise not to cry- (to Dr. Lombardo) Good afternoon, Doctor- What do you think of your assistant's decision to become a full time poet?

DR. LOMBARDO:

She hasn't left me any choice but to accept her decision as seriously considered. (to Nan) Please come to my office when you have a free moment-(starts towards his office)

MARIE:

(waves) See you tomorrow-(exits)

NAN:

(calls to Dr. Lombardo)Larry Thorndike wants you to call him-

(he goes to his office without further comment)

(Nan takes out her compact and retouches her makeup)

(phone rings)

(answers) Dr. Lombardo's office-

Helene, what's happened?

Good heavens, the election's a month off. Don't panic. Call me at home and we'll make a date to spend a couple of hours going through my files. I'll give you everything but some personal letters and stuff that I want to keep for sentimental or historical reasons. I'll thoroughly brief you-

(Dr. Lombardo returns and somewhat impatiently waits for her to finish her conversation.)

Helene, we're busy at the office now. Call me tonight. Fine.(hangs up phone)

DR. LOMBARDO:

Do you like the Chippendale chair?"

NAN:

If you mean the one in your office-- yes, it's beautiful. Why?

DR. LOMBARDO:

I wasn't certain whether your original enthusiasm had faded-

(goes to his office and returns carrying the chair. Places it beside Nan's desk and sits down with a sigh)

Who are you thoroughly briefing?

NAN:

One of our STAT members. Very brilliant. She'll probably be the next STAT president.

DR. LOMBARDO:

Moderately interested) Leaving women's lib for hearth and home, kirk and kinder?

NAN:

(slight laugh) No- kirk or kinder. I'll be on the advisory board so I'll still be connected-

DR. LOMBARDO:

I had hoped that your revolutionary days were over--that you had developed a certain philosophical recognition of reality.

NAN:

My revolutionary days will only be over when they nail down athe lid on my pine box- Now I'll work through my poems.

DR. LOMBARDO:

But surely you've observed that revolutions ultimately change nothing--people being people-

NAN:

Yes, it's one of the saddest things I've learned. But it's against my nature to passively watch the trampling over of those who have no power.

LESLIE:

(enters office in a forced breeziness. Seeing the doctor, stops abruptly)

A conference. I should have called first-

NAN:

(pleased but showing reserve as she's still recovering from hurts)

No- no, that's O.K.-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(waves her in) Come in. Mrs. Reznik and I can continue our philosophical discussion later- (goes to his office)

LESLIE;

Connie says you're quitting. Are you moving out of town or something?

NAN:

(forcing lightness) No--I'm staying. Can't get rid of me that easily.

LESLIE:

(pleased by the lightness and friendliness)

Don't be silly, girl--no one wants to get rid of you. We're going to be a great team, you and me--on that advisory council. We'll give STAT the kick in the ass it needs. (sits in the Chippendale chair. Examining it-) Pretty fancy- I don't remember seeing it before...

NAN:

Do you know about Helene's nomination?

LESLIE:

Yup. Was sure wrong about that one-

NAN:

(pretends to fall on typwriter)

Quick- get me some water- I've fainted- Is that a confession of human fallibility, Leslie?(sits up)

LESLIE:

Don't have to rub my nose in it. I was wrong about Helene and I was wrong about the other one- You know who.

NAN:

No- who?

LESLIE:

The slut who took off for Boston- I don't want to talk about her. (sound of intercom buzzer)

NAN:

Excuse me a minute, Leslie. (into phone) Yes-? O.K. in a minute. (hangs up phone)

LESLIE:

(stands and points in the direction of the doctor's office)

The old devil can't live a minute without you.

(reaches into her shoulder bag and takes out a card) My important Harvard professor cousin wants you to send him your poems- This is his card with his name and address-(hands it to Nan)

NAN:

(beams with joy) Leslie, you mean he's actually willing to read my stuff?!

LESLIE:

Yup--my second cousin--Randy Dan from Dallas.

NAN;

Come on, Leslie- quit horsing around.

LESLIE:

(starting to leave) I'm not horsing around. Read the card--Randolph Daniel Horner.

(at the door- turns and waves) See you at the advisory council meeting on Thursday. I plan to raise hell.

NAN:

(calls after her) Thanks for coming, Leslie. (Leslie closes the door and doesn't hear) Thank you for Randy Dan-(continues glowing smile)

DR. LOMBARDO:

(returns with the merest tinge of sarcasm) Has "the sister" left?

NAN:

It's a shame you never got to know Leslie. She's the most fantastic, remarkable-

DR. LOMBARDO:

(interrupts) A pleasure I'll try to live without. I won't be in tomorrow. We'll both be spared a maudlin farewell.

NAN:

I see. What do you want to do with those four women who're coming in for interviews?

DR. LOMBARDO:

I'll be everlasting in your debt if you'll interview and then indicate the best in your judgement. Leave your comments on my desk under the blotter. Outline the key duties of the position-

NAN:

(holds up hand) Whoa. I want to get out of here before midnight. (he looks worried) Don't worry--I'll do the interviewing and pre-selecting. What's happening tomorrow?

DR. LOMBARDO:

Family business.

(carefully places the Chippendale chair to immediately face Nan)

You admired this chair. I'm giving it to you so you can put it by a study window and be inspired to create poetry-

NAN:

(nearly overcome with emotion) But it's a valuable antique.

DR. LOMBARDO:

(smiles) I'm aware of that.

NAN:

How can I thank you?

DR. LOMBARDO:

You have. (awkwardly) Alright- (turning away) Keep warm- (starts towards door to leave the office)

NAN:

(calls) Dr. Lombardo- (he turns and she beckons) (he comes back) (she takes his face in her hands and gives him the merest, gentlest kiss on the mouth) DR. LOMBARDO:

(smiles pleased and shy) Thank you.

NAN:

(softly) Thank you. (Dr. Lombardo exits)

Lights dim.

CURTAIN