Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig
Dramatic
ALICE, 25
ALICE in an interrogator at Guantánamo Bay prison. She is using a tactic called “invasion of space by a female,” in which the threat of female sexuality is used to break down a Muslim man suspected of being a terrorist.
ALICE Hey now. For a second there, with the light on you like that, you looked like my Lucas. Call me overworked and underfucked, but from where I’m standing, y’all could be cousins [Beat.]. I’m touching myself. My fingers trail up my thigh as I think of all our bodies could do. I could sink into your hard, hot cock. I could bury my face in your neck. You could hold me. You could move me. You could help me find light and redemption and peace. What’s the matter, Mo? Is the great Islamic sword too weary to rise today? [Beat.] Holy Mother. Looks like I found your sweet spot. Right here. An inch beneath your left ear. Jesus, I could hang Old Glory on that pole. I’ve been wasting my time on white boys. It appears those rumors about Asian men are lies your ladies tell to keep you to themselves. Selfish bitches. Now. What are we going to do about that boner?
[She flinches and wipes invisible spit off her face.]
Now, now. The only spittin’ allowed is the kind that comes from down there. Besides. You like this. Our heads hearts try to trick us, but our bodies never lie. Roll with me, baby. Don’t fight. Give it up, sweet pea. Stop your prayin’. If Allah was in Gitmo, we’d have him in solitary, so he wouldn’t be able to hear you anyway. [Beat.] I forgot to tell you. I’m bleeding, and there’s nothing shielding you from my twenty-five-year-old cunt, just red, red, red, stainin’ skin already caked pus white and blue with bruises, making you the color of the flag I’ve sworn to protect. I’ve read about your hell. Your silence condemns you to that furnace fueled by the flesh of men, where walls are fire, smoke’s the only shade, and the only beverage is the blood bubbling though your veins, so you better hope to Allah there’s no such thing as eternity.
[She takes off her shirt, revealing a lacy push-up bra.]
Last chance.