Beast – Part 2

This play was performed in Harlem (NY) in 2011.

Winston Bishop: A career criminal. He was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. He has been on death row for 10 years.

Nona Pritchard: Married. She is a corrections department appointed psychologist. She has been assigned to Bishop to help him accept the inevitable (his death). She is also writing a book about the social/racial inequities of the criminal justice system.

Setting: Small interview room.

Bishop: … fine. She was in the game and started helping me. Then I expanded and started dealing with older guys in the neighborhood. She couldn’t make me a man and that’s what I wanted to be, in charge of my own fate. (With satisfaction) My mother was smart, the master of set up’s. Most of the time guys were married or well-off on a street level and she’d take them to school. 

Nona: This is how she made a living?

Bishop: She did alright, took pride that we weren’t on the system. She had a thing about needing people. She saw it as weak.

Nona: What’d she do with the money?

Bishop: Saved it I guess. Like I said, she was tight. But once we took a trip. 

Nona: Where’d you go?

Bishop: Canada. Clean, real clean. Even their ghetto was clean. After I saw that I always wanted to live somewhere clean. Maybe I should have moved to Canada.

Nona: They’re clean places in America.

Bishop: It was different, clean in a real way. 

Nona: Were you happy?

Bishop: Yeah, I didn’t know any different.  

Nona: Your father?

Bishop: Who? (Laughs) He ran numbers and did jobs for top hustlers. (With disdain) He was a gofer, not ambitious. He and my mother didn’t get along because of this. 

Nona: What happened?

Bishop: When he came around he and mama would fight. It never failed. They’d go at it over the slightest thing. Then I’d hear them.

Nona: What?

Bishop: Fucking like animals. They got off on fighting then making up. 

Nona: Did they know you heard them?

Bishop: Sure. They didn’t care. One day they got into the usual. I was about nine and hid in my room, peeping from behind the door. This time things were different. My father wasn’t a violent man. He was from the streets but not into killing. He’d rather out-smart you. That night he was crazy, got all possessive, playing the husband role, saying’ something about another man. My parents did their own thing, which was cool as long as it was quiet. This guy struck a nerve. I later found out he was a hustler named Mickey, a rival of my father’s. I didn’t see my father for a long time after that. I told you, she knew how to handle herself. The streets taught her well.

Nona: Like you?

Bishop: Yeah, I guess.

Nona: How’d you feel about it?

Bishop: Nothin’.

Nona: You didn’t care? 

Bishop: Not really, it wasn’t like…

Nona: Yes?

Bishop: (Beat) When Donnell got killed. 

Nona: Your friend?

Bishop: Yeah. We were big with the weed, doin’ our thing. Then some niggers wanted a cut of the action. We weren’t givin’ up nothin’. So they wanted to make a point. He was walking down 125th with his girl and their son when somebody put one in the back of his head. The police said it was random, they couldn’t find the killers. But I knew. I was away at the time on some other shit, but if I’d had been out I’d have done them myself. (Beat) They took him out in front of his family. Who would do that? From then on I didn’t care about nothin’, didn’t give a shit, and made a promise, if you fuck with me you’re gonna pay.

Nona: It obviously upset you.

Bishop: How’s that?

Nona: Losing your friend.

Bishop: It’s old news. (Beat) Your turn.

Nona: You think…

Bishop: We agreed.

Nona: Really?

Bishop: Your word doesn’t mean nothing?

Nona: (Exasperated) What do you want to know?

Bishop: You ain’t said nothing. How long we been doin’ this?

Nona: Not long.

Bishop: That’s your specialty, short time. 

Nona: It’s about helping.

Bishop: Then do that.

Nona: (Slowly) I’m often alone.

Bishop: Lonely?

Nona: I didn’t say that.

Bishop: Same thing.

Nona: I said I’m alone, it’s different.

Bishop: How?

Nona: I have time for myself.

Bishop: He doesn’t appreciate you?

Nona: No.

Bishop: No, he doesn’t?

Nona: You’re playing with my words.

Bishop: Of course, he’s working

Nona: That’s right. (Bishop laughs hard) What’s so funny?

Bishop: You’re a terrible liar, no skills.

Nona: I’m in good company.

Bishop: Thank you.

Nona: (Clarifying her words) I’m not lying.

Bishop: You believe that shit?

Nona: What in particular?

Bishop: Working all the time. That’s a sucker move if I’ve ever seen one. 

Nona: I trust him.

Bishop: That’s dangerous.

Nona: Why?

Bishop: You’re setting yourself up to be hurt. What if he’s just messing with your head after you put your heart and soul into him? A woman like you shouldn’t be left alone.

Nona: I can take care of myself.

Bishop: Still… 

Nona: (Defensive) He’s busy, managing a brokerage firm.  

Bishop: Lots of money to count? Why’re you complaining?

Nona: I’m not.

Bishop: (Sarcastically) Right. 

Nona: I chose to be here. 

Bishop: Lucky you.

Nona: That’s right.

Bishop: (He claps sarcastically, stops.) No kids?

Nona: What difference does that make? 

Bishop: Maybe everything.

Nona: Not yet.

Bishop: You want them?

Nona: Eventually.

Bishop: When’s that? I mean…

Nona: You’re saying I’m old?

Bishop: Tell me?

Nona: Forget it.

Bishop: You should be a politician.

Nona: (Agitated) Why’s that?

Bishop: All talk but no answers.

Nona: I’m not trying.

Bishop: (He whispers) I never will.

Nona: What’d you say? 

Bishop: Have children, unless I got lucky before. 

Nona: You want them?

Bishop: At least one, my legacy. I want to leave something behind. Maybe he would have a better life than I did? 

Nona: (Points to the notepad) This is your history.

Bishop: (Softly) It’ll have to be.

Nona: (Abruptly changing the subject) You didn’t have a relationship with your father?

Bishop: We’ll keep it between us. 

Nona: That’s not what I asked you.

Bishop: This is confidential.

Nona: Our sessions are.

Bishop: Don’t you have any secrets?

Nona: We all do.

Bishop: You know mine.

Nona: Only what you tell me.

Bishop: What’re yours?

Nona: Worth mentioning?

Bishop & Nona: (In unison) Then they wouldn’t be secrets.

Nona: (Smiles) Right. 

Bishop: I knew it.

Nona: What?

Bishop: You’ve been holding out.

Nona: I’m your therapist.

Bishop: You’re a person too. 

Nona: It wouldn’t be professional…

Bishop: Professional. Don’t say that then I really won’t trust you. 

Nona: That’s how you feel?

Bishop: I’ve outgrown that fantasy.

Nona: There’s always a chance this could be different.

Bishop: Then don’t hide.

Nona: That’s what you think I’m doing?

Bishop: Yes. 

Nona: This isn’t about me.

Bishop: (Doubtful) Of course not.

Nona: I’m not your enemy.

Bishop: Whatever you say.

Nona: Let’s proceed.

Bishop: I told you everything.

Nona: What about the trial? (He shrugs, paces DSL.) You never talk about it.

Bishop: You know the story. 

Nona: Still, it’s yours.

Bishop: How is an innocent man supposed to act? During the trial my lawyer said ‘dress this way, smile, don’t be threatening. If you do this everything will be alright.’ Was it? No. I never realized you can drown on dry land. But that’s how I felt when the verdict came in, like I was being pulled underwater, everyone watching, nobody trying to save me. I was this animal, a monster. I saw the hate in their eyes; someone had to pay. It was my turn. (He sits on the floor DSL. He cries. She comes over to him and puts a hand on his shoulder, rubbing it.) Look at me, what I’ve become. (He stands up and they walk back to the table. They sit down.) I’ve never done that before.

Nona: What?

Bishop: Cried. 

Nona: It’s natural.

Bishop: Not for me.

Nona: For everyone.

Bishop: I was weak in front of you.

Nona: That’s okay.

Bishop: No. You don’t understand. I’m a man.

Nona: Crying doesn’t mean you’re not. You’re human, you have feelings. 

Bishop: I don’t want them.

Nona: (Chuckles) It’s a package deal. (He looks at her befuddled) They’re who we are.

Bishop: I’ve learned how to control them.

Nona: You mean deny them. They’re your humanity, letting you know you’re alive. 

Bishop: I never cared, didn’t even think I’d live this long.

Nona: But you made it. You need to embrace these moments, savor the feeling. (She takes his hand. They close their eyes for seven seconds.) How was that? (He doesn’t respond. When they release hands he looks at his palm.) Would you like to talk about it now? 

Bishop: It’s in the trial report.

Nona: That’s not your voice.

Bishop: Whatever.

Nona: You don’t have to convince me.

Bishop: I’m fighting for my life like a man. All man! (He speaks loudly) THAT’S THE REAL REASON I’M HERE! 

Nona: I think they heard you.

Bishop: Good. I didn’t do what they said I did. I’ve done some fucked up things, but not that.

Nona: Tell me about it.

Bishop: It doesn’t matter either way. They got two for one. Three if you count that lying bitch Keisha. She got what she deserved.

Nona: Why?

Bishop: She came to me with a rip-off deal, then stole my money and dope and passed it to Benny J; this guy, dumb as nails, was going nowhere. She was trippin’ on his bullshit. You know how you women get. She threw some ass on him to keep him straight. I hated them, but I didn’t kill them. Somebody else beat me to it. When you deal in that world you become a target. And Benny had a rep for not playing straight.

Nona: How’d you feel about Keisha’s death?

Bishop: She was my woman. We were… I thought we were close. She ran her game so I guess not. What if your old man was slippin’ and slidin’ and using your money to do it? How would you feel? 

Nona: I’d want to know.

Bishop: Bullshit! That’s a dream. You’re just like everyone else, running scared.

Nona: I’m not. 

Bishop: Then prove it.

Nona: How?

Bishop: Have my baby.

Nona: Bishop?

Bishop: We can do this.

Nona: That’s impossible.

Bishop: You said you wanted to help me.

Nona: Not like that.

Bishop: This one thing, then it’ll be different. 

Nona: What could that change?

Bishop: Everything. I won’t really die. The part of me that never had a chance, the good part, can come out. It’ll live on through my child, our child. Then I can truly rest.

Nona: My ethics. Besides I’m married, I mean they’re differences. How would I explain it?

Bishop: You don’t have to. It just happened the way things happen in life. The way he comes home late and tells you he’s working and the way you want to believe him but in your heart you know he’s lying. This is honest. Tell him the truth and you’ll have a child and you can love it and give it things I never got.

Nona: I’m sorry.

Bishop: It always comes back to that. 

Nona: That’s not what I meant.

Bishop: You might as well.

Nona: I wouldn’t…

Bishop: Don’t lie to me! 

Nona: (He comes up behind her, tries to put his arms around her but she pushes him away.) No.

Bishop: (She walks away) What about last time?

Nona: Nothing happened.

Bishop: You want to believe that?

Nona: It didn’t.

Bishop: I didn’t want your charity anyway.

Nona: I’m not giving it. 

Bishop: Just go, walk away. Go on. Don’t worry about me. The states made its decision.

Nona: That’s what you want?

Bishop: What’d I say?

 Nona: (She collects her belongings and heads for the door.) Fine.

Bishop: Tell your lover hello for me.

Nona: (She stops at the door.) You bastard.

Bishop: Can you feel it?

Nona: Guard!

Bishop: It’s too good, baby, keep going.

Nona: Guard!

Bishop: I’ve never had it like this before.

Nona: Guard!

Bishop: Yes, yes, I’m there.

Nona: Where is this guy?

Bishop: (He’s behind her.) Maybe he’s in love. 

Nona: (She looks into his eyes.) I don’t think so. (She goes CS still holding her briefcase)

Bishop: Remember, you wanted me in isolation. You need to get your shit together.  (He goes up behind her, takes the briefcase and puts it on the table. He turns her around. She faces him.) You’re still here.

Nona: Obviously.

Bishop: It could be worse.

Nona: How… (They kiss passionately. She pushes him away.)  

Bishop: It was true?

Nona: What?

Bishop: That stuff about your old man.

Nona: You’ve got all the answers. Tell me?

Bishop: (Laughs) Hell yes. He’s making a comeback and I don’t feel sorry for you. That’s what you get marrying for money.

Nona: (Agitated) Damn you.

Bishop: Save it for when I’m dead.

Nona: That’s not funny.

Bishop: The jokes on me.

Nona: It doesn’t matter.

Bishop: Let’s dance.

Nona: What?

Bishop: (Reaching for her hand) Come on.

Nona: No.

Bishop: I don’t have forever.

Nona: (He takes her hand. They dance close and Bishop hums a slow sensual tune. Their bodies get closer and Nona puts her head on his chest. She gets comfortable for a few seconds and then pushes him away as though startled.) I can’t. (She moves DSR)

Bishop: I’m not finished. (She doesn’t respond. Her arms are folded and she’s lost in thought.) You hear me? You fake.

Nona: Don’t talk to me like that. 

Bishop: So it’s by the book?

Nona: That’s right. 

Bishop: You’re a liar.  

Nona: I told you don’t…

Bishop: (Gets in her face) You don’t tell me anything. Ever! (She’s unmoved by his aggression.) You need me.

Nona: Feel better?

Bishop: I thought you were different? 

Nona: That has nothing to do with it. 

Bishop: It’s everything.

Nona: Not for what you want.

Bishop: What we have. 

Nona: (She’s nervous, opens her briefcase.) That’s enough for today.

Bishop: This was meant to happen.  

Nona: (She composes herself) Never.

Bishop: I’m wrong? Look me in the eyes and say it.

Nona: (She’s angry and goes DSR) You’re wrong. This is all wrong. 

Bishop: I am? 

Nona: (Softens) Yes. Nona: (Softens.) Yes.

Bishop: You don’t… (He moves close behind her.) Tell me again. (He kisses her neck as she tries to speak.)

Nona: Not this … 

Bishop: Now! (She gets her briefcase as he grabs her. They struggle at the table.) 

Nona: No, bishop! (She struggles.) Stop! Stop! You bastard, get your hands off me! Stop it! (She screams hysterically and cries.) 

Bishop: You bitch, I warned you for the last time. Don’t fuck with me. I … (She looks at him as he seemingly comes out of a trance. Long pause. She pushes him away and stands up.) I had too …

Nona: I’m not her. (She collects herself.) 

Bishop: (Tersely.) You’re free.

Nona: (Hurriedly.) I refuse to do this. You’ve violated … 

Bishop: (Softly.) I got a date.

Nona: (His words don’t immediately register.) … everything I believe in. (She becomes aware.) What? 

Bishop: A date. 

Nona: When? 

Bishop: December 13th.

Nona: I thought…

Bishop: The state’s gonna kill me. And you know what? (He says as a challenge.) I’m ready. To hell with them, and you.

Nona: That’s not what I meant.

Bishop: Then what?

Nona: A month?

Bishop: (He’s whimsical) That’s it. 

Nona: What about the state supreme court? I thought you wanted to take it as far as you could? 

Bishop: It’s too late for that

Nona: You can’t just give up.

Bishop: Why? I never had a chance. From day one it was over for me. Crazy mother, no father, nobody that ever gave a damn. Just me, trying to survive in the jungle all by myself. (Pause.) So now what do you think about my story? A dead man spills his guts. The remains go to Clara Bishop, the deceased’s aunt. Damn! (He looks over his body.  He pulls a vial from his pocket, holds it up.) It’s amazing what you can get in the joint; painless, no trace.  

Nona: (In shock.) Bishop?  

Bishop: (Pleading.) It’s all I have left, my guarantee.

Nona: Of What?

Bishop: (Pause.) Thanks.

Nona: (She collects her belongings.) Was I so predictable? 

Bishop: You’re the shrink.

Nona: If you’re innocent …

Bishop: It doesn’t matter now. (She goes to the door but stops DSR. Bishop sits at the table facing the audience and drinks the vial’s contents. They look at each other, he then looks at the audience. As he lowers his head the lights fade.) 

End of part 2/2