Photo by Antonio Tiedra
By Yolanda García Serrano
Translated from Spanish by Jessica Rainey
Run! (¡Corre!)is a two-person play centred on a series of prison visits between a brother, behind bars, and his sister, a music teacher. There are occasional one-sided dialogues with other unseen characters—a social worker, a coach, Emma’s husband—but the play is predominantly a succession of tense exchanges between the two siblings, probing why they have such divergent life paths when they come from the same troubled background.
It is an intimate and deeply personal play, arising from the childhood experiences and sibling dynamics of the playwright, Yolanda García Serrano. Despite the intensity, and the sparse and restricted setting, there are moments of physicality and humour. García Serrano is better known for her comedic theatre and film work, and she uses these tools to break the tension and provide relief for both the characters and the audience.
The English translation was first commissioned by London’s Cervantes Theatre, which employs a three-stage translation process: an initial working draft for the production team, a second ‘rehearsal-ready’ draft used for a Rapid Production (a performance with staging, music, lighting, costumes, but actors can keep the script in hand), and a final revision following this production. The play was performed for two nights in October 2019—the first night in Spanish, the second in English[1]—and followed each night by a panel discussion with the playwright, director, actors, and myself as translator.
One of the first questions relative to the draft translation was, why had I maintained the setting in Spain? Knowing that the playwright was from Madrid, active in theatre and film there, and that the narrative was rooted in her own experiences, I initially felt that this was a Spanish play, being translated for a Spanish company, possibly for Spanish actors. However, sitting in the theatre in central London, watching two Black British actors perform with London accents, it quickly became apparent that this was a play with universal themes, readily adaptable to numerous locations. The play is not actually heavy with cultural references, but allusions to bullfighting hold a clear association; the English actor playing the brother specifically mentioned these felt jarring to perform, taking the actors out of their location.
One of the main changes following these discussions was to broaden out the possible setting. The bullfighting references became boxing—a sport with similarly distinctive moves that chimes with the structure of the play as “like boxing rounds.”[2] Names were also adapted. Again, the play is not heavy with names, and Emma is popular in English-speaking countries anyway, but Kiko was changed to Danny, Esteban to Evan. The apartment became a house, Mallorca became the airport, and numerous other tweaks to the details. Note that pound (sterling) is used in this version, but the currency can be adapted if need be.
An aspect that I was particularly keen to observe in these productions was the response (both actor and audience) to the level of swearing in the play. In Spain, swearwords relating to body parts and bodily functions are frequent and not necessarily taboo—it is not uncommon to hear them in the workplace or among children. The UK is a little more puritan in this respect, and the theatre clearly intensifies the impact; I was half-expecting a warning to be used before the show: this performance contains strong language.
In the first panel discussion, I had mentioned my concerns and observed that the level of swearing seemed entirely natural and not overly marked in the Spanish performance. So the question came up the following evening, did I think there was too much swearing for a British audience? I remember seeing a mother in the audience, sitting beside her pre-teen daughter, nodding vigorously. But what I realised watching the performance was not that there was ‘too much’—the swearing is an important part of the characterisation in numerous scenes—rather that it was often occurring in the wrong place. Where the insults or anger were strong in Spanish, it sometimes needed to be toned down in English; conversely, where the words were more neutral in Spanish, it seemed to need something punchier in English. This enabled me to be freer in my final draft, not necessarily removing but moving swearwords to where the emphasis felt natural. I did moderate some of the expressions for Emma, and tended towards religious profanities (for God’s sake), so that when she really needed to swear it had more force. For Danny, it is entirely possible (I haven’t counted) that I gave him more; I wanted a clearer distinction between the register of the two characters in the final version. Linked to these choices, and based on a comment from the actors, I also introduced jibes that were more likely to be used in childhood. The actors felt that they were reverting into a sibling dynamic during the play and so stop talking shit became don’t be stupid; total bitch became stupid cow.
One phrase I found particularly problematic was the repetition of puta madre. This literally means whore mother and has clear significance in the context of a play about the aftershocks of an abusive mother. However, in Spanish, it is often used as an expression of celebration, or to describe something as brilliant. This caused problems in the translation. There is a sense of Kiko/Danny using the term both to spite and in spite of his mother – he will succeed or overcome the odds despite his upbringing. An obvious option in the context of the play was son of a bitch, but this doesn’t hold the same celebratory connotations in English. I played around with this phrase repeatedly, trying blasphemy (holy mother of Christ) as well as more muted but malleable expressions (nice one). In the end, I decided son of a bitch was the best choice, placing my trust in the actors and directors to deliver the line in the various situations as they believe appropriate. And this is perhaps the wonder of swearwords in plays, and of this play in particular: the location and context in which it is performed will change the way it resonates.
The Spanish play won the National Prize for Dramatic Literature from the Ministry of Culture in 2018 for its dramatic force and emotional depth, for characters portraying the “eternal struggle between people and their environment”, and for bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary dramatic forms.[3]
Yolanda García Serrano is a Spanish writer and director for the theatre, cinema and television. She has won numerous awards, including the 2018 National Prize for Dramatic Literature for ¡Corre!, the 2013 Lope de Vega Award for Shakespeare nunca estuvo aquí, the 2007 Chivas Telón Award for Dónde pongo la cabeza and the 1998 Puerto de Santa María Comedy Award for Qué asco de amor. She has also won two Goya Awards: Best Original Screenplay in 1994 for Todos los hombres sois iguales and Best Adapted Screenplay in 2026 for La Cena. In 2011, she was the first Spanish woman to direct and premiere her own play in New York with Good sex. Good day. Lo que ellos ignoran de ella.
Jessica Rainey is a British translator of French and Spanish with a particular focus on plays and poetry. Recent translations have been published by Words Without Borders and New England Review. She is also an associate translator with the Stephen Spender Trust, running creative translation workshops in schools, and an associate lecturer at Newcastle University. She is currently researching engagement in language learning through creative translation, with doctoral funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Run!
By Yolanda García Serrano
Translated from Spanish by Jessica Rainey
CHARACTERS:
EMMA: Danny’s elder sister, a music teacher and long-term sufferer; her brother has made her life a misery.
DANNY: 33 years old and has spent half his life in prison; it seems he will never change, or will he?
1. MEN’S PRISON, ROOM WITH PARTITION SCREEN
OFF: Footsteps can be heard that increase in speed until they’re running. More than running, they’re flying. The rhythm of this race is like a musical score.
EMMA enters the room slowly. A glass screen splits the space in two, separating her from the other side. There are two stools, one on each side of the glass. The sound of running mixes with the sound of a police siren. OFF: The screech of brakes.
Then, a heavy iron door closing. The sound of bolts. More bolts.
With each sound, Emma seems to be getting a shock. She puts her hands over her eyes, breathes heavily. She is trying to control her growing anxiety, while waiting impatiently for the person she has agreed to visit.
Emma, standing, compulsively touches her skirt. She sits, stands, sits again. She takes her hair out of its clip, then puts it in again, tighter. She opens her bag, checks for the things she put in there at home, closes her bag. She stands up again.
A door on the other side of the glass opens and DANNY appears, looking in a sorry state. He exchanges a look with Emma, and his eyes narrow to a slit. Then he walks towards the glass that separates them and sits down.
Emma takes her seat again. She is on the verge of tears, but controls herself and faces Danny with an expression of both anger and pain.
He moves his hand towards the glass. She jerks back.
DANNY: Hey, I don’t bite.
EMMA: Just in case.
DANNY: I didn’t think it’d be you.
He suddenly realises he hates being there, hates having her there in front of him. He feels sick to his stomach with shame.
DANNY: But here you are.
EMMA: Do you get many visitors?
DANNY: Nope, none. Who told you I was here, your mother?
Emma doesn’t say either way. In that instant, what she most regrets is having given up smoking.
EMMA: It’s so far away this place. It took me almost two hours to get here.
DANNY: That’s why I never go out.
Emma looks at him waiting for the end of what seems to be a joke.
DANNY: Wouldn’t wanna be late back to my cell.
EMMA: I’d forgotten what a joker you are.
DANNY: Don’t you have a car?
EMMA: Yes, but I don’t like driving on main roads.
Danny laughs.
EMMA: What?
DANNY: For fuck’s sake, Emma, where else you gonna drive – on the pavement?
EMMA: In the city, idiot. City driving and highway driving are not the same thing.
DANNY: Ohhh right. Did you have an accident?
EMMA: One, but I wasn’t driving.
DANNY: And I’ve driven my whole life with no licence and nothing’s ever happened to me.
EMMA: Yeah, right. Looks like nothing’s ever happened to you.
DANNY: And how’s your mother?
Silence.
DANNY: I wrote her a letter but she didn’t write back.
EMMA: I picked it up.
DANNY: How come?
EMMA: Your mother died six months ago.
Danny suddenly head-butts the glass separating him from his sister.
Emma jumps back.
DANNY: I knew it, fuck, I knew it! Know why? The cold. Do you remember how I never got cold? Well, I had to ask for a blanket. Been sleeping with a blanket the past few months because every time I got into bed, I’d start shivering.
EMMA: I would’ve told you but I didn’t know where you were.
DANNY: What did she die of?
EMMA: Shame and sorrow, I guess.
DANNY: Don’t fuck with me, Emma! You didn’t come here just to shit on me, did you?
EMMA: She had a heart attack.
DANNY: Well, they’re not nice, but I’d sign up, eh? One strike and you’re out.
EMMA: You haven’t changed.
DANNY: No shit. Neither have you. And here you are to prove it.
EMMA: Do you really think the best thing I’ve got to do is come and see my brother in jail?
DANNY: Better if you hadn’t come.
EMMA: Better if you’d disappeared off the face of the earth.
DANNY: Yeah. Better for you if it was me that was dead, eh?
EMMA: I didn’t say that.
DANNY: Yeah, I’m alive, sorry. With a bit of luck I won’t be around much longer.
Emma realises that she may have gone too far.
EMMA: Why? Are you sick?
DANNY: Screwed, but not sick. Sadly for you.
EMMA: It’s always the same with you, we end up arguing and I didn’t come here for that. I came to talk about your mother’s house. We’ve both inherited, so the best thing we can do is sell and split the money.
Danny looks surprised.
DANNY: Your mother left the house to both of us? Me too?
EMMA: Fifty-fifty. But it wasn’t her; it’s the law.
DANNY: Ah… And how much is it worth?
EMMA: That’s all that interests you?
DANNY: Yep.
EMMA: It doesn’t bother you that your mother died?
DANNY: Of course it bothers me, but I can’t do shit about it now, can I? Anyway, she was always sick. If it wasn’t one thing, it was something else.
EMMA: She was always worried about her kids. Especially you.
DANNY: What would you know!
EMMA: You’re the one who doesn’t know, you were never around to find out.
DANNY: Right, you were always the smart one.
EMMA: I’m going.
DANNY: You have no idea.
EMMA: Oh and you do.
DANNY: About my own life, yes. And that everything’s going to change now. Now that I’m in the money.
Emma would have slapped him if it weren’t for the glass between them.
EMMA: Yeah, and look at you. A lot of good that money’s gonna be in here.
DANNY: I’m not gonna be locked up my whole life.
EMMA: Only till you get out and then they’ll get you for something else.
DANNY: I’ve been unlucky.
EMMA: Oh, of course, poor you. Your luck is to blame. You haven’t done a thing.
DANNY: I’m not a psychopath. Just chosen a different path to you, that’s all. And now I’m gonna have some money.
EMMA: I’ll give the papers to a lawyer; he’ll open an account for you and transfer half the amount of the sale. Goodbye.
Emma stands up. Danny too, but to try to stop her leaving so soon.
DANNY: Don’t go yet! We haven’t seen each other in over three years and this lasts three minutes!
EMMA: And why haven’t we seen each other in three years? Who disappeared as usual? Do you think it’s normal to not let your mother know where you are for three years? I don’t give a shit, but she would wait for the post every day, she wouldn’t go out in case you called, she’d scan the newspapers looking for your name… Then suddenly you send a letter as if nothing’s happened. Why? What the hell did you do? What did you get yourself into this time?
DANNY: I’m your only brother, okay?
EMMA: I can’t take any more of your bullshit, Danny. As soon as we have the papers, you can sign them and disappear again, I won’t look for you.
DANNY: Being inside is bullshit.
EMMA: You should’ve thought of that before. I’ve left some photos, in case you want a keepsake.
DANNY: Can I write to you?
But Emma doesn’t respond, she’s already walked away. Danny would smash the glass with his head if he could.
DANNY: I forgot what a stupid cow you are!
2. EMMA’S FLAT
Emma switches on the living room light.
She suddenly feels she might faint. Pale, she puts her hand on her chest.
EMMA: I can’t breathe… I can’t breathe properly… My hands have seized up.
Emma shows her hand to the other person, her husband, who we can’t see. Her fingers look like claws.
EMMA: Danny’s alive, and in prison. I saw him this afternoon. I thought I could handle it, but now I’m back here I don’t think I can.
No, he didn’t tell me what he’d done this time.
I couldn’t just write and tell him our mother was dead, could I?
I should’ve asked him how much time he’s got left in there.
Threaten me, no, it’s just his way of standing up for himself, he’s never laid a finger on me.
I won’t go back to see him. I’ll leave the house in the hands of a lawyer.
What I will do is send him some clothes. He looked a mess. His trainers were falling apart…
He’s always had bad eyesight, ever since we were kids, but he never wanted to wear glasses.
I feel sorry for him!
It’s his house too, he can do what he wants with it. In fact, he can have the whole house, for all I care, even though he doesn’t deserve it.
3. PRISON CELL
Danny is talking to his social worker, though we can’t see her.
DANNY: Yeah, my record’s a good read, but there are worse. Hey, you’re looking good today. Nah, love, not rough, but today you’re looking better than usual. Alright, boss, whatever you say.
Course I regret it, for fuck’s sake. I just don’t know how to say it.
I want you to give me a chance.
I dislocated his arm ‘cos he was being a twat, but the punishment has done me good. Given me a bit of time to think.
No, I don’t wanna come back in here. For the first time in my life, things are gonna get better.
Everyone gets lucky at some point, even the ones who are really cursed. Me too. I’m gonna have some money when I get out of here, so things are looking up.
Tell me what I have to do to get out of here as soon as possible. I know I’ve got to serve my sentence, but if I wanted to get time off for good behaviour… I can’t stay here doing fuck all, it does my head in. I get stressed out then I end up screwing up.
What about a unit change? Could you put in a good word?
I already told you I’ve changed!
How can I prove it?
Oh, everyone says take part in activities, workshops and all that crap! Sorry, sorry…
That’s all great, but I don’t know how to do any of that stuff.
Okay, tell me I’ll be moved and I’ll give you my word that this time… I swear.
I’m better than this. I’ve just had bad luck.
4. PRIVATE PRISON VISITING ROOM
The room is set up for prisoners to meet their families. One table and two chairs barely provide any comfort.
Emma waits for her brother and tries not to be nervous.
Danny enters the room with a smile on his face; he’s happy to see her. He leaves a packet of crisps on the table.
DANNY: You said you weren’t gonna come back. But I’m happy you’re here.
His hair is looking slightly neater this time. He’s clearly tried to smarten himself up.
EMMA: We’ve had an offer on the house already. I thought it was going to take a while but…
DANNY: Wow. Not even a hug…
Danny moves to give her a hug. Emma lets him. They sit down. For a split second it seems like they might hold hands, but no.
EMMA: They’re offering us three hundred and fifty thousand pounds. Minus repairs and legal fees, we have around three hundred thousand to split between us.
DANNY: Keep your voice down.
EMMA: What?
DANNY: You can’t trust anyone round here. If they find out I’ve got cash, I’ll likely turn up dead tomorrow.
Emma looks around her.
EMMA: Right.
DANNY: (In a low voice) Did you say three hundred grand?
EMMA: Yes. A hundred and fifty thousand each.
DANNY: Quite a sum.
EMMA: A lawyer will bring the papers here so you can sign and we can sell.
DANNY: You just wait till I get out of here.
EMMA: Let’s see how long it lasts you. It sounds a lot, but it’s not endless.
DANNY:What do you think I’m gonna do, blow it all in two days? I don’t need a lot to live… food, fags, you know…
EMMA: Drugs…
DANNY: I don’t do that shit anymore.
EMMA: Flash cars…
DANNY: Yeah, you got me there. But I’m gonna count to three before opening my wallet.
EMMA: I hope so.
DANNY: I will, you wait and see.
EMMA: I really hope so, I’ve always wanted a normal brother and a sister-in-law and some nieces and nephews…
DANNY: I’m never gonna be that normal. Jesus, I’d go mental.
EMMA: Well, nothing new there then.
DANNY: Alright, but first you have to do me a favour.
EMMA: Here we go.
DANNY: Just a small favour. Really tiny. No skin off your back at all. I’m really really behaving myself. You can ask them.
EMMA: How much time have you got left?
DANNY: Too much. But it would be a bit less if you help me.
EMMA: How?
DANNY: Well, if you can convince them you’re not as bad as you seem, they move you from Unit One to Unit Two.
EMMA: What’s the difference?
DANNY: Everything. They give you points for good behaviour and you can do activities and stuff. There’s a guy who was a coach. They got him for some doping shit… Anyway, he wants to set up a kind of Prison Olympics. You remember how good I was at running?
EMMA: Yeah. Specially away from the police.
DANNY: Yeah, well, I’m not gonna argue with that right now. The thing is, if you write a letter to my social worker, saying I’ve changed, she might let me do a time trial.
EMMA: Why can’t you just do one?
DANNY: Because I have to change unit. Could you ask them to give me another chance? And tell them I’m not a bad person…
EMMA: Aren’t you?
DANNY: Hell no! Being locked up doesn’t mean shit. There are worse people outside than in here. Tell the social worker you’re my sister and that I’m telling the truth when I say I want to change my ways.
EMMA: And how do I know that?
DANNY: Because I’m telling you!
EMMA: Right. And those marks?
Emma indicates some scars that can be seen on her brother’s wrists.
DANNY: From a previous life. Things got a bit tough. But I’m doing good now. Will you write?
EMMA: How many times have I stuck up for you, Danny?
DANNY: Oh great! What have I done to you now? It’s just a letter!
EMMA: And how many times have you let me down?
DANNY: I told you I’m trying to change!
EMMA: The first time you tried to change, you burgled my house.
DANNY: And I regret it. I never said I was sorry, okay, I’ll say it now, I’m sorry.
EMMA:What about when Iguaranteed your loan, and ended up shelling out for your motorbike, which you then smashed up in a robbery… Shall I go on?
DANNY: I know the list off by heart.
EMMA:So you understand why I might be upset?
DANNY: If you just help me one more time, I’ll prove to you I’m going legit. I need to change unit. I really can’t stand the idea of another eighteen months in here.
EMMA:So what do I write? My brother is amazing. Though you and I had better pray he doesn’t suddenly snap.
DANNY: You’re such a cow!
EMMA: On the bus on the way here I was saying to myself: treat him as though he’s never done anything wrong.
DANNY: If I let you down, you can tell me where to go. I’ll even let you hit me. Hit me now if you want. In advance.
EMMA: Don’t be stupid.
DANNY: Hit me. If that’ll help… for everything I’ve done over the years.
He’s starting to make Emma laugh. Danny locks on to it. He knows this is the key that opens all the doors.
EMMA: Oh stop it!
DANNY: Go on, you’re going to write me the most beautiful letter in the world, aren’t you?
EMMA: And what if I say no?
DANNY: Then I’ll swallow my tongue and die right here in front of you, like one of my cellmates did to me.
EMMA: Don’t be an idiot.
DANNY: I swear I’ll swallow it.
EMMA: I’m going.
Emma stands up. So Danny pretends to swallow his tongue. He rolls his eyes back and makes guttural sounds that make his sister laugh.
EMMA: Stop being such an idiot!
But Danny keeps going.
EMMA: Stop it!
Danny doesn’t listen. He’s going red.
EMMA: I’m going to call the guard.
As Danny doesn’t stop, Emma really starts to get scared.
EMMA: Danny, enough!
She can’t take it anymore: she grabs her brother and tries to force her fingers into his mouth.
EMMA: Don’t do this! Please don’t do this to me! Get your tongue out, Danny! Get it out!
Danny returns to normal and laughs.
DANNY: You believed me! You believed me! Look at your face!
Emma is pushing him violently and hitting him in the chest.
EMMA: You bastard!
DANNY: It was a joke! Jesus, sorry.
EMMA: You’re a little shit!
DANNY: I got them to take me to the sickroom doing that once. You’ve gotta get inventive around here.
Danny winks at her.
Emma sits down and puts her hand on her chest.
EMMA: My heart’s beating so fast. I’ve got to go.
DANNY: That’s because you’re worried about losing your brother. Admit it.
Can you advance me some of my share? I asked for some glasses, but since we don’t get much chance to see long-distance in here, they’ve only given me reading glasses…
5. EMMA’S FLAT
Emma puts down her bag, sits down, tries to compose herself. She sorts out her hair, smooths down her skirt, crosses her arms. She talks to her husband.
EMMA: Yes, I went back to see my brother. I was going to tell you, I swear.
Emma sighs heavily.
EMMA: He’s much better. You wouldn’t recognise him.
I have to see him, but only till we sell the house. After that, he’ll be out of my life for good.
I hope. No, I’m sure. Yes, I’m sure.
What do you mean? Why would we move away?
But it’s not necessary to get a transfer. And anyway, you were the one who didn’t want to move…
We’re running away from my brother? Is that it?
He’s not a disease!
6. PRISON GYM
Danny is in the gym in Unit Two. He’s wearing, for the first time, a tracksuit given to him by his sister with the logo of the school where she works; it’s a bit too big for him.
He’s talking to the coach.
DANNY: Hey, I’m Danny. I’ve just been transferred from Unit One.
I hear you’re looking for athletes. I run. I run a hundred in twelve seconds.
A hundred metres is twice round the gym. Go on, time me.
Danny breathes in and waits for the signal.
A clap is heard.
Danny runs off.
5. EMMA’S FLAT – CONTINUED
EMMA: Don’t make me choose, do not make me choose. That’s not fair.
Yes, he’s torn me apart my whole life.
It’s not that he likes it; he can’t help it!
But he tries, eh? He does try.
What do you want, that I rip him into pieces and throw him in the bin?
My brother is not a project gone wrong.
You can’t just delete siblings!
6. PRISON GYM – CONTINUED
Danny is knackered. He’s panting with his hands on his knees.
DANNY: Do I smoke? Yeah.
Danny takes a packet of cigarettes out of his pocket, ready to smoke. But chucks it away and starts hitting his chest.
DANNY: But not anymore. From now on, I’m officially an ex-smoker.
Lungs of steel.
Put me to the test. Let me show you, coach.
I need some training. But I have two weeks to get fit. Under twelve seconds, for sure.
5. EMMA’S FLAT – CONTINUED
EMMA: It’s me that suffers, me.
How many times have you come to the prison with me? How many times have I asked you to? Not once!
Twelve years since we met, Evan, twelve years. And how many years has he been inside? More than outside.
And if you haven’t come with me it’s because I haven’t wanted you to. I haven’t wanted you to. Because he’s my brother.
6. PRISON GYM – CONTINUED
Danny is in training. He’s doing press-ups in the gym.
DANNY: Legs of steel, stomach of steel, legs of steel, stomach of steel. Jesus, and arms of steel.
5. EMMA’S FLAT – CONTINUED
EMMA: I’m not having a go at you. This is my problem.
And I sort out my problems the way I know or the way I can or the way I sodding want to.
6. PRISON GYM – CONTINUED
Danny is doing weight training.
DANNY: Check me out, coach! Check me out lifting these bitches.
What weight am I at? Tell me, eh, come on…
Alright, alright, I’ll shut up…
5. EMMA’S FLAT – CONTINUED
EMMA: Sorry… I’m sorry.
You don’t deserve this.
No, it was me, I got myself in a state, you don’t need to bring him into this.
I’m sorry, okay. I’m going to run a bath.
6. PRISON GYM – CONTINUED
Danny, sweating, exhausted, out of breath, is smoking a cigarette in secret.
7. PRIVATE PRISON VISITING ROOM
Emma is waiting for her brother in the visiting room. Danny enters with beers. He offers one to Emma.
DANNY: They’re alcohol-free.
EMMA: I should hope so too.
DANNY: I do want to change, you know, but they block everything in here. Online access restricted, calls only at certain times, back in your cell when they say…
EMMA: You can’t go to your cell when you want?
DANNY: Only if you’re sick. You’ve got to follow a strict routine, head count twice a day… They literally clock every move you make…
EMMA: It’s prison, not a hotel.
DANNY: But 8.30 in your cell? It’s a bit extreme, don’t you think? In summer, we get till 10 p.m. And I need to train if I want to get fit. Thanks for the letter, by the way.
EMMA: Why did you want me to come here?
DANNY: For that.
EMMA: For what?
DANNY: To say thanks. Or can I not even thank my own sister? Hey, I like to acknowledge it when someone does me a favour.
EMMA: You could have just called me. You made me come all the way here…
DANNY: It’s better face-to-face though, eh? Though if you’re going to get all arsey I won’t ask again.
EMMA: I’m not being arsey.
DANNY: You are, Emma. You’re getting all uptight because you don’t really want to see me or spend time with me.
Emma stays silent because she knows Danny has a point. They are both silent for a moment, except for the sound of Danny tapping his feet on the floor, as though he can’t keep them still. Emma breaks the silence.
EMMA: How’s the new unit?
DANNY: Great. So far so good.
Danny crosses his fingers.
DANNY: Prison is a complete waste of time though. Look at me. My whole life in and out and what happens? No one will give me a job ‘cos of my record. So what choice have I got? Fuck it all off and go back to what I was doing.
EMMA: And what were you doing most recently?
DANNY: Getting a life. But a real life, which is really fuckin’ hard.
EMMA: Do you think the rest of us aren’t working hard, living a real life?
DANNY: You guys living in the Matrix don’t understand a thing.
EMMA: You never wanted to work.
DANNY: Yes I did. I was working as night security in a hotel at the airport. I got a meal and the only thing I had to do was open the door for late arrivals. But one day I lost it a bit and they chucked me out. I worked eight months without a single complaint. Fucking Spanish tourists!
Danny has got more agitated than he’d have liked.
EMMA: There are people who’ve been to prison who manage to turn their lives around.
DANNY: Yeah, in films. More bullshit. I hate films.
EMMA: But you love boxing. I hate boxing.
DANNY: Boxing is like life. The bad guy wins. The tough guy. The one who hits hardest. Most of the time anyway.
Do you remember when we were kids? You’d always do as you were told and I’d always answer back. That’s why I always got a beating.
EMMA: You were a pain.
DANNY: And your mother was a bitch.
EMMA: Mum?
DANNY: She locked me in the store cupboard for a whole day once for calling her stupid. I hadn’t taken communion yet, so I couldn’t have been very old. D’you remember?
EMMA: No.
DANNY: Luckily there was food and Fanta in the cupboard so it wasn’t as bad as all that. The worst bit was coming out and being blinded by the light.
EMMA: But it was your father who beat you.
DANNY: No, it wasn’t. It was her. She’d find the wooden spatula, grab hold of me and whack me with it. Do you remember when I broke my arm?
EMMA: Which time? From what I remember, you broke it at least three times.
DANNY: When I fell down the stairs.
EMMA: Yes.
DANNY: Well, I didn’t fall.
EMMA: What do you mean? I picked you up off the floor.
DANNY: Your mother pushed me.
EMMA: Liar.
DANNY: I was jumping on the bed with my shoes on, she grabbed me by the arm and threw me down the stairs.
EMMA: It was an accident, surely.
DANNY: Yeah, an accident. That’s why she came rushing down the stairs half an hour later. But then again she threw a knife at your head!
EMMA: She was stressed out and I was winding her up. It was the only time it happened.
DANNY: But she threw a knife at you. Normal mums yell at you, or smack you; they don’t throw knives at their kids…
EMMA: You’re talking about someone I don’t know.
DANNY: Half the scars I have are from her.
Danny is left hanging for a moment. Emma doesn’t know whether or not to believe what she’s hearing.
EMMA: Didn’t you tell anyone?
DANNY: Who? Your father…? The teachers more interested in kicking me out of school…? You…?
EMMA: Someone who could’ve helped you, Danny. I didn’t see any of what you’re telling me.
DANNY: Well, there you go.
EMMA: So what you’re actually telling me is it’s her fault you’re…
DANNY: No, no, don’t give her the credit. I’ve lived my life the way I wanted. What’s happened to me has been all my own doing.
EMMA: You say that as though you’re proud of it.
DANNY: My life’s been pretty good, Sis. I’ve got up when I wanted, with no one hassling me; I’ve had money to burn… But all good things come to an end.
EMMA: Yep.
DANNY: (Suddenly jubilant) SoI’m training hard and… you haven’t noticed something…
EMMA: What?
DANNY: I quit smoking. I’ve gone seven hours without a single cigarette. And look, no cravings, nothing. You know, you’d be really pretty if you wore more make-up.
EMMA: Charming.
DANNY: D’you know the first thing I’m gonna do with the cash when I get out of here?
EMMA: Something stupid.
DANNY: Come on. I’m gonna go to Brazil. I’ve been dreaming of Brazil since I saw some photos… gorgeous girls half naked… don’t get mad.
EMMA: You don’t think you should try to spend as little as possible?
DANNY: And when I get back from Brazil I’m gonna start a business.
EMMA: What sort of business?
DANNY: I don’t know yet, but I’ll be the boss. Can you imagine your brother, the boss?
EMMA: No.
DANNY: And I’ll get some business cards. Mr Daniel Traford. Managing Director. Cool, eh?
EMMA: Managing Director of what?
DANNY: I just need an office. A decent car. A telephone. And I’m ready to go.
EMMA: But an office for what?
DANNY: Sales. International sales.
EMMA: And what are you going to sell?
DANNY: Whatever. I’ve got the gift of the gab.
EMMA: Well, you’ll need to get organised, think with your head…
DANNY: I’ve lived on the street, Sis. I’ve been attacked on a bench in the middle of the night; I’ve had my head split open twice. What I mean is, I know how to fend for myself. And now with some cash, it’s gonna be even easier to do that.
Don’t you worry about me. Everything’s gonna be alright. Guess how many press-ups I can do?
Emma shakes her head.
DANNY: Two hundred and fifty. You gotta be fit to run. Count them.
And before Emma can say anything, Danny is down on the floor doing press-ups.
EMMA: I believe you.
DANNY: Count them!
Emma scrapes her chair back and gets up.
EMMA: Bye, Danny.
DANNY: What?
EMMA: I have to be somewhere; I’m going to be late.
Emma starts to leave. Danny keeps doing press-ups.
DANNY: Look! One hand!
As Emma goes through the door, she bursts into tears.
8. EMMA’S FLAT
Emma is finding it hard to breathe. She’s crying. She opens the bag beside her, gets out a packet of cigarettes, puts one in her mouth.
The front door can be heard opening. Emma turns around, quickly wipes away the tears.
EMMA: The first time he broke his arm, I thought he’d fallen. But it turns out it was my mother who pushed him. Danny told me. I didn’t want to believe him, but then I remembered, that night I had to force her to take him to hospital. His arm was badly swollen and my mother was just smoking calmly. He broke his arm before dinner and it was gone midnight before he had a cast on.
When he cut it at the abattoir the same thing happened more or less. I found him with his hand wrapped in two tea towels. There was blood everywhere, all over the floor. I asked him why his boss hadn’t taken him to hospital. He doesn’t know, he said. If he sees I’ve trashed the machine, I’m gonna get it in the neck. And your mother? I asked. Sh! Shut up! If she finds out she won’t just chuck me out, she’ll break my fucking neck. Pass me the mop so I can clean up this mess.
In the end, I had to take him myself. The cut went down to the bone. And the idiot didn’t say a thing as they stitched him up. My mother didn’t even ask when she saw his hand bandaged up to his elbow. She just lit one cigarette after another. The only thing she asked was who’d made a mess of the kitchen floor.
I hadn’t realised what was happening up till now…
9. THE GYM
Danny is in the gym, skipping. Training hard.
Then he puts down the rope and goes back to his cell.
10. PRISON CELL
Danny continues training in the cell of his new unit. His new cellmate doesn’t seem to like so much activity around him. Danny is talking to him.
DANNY: I’m almost on target. Fourteen seconds.
I’m not old, motherfucker. I’ve got more willpower than you and all the bastards in here put together.
When I get an idea in my head… it’s in my head and it’s not coming out.
And I really wanna get them to cut my sentence.
Jesus, I’m already on edge, don’t make it worse!
It’s tomorrow. I gotta hit the target tomorrow.
Danny approaches his part of the wall; it has a photo of his sister and posters of Brazilian women in bikinis.
DANNY: I’m not gonna stop running till I get out of here, man.
He touches the images as he mentions his dreams.
DANNY: There’s a plane, Rio de Janeiro, three hot Brazilian women, another plane, a house, the fancy office I’m gonna have, the flash car I’m gonna buy; I wanna get a nice evening dress for my sister…
11. PRIVATE PRISON VISITING ROOM
Emma is waiting for her brother to arrive. She looks in her bag, gets out a sweet, takes off the wrapper, puts it in her mouth. She doesn’t know where to put the wrapper, so she puts it in her pocket.
Danny enters the room with his head down. This time there is no sign of joy on his face. Emma waits for him as usual in the room.
EMMA: Are you okay?
DANNY: What does it look like?
EMMA: You’re not okay.
DANNY: Then you know already.
EMMA: Did they do something to you?
DANNY: I did it all myself.
EMMA: What happened?
DANNY: Like I said: me. Well no, not me, my bad luck. I got a bit cocky ‘cos everything was going so well, but, you know, I’ve never had any luck, and I’m never gonna have any.
EMMA: Luck doesn’t exist.
DANNY: Yeah? So how come some people are born rolling in shit but come out smelling of roses, and others just smell of shit?
EMMA: And I suppose you belong to the second group…
DANNY: Well, you tell me! In this entire shithole, I’m the one who runs the most but they wouldn’t let me do the time trial.
EMMA: Why not?
DANNY: I just told you, my bad luck.
EMMA: It’s not bad luck, people make bad choices, that’s all.
DANNY: Oh really? Let’s think back. Nine years old. The day of my First Communion. I fall over… well, I don’t fall over, I slip on the church steps, which had just been washed down, and get filthy marks all over my outfit.
EMMA: And what were you doing?
DANNY: Running.
EMMA: See!
DANNY: I was a kid and I was bored.
EMMA: You just had to wait it out, Danny, like everyone else!
DANNY: Stealing my first motorbike. Okay, it’s wrong, but loads of people steal and nothing ever happens to them. I come off it on the first turn and the exhaust slams into my leg. You can still see the scar.
EMMA: Your fault.
DANNY: First arrest. Sixteen years old and they lock me up with eleven blokes for forty-eight hours. Two whole days before they realise I’m underage! And why? ‘Cos I’d lost my ID the day before… my bad luck.
EMMA: Okay, that was bad luck, but every now and then something bad happens to everyone.
DANNY: What’s ever happened to you? Even when your mother throws a knife at you, it misses by a millimetre. It would’ve sliced me right across my ugly mug.
EMMA: What never happened doesn’t count!
DANNY: You’ve got a nice life. You met a great guy, got married, you have an amazing house, I’m pretty sure you earn a decent amount between you… And no kids. You’ve got it completely sorted.
EMMA: Well, has it occurred to you why I don’t have kids? I like children, I teach them; I’m financially stable…
DANNY: I guess because you’re smart and know this world is a pile of shit.
EMMA: I don’t have kids because I’m scared I’ll be a bad mother.
DANNY: Come on, you can’t fool me. You don’t have kids ‘cos you’re scared they’ll end up like me.
EMMA: That too.
DANNY: How come you ended up so different to the rest of us anyway?
EMMA: Don’t know, maybe I’m not that different. Maybe I hide behind a mask too.
DANNY: You’ve always been different. You were different from the moment you could hold a spoon. You played mother to your mother.
EMMA: I don’t really remember being little. At home, when you were all having a laugh, I wasn’t. But do I say I’m unlucky? No, I keep going, and keep reminding myself that what I’ve got is much better than what a lot of people have.
DANNY: Your good luck was running away from our family.
EMMA: You can’t run away from family, Danny. Even if you don’t see them, they’re here, inside you.
DANNY: Do you remember I told you I was attacked on a bench one night? So, I was attacked. And when I kicked the bastard who was laying into me with a bat, he fell backwards and hit his head.
EMMA: What do you mean, hit his head?
DANNY: On a rock. I can still hear the sound of his head cracking.
EMMA: Are you telling me you killed…?
DANNY: (Cutting in) Yes, yes. I was just defending myself, but my bad luck showed up and what would’ve been self-defence became involuntary manslaughter.
EMMA: So that’s why you’re in here now.
Danny nods.
EMMA: Why didn’t you tell me?
DANNY: There are loads of things I haven’t told you, Sis. But bad luck exists, and it looks like me.
Danny smiles.
Emma is horrified, but she can’t help taking his hand.
DANNY: I’ve been training all this time. I haven’t left the gym. Look at that… feel that muscle…
EMMA: I can see.
DANNY: Feel it, Sis. It’s unbelievable.
Danny stands next to Emma and points at his thighs.
Emma touches then quickly pulls her hand away.
EMMA: Yep.
DANNY: Pure iron, right?
EMMA: So what happened with the time trial?
DANNY: I fell over.
EMMA: You fell over.
DANNY: Well actually, I felt a bit rough and passed out.
EMMA: Are you eating properly?
DANNY: Well actually… I smoked a couple of spliffs.
EMMA: For God’s sake, Danny!
DANNY: I was really nervous. I wanted to prove how good I am. And I wanted to shove my shitty luck right up there.
EMMA: You don’t try hard enough and you have no volition. A word that’s no longer used much but I like it.
DANNY: Don’t go all teacher on me, I get enough lectures in here already.
EMMA: Without volition, we’re weak, Danny. Like you.
DANNY: Like me? I could’ve run stoned, no problem. It wouldn’t have been the first time.
EMMA: You don’t get what I’m saying.
DANNY: They wouldn’t even let me have another try.
EMMA: I could be talking to you for years and you would never get what I’m saying.
DANNY: Alright. It’s all my fault. Happy?
EMMA: God, no! So what happens now? Will they make you change unit again?
DANNY: For smoking some spliffs?
EMMA: I’m guessing you’re not supposed to do drugs in here.
DANNY: You can get anything you want in here, except a helicopter and a decent woman… someone nice like you.
EMMA: You have to keep training. You have to keep at it.
DANNY: The bloke who does it doesn’t even want to see me. He’s got it in for me.
EMMA: You have to stop blaming other people, ill will, luck, the world. You can change. Especially now the house is going through. My husband’s boss was looking for a place for his nephew and they want to move fast. If we’re lucky, we’ll sell this month.
DANNY: See! You talk about luck too.
EMMA: As soon as it’s all agreed, someone will bring you the papers to sign. Just don’t get in any more trouble. This is the last time. And I want you to promise me that you’ll apologise, and ask to be given another chance, when you do get out of here.
DANNY: Do you know the worst?
Emma looks at him waiting for something worse.
DANNY: I’ve started smoking again. But tomorrow I’ll quit. Definitely.
Emma takes the packet of cigarettes.
EMMA: Quit now.
DANNY: No! Just give me one. Come on, just one more!
12. PRISON GYM
Danny is talking to his coach with his head down.
DANNY: I may not be the greatest person in here but if I tell you I’ll win the race, I’ll win it.
I have the willpower, coach, believe me.
And I wanna get out of here as soon as possible. Like everyone else.
I have a house waiting for me that was my mother’s, my grandparents’ before that – a hundred and eighty square metres.
Let me do the race, at least let me be the reserve.
Come on, I’m training hard; I can get it down to twelve seconds.
I’ll do whatever you tell me, whatever you want.
I swear if I train hard I can get it down to twelve seconds, for sure. The best in the world does close to ten.
Yes, mate, course I can do you a favour! Two even! Go on, ask me.
I don’t know, man, that doesn’t sound good. That’s your business, I don’t really wanna get involved.
Don’t fuck with me, coach! How can you be so…
Why did you sell it to him if you knew he couldn’t pay?
Okay, yep. What d’you want me to do?
Fuck! What did he say? Man, I don’t know…
That’s a massive gamble for me, coach.
Okay, alright, I’ll go mental.
Danny leaves in a hurry, like a colt bolting out of a stable.
13. PRISON CELL
Danny enters in a rage.
DANNY: What do you mean, what’s got into me? What have you been saying about me? That I’ve got a house, that I’m rolling in it…?
So how does the coach know then? When you go and buy that shit you smoke from him, you go blabbing about everything, don’t you?
Well, he wants me to break the arm of a bloke who hasn’t paid.
And guess what his name is?
Alex Garner. Yep, that’ll be you.
Danny tries to calm down.
Who’d go and score when they haven’t got any cash?
How much do you owe?
Five hundred quid! For fuck’s sake.
Well, I’m sorry, kid, that’s one finger gone already.
Me? What can I give you?
Yes, mate! My sister doesn’t pay for my vices, but she’s gonna pay for yours? Break a finger, the one you like least. You don’t need them all in here anyway.
It’ll be worse if I break it for you.
Nah, there’s no pain. It’s piss easy. Take a finger, the one that gives you the most grief, place it against the wall like this, then push your whole body against it…
In mid-demonstration, a sinister crack is heard. Danny just broke his finger.
DANNY: Motherfucker! You just made me break my finger!
14. PRISON. ROOM WITH PARTITION SCREEN
Emma is waiting for her brother. When he enters, she sees his finger in a cast.
EMMA: What do you want?
DANNY: Wow, straight in there.
EMMA: (Pointing at the finger) What have you done this time?
DANNY: Yep, I did something myself, it wasn’t that someone did it to me, or that it was an accident or…
EMMA: That you’ve been an idiot as always.
DANNY: The idiots are everyone else in here. You have no idea the idiots I have to deal with every day. And be happy for me, it could’ve been worse.
EMMA: Tell me what you want; I don’t have much time. If you’ve made me come all this way, it must be for something important, right?
DANNY: Seeing your brother isn’t important? Don’t you wake up every day thinking you desperately want to see me?
EMMA: Danny, enough. I have to go.
DANNY: Where you going?
EMMA: Work. You wouldn’t know about this, but normal people like me have this thing called a job.
DANNY: Now what have I done to you?
EMMA: You know.
DANNY: What did you talk to that f’ing shrink about?
EMMA: About how well you express yourself, with such intensity.
DANNY: She’s got it in for me.
EMMA: Clearly. That’s why your cellmate has a broken nose, because the psychologist has it in for you.
DANNY: The bitch snitched on me? She’s gonna get it for that. She doesn’t know who she’s dealing with…
EMMA: No, she didn’t snitch on you. I managed to coax it out of her.
DANNY: Who the hell do you think you are doing that?
EMMA: Your sister.
DANNY: Miss clever-clogs, eh?
EMMA: What do you mean by that?
Danny doesn’t answer. The silence between them is thick, profound.
EMMA: The lawyer will come this week. You’ll be told when.
DANNY: Right.
EMMA: I hope you’ll behave yourself with him.
DANNY: I won’t let you down, don’t worry.
EMMA: It’s not for me, Danny; it’s for you. I couldn’t care less.
DANNY: Maybe they’ll give me weekend leave. It’s been my turn for months and they’ve never given it to me.
EMMA: For some reason.
DANNY: Oh, here we go. Well, actually, you need someone to look out for you and since I don’t have anyone on the outside…
EMMA: Right.
DANNY: Let’s see if I can convince them.
EMMA: Right.
DANNY: Do you know the worst thing about being locked up? It’s not the routine, in the end you get used to that. The worst thing is not seeing your people, your mates, the next-door neighbour’s dog, the nutter with the motorbike. And this feeling of being no one, being worthless. You know your opinion is worth shit.
EMMA: Bye, Danny.
Emma starts to leave. Her brother’s voice stops her.
DANNY: Come on, Emma, don’t go off in a strop.
EMMA: Oh, should I be laughing then? Smiling? Saying, I’m so happy my brother is where he is, and on top of that he makes me feel like shit. Is that more like it? You lied to me.
DANNY: What the hell are you talking about?
EMMA: You heard. You lied, because when you were born I was so excited to have a little brother and you got bigger and I was still excited and one day you started misbehaving and you promised me you’d behave. But you kept misbehaving.
DANNY: I was seven years old, Emma. That doesn’t count.
EMMA: Well, I believed you. Like always. I always believe everything with you. And you know what? I know deep down I shouldn’t, I know you’ll lie to me again. And again and again.
DANNY: You’re just giving me shit ‘cos you love me. You’re my only family. I’d rather you gave me shit than said nothing.
EMMA: I haven’t come all this way for this.
Danny moves so close to the glass he almost hits his head.
DANNY: Do I look like a bad person?
Emma stares at him, challengingly.
15. PRISON CELL
Danny, his finger in a cast, is with the social worker, though we can’t see her.
DANNY: Have I been given leave yet?
Why not? I haven’t been in trouble for ages.
I go to the gym, I clean up, I work whenever I can. I deserve it. I’ve been here almost four years and I haven’t been out once.
I don’t get it! Even the rapists get leave! What do I have to do, rape someone or bomb something so they let me out for two shitting days?
No, no, don’t bring her into this. She’s not gonna take that on for me, because I don’t want her to.
I’m not gonna ask that!
I said no.
Thank you.
I know you’ve spoken up for me.
But I’m gonna win that race, I’m gonna bring back that medal and they won’t have any choice but to give me leave.
I’m at 13.20. Did you know the fastest in the world does 9.58? When you’re not a pro, below thirteen is a miracle, and I’m gonna get down to twelve, I swear. And the first weekend I’m out, Shrink, I’m gonna take you to see a boxing match.
Danny gets up and goes.
16. PRIVATE PRISON VISITING ROOM
Emma and Danny both arrive at the same time. Danny seems in a bad mood.
EMMA: I’ve spoken to the lawyer.
DANNY: Ah yeah, the snooty guy.
EMMA: Does everyone rub you up the wrong way?
DANNY: You don’t. I like you.
EMMA: Why didn’t you want to sign the paperwork for the house?
DANNY: Oh, now it all makes sense.
EMMA: Now all what makes sense?
DANNY: Your visit, all of a sudden, didn’t seem like you at all.
EMMA: I wrote you a letter saying I was coming.
DANNY: I got it yesterday. You know, all of a sudden.
EMMA: I don’t get you, Danny! I don’t get you at all! Why didn’t you sign the papers?
DANNY: Because they’re taking us for a ride.
EMMA: Who? Who’s taking us for a ride?
DANNY: Everyone.
EMMA: And you know this because you’re… telepathic?
DANNY: The house is worth much more. When we were kids the area was a shithole, but now it’s gone up in value.
EMMA: The bank valued it and it’s correct.
DANNY: The bank? You mean, the biggest thieves around here? They’re the ones who should be in prison, not me.
EMMA: If you were outside, you’d know how much the house is worth.
DANNY: We know about things in here too – we have TV, we don’t live completely cut off from the world.
EMMA: Well, I’m telling you the house is valued at a good price. The buyers are decent people.
DANNY: They’re a bunch of crooks who want to take advantage of you and me.
EMMA: They’re relatives of my husband’s boss. And they don’t have to buy this house.
DANNY: Ah, your husband! If I’d known it was down to your husband, I wouldn’t have even gone there. It’d be like messing with the Pope.
EMMA: Leave my husband out of this.
DANNY: Then leave him out of my shit too. You think I don’t know how he whispers in your ear?
EMMA: Everything was going just fine and now you’re ruining it all.
DANNY: No one can take me for a fool, okay!
EMMA: Okay. So we won’t sell and that’s that.
DANNY: Don’t fuck with me now, Sis; I need that money.
EMMA: Sign then.
DANNY: When they pay what it’s worth. Minimum three hundred and eighty thousand.
EMMA: It’s not down to you to set the price. If we ask for that, maybe we’ll sell in two years time, maybe never. There are ‘For Sale’ signs up all over the place round there.
DANNY: It’s worth three hundred and eighty, no more no less.
EMMA: I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you. I have to stop doing that, then I won’t have to deal with your bullshit anymore.
DANNY: Why are you being so pushy about signing? Maybe it’s you.
EMMA: What?
DANNY: Maybe you’re gonna get something out of it. There must be some reason.
EMMA: I don’t need the money to live. Do you think I’m going to scam my own brother? Do you think I’m like you?
DANNY: Hey, calm down. I don’t scam people, okay? I stole to live, but I’ve never scammed anyone.
EMMA: No, just yourself. You’ve made your whole life one big long scam, and mine too, for always believing you…
DANNY: Well, why did you come then, you stupid cow? You’re the one who sent the letter!
EMMA: That’s the thing with you. You do things without realising who you’re hurting.
DANNY: Oh poor little rich girl.
EMMA: I’m not rich; I work to earn a living. Unlike some!
DANNY: I wouldn’t wanna be a sucker in a shitty job.
EMMA: Well then, deal with where you’re at. You think you can just show up, promise the world, then screw everyone over?
DANNY: When have I screwed you over?
EMMA: My whole life.
DANNY: Your whole life I’ve screwed you over?
Finally Pandora’s box is opened. Emma can’t take it anymore and explodes.
EMMA: Do you know what it feels like to live in fear every waking hour? When we were kids, I was scared you’d play up and get punished. I’d go to my room and cover my ears so I couldn’t hear the beatings. When we were older, I was scared you’d come and rob me. I tried to ignore the threats. Even the time when I didn’t want to give you any more money, and you swore you’d wait for me outside my door and slice open my gut with a flick knife.
DANNY: I didn’t mean it!
EMMA: You showed it to me, Danny. You showed me the knife. And for two months I slept with a phone next to my pillow waiting for the day you’d force open the door and show up while I was sleeping. Every time I hear a noise I think it’s you, that you’re finally going to go through with the threat.
DANNY: I’d never hurt you.
EMMA: You stole from me.
DANNY: But I did it when you weren’t home! And I said I was sorry.
EMMA: That’s not worth shit! Completely screw up then say you’re sorry. Things aren’t actually that easy.
DANNY: Even less so for me.
EMMA: For you and everyone else. Or do you think you’re the only one who’s had problems at home? But people grow up and get by without destroying others.
DANNY: Excuse me for living.
EMMA: No, I won’t excuse you. Do you know how many times I’ve wanted to get a phone call saying they’ve found you dead? And I feel awful afterwards for thinking it.
DANNY: (He shows her the scars on his wrists) I’ve tried, eh, I’ve tried.
EMMA: The first time you called me from prison I was happy. At least I knew where you were. Then I was scared again, for what could happen to you inside. My whole life living in fear.
DANNY: But if you’ve been living in fear, imagine what I’ve been living in? It doesn’t even compare. What’s the worst thing you can think of? ‘Cos, that’s happened to me.
EMMA: Well I’m sorry!
DANNY: How the hell is being sorry gonna help?
EMMA: Is it my fault now?
DANNY: Maybe.
Emma stands up, furious.
EMMA: Go to hell, Danny, and leave me alone!
DANNY: You go to hell! The house too! Do you really wanna feel fear? Real fear. If you want, I can split your head open right now…
Danny gets up from his chair, livid, and walks towards his sister, intending to hit her.
Emma retreats to the wall, seeking refuge. Danny keeps moving towards her.
DANNY: This is fear. Right now. The fear we get in here…
Danny lifts the chair as though he’s going to throw it. Emma cries out.
DANNY: Come here, you fuckin’ chicken!
Emma does as she’s told. She moves towards him, shouting, and slaps him hard, leaving a mark on his face.
EMMA: Shut the fuck up!
Both are stunned by what has just happened. It’s Danny who breaks the silence.
DANNY: (Massaging his face). Wow, some hit. Who are you, the woman of steel?
Danny seems to be taking what happened as a joke. Emma is still trembling in front of him; her body like a willow being whipped by the wind.
We hear the door lock being slid back.
Emma breaks down, crying, and runs out.
17. EMMA’S FLAT
Emma is in her flat, very upset. She’s finding it hard to breathe. She places her hands on her knees to focus and calm herself down.
EMMA: I didn’t realise we were going so soon. I’ve got loads of things to sort out still.
My things. I’m not just your wife; I have my own life.
Oh for God’s sake! I come back absolutely wiped out and all you’re worried about is your boss.
Yes, you said. You said he was going to make things difficult for us. You said he’s never done anything for me. Not one good thing. I know he doesn’t appreciate a single thing I do.
Alright, he’s a bad person. Really bad. But nothing hooks you like a bad person.
(Shouting) He’s a shit and I’m not going to see him again! I’m not going to bother with him ever again.
But he is not the only one to blame, let’s be clear about that.
18. ISOLATION CELL
Danny is sitting in a corner of the isolation cell. His jaw is clenched, his eyes half-closed, his head down.
A tear slides down his face.
He wipes it away and stands up. He starts running like a madman the three metres in front of him before crashing into the wall. Barely showing the pain, he turns round and starts running again, before smashing into the opposite wall.
He does it again.
And again.
17. EMMA’S FLAT – CONTINUATION
EMMA: I already told you I’m done! Do you want me to sign an official declaration?
Is this tearing us apart? Is this tearing apart us?
Emma’s voice cracks.
EMMA: Well then, maybe you should know I’m pregnant.
19. PRISON. ROOM WITH PARTITION SCREEN
Danny, his face stiff from self-inflicted blows and his finger still in a cast, looks more like a statue of Christ on Good Friday than a person. He has some documents in his hand.
He’s sitting opposite the lawyer, who we don’t see.
DANNY: And what’s my brother-in-law like?
Is he taller or shorter than me?
I’ve seen him in a photo. He’s got blond hair, right?
I think he wears glasses.
Maybe contacts. Do you know him well?
Do you think he loves my sister?
She deserves the best. Have you spoken to her?
Do you think if I call her she’ll pick up the phone?
I thought lawyers knew everything.
But did she say anything to you? Is she still angry? I’d really like to talk to her to clear things up.
It’s not about the sale of the house. I’m not gonna cause any more problems with that.
I wanted to get the biggest slice possible, that’s all, for her too. But I’ll sign whatever I need to. Are these the papers?
So, tell me where to sign and we’ll be done.
No, you don’t need to explain anything.
I trust you. Just tell me where to sign.
Are you deaf or what?
Tell her the problem’s in my head.
Tell her I wanna be good, but there’s another me that won’t let me.
Danny signs various papers.
DANNY: Tell my sister she doesn’t need to worry anymore.
No need. Pay in the money and that’ll be that. Matter closed.
Danny signs another document and a tear falls onto the paper.
DANNY: But tell her everything I told you. I know how it is now.
It’s not true that everyone is both good and bad. Deep down, we’re only one. The hardest thing is to accept which one we are.
Tell my sister this, please. Tell her I know which one I am. And I’m glad she’s different.
You’ll get the papers at the entrance. Just ask the guard for them.
Get out of here now, man, before I start bawling.
20. PRIVATE PRISON VISITING ROOM
Emma is facing her brother. Neither of them dares start the conversation.
Danny is looking worse than last time and Emma looks at him with sadness. Deep sadness. She also has dark circles under her eyes.
EMMA: What a picture.
DANNY: I look like one of those Christ statues, don’t I? (He doesn’t wait for his sister to answer). I’d look alright if I had another nose.
Emma takes a deep breath and says what she’s come to say.
EMMA: I’ve come to apologise.
DANNY: Really? How nice.
EMMA: Don’t mock.
DANNY: I mean it. I’m usually the one who does everything wrong and who everyone wants to apologise…
EMMA: But then you wouldn’t be you, you’d be some imaginary brother.
DANNY: The one you’d like to have had. What a pain you got me in the family lottery, eh?
EMMA: I’ve been going over and over it and I don’t know how I let you get to me.
DANNY: I’m good at driving people nuts.
EMMA: But I’m not like that.
DANNY: Of course you’re not, you’re amazing.
EMMA: Don’t overdo it now.
DANNY: The word perfection was invented for you.
EMMA: (Half joking) And imbecile was invented for you.
DANNY: Hey… didn’t you come here to make peace?
EMMA: Yes. But with you it’s impossible.
DANNY: Well, I can give you a good reason for being here.
EMMA: Oh yeah, what?
DANNY: I signed the papers.
EMMA: I know. Not much left to do now.
DANNY: And once what needs to be done is done, I won’t see you again?
EMMA: Most likely.
DANNY: Jesus! It’s not like I give you an allergic reaction.
Both go quiet again.
DANNY: So who’s gonna straighten me out then?
EMMA: There is no way to straighten you out.
DANNY: Damn… with such brutal truths, how am I supposed to sort myself out?
EMMA: I’m so sorry.
DANNY: For what?
EMMA: Hitting you…
DANNY: Again, Sis? Well yeah, your little strops do tend to last a lifetime. When you were young, you were so proud, you’d never admit you’d done anything wrong.
EMMA: It’s the first time I’ve hit anyone. I don’t even have a reputation for being tough in school.
DANNY: Thank God they put me in the isolation cell. Otherwise, I’d have got the piss ripped out of me.
EMMA: I’d like to talk to the psychologist and explain… If there’s one thing I hate in this world, it’s people who solve their problems with violence.
DANNY: Well, don’t worry, you didn’t solve anything.
EMMA: I wish I could turn back the clock.
DANNY: For God’s sake, stop it! Stop fretting so much. It’s annoying.
EMMA: The thing is: if you’re capable of hitting once, you’re capable of hitting a thousand times.
DANNY: It was just a slap. Hard, but a slap, so don’t go getting cocky.
Emma shakes her head. Her brother can say what he wants, she knows she hit him with all she had.
DANNY: It was like this.
Danny slaps his sister. But gently, as though trying to replace it with a single kiss. Emma returns the gesture, as though it’s a game.
EMMA: Idiot…
DANNY: Wuss…
Danny keeps giving her little slaps, but Emma doesn’t return them anymore. She just protects herself.
EMMA: Enough now, Danny.
But Danny keeps going.
DANNY: Come on, chicken… fight back… come on…
EMMA: Stop it.
DANNY: Come on, Emma, eh, stop shielding yourself and let me have it…
EMMA: Stop it, Danny.
DANNY: One two, one two…
EMMA: I told you stop it! You’re hurting me!
DANNY: Fight back then…
Danny doesn’t know his limits, so he really is about to hurt her.
EMMA: (Shouting) You’re hurting me, you monster!
Emma pushes him and Danny realises he’s gone too far.
DANNY: See? I know how to start, but not how to stop.
At this point, a bell is heard.
Emma breathes out. And Danny is the first to leave. He doesn’t even turn to say goodbye, just lifts his hand and goes.
21. PRISON GYM
Danny has put on his sweatshirt and is listening downcast to the social worker, who we can’t see.
DANNY: I’m not good enough, shrink. I need to lose another half a second.
Half a second is a lifetime in this.
I don’t give a shit about the Olympics. I don’t give a shit about anything. I’m never gonna get out of this place, not alive anyway.
I already told the coach. Nobody can force me to train.
I’m done with getting my hopes up only to screw it all up again.
I’ve tried. I’ve scrubbed enough floors to cover ten stadiums; I haven’t missed a single gym session…
I try to be a better person, honest I do. But then something snaps in my head and I mess it all up again.
22. EMMA’S FLAT
Emma enters the house carrying a bag of things she’s collected from school.
EMMA: That’s it, I’m no longer a music teacher.
Not angry, no. I’ve come to terms with the fact that you asked for a transfer without talking to me first.
Yes, I went to see him to apologise. I’m really ashamed of what I did.
Nope, he couldn’t care less; he thought it was a pathetic slap. But I’m not like that. I don’t want to be like that.
I want to feel safe bringing up our child. I’m never going to talk to him about his uncle – him or her, whichever.
Don’t talk maths to me, I don’t like it. Everything works on logic with maths, everything tallies. But life’s not like that.
21. PRISON GYM – CONTINUATION
DANNY: My sister writes music and she explained it to me once.
It only takes one note, just one, for something that sounds good to sound bad. I have a note that sounds bad right here (he points to his head).
Yeah, of course, I’m proud too.
I don’t think you’re an idiot for getting up every day and going to work.
I want to work.
What do you mean I need to get off my arse then? You think I can’t get off my arse? What do you bet?
Danny’s eyes flash. As always with him, it’s hard to know if he’s simply taking in the words he’s hearing or getting ready to hit someone.
DANNY: The trouble is one day I’ll get to twelve seconds, and that’ll be the day I break my leg.
22. EMMA’S FLAT – CONTINUATION
EMMA: My brother could have been one of the best. He’s got what it takes. But the one thing it was never possible to do was teach him how to learn.
Because the system doesn’t work.
Yes, of course, it’s easy to blame others. He does the same.
I haven’t given up on my whole life, just teaching. Because it seems to me people don’t change.
And if you can’t change, why bother trying?
23. PRIVATE PRISON VISITING ROOM
Danny enters the visiting room. He sits opposite Emma. He doesn’t dare look her in the eyes.
After an uncomfortable silence, he breaks down in tears.
Emma has a sinking feeling in her stomach. For a second, she’s tempted to comfort him, but she understands it’s better to let him express how he feels. For a few seconds, which feel like an eternity, his facial contortions are the only form of communication between them.
Finally, once he’s calmed down:
EMMA: I’ve brought you the papers.
DANNY: Okay.
EMMA: Here’s the account number. They’ve transferred a hundred and fifty-five thousand pounds.
DANNY: A hundred and fifty-five?
EMMA: Yes, in the end they paid more.
Danny reads the documents.
DANNY: Mr… Mr Daniel Traford… I’ve got enough here for two offices, with air conditioning. And two cars. With one car I’ll go to one office; with the other, I’ll go to the other. And I’m going to buy a phone, with air conditioning too.
I thought about calling you a hundred times, but I knew you wouldn’t pick up. You wouldn’t have picked up, would you?
EMMA: No.
DANNY: See, you are a cow.
EMMA: See.
Danny wants to reach out and touch her, but Emma fears he’ll be aggressive. Though she immediately regrets thinking this.
DANNY: If you want, I’ll ask them to put me in handcuffs.
EMMA: I’m here, Danny, you can see me, right?
DANNY: Yeah, course, I can see you.
EMMA: And that will mean something.
DANNY: Yeah, that you’re not such a nasty cow.
EMMA: It will mean something else.
DANNY: I know, I know, but I’m no good with those kinds of things.
EMMA: Are you still training?
DANNY: Twelve and a half seconds. I can’t do it; I can’t get there. I asked the lawyer to tell you…
EMMA: He told me.
DANNY: And you’ve come to the conclusion your brother’s a dick.
EMMA: I knew that already.
Danny smiles.
DANNY: I am, it’s true.
Now it’s Emma who smiles.
EMMA: At least we agree on something.
DANNY: And I can make you laugh. You don’t laugh much, do you, Sis?
EMMA: I liked those things you said about me.
DANNY: I bet you’ll cry when I’m gone, won’t you?
Emma and Danny sink back into silence.
DANNY: Do you have any tissues?
EMMA: Do you want some?
DANNY: No, they’re for you, you’re gonna need them.
EMMA: I’m pregnant, Danny.
DANNY: Son of a bitch! Wow, that is news. If it’s a boy, you have to call him Danny.
EMMA: Do you think I’m a sucker for punishment?
DANNY: Don’t worry, there’ll never be two Dannys the same. I’m sure he’ll be just like… Ivan.
EMMA: His name’s not Ivan. It’s Evan.
DANNY: I would’ve loved it if someone adopted me. When I was getting a bollocking, I used to imagine some parents coming to look for me. Like you and Ivan. They would talk to Mum… “Is this the boy you don’t want? Well, he can come and live with us then.”
EMMA: Seriously?
DANNY: Yeah.
EMMA: And Mum would give you away?
DANNY: Happy as Larry. “Here you go, he’s yours forever.”
EMMA: And you lived happily ever after?
DANNY: Of course not! The imaginary parents took me back after a month. “He’s very handsome, and very smart, but completely impossible to deal with. Here you go.”
EMMA: Really?
DANNY: No, silly! They stuck with me and I behaved myself and became the managing director of my father’s business. I’m being such a twat.
EMMA: Do you think it’s the parents who are to blame?
DANNY: You and I are proof it’s not.
EMMA: But your mother never hit me. If she had…
DANNY: You would have apologised and she’d have given you a reward.
EMMA: Or I would have turned out like you.
DANNY: Impossible. You’d have to be born like me. Although you were the favourite. You could eat chocolate whenever you wanted, and I was never allowed.
EMMA: What I don’t understand is why she treated us so differently.
DANNY: Because she saw me coming. And you know what? She was right.
EMMA: That doesn’t make you angry?
DANNY: What?
EMMA: Proving her right. If only for that, I…
DANNY: I’m working on it.
EMMA: How long have you been out of trouble now?
DANNY: Two months and one day.
EMMA: A record.
DANNY: Not true! My record is eight months. When I worked at that airport hotel. Fucking Spanish tourists!
Emma looks at him and doesn’t know if she feels sorry for him.
EMMA: Sometimes I’d brag about you.
DANNY: About me?
EMMA: “My brother’s a criminal.” I’d drop you into the conversation at a dinner party and people would be fascinated, asking me questions as though I was suddenly more interesting because of you.
DANNY: Well, I’ve bragged about my sister too. “She’s a pianist, she composes songs and she’s going to be on TV someday soon.”
They fall into silence again. Emma is finding it hard to say what she’s come to say to her brother.
EMMA: Danny, I’m going.
DANNY: They haven’t rung the bell yet.
EMMA: My husband’s been transferred, so I won’t be able to come again.
DANNY: Far?
EMMA: I don’t actually want to tell you.
DANNY: Must be really far then.
EMMA: I know everything’s going to get better, but if it gets worse, I don’t want to know.
DANNY: Bury your head then.
EMMA: I’m going to a place where you win the race, they drop your sentence, you go to Brazil and have some fun, and you end up being managing director.
DANNY: Cool place, eh? Maybe if they have a decent boxing arena where you’re going, I’ll come and visit you.
EMMA: Maybe this is the last time we see each other, Danny.
DANNY: Harsh.
EMMA: It’s up to you.
DANNY: How is it up to me if I don’t know where you’re going?
It seems like they’re going to hug, but then the end-of-visit bell rings.
Danny gets up suddenly.
DANNY: How many months are you?
EMMA: Two and a half.
DANNY: Son of a bitch.
And he runs out to avoid saying goodbye.
He runs so fast he would clearly run a hundred metres in twelve seconds.
24. NEUTRAL SPACE
Danny is getting ready for the race.
He stretches his muscles, jumps up and down, tries to relax his body.
The whistle blows.
Danny sets off like a hare.
Emma, from her flat, shouts:
EMMA: Go, Danny! Run!
On the track, Danny is about to reach six seconds but his vision becomes temporarily blurred.
DANNY: My sister Emma isn’t coming back. And it’s because of me. Of course. I’m the one who steals, the one who does stupid things… She says she feels sorry for me, but it’s bullshit. If she really felt like that, she wouldn’t be going away. And I’m supposed to just get out of here and be a good person?
EMMA: Come on, Danny, run!
DANNY: Okay, I’m a loser, I’ve said it myself a thousand times… But don’t worry, I don’t care if you don’t come and see me, better for you. I hope you’ll be happy with your husband and your kid and if you don’t call him Danny, well, too bad for him, Danny is a great name. And I’m gonna get out of here and come find you. I’m gonna show you some of my boxing moves, Emma, and you’re gonna laugh. You have to laugh a little, Emma. You’re so serious. So serious!
Danny, with tears in his eyes, runs with all he’s got.
EMMA: Go, Danny! Show that bad luck where to go! You can do it, run!
Danny flies. He gets to the finish line and tries to catch his breath.
DANNY: Time?
EMMA: A tenth of a second under twelve.
DANNY: Did I win?
EMMA: You came second.
DANNY: Son of a bitch!
And he passes out.
25. NEUTRAL SPACE
Emma drags a suitcase. She looks at the sky. The sun has finally come out. She smiles before starting to walk.
EMMA: Yes, I locked it with the key. (She takes a deep breath) We’re gonna be travelling under clear skies. Son of a bitch, as my brother would say.
And she walks towards her new future as we come to the
END
[1] Directed by Jessica Lazar and performed by Candela Gómez and Jaime Menendez in Spanish, and Leila Ashgar-Ali and Keith Porter in English.
[2] Oristrell, Joaquín (2017), Teatro Galileo: https://www.gruposmedia.com/wpdf/corre-smedia-dossier.pdf
[3] Centro de Documentación de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música (2018): https://www.teatro.es/quiosco/yolanda-garcia-serrano-premio-nacional-de-literatura-dramatica/pdf
The Mercurian 