by Jacqueline E. Lawton
2016
©
Jacqueline E. Lawton
Contact:
Michael Finkle
William Morris Endeavor
212.903.1144
No part of this script may be copied, distributed, documented or performed without written permission from Jacqueline E. Lawton.
Caution: professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that ARDEO is subject to a royalty and is fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America, and of all countries covered by the international copyright union, the pan-American copyright convention, and the universal copyright convention. All rights are strictly reserved. Particular emphasis is laid on the question of readings, permission for which must be secured in writing.
All inquiries for amateur and professional performance rights must be addressed to:
Michael Finkle
William Morris Endeavor
212.903.1144
For Mama.
“I give you this to take with you:
Nothing remains as it was. If you know this, you can
begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting.”
Judith Minty, Letters to My Daughters
CHARACTERS:
Mariah
Devin
Nikyla
Trè
Mekhai
Hassiem
TIME:
Present
SETTING:
A Burn Center.
SYNOPSIS:
ARDEO is a one-act play inspired by research and personal narratives of health practitioners and patients at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Burn Center.
From the perspective of scientists and medical providers, the involvement of the dramatic arts represents a unique opportunity to appreciate the meaning of one’s work and to gain new insights and perspectives regarding its relevance. A large part of what we hope to explore is how patients and doctors communicate with each other; how health practitioners communicate with the public; and how theatre artists can be of service to patients, doctors and the larger public. Narrative medicine not only serves the public health sector and works to improve the effectiveness of care, but it also offers as a healing tool for patients in recovery.
PRODUCTION NOTE:
- All written text should be spoken by the actors.
- There should be no use of recorded voiceover, unless indicated otherwise.
At rise:
An empty stage. Mariah, Devin, Nikyla, Trè, Mekhai, and Hassiem enter. The sound of sirens is heard. There is a dance of joy, pain, struggle, despair, and triumph. The dance comes to a place of stillness. The actors address the audience. The actors speak as various people of North Carolina, a celebration of the founding of the Burn Center.
DEVIN (In an celebratory tone.)
On my count.
ALL
One, two three.
DEVIN
Welcome to the opening of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center.
TRÈ
The Center broke ground on January 15, 1977.
MARIAH
But it wouldn’t be here if weren’t for a man by the name of John Stackhouse.
HASSIEM
John owned an electrical contracting company in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
NIKYLA
His father loaned him the money—
MEKHAI
And he paid it back, every penny. Plus 6% interest.
DEVIN
In his time, he saw first-hand the devastation that burns can create.
TRÈ
It’s a dangerous business. Lots of his workers got burned.
MARIAH
And there weren’t a lot of places they could go for care.
HASSIEM
Nowhere in North Carolina and fewer than a dozen facilities in all of the U.S.
NIKYLA
He prayed for guidance.
MEKHAI
The only way he could keep doing his work was to build a place for people to receive care.
DEVIN
He was a man of great faith, a true visionary.
TRÈ
He decided to establish an institution to care for burn victims.
MARIAH
An institution that belonged to the people of North Carolina.
HASSIEM
He pledged $40,000 of his own money.
NIKLYA
And the board of the Rural Electric Association matched his pledge.
ALL
But it wasn’t enough.
MEKHAI
He had to raise more money. He traveled across the entire state. He knocked on doors.
DEVIN
All he heard was excuses.
ALL
A burn center?
TRÈ
Too many people die. Oh, those poor people.
MARIAH
It’s too expensive. Don’t be ridiculous.
HASSIEM
It’s impossible. Don’t waste your money.
NIKYLA
It’s going to be too difficult. Don’t bother.
MEKHAI
Burns are ugly. Who would want to work there?
DEVIN
But he didn’t let that deter him.
TRÈ
He spoke to everyone he could. Anyone who would listen.
MARIAH
As word got around, more folks began to think the idea for a Burn Center was a good one.
HASSIEM
The Goldsboro Jaycees sold jars of jelly for $1 to help raise money.
NIKLYA
Stackhouse bought the first jar for $10,000.
MEKHAI
All told, they raised close to $150,000.
DEVIN
And on February 23, 1981, the Burn Center officially opened.
The actors applaud.
TRÈ
Today, the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center is a 37-bed facility.
MARIAH
One of the few in the nation that provides adult and pediatric care.
HASSIEM
It took a lot of work, a great deal of faith, and the help of the entire state—
DEVIN
But Stackhouse’ s dream came true.
The sound of the hospital, a patient’s room. A doctor makes rounds with medical students.The students are at the beginning of their training. Some are more confident than others.
DEVIN (In an instructive tone.)
On my count.
ALL
One. Two. Three.
DEVIN (As the doctor.)
First, you have to understand the nature of burns.
TRÈ (As a medical student.)
A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, and electricity.
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
Sunlight and nuclear radiation can cause burns too.
HASSIEM (As a medical student.)
The most common burns are caused by building fires and scalding hot liquids, like oil and water.
MEKHAI (As a medical student.)
Also, flammable liquids and gases. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin.
NIKYLA (As a medical student.)
The epidermis. Second-degree burns damage the epidermis and the layer beneath it, the dermis.
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
Third-degree burns involve complete destruction of the skin and the underlying tissues.
MEKHAI (As a medical student.)
Burns are indiscriminate.
Beat. As they speak each line, the actors turn and address the audience.
TRÈ (As a medical student.)
No matter your age.
HASSIEM (As a medical student.)
Race.
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
Gender.
DEVIN (As a medical student.)
Class.
NIKYLA (As a medical student.)
Religion.
MEKHAI (As a medical student.)
Nation of origin.
ALL
No matter who you are—
DEVIN (As the doctor.)
Burns are the great equalizer.
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
Ardeo.
ALL
To burn.
The sound of sirens is heard. The sound of the hospital, an emergency room. The actors speak as health care practitioners. This is a high pressure situation.
DEVIN (With a sense of urgency, as a triage nurse.)
On my count.
ALL
One, two three. Clear.
DEVIN (As a triage nurse.)
He’s got 2nd degree burns. We’ve seen him before for alcohol poisoning. Order a tox screen and urine test.
TRÈ (As a triage nurse.)
He’s with the fire department. We’re looking at fourth-degree burns over 20 percent of his body.
MARIAH (As a triage nurse.)
Mother and son, both have third degree burns. The mother’s bp is through the roof. She has a history of heart problems. The son has broken limbs.
MEKHAI (As a triage nurse.)
We’ve got six coming in, a propane explosion. Clear everyone out. We have to make room.
NIKYLA (As a triage nurse.)
Six year old, gasoline fire in two. Third-degree burns to his chest, neck, and lower face.
HASSIEM (As a triage nurse.)
She was in last week. Knife wounds. Took out a restraining order. She’s got fourth degree burns.
The sound of the hospital, an ICU ward. A doctor makes rounds with medical students. They are observing the assessment and care of a burn victim. The students are more confident in their training.
DEVIN (As the doctor.)
On my count.
ALL
One, two three.
DEVIN (As the doctor.)
Next, you have to learn how to care for a burn victim.
TRÈ
Remove the person from the source of the burn.
MEKHAI (As a medical student.)
Perform a rapid initial assessment of respiratory and cardiovascular status.
HASSIEM (As a medical student.)
Follow the basic principles of trauma resuscitation.
ALL
Airway. Breathing. Circulation.
NIKYLA (As a medical student.)
Remove any constricting clothing and jewelry.
TRÈ (As a medical student.)
Establish the extent and depth of the burn injury and determine the need for special procedures.
MEKHAI (As a medical student.)
Cool minor burns with towels moistened with cool sterile saline.
HASSIEM (As a medical student.)
Fingers and toes should be wrapped individually, with fluffed gauze separating the digits.
DEVIN (As a medical student.)
Perform a secondary survey.
ALL
Airway. Breathing. Circulation. Disability.
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
Assess your patient’s mental status.
TRÈ (As a medical student.)
Follow the AVPU scale.
ALL
Alert.
DEVIN (As a medical student.)
Is your patient fully awake?
ALL
Voice.
NIKYLA (As a medical student.)
Does your patient respond to your voice?
TRÈ (As a medical student.)
It can be a verbal or motor response.
MEKHAI (As a medical student.)
It can be a response with the eyes.
ALL
Pain.
HASSIEM (As a medical student.)
Does your patient respond to stimulus?
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
If not, then your patient is unresponsive.
Beat. There is a shift. The actors speak as health care practitioners.
ALL
Unresponsive.
They speak to their patients with a sense of urgency. They approach each patient with different intonations to signify different medical circumstances.
DEVIN
What is your name?
NIKYLA
Do you know where you are?
TRÈ
Can you hear me?
MEKHAI
Can you tell me what happened?
HASSIEM
Can you describe the pain you’re feeling?
They repeat the questions twice more and build a cacophony of questions. The sound of sirens is heard. The sound of the hospital, a recovery room. The actors speak as burn victims. They brace for the move from the gurney to the bed.
DEVIN
On my count.
ALL
One, two, three.
They sigh with a sense of relief.
MARIAH (As a burn victim.)
The pain doesn’t let you sleep.
DEVIN (As a burn victim.)
It’s just, like, it’s excruciating.
NIKYLA (As a burn victim.)
24 hours a day, and it doesn’t go anywhere.
TRÈ (As a burn victim.)
It doesn’t dial down, anything. It’s just there.
MEKHAI (As a burn victim.)
I can barely think straight because of the burning.
HASSIEM (As a burn victim.)
The stinging is everywhere.
DEVIN (As a burn victim.)
I pray that the pain stops.
TRÈ (As a burn victim.)
On my knees, I ask for forgiveness.
MARIAH (As a burn victim.)
I make deals. Lord, if you stop the pain, I promise …
NIKYLA/ MEKHAI
I promise.
HASSIEM (As a burn victim.)
This must be what it’s like to live in hell.
MEKHAI (As a burn victim.)
This is hell.
ALL
I pray.
DEVIN (As a burn victim.)
The 23rd Psalm.
TRÈ (As a burn victim.)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
ALL
I will fear no evil.
MARIAH/MEKHAI (As burn victims.)
For thou art with me.
TRÈ/NIKYLA (As a burn victim.)
Thy rod and thy staff.
HASSIEM (As a burn victim.)
They comfort me.
There is a dance of joy, pain, struggle, despair, and triumph. The dance comes to a place of stillness. There is a shift. A meeting room. The actors speak as burn survivors.
DEVIN (As a 42 year old burn survivor.)
I was at the Burn Center for 10 months. They had to use two different laser treatments for the scarring on my face, neck, chest, and shoulders. I had a series of tattooing sessions, so the scars would match my skin. My family was there for me every day. My son came in the mornings and my husband covered the evening shift. My sister often stayed overnight. I went through hell and back, but there was no way I could give up. Surrounded by all this love, how could I?
ALL
I will fear no evil.
TRÈ (As a 50 year old burn survivor.)
I spent nine months at the Burn Center. Bedridden. Covered in gauze from head to toe. Watched the entire series of True Blood, Friends, and Law and Order. Couldn’t speak because of the trachea tube. Couldn’t tell anyone that I was cold or hurting. That was the hardest part, next to the loneliness. No one came to see me. No friends, no family. I had pushed most of them away with my addiction. It was the longest I had ever been sober. (Beat.) What a way to come back to life.
ALL
I will fear no evil.
NIKYLA (As a 20 year old burn survivor.)
I had always dreamed of a Sweet Sixteen party. I wanted to have it at my best friend’s house. She has a pool. But I was here at the Burn Center. My dad and best friend brought my whole class to visit. Even the boy that I like was there. Oh my god, he’s so cute! There was cake and presents. We played music. My dad and my doctor did this ridiculous dance.
They must have been planning it for weeks. I couldn’t stop laughing even though it hurt so much. It wasn’t what I imagined it would be, but it was the best birthday ever.
ALL
I will fear no evil.
MARIAH (As a 25 year old burn survivor.)
When I was 16, I married my manager. He was older … 37. On our third date, he told that he loved me, but once we got married, he changed. He was controlling and abusive. After six months, I told him that I wanted a divorce. The next day, I went by the house to get my things. We argued. He knocked me around and threw a gallon of gasoline at me. He flicked a lit match at me and walked away. I sustained fourth-degree burns to 95 percent of my body. I wanted to die…but I didn’t.
ALL
I will fear no evil.
HASSIEM (As a 35 year old burn survivor.)
Our station got a call at 4:26am; an apartment fire. A mother and child were caught in the blaze. We got them out and the ceiling collapsed. I was trapped. Flames engulfed me. I suffered 4th-degree burns and had several injuries. My left arm was amputated and I had to learn how to walk again. My wife—she’s amazing, she has me cooking, cleaning, shopping, and doing yard work. Nothing’s changed. If it wasn’t for my family, friends, my care team, I probably wouldn’t have made it.
ALL
I will fear no evil.
MEKHAI (As a 38 year old burn survivor.)
My wife and son suffered 3rd degree burns in an apartment fire. She was in the intensive care unit for 5 days and then suffered a heart attack. She died. My son remained in the hospital for four more months. He was all of five years old. He was angry and determined, frightened and sad. He hated the pressure garments, the silicone masks, the physical therapy, but he got better day by day and now …well, I’m still trying to figure out to manage my grief and his rage, but we’re getting through.
ALL
I will fear no evil.
The sound of low chatter and conversation, a hospital break room. The actors speak as health care practitioners. They come together for a sense of community and rejuvenation.
DEVIN
On my count.
ALL
One, two, three.
TRÈ (As a Director of a Burn Center.)
I had no idea this is what I wanted to do. At first, I was interested in psychology. I come from the home of an alcoholic. I wanted to make sense of all that. Instead, I worked as a physician’s assistant for a few years. I got to shadow a lot of different people. I decided to become a surgeon and now I’m the director of a Burn Center. A more direct path would’ve saved a lot of time and money, but I’m grateful for the journey. One of the hardest things our patients go through is the change in appearance. I understand how difficult it can be to face the outside world.
MARIAH (As a Burn Center Nurse.)
I wanted to be a nurse since I was little. I used to bandage all of my dolls and my baby brother. My first real patient had 4th degree burns. Only her scalp and feet were spared. We used them as donor sites for skin grafts. She lost her fingers and the use of her legs. She’s had more than 100 reconstructive surgeries. Most days her pain was so intense that it hurt to breathe. She’s the most courageous person I know. Full of light and love.
DEVIN (As a Burn Center Chaplain.)
I felt called to the ministry, but I never wanted to work in a church. Being a chaplain allowed me to do that. I learned about the Burn Center after my sister’s car accident. She suffered 3rd degree burns on her arms and legs. Her face and neck were spared. She feels guilty about that … being able to cover her burns. On my first night at work, 7 patients died. I prayed with all of the families. I had to be the calmest person in the room. Every morning, I say a prayer for those who died overnight. I say one for me too.
MEKHAI (As a Burn Center Nurse.)
I was inspired by my grandmother to go into nursing. She raised me. She immigrated to the U.S. and worked two jobs to put herself through community college. She didn’t know how to drive, so I took her to classes and then to work once she started at the local hospital. What I learned from her has stayed with me. Recovery is all about attitude. How much you want it, how much you believe in yourself. I try to share with my patients.
NIKYLA (As a Burn Center Aftercare Program Director.)
I always wanted to take care of people, but I wanted something more glamorous than being a nurse, something that paid better. As the Aftercare Program Director, I work as the liaison between the hospital and community care. It’s nothing glamorous, but aftercare is an important part of patient recovery. And seeing them achieve, knowing you’re a part of their recovery, is a powerful experience. When I retire, I won’t have a trophy, but I’ll have touched so many lives.
HASSIEM (As a Social Worker.)
I was injured my junior year in college, so basketball was out. I didn’t want to go into sports medicine. I didn’t want to be that close to game and not play. I’m good with people and making sense of patterns. I became a social worker. The hardest part of my job is working within the boundaries of the healthcare system while providing family support and honoring the patient wishes. Endless red tape. Also, helping patients and families to understand what they need to do care for themselves. I didn’t do what was best for me at first either. Pride. Anger. I understand what they’re struggling against.
The sound of sirens is heard. There is a dance of joy, pain, struggle, despair, and triumph. The dance comes to a place of stillness. There is a shift. A conference room at a hotel as part of the After Care retreat program. The actors speak as burn survivors.
DEVIN (With a sense of affirmation and validation.)
On my count.
ALL
One, two three.
DEVIN (As a 42 year old burn survivor.)
I’m alive today because the team at the Burn Center treated me with dignity and kindness. They never judged or ridiculed me. Their positivity inspired me. I didn’t always see a way forward for myself, but they did.
HASSIEM
My medical team worked quickly and thoroughly. They figured out my health needs and paired me with the right people for my treatment. And they’ve stayed in touch after all these years. Today, I have a deep appreciation for my life, but sometimes … it’s rough. I have survivor’s guilt.
TRÈ (As a 50 year old burn survivor.)
The timing of the burn was challenging. Not that anytime would be good. But it changed my life goals. Sometimes I think about what life would have been like, but it’s not all bad. I have a greater sense of purpose. I laugh more.
NIKYLA (As a 20 year old burn survivor.)
I start college in the Fall. I’m going to study journalism. I want to be an investigative reporter. I’m worried though. I have PTSD. I have emotional triggers. The smell of fire can send me into a panic. It’s hard to explain that to people.
MARIAH (As a 25 year old burn survivor.)
I went through all the stages. I was a victim; angry at the world. I lashed out. It was exhausting. I was a survivor; committed to my recovery. I did whatever it took; all day, every day. It was exhausting. Now, I’m an overcomer. I tell others about what happened to me. I want to help. It’s exhilarating.
MEKHAI (As a 38 year old burn survivor.)
After my wife’s funeral, I was determined to focus on my son’s recovery. I took a pay cut and worked from home. Being a single father had its challenges, but it’s nowhere near what my son went through. Somehow, even now, he meets each day with a smile. It gives me such hope.
DEVIN (As a 42 year old burn survivor.)
Honestly, you never know or think about what it must be like until it happens to you.
The sound of the hospital, a busy emergency room. The actors speak as health care practitioners at the Burn Center. They are reading to get back to work.
DEVIN
On my count.
ALL
One, two, three.
DEVIN (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Dear Lord…
MEKHAI (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Please give me strength.
MARIAH (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Please give me courage.
TRÈ (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Please give me wisdom.
NIKYLA (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Please give me patience.
HASSIEM (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Please grant us more survivors.
DEVIN (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Please help me get through the day.
ALL
Amen.
TRÈ (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
At the Burn Center, there’s always a place for the survivors. There’s always someone who cares.
DEVIN (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
To do this job, you have to have a deep love for people who struggle. You have to have patience.
MEKHAI (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Sometimes, and this is challenging, there is a division of belief for what to do. Do we save a life or not … even knowing they will have such a difficult one.
NIKYLA (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Sometimes the family won’t let them go. We have to help them through the sense of guilt and fear. We have to help them understand …
MARIAH (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
Sometimes people’s faith gets in the way of the best medical care.
HASSIEM (As a Health Care Practitioner.)
At the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer for an hour. But every time I write a note in the medical record, I’m telling someone’s story.
TRÈ (As a Director of a Burn Center.)
We all have stories.
The actors speak to the audience. They invite them to learn more about the experience.
DEVIN (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
On my count.
ALL
One, two, three.
DEVIN (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
If you want to help, ask me about my experience. We all go through difficult things.
MARIAH (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
This is something that happened to me, but it does not define who I am.
TRÈ (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
I realized that I couldn’t let it defeat me. This wasn’t going to be the end of my life.
MEHKAI (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
It doesn’t prevent me from moving forward and contributing to life.
HASSIEM (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
I learned who I am through this process. I’m not a survivor, I’ve overcome this.
NIKYLA (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
I wouldn’t wish being burned on anyone, but I don’t regret what happened … how it changed me and how it helped me see the world.
MEKHAI (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Burns are indiscriminate.
TRÈ (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
No matter your age.
HASSIEM (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Race.
MARIAH (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Gender.
DEVIN (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Class.
NIKYLA (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Religion.
MEKHAI (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Nation of origin.
ALL
No matter who you are—
DEVIN (As a burn survivor, who is now an overcomer.)
Burns are the great equalizer.
MARIAH (As a medical student.)
Ardeo.
ALL
To burn.
There is a dance of joy, pain, struggle, despair, and triumph. The dance comes to a place of a stillness. Lights out.
End of play.