:l

n!

(e;u.9
ACT ONE

I:i:1.

(2)

Scene 1. DECEX,,IBER 10th: MORNING, EARLY OF WOI.,IENIS PEACE CAMP ADJACENT TO I',IAINGATE (OUT OF SIGHT ON LEFT). A SECTION DOWN BEFORE FENCE RIGHT. SEVERAL BENDERS TALL TREES SCATTERED LEFT ANDRIGHT. IS CONTINUOUS ACROSS STAGE I,'IITHINNERBARBED THE F'ENCE I''IIREBARRIER UP-STAGE, IN MIST. LARGELY CONCEALED UP ANDDOWN BEHINDPERIMETER A SOLDIER(JOCI() IS WALKING FENCE. A YANK, ED, STANDS BEYOND WIREEARRIER. ARMED, SUE ENTERS F'ROM RIGHT. Sue: 0h, what a lovely morning.... 0r will (GOES TO FENCE,PEERS THROUGH) We1l, so itfs be.

you again, Jock. (N0 ANSWER)

It is you, isntb it? (A GRUNT: J. WALKS AWAY,AN ABOUT-TURN. ) Jock: So you dontt want to face the music. Music! What bloody music? - Yourre all the same. Yak-yak for peace. Yak-yak for luv, - but never a good yak out of the lot of you. A1I rieht. Canrt you leave weII alone? Sue: (FOUR PACES LEFT, ABOUT-TURN, PAUSE.) Well alone! Did you hear him last night? Hairy Heseltine: tFor more than thirty years nuclear mj-ssj-Ies have preserved the peace... I - Yak-yak: thatrs where it comes from. Thirty years! A pee in the oceani How long does he think we can survive on threafs? till something goes off Threats and more threats your lifetime. Jock: Sue: Jock: My llfetime? Sod that! the future? Familyts glad to be shut of me. (FOUR Ballocks to it! PACES RIGHT: HALTS, Then what about your kids, your family, Aint got no kids, thank Christ! As for bhe fubure..... Sue: maybe our lifetime,

STARING AT HERACGRESSIVELY. THEYSTAND IN SILENCE AS MIST LIFTS. ) (Sof'tly.) Wett, well: luver-boyts having tantrums, is he (SHE RUNS DOWNSTAGE, EI,4ERGE AS WOMEN FROM BENDERS. ) PAM, SI'4ALL, DISHEVELLED COMES OUT0F NEAREST YAWNING. ONE, STRETCHING, )

Sue: Pam: Sue:

There you are, Pam. God, but I feel tercible! Always do, darling, firsb morning here.

(3) Tzi :2
Pam: (KICKING TENT)rrBendersrt! Ird call rem rfCrackersrr. Listen....

(CRACKS FINGERS,KNEE-JoINTS. ) Slept tied up in a reef-knot. God knows why I came here, Sue, - ft is Sue, isntt it? Sue: Pam: Better not stay then, if Suit mel it doesnrt suit you. But what does? Like this every morning first thing. Everywhere-rDepressivef ...... thatts what Doctor says I am. rDepressivet, though not manic, morets the pity.

What with Bob on me chest and the Bomb on me mind, can scarcely crawl out of bed. - rMake bhe breakfast, Then the Bomb Blt, he says, crawling off me. - Just like that. And at home, even worse. goes off in me head. See all Sue: Pam: Sue: Pam: Al,lAY QUICKLY). (A PAUSE) You all right? Lj-ke this every morning. those plctures.... 0h, God.... (TURNS

Donrt mlnd me. Yourl-l-get used to me.....

(SHE HIDESHEADfN HANDS, SHIVERTNG.S. GOES UP TO HER. ) Cummon:canft be bhat bad. Yourll get used to ib.... used to us. (TURNING I want to be herel Got to be ANGRILY,) Itrs not that. h e r e . . . . . l i k e t o b e h e r e . - J u s t s o m e. . . . c h e m i c a l thafrs missing. - At leasL, LhaLfs what the Doctor says. passes off: BENDER. Ev: Well: If that Iittle no dears. Not that! Thatrs not quite it. snoop from rrTheSunrsrf aboutr you tworll be front page news. rrlesbians tt embrace at Greenham. (TURNING, LAUGHING. ) Jesus Christ, Evelyn! (EVELYN MAKES PAINEDEXPRESS]ON. ) Sorry dear: I always forget. (INCREDULOUS) You're religious? Wel1, there you are. up. Sue: Pam: Canft do a thing about it. The way yourre brought f/ve done my best. Spent five years reading Marx, Engels. (JOKING.) Shusfr! Someone's listening. (SHE NODS NOV'/ TOV\iARDS JOCKWHO word? Thatrs what werll all become, youf11 see. Bui1ds up about now, then Nine ofclock, - why I can al-mostbear to live....

(SUE PUTSHERARMROUND PAM'S SHOULDER, JUST AS EVELYN EMERGES FROM NEXT

Sue:

Pam: Ev:

STANDS WITH HIS BACKTO THEM. ) ItParanoidrt- have I got the right so my Doctor say$. Living like

this with these Cruise Missiles. Everyone bhinking that them as lsntt trfortr i-s itagainsttr. (SHE SAYS THIS POINTEDLY SHARPLY. SO THATJOCKCANHEAR. HE TURNS ) Jock: I ainrt neither, 1uv: if youfre getting at me. Jusf do what Trm told. Bebweenyou and them Yanks. Just stand here between you and them, see. (HE NODS TOWARDS M]ST UP.STAGE. )

(4) I:i.3 Itts Sue: Jock: me thatrs keeping the peace locally, here like. me!

For which, dear boy, we do truly thank you. (DRAWING that's UP T0 ATTEI{TION.) Peaeeful, patriotic.... HII'4SELF rrHealthy Iife, open air: chest Seen them ful1-page adverfs? 421'' (SLAPSHII',ISELF) measuremenL Patriotic? Lot more of you than them. And look at you! Protecting us and trAmbivalentrr, protecting them. thatts what Ird call it.....

Sue:

Then why donrt you get those Yanks out from inside there?

Jock:

Ambivalenb .... Yaking lesbians!

me! Look:

you dontt get away with that sort of thing!

(HE RAPSHIS STICK ON FENCE: IT BECOMES ENTANGLED.

HEIS ABOUT TO LEAPAT FENCE END, PULLSIT THROUGH. OTHER SHEGRABS Sue: Ev: Sue: Ev. Sue: ]T BACKTO HIM. ) SHE THROI{S WHEN There, play with your thing, litt1e (EVELYN HERAWAY. DRAWS ) Comeon! Birthday? Whofs for breakfast? Again, Ev! Treat you bobh. My birthday today. Seventy-two? How old this time? boyr all on your oum!

sort of hopeful though I donrt know why. rrllttl-e Chefrf Need all of that, i-f wetre off to Comeon, Pam: letf s see to those rrchemicalsrtof yours. (PAM HANGS AS SUNBEGINSTO APPEAR. STARING THROUGH FENCE BACKA MOMENT, ) Seventy-four and still Whatts it l-ike in there? Comeon, plenty of time to see when the sun breaks through. (E., S. and P. G0 oFF: JOCK BACK SULLENLY' T0 FENCE' STANDS MIST. ) STARING THROUGH What you doing up there, Yank mate? (FIGUREOF YANKWITH GUNBECOMES VISIBLE. ) Watching you, paI, watching me. - And you? IlJelI: ditto, Dltto? Yes, ditto. ttDitto.tt Whatts that then? Just difto. - Thafts ib..... tThe higher the fewer. I T suppose.

Pam: Sue:

Jock: Ed: Jock: Ed: Jock: Ed: Jock: Ed: Jock:

ba1my. And ifts someoners

them at the top.

(NOTUNDERSTANDING.) And when theyrre rtbalmyrfas that lot (POINTING you gotta defend rem? Nufs like them Ruskies. AT BENDERS) Ruskies Yanks Shit on the lot of 'em: thatrs what f say! that's in Russia, (PAUSING: they sdy, THEN THOUGHTFULLY) Well, to keep the shit everyone has a job. flowing. Has tol maybe - You know Everyone why Irm here

(s)
IzL:.4 ' a job, Ed: Star" just and a big again. not on: Army all that technology! Fantastic it: JOCK COMES DOIIINTO FENCE, A FEW SMART PACES, THEN SLUMPS INTO A army too Of course Thgse days, not! jobs Guess you been reading for everyone ...? That's "The (LAUGH) True?

Now even the isnrt

(HE YAWNS , TURNS AWAY. ' STRETCHES A SMART LEFT TURN: NORMALWALK. ) Jock: Aw, bugger it

(THE MIST DOWNAGAIN: BLACK OUT.)

(6) I: ii: 1 Scene 2 (AN HOUR LATER. ENTER FROM RIGHT. Megs: Fran: Jock: Megs: Jock:

MOVE ABOUT THE CAMP. SEVERAL WOMEN JOCK STAI{DS BEYONDFENCE.) those three, them off down the d'you

MEGS AND FRAN

Whererve they got to, Expect Evelyn's (SULLEN) Little Wel1, good luck taken Chef, to

think,

Fran?

again. road.

them.

(SUDDENLY TURNING TO JOCK) looking at your backsides exist, down

And howrs Jock this Browned off. there. ( S U C K I N GH I S T E E T H ) Megs: of the fence.

morning?

Fed up with

Anyone 'ud think But you're

f didnrt

Of course you do, dear boy.

on the wrong side

(TAKES A CRISP FROI4BAG, POKES IT THROUGH FENCE TANTALISINGLY. HE SCOWLS. ) Jock: Megs: Fuck the fence ( P U S H f N GC R I S P F U R T H E R . ) C r m o n , C ' m o n . N o o f - f e n c e m e a n t (GIGGLES). Forget the pun. f can't throw them. Would land in the mud. SHE KISSES HIS (HE PUSHES FACE FORWARD, TAKES CRISP. Jock: Fran: FOREHEAD. ) Aw: don't muck me about. ( A P P R O A C H E S : S H E H O L D SA F R Y f N G P A N . ) fence learn Megs: Jock: Megs: wouldn't be here, Fran: boy. Neither to be philosophical you ta1k, (SHE TRIES TO FEED JOCK AGAIN. L O O K SA T B O T H W I T H S U S P I C I O N . ) Do. Just word, trying Fran. to Must ff there were no Must should we.

What rubbish

THfS TIME HE RESISTS: You trying to take (INDICATING FRAN) fraternise. be. Fran: Frater it Megs: Fran: - brother. be. would

the piss. Philosophicallyr a sexist - sister. who's

| "Fraternise", Sorella infer

Therefore

"Sorellise" at

should

Now my brother,

a Structuralist

Cambridge,

from that GrvEs rr demo. A sHARp BANG.)

Do wrap up, Fran! (n'neN HoLDS up pAN, SCRUBSFURrouSLy: How's that, Megs? Nj-ce noise for the

(7) I zL i : 2 Jock: Fran: Jock: Megs: Jock: Megs: What demo? Tomorrow. Donrt Tomorrow: Don't say they haven't t111 ri-ght ever. told before you: it happens. Assemble te11 us nothing the biggest

I\relve

mid-day.

at Orange Gate. You on duty ( a S H R U G) . Maybe, maybe. Have another UP STAGE.) chip.

tomorrow? strength.

Keep up your

(ABOUT TO ACCEPT WHENA WARNINGWHTSTLE COMESFROM YANK Fran: Jock: Megs: Lelly: Megs: Lelly: Whatrs that Yank Yank! Do shut Birds? SHOULDER. ) Hi, then? Sergeantt,s coming. (Hn WALKS AWAY - OVER A SILENCE, away. LELLy No Yank: fraternisation. (HER VOICE IS SHRfLL. Scared all the birds

Signal

ENTERS, RUNNING. SHE CARRIES A BAG WITH SCRAPS.) up Megs. What birds?

Two thrushes I was feeding them. song. Didnrt you see. Three finches chaff. And a load of Sparrows One - missel. - hedge. (SHn PRANCESUP TO FENCE GfGGLING) and whatfs this one? For Godrs sake, wrap up, Touchy - Jock? Not yet anyway. I love the Sergeants LeI. You know how touchy Not to stir things he is. up.

Megs: Lelly: Megs: Fran: Lelly:

And werre here to keep the peace. The Sergeant's coming (SCATTERING LAST OF SCRAPS.) Sergeant... Sergeant:

(AS THOUGH CALLING TO BIRDS.

APPROACHES.) THEY ALL STAND MEEKLY SIDE BY SIDE AS SERGEANT Sergeant: Morni-ng, ladies. (SILENCE. ) 'I"lorning ladies. I said Morning Sergeant. Any complaints over turds Fran: Sergeant: or through hurled Sergeant. f then the that ls last fence night. your No urinationrmicturation heads or beds. regulation within sleep of the size. your just No dog No hearing. onto

The Three: Sergeant:

beyond the released the

obscenities, Nothing Just

profaniti-es ask.

We slept

what? might

(8) I: ii: 3
Megs:

Just beyond the imagine. Ah, her Ladyship, from here. Breeds dogs, labradors, turd with of

reach of Lady Volga, her Ladyship,

the vigilantes,

I miles

Serg:

and her troops

Maybe in borzois,

Paris now. Now she has my respects. biq dogs, course - she and her ladies

Great Danes: but wouldnrt touch a - too ladylike! More likely a toastj-ng-fork, village. if Seen them in the dark, hurl A CAR, SHE somewhat erratically. (wrpgS HIS

them boys from the them... FACE. frantically, THEY LAUGH.)

RCmembCT?

(NOISES OFF LEFT:

THEM. PAM BETWEEN FOOTSTEPS. SUE, EVELYN SUPPORTING I S S O B B I N G , D I S H E V E L L E D). Fran: Sue: Megs: Evelyn: LeIly: Sue: Fran: Oh, so yourre birthday, It "Little Bravado, was quite back. dreadful a good breakfast there! made you go there I must confess. what happened? Frigid end they dears? Happy Evelyn! Chef;" What on earth

again? Of course Do teI1 us.

fty dear.

Sheer bravado,

but poor Pam. f won (PRANCING.) But what happened? Frantic Oh the manager? Bawdy lorry plus the police. Iot, and me, - well bodily. we all why you go

drivers? In the

housewives? removed Pam underwear.

Of course That's

know you stinkr wash your

ily dear. smalls Can't

Dirty

i-n the

toilets upset.

(pAM HrDES HER FACE, WEEPTNG M O R EC O P T O U S L Y . ) Megs: Lel1y: Sue: For Godrs sake wrap up, Fran. WeII, precisely you see she's what did happen? Ev was As soon as v/e sat down - Pam and I that is; elsewhere - Manageress cane and asked if we were from the peace camp. customers the I didntt same. anshler: asked if to she'd asked the other the peace camp just She refused explain visited. anything:

all women who've "Company policy barred from these premises." So f inside Pam: Fran: Megs: sat there at the table: the door.

Pam on the to

floor,

She was cryj-ng copiously. She asked me and North remove my hatl accent. Quite Country

(fNDISTfNCTLY.) lrloolly hat, unforgiveable And Evelyn? !

my dear,

(e)
I: ii:4 Evelyn: Fran: Eve1yn: Sue: I? But, I went straight well, The girl By then, routine: were in across three served of my dearl me one theytd looked called at me and smiled. in the police. Same old course, up to the service counter, ordered a

American breakfasts.

The manageress and inspector same police j-mmediate agreement. Pam, of course, was dragged the me after.

pushed through the door: floor, 'Couple of bloody whores...' Usual abuse: Megs: Evelyn: And Evelyn. Ashamed to unable help that beast Lel1y: Oh: to that say they eat stuck the that lot. itself for never vast identified me.

Just

sat

there to

American

breakfast.

One mouthful alibi

in my throat. Hadn't

So called realised came in.

a nearby borzoi I left the poor

scoff

what a perfect

would be when the police choking how loveIy

to death on a mangled mess of bacon, it! PAM PULLS AWAY.) all you so trivial! know what a you ...? not resist,

molasses and muffins.

(ALL LAUGH: Pam: Fran: Pam: So trivial That's bitchy Brief I

VERY NOISILY. SUDDENLY But it was Donrt Didnrt did.

(SLIGHTLY HYSTERfCAL.) what life society me? is,

darling. they

we Ij-ve in? But not

they brief

Of course not bite.

How to go limp: about thisl There,

not kick, Megs: Pam:

( S H E I S I N T E A R SA G A I N . ) (GOINGFORWARD TO CONSOLE HER.) We're all do here? nearer ...: to do something! together Sit here. at (BACKTNG AWAY FROM HER: and look sweetl-e, relax. We understand But what do we it's drawing We'renotthatbad. MORE FRANTIC.) that fence, while

God, I want to do something

( S H E T U R N S , D A S H E SA T T H E F E N C E , C L I N G I N G T O I T , S H A K T N G IT. - AT THIS POINT THERE IS NO-ONE IMMEDTATELY BEHTND IT - THE SERGEANT HAS MOVEDON. T O Y I N G W T T H H I S G U N .) God, but werre all so trivj-alr so useless... (SUDDENLY s H E S T O P S , A W A R EO F H r M , Q F W H A T S H E ' S F A C T N G . S H E G O E S No-ONE, EXCEPT YANK BEYONDTHE sEcoND BARRTER. HE LOOKS AT HER VAGUELY, AMTABLY, CONFUSED,

( 10)
r 31l_:5

LIMP,

SHfVERING. And you, poor

THENs

A HOARSE W H I S P E R . )

son-of-a-bitch.

!{hat I re you doing Do something useful! do

there?

Wtry don I t you shoot me? (HE STARES BACK BLANK,) We're all here. it's Why don't all too Before

we do something, late.

something!

(SHg SHAKES THE Oh, my God

FENCE EVEN MORE FRANTICALLY, WEEPING.)

Sergeant:

Oh my God (A WHISTLE FROM OFF LEFT FROM THE SERGEANT.) (OFF.) Your friends, the cops. Get her away.
(THE WOMEN RUSH FORWARD, DRAG pAt{ FROM THE FENCE. WE HEAR A Tr'EHICLE APPROACHING FROM OFF LEFT TNSIDE THE CAII{P, APOLICE CAR FRO}I DOWN LEFT. STrLL SOBBING, TOWARDS THE

THE WOMEN CARRY HER, TENTS OFF RIGHT.)

Ed:

(STRAIGHTENING HIMSELF UP, WIPING HAIIDS ACROSS EYES.)

Christ

Jesus!

What was alt

that

about?

BLACK OUT

(11) I: iii:1
Scene 3 LATE AFTERNONN. A GORGEOUS GLOW BEYOND THE FENCE: SMOULDERING. SOME OF THEM SINGING

THE SAME DAY:

DOWNSTAGENEAR-DARKNESS. THE WOMEN COME IN, SIT

A CAMP FIRE

DOWN BEFORE rT,

QUTETLY, TALKING. YAA]K 2 (BEN) STANDS TN ALMOST SILHOUETTE UP-STAGE. (BILL) WALKS ACROSS INSTDE PERTMETER FENCE, BACK AGAIN.

SOLDTER 2 A TRUCK

DRAWS TO A HALF JUST OFF LEFT. OF TEA TO YANK 2, FENCE.

SOLDIER 3 APPEARS CARRYING TWO MUGS YANK 2 SIGNALS TO SOLDIER AT TO STRUGGLE

THEN DISAPPEARS.

HE WALKS UP-STAGE TO BARBED-I^IIRE FENCE, TRIES

HALF-WAY THROUGH TO REACH TEA: SLEEVE ON WTRE. (TURNING.)

T,NSUCCESSFUL WTTHDRAWS, TEARS

Bill:

Oh,

sod it:

Any wire-cutters

there,

ladies. AGAIN ALMOST

(LAUGHTER FROIVISOT,IEOF THE GIRLS. REACHES THROUGH THIS TIME:

HE TRIES

WITHDRAWS WITH TEA,

SUCCESSFULLY, SPTLLING AT THE LAST MOMENT. PERIMETER TENCE.) Don't know how lucky you are out there,

BACK TO

gir1s.

(HE DRfNKS NOTSILY: GIRLS.

A CHORUS OF SUCKTNG NOISES FROM THE SEE APPENDIX: SONG 1. DOWN -

THEN A SONG BEGINS

A PAUSE:

SUE RUNS rN TO JOIN

LELLY WHO SITS

LEFT. LeIly: Sue: Fran: Sue: Lelly: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: Eve1yn: Fran: Evelyn: Fran: Sue: She all right? Sound asleep. of course. could let
Gave her a tea and brandy.

Pam, you mean? Emotionally Shouldrt Don't She ought

exhausted.
But her what pass do we do?

be here, to

know how they go back

To Northampton? Tomorrow then. After You think

That's

where she escaped from that

husband,

God knows what e1se. One among many tomorrow. so? ily dear. be

Thirty-thousand. Werre hoping, Yet she could Violent,

you mean?

(r2)
I : iii:2 Evelyn: Fran: Sue: Evelyn: Lelly: Eve1yn: Lelly: Eve1yn: Lelly: Sue : Fran: Lelly: Sue: Megs: Coufdn't Canrt we aII? darling, this get things belting rnorning: a policewoman. cool as an icicle. (LAUGHS.) steamed up inside? you know I just it. innocent little Caused quite man in a stir. the see red.

imagine you,

Should have seen her Never seen an icicle That's If But face me. Certain Such as? Such as?

anyone pinches f doi Slapped

my bottom. a perfectly i-n Rome

(LAUGHING.) Oh, I canrt once on a train (ALL LAUGH.) But Pam So God: we'Il Tomorrow. tomorrow. Six Just

believe

I can imagine you know, she worr j-es me. give her two more days to to think: of six settle. from

coach-loads

Huddersfield: ( a R R I V I N G .) that'11 Sue: Megs: Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Megs: coach-loads Huddersfieldl l4y God, make them think: (SHE SfTS, AS SfNGING BEGINS we were trivial.

AGAIN SOFTLY.) (AFTERA PAUSE.) "Trivial?" (SfGHfNG.) (A PAUSE.) WeIl,

There you are: aren't think we? so.

she said

Pam you mean? I don't

(SUDDENLY SHARPLY.) Of course,

you wouldnftl in And after?

Until tomorrow, you see, we're all filling 'Filling (ALMOST inr you say! SHRILLY.) FiIIing Is that process in again, Its Itrs of us, course. got Until alI? of or them?

something breaks. slow

Who can tell?

to be a long process

attritj-on.

that? What the hell's "Attrition". (BUT FRAN TS LIGHTTNG A CIGARETTE, TNHALTNG, BREATHINGOUT SLOWLY.) You smoking again, A P P E N D I X : S O N G2 . A PAUSE, THEN EV, WHO IS READING A NEWSPAPER, L O O K SU P . ) Fran! Inhaling dreadful?

Lelly:

(THIS CONVERSATION IS DROWNED IN THE SINGING. SEE

(13) I:iii:3 Evelyn: Sue: Evelyn: ' Sue: Really, WeII, how utterly what is it, revolting! d.earj-e:; as usual. that offends your Quaker a special

conscience? Our dear Allies, relationship. Well ...? (MEGS, WHO HAS BEEN GLANCTNG OVER EVELYNTS SHOULDER, SUDDENLYSHOUTSTO YANK 2.) Megs: Ben: Evelyn: Hey Yank, you hear thisl named it Corporal You see "Eros" the Fran: is "Corpus Christi" what? Corporal Your latest ... Christ! Walking on the water. to this: generates for warheads. nuclear sub they Those with whom we've

That figures

that's really cute! j-nsensitive. utterly And listen to a new ray-gun, designed latest e.. American pu1se. of the ftrs

the name given hardening lived

which missile

an enormous X-ray rapid Freud has not What was it Evelyn. Megs: Put us all Glyn, I off,

specifically

in vain say? she. that

(SHE DRAWS ON CIGARETTE.) put me off, I think matters of my here

I wanted to hasn't think of

You've quite Now every time

shall

Not that dreadful

it

My day-dreaming's Fran: Megs: Fran: Megs: Lelly: Fran: Sue: Evelyn: Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Evelyn: And lovely - No, this "They", That Iot. Of course not! She's talking I know, but reassurance Do we need 1t? Too far, Oh weIl, No: Fire I is

dreadful, ff

(STRETCHfNGLANGUIDLY.) all out, on. 1ogicaI1y

(SUE AND LELLY LAUGH.) serious. you work it a Ieg to they havenrt stand

step by step,

darling? Don't to the like to. Before we know that. converted, tomorrow. going. as usua1. a certain Gj-ves us all

I know where we're

probably, in your case. - you queasy Christians!

do 1et me go on! away, luvie! r'Dear Mr. Heseltine darling. ...,t'

( R E A D I N GF R O MA L E T T E R . ) Not another! On deaf ears,

(14) I: iii Fran: "You would prepared If retaliation attempts will pulses. Thus your implies to your acceptance of of the use of nuclear war will the deterrent As you are lead Winter: no more we would not the whole would be statement '' acceptance total of war. to accept, presumably, the that for the that deterrent you are fu1ly to accept for, all as :4

to be effective, this is in

enemy must believe

to use it. sor you must be ful1y the form of the total first nuclear orepared wars nuclear

you must know, after be i-nterrupted

explosions

communicate any countermanding by the ensuing

i-nstructions

electro-magnetic

no doubt now also which implies of the

aware, nuclear vj-rtua1 end of of If

inevitably

long months, maybe a year, Hence your initial suicj-de. act

Post-nuclear

the human race.

than an act object, of the act but of

is "patriotism" this were personal to extend your it to conclude that initial

as you are prepared w can only a madman

the human racer

this

Therefore

(that carries Sue: Evenlyn: Fran: Sue:

you are prepared no oredibility.

to use the deterrent) Therefore, read a word.

in itself this j-n itself him to (SUf

Oh, shut up, Fran! You put Ij-sten it to you?

He won't

beautifulty,

my dear. But it

But do you expect my feelings.

(LAUGHING.) Never! Now I would put it

relieves

TEARS Up LETTER SLOWLY, DROPS rr rather ABRUPTLY AS PAI"I APPEARS. MEGSAND LELLY. ) (TO PAM.) You all Irm so coldCuddle up then. Go on, Sue. I'd put it like this. nuclear dynamite you begin midnight how long to try

rNTO BONFTRE.) (SHE STOPS

more briefly.

PAM IS STILL WHTTE-FACEDBUT

MORECOMPOSED. SHE RUNS TO THE GROUP, SLIDES IN BETWEEN Megs: Pam: Megs: Fran: Sue: right?

so cold.

"When the time is three-minutes and you're trapped J-n a houseful of do you continue to argue with front the two the door, "

to

madmen, one at

the back and one at and throur out the

before

explosivesl

(1s)
I: iii:5 Fran: Sue: Evelyn: Sue: The argument of How long a certain Arguing is! Oh, your other dear Christ! right Wouldn't we could to preserve at even dirty Just forget we all our love "souls" to turn the souls. we cheek so that preserve our beautiful Perhaps if "The Fire-raisers.rl dare you wait before you begin limited for violence again! to get rid of vj-olence

to use at the stuff,

least that

You know how dangerous

But have we the familites, don't Evelyn: there'11 But itrs that Irve

when our

the whole future's soon, be no future moral souls

stake.

do something

our hands a Iitt1e, I'm a Christian, chance have we YANK, SOttNDOF. strength of we a the Law, which all public point

to preserve.

too dangerous. scruples. against not into

to do anything modern army:at present play Sue: symPathY straight

What practical (fUpfCarES thatl the Arm of we lose

PLANE FLYING OVER.) protects

The huge impersonal mentj-oning us. their

No, once we use violence hands:

Of course we know aI1 that. Werve so 1ittle here ... that inevitable. a certain suit

But we reach a certain Cruise is well actually violence,

time now that limited

seems quite Fran?. in

Lel1y: Fran:

That doesnrt ( P A U S E) . Well: court there

me, really that

What do you think, Barbara =uia recently

was something

BY OPENTNG OF PEACESONG (3), csHEls INTERRUPTED LED BY A LARGE, LOUD WOMAN, LIGHTS FROM CAR SWEEPACROSSUP-STAGE, AS GUARDON DUTY IS CHANGED. AS LAST VERSE OF SONG DIES DOWN, WE SEE PAM TURN Megs: Pam: Megs: Pam: FROM GROUP, TAKE SOMETHING FROM POCKET.) luv? - Wj-re-cutters? What you got there, (A WHISPER.) Garden fence, Want to odd bit try of them out? Should have tried chicken-wire, Why not now? them before. anything. Ohr my God, not tonight! (SOFTLY.)

Got them on my way here.

____)

( 1 6)
r: t]-l_: b

Megs:

(A LAUGH, AND LOUD VOICE.) wire-cutters out here,

Look!

She wants

to

try

her

together?

(THE OTHERSLAUGH.
Pam: Sue:

PAM CONFUSED.) aggressive I mean it. see. that lowest Believe instincts.
DURING NEXT FEtrlI

I don't

see there, very at night will Sort you know. piss over you of flaw of the it was joke with you in YourIl they it. revert daylight,

That 1ot in Those that in the dark. junglet

Literally,

takesover. darknessf'

Fran:

"Paranoid old

call

Sigmund said

When yourre to your

scared and no-one can

see who you are,

Donrt we a1I? (PAM PUTS CUTTERS BACK TN POCKET. B E N D E R S).

Lelly:

I\4INUTES SHE CRAWLSAWAY BETWEEN WOMEN AND UP LEFT BETWEEN You were saying About limited
Fran:

Fran?

What was

it

Barbara

said

in

Court?

violence? She said L967 it that 'according for to the to By she'd peace. of was lawful a person crime.

Didn't Criminal

you read it? Law Act force

use reasonable demonstrating been acting Eve1yn: Fran: Lelly: Fran:

to prevent

a greater

outside Parliament, non-violently j-n an attempt to keep the lawfully force fot ... ". the use'of

But she was non-violent. But the law says "reasonable I.Ihatever Therers violence Otherwise, that means. limited to property but not with persons' injury fence. Legitimate

an argument, of course, against well A strong me ao l" I shaken ... to save possible how deal Think wj-nd of that

damage property Megs: Now tomorrow shakes. Babs tells Sue:

to persons. You know how it like that, (LAUGHING.) Like a

a runaway car?

Whole stretches a little

Perhaps waiting Know how high pendulum"

more.

can jump? things

The h i g h e r ,.. happen.

ISHE DEMONSTRATES.) (ALL LAUGH.) the better, like that ...

Evelyn: Megs: Evelyn:

But if

we begin

We accept violence

to property Our property. Accidentscan

Anything,

then

(17)
r: l_l_t_: /

Fran:

When you call predict

a demo of up to Lifets Things

3O,OOO, one just not like that. Ers it were at it.

can't Rj-sks random. As they

everything. spontaneous "One thing

just happenr

have to be taken, Sue: Megs: A little say:

combustj-on as it life, fence to another. " of

were. isnrt

( S H R U G G f N GL , AUGHfNG.) Thatrs leads Now take this stretch

here

(THEY ALL LOOK UP RIGHT CENTRE.) My God, whatrs she up to? (THERE, CROUCHING AT THE FOOT OF THE FENCE PAM HAS BECOME CLEARLY VISIBLE. AS HEAD-LTGHTSFROM CAR SWING ROIND, SHE HACKS AT BASE OF WIRE WITH WIRE-CUTTERS. NEXT GUARDON DUTY HAS NOT YET TAKEN UP POSITION. BEYONDHER, BEHIND INNER PERIMETER, STANDS YANK 2 - BEN - WrTH GUN.) Ben: Pam: Ben: (SHOUTING.) What you doing Taking back what belong... Belong lady? Don't This know what you mean. is U.S.A.F. Air-base. ( H e W A V E SG U N , B U T A M I C A B L Y) . Pam: Ben: Pam: Ben: Pam: Si1ly? there?

I :

Get along there, Throwing out Very sorry Invaders? Defending?

donf t be silIy. (SHE CUTS AGAIN FURfOUSLY.) invaders: lady. Defending your liberty. (STABSAT you mean. Without this

Provokl-ng,

FENCE) who'd want to come here? Those Ruskies, got a nice yourd see. Well: is you've burnt up. But you don't tell me that. ( S H E L O O K SA T H I M B L A N K L Y , f N N O C E N T L Y). face. Ruskies? Ben: Pam: What they want if

the place lady. It

WilI be if that stays here. ( L O S I N GP A T I E N C E . ) R u n a l o n g , this. Who'll lot, they want then,

won't

be with Tebbitt,

when they

come?

Thatcher,

Heseltiney,

Queenie Lawson.

Not me.

Quite

welcome to that

Ben:

I say. (SHE I{OVES OVER LEFT: STOPS AGATN.) ( S H E C U T S V f C T O U S L YS A Y S (IAUGHS.) Your choice, lady,

NOTHfNG.) Get right away! There'11 be trouble, Lf (THE WOMEN HAVE BEEN WATCHING FASCINATED, ENJOYTNG rT. ONLY EVELYN AND LELLY EDGE A LITTLE TOWARDS HER, UP LEFT. )

(18 ) I: iii:8

Ben:

(SHOUTING NOW TO BRITISH Look slippy. (SOT,OTENZ (BILL)

SOLDIER.)

Hi,

paI.

Get her

away.

COI{ES RUNNING, CONFUSED.

SEES

LELLY WHO HAS RUN UP TO FENCE.) BiIl: Lelly: What you Not me. quite doing there? There. doing. Go easy On drugs, on her. Itd Doesnrt think. HEIS UNARMED:

(SHf NODS.) she's

know what

(HE RUNS TO WHERE PAM CLINGS TO FENCE. BATON STILL HANGS FROM BELT. CLIPS

SHE LOOKS AT HIM SI\,TILING:

TENTATIVELY. )

BiII:

You take

that

away.

Right

away:

(UNTHINKfNG HE PUTS OUT You

RIGHT HAND. stupid bag!

SHE SNIPS SHARPLY, JUST MfSSING.) Now scram!

(TAKES OUT BATON, STRIKES FENCE. STEPS FURTHER. (SHE'S REALLY HIGH:

SHE DODGES A FEW OR HYSTERTCAL.)

CLINGS TO WrRE WITH ONE HAND, SNIPS WITH THE OTHER. HE FOLLOWS STRIKES AT HER FINGERS. SHE YELLS.) thelr run you in.

Bill:

Serves

you

right! Ministry kind

So get

out: "

before

"Damage to MOVES.)

Property. to you,

(MOnS RELAXED NOW, AS SHE we

Being

aren't

( T H I S T I M E S H E I S R E M O V E DA C O M P L E T E L I N K . ) Pam:

My property!

Look at
didn't this!

it
I? Made me. country but Think I'd give it to

Bilt:
Pam:

Y o u r p ro p e rtyl
Paid that my taxes, lot for Free no choice, now have

I.

Wouldn't

give

a penny to them bloody you no optj-on: bloody family: you know. take

Irelandi

They give

wars. 'it;

Falklands! use it. take! a give

E7 a week from every T'm qui-te well

that's

what they

informed,

And I wouldnrt

penny to them arms manufacturers. So Irm taking back (SHE PULLS AWAY ANOTHERLfNK. what f own. HE HITS AGAIN: MISSES.) Ain't got my money's worth yet. (SHE LAUGHS: SQUATSDOWN, CUTS AGAIN WHEREriS D T F F I C U L TT O S T R T K E . ) - What I've Property: RUNNINGOUTSIDE FENCE. P O S T .) paid for is minel WE HEAR

(HE TURNS, SIGNALS AND WHISTLES TO POLTCE.

SHEIS DIGGING GROUND AT FOOT OF A

(1e)
I: iii:9 Police:Whatthed'eviI'ssheatthere?(BoTHLELLYANDEVELYN ARE IN HrS WAY, AS A GROUP OF GIRLS ADVAI{CES, LEFT AIitD RIGHT SURROUNDING PAlt{, HIDING HER COMPLETELY. AT THE SAI.IE TIME HEADLIGHTS FROM STATIONARY CAR SWING AWAY.) Lelly: (TO POLICE.)
AS PAII{ IS

Doesnrt know what shers doing really

...

@OLICEMAN PUSHES PAST:

HAS ONLY TORCH TO FLASH, THEY MOVE BACK

HURRIED AWAY BY CROIVD OF GIRLS.

TOGETHERDOIIIN-STAGETO SPACE BETWEENBENDERS. GIRLS LINE UP CHANTTNG, TURN DIAGONALLY TOWARDS POLICE AND SOLDIER. INTO WOODS. POLICE NOW UP CENTRE WTTH SOLDIER. ) Police: Bill: What the Bit Bit wire Police: About devil was she after? ALMOST TOTAL DARKNESS: WE'FE JUST AWARE OF PAM WITH LELLY RT'NNING OF'F RIGHT BETWEENTENTS

Thatrs what she said. of her own property. ( H O L D SU P L I N K . ) Little blt of bent of this. o... all (THROWS f T O V E RF E N C E . ) that she's fit for (BOTH LAUGH.
ALMOST DARKNESS TNTO

WOI{EN STAND SILENT. BLACKOUT. )

r
(2'l.) II: i:1

IT
/

SCENE 1
THE FOLLOWING DAY: EARLY MORNING. ADJACENT TO ORANGE GATE (WHTCH IS JUST WHERE

A$IOTHER PART OF THE FENCE, OFF LEF'T). IT

FENCE RUNS DIAGONALLY FROM DOWN-RTGHT TO UP-LEFT

MAY BECOME HIDDEN BEHIND TREES. SOLDTER, STAI{DS BEHTND FENCE DRTNKING FROM A MUG. YANK. HALTS TN MAIN SECTION OF FENCE.

JOCK, THE BRITISH

UP-STAGE WE CAN JUST SEE ED, P.C. P.C. 1 2

(YOUNGISH) ENTERS FROM RIGHT, (OLDER) FROM LEFT.

OTHER POLICE OCCUPY ADJACENT SECTIONS.

WOMEN CROSS TN TWOS AND THREES.

P. C. 2: P. C. I: P.C.2= P.C. 1: P.C.2: P. C. 1: P.C. 2z P.C. 1: P.C.2r P.C. 1: P.C. 2: P.C. I: P.C. 2z P.C. 1: P.C.2t P.C. 2z Jock: P.C. 2z Jock: P.C. 1:

Nice morning. It Itrd is. better be. so.

(RAISES EYEBROWS.) You think (PAUSE. ) Where you from? Thames Valley, But where? Bucks. (PAUSE. ) You said |tBucks", didnrt I said Herts, Herts Thatrs First It ItId is. "Bucksr'. (BOTH LAUGH.) mate. right. time belter here? and farts? (PaUSE.) you? Iike you.

And you?

Originally.

( T U R N SA N D F I N G E R S F E N C E . ) be.

Nice bit

of

fence.

(THEYIRE LOOKTNG STRATGHT AT JOCK:

HE STOPS DRINKING,BOVTNE. EMBARRASSED ) And you. An accent Where you from? like that. Lancs in not Scots? Lancs, mate. My mamrsa Scot, Was born Not Lincs Lancs? Lancs.

(2t)
ff:i:2 Jock: P.C.2z No, Lancs, mate. Atr: f see. . , You lonely, (BOTH LAUGH. Jock: What you getting LEFT. POLICE SEPARATE, MOVE TO TWO ENDS OF FENCE SECTTON. PAM RUNS IN FROM DOWNRIGHT. HEAVILY SHE RUNS UP TO FENCE : Pam: P.C. 2z ( A H o A R S EW H I S P E R . ) Yank. SHEIS DISHEVELLEDmUNTIDY, BREATHING CLINGS THERE, SHIVERING.) still? AS THOUGHSHEIS SLEPT OUT FOR THE NIGHT. ( H E L O O K SA T P . C . , L A U G H SA N D W I N K S .) then? JOCK GLARES BACK AT THEM.) eh? HE I\,TOVES AWAY A FEW YARDS at,

(THEY LAUGH SOME MORE.

You there

What you want, dearie? (SHE LOOKS AT HTM, THROUGH HIM. ) ( H E G O E ST O W A R D S dearie? HERE. Sure you're all rlght SHE RUNS OFF LEFT, UNSTEADTLY. ) Drugs: sick: drunk: a hang-over. Who knowsl (UP To P.c., AGArN) Nice kids you know, though, most of ( L O O K I N GA F T E R P A M . ) M y m i s s u s r y o u k n o w , t o o them. dreadful o I clock. thing first ( P A U S E) . in the mornings. Wears off by ten

P. C.

1:

P.C.2z

Why's that then? (SHRUGS.) Worries About me here. Why that? No, nothing Nice kidsr

about the kids.

About the bomb.

P. C.

1:

P.C.2z

to worry ES I said

about this. except Thirty Right

Usuafly. the odd few. thousand round. Thatrs out

Peaceful

here.

numbers that's
P.C. P,C.2: 1:

worrying. perimeter.

Just sheer today. - At least. of But gate with

Expect that?! And nine holding. with else for that there: instance (PAUSE.) mile Takes a bit all right. that Two to each Section. number ... big a little crowd getting Oh, they ti1l Your orders relieved.

distractionhere, of hand at can manouvre all to stay here?

something right

3O,OOO.
P.C. l:

Yes, same section

(22)
ff:i:3
2:

P.C.

Not me. Me?

If

anything right

happens. (pauSr.) thatrs all

Orange Gate. Just gets a bit

Thatrs boring.

me.

Leaves you

Tod Slaughter. usually peaceful. ( T W OS T E P S A W A Y . ) ( T U R N S ,W I N K S . ) So handle fact,

P.c. l: P.C. 2z

Irm all

There you are: Though overtime

right.

Pays llg you know to keep Peace Movement going. 'em ( T U R N SA W A YA G A f N . ) Matter of carefully. almost believe, you know. one want? PEOPLE BEGIN TO STREAMPAST.) something. Was thirty Donrt worry. ours. Traffic it. Thatrs Got used to Sod, over there. that down low over last year. control. Almost. what more could (a paUSN:
P. C. l:

Peace and good pay:

But 30,OOO, thatrs May be morez|O,50.

P.C.2z

(e HUMMING Theyrre

S O U N DI N D f S T A N C E . ) Not thaL one. not scared of See that Bring whites that of out bring their emergency, Thatrs that. big later

We got helicopters.

Meant to scare:

U.S.A.F. 'if need be. See the

Any

tree-tops.

eyes then.

(pol,rcE AND JOCK STAND STARTNGACROSSATRFTELD, AS SUE AND MEGS ENTER FROM RIGHT. P. C. 2: Sue: P.C.2: Sue: Lelly: Megs: Sue: LelIy: Sue: Le1ly: Morning, Yes, for of us. You think Oh, its so? Big turn-out? (LELLY ENTEi.S. ) last night? you Lel! was it. Ran faster I do? Whererd you get to Forgot ladies. a1l of us Nice morning. Be more of us soon, More and more TWO POLICE TURN.)

Went home to my mam. Oh, so that But Pam? Lost her. than me. she's all right? before; lonq time her to go to my Mam's. Oh my God, Lel! What could You think you were local.

Shouted after

She knows where she Iives.

490.

Been there

Megs: Lelly:

Known her shouldn't,

a long

time? Always been welrd. and shouldnrt. me stiff with Married - and Done everything her problems.

Pam? Quite

a while"

Got two kids Used to worry

she shouldn't.

(23)
If : i:4 Till Sue: Lel1y: I got used to be out all them. night. She'Il survive somehow. (PAUSE.) She on drugs, Donrt

But could you think? Drugs? know. something Like in

Drugs (PAUSE. ) quite worry everyone,

well,

maybe from the doctor. to get out.

Somewhere inside, nj-ce trying I suppose. about her.

you know, therers

Ivlegs: Le11y:

So I don't

(THEY RETURN TO FENCE. Le1ly: Megs: Lelly:

LELLY STARES HARD AT

SOLDTER: TAKES OUT BAG OF CRISPS.) Have a crisp, Jock? (HE STARES SULLENLY AT HER. ) (GIGGLY.) Jock, Le1. Not the uniform. Jock: (BREAKfNG INTO A SLOI\IGRTN.) Same goes for you 1ady. j e a n s . A11 look the same in them Canrt te1l whether yourre Lelly; a lass or a laddie. you now? LELLY TURNS.) ( S U E I S L O O K I N GD I S T R A C T E D L Y Said they'd see" be here. ( P R E S S I N GH E R S E L FU P T O F E N C E . ) C a n ' t (JOCK BACKS AWAY. Whatrs the matter, OFF RIGHT.) Sue: Lel1y: Sue: Lelly: Sue: Megs: Sue: Megs: Was looking for And I rm worried Oh, she'll Somehow. (WAVING.) Boys with By the doing be all Therers them! Fran and Ev. about Pam. you'Il Survived so far. right, Sue? Oh, God, not again! Look, hers not the same lt twitches. Can te11 by his nose:

same

Could be.

(TO JOCK). You the same Jock, Jock? Couldn I t You al-l look the same in that

Fran and Evelynl

Long way off. them ...: (SHE BOUNCES Canrt see! What's he

(PAUSES.) And they've ON HER TOES.) tent. Canrt bel Oh, my God! here?

got some boys with Cagrt be. Canrt seel

Ev and Fran! Where are they?

Looks like

my G1yn.

And the others. God knows,

(24)
f I: i:5 LelIy: (PNANCTWA GG A T N : Sorry
P.C. Lel1y: P.C. LeIIy: 1: 1:

S L I P S I N M U D .) (p.c.

Shit: six

Sergeant.

Wish f were another

( T U R N ST O P . C . ) j-nches,

Here, have a crisp. Thank you. Couldnrt Afraid give not,

TIGHT-LIPPED.) TAKESONE RATHER shoulder, could you?

me a hump-up on your Not on duty.

lady. then.

Maybe after (p.c.

1 TURNS AWAY, STARES BLANKLY. Here, take a handful.

SHE TURNS TO

P . C . 2 W H OI S S M I L I N G A M T A B L Y . ) Have a crisr:.

P.c. 2:

(PAUSE.) Feeling a bit empty. of you. tem down there on drop. Somewhere right Can hear (eOtH LAUGH.) Havenrt I seen you three my breakfast. Very nice before somewhere? Gate, was it? Could be. Main Peace Camp. Maybe, maybe. Purple (Nods.) We've been here quite a time you know. j-nhabitants. Though my mam lives Not exactly oldest Megs, d.on't worry! couple of miles down the roadr lSflf,f, except P E E R f N GO F F R f G H T . ) be here. emergency. of warm Her boy in I donrt worry" But he just wanted shouldn't Told him boys weren't

Sue: P.C. 2: LelIy:

Megs:

Lel1y:

WeIl,

Few pairs perhaps your mam's sent him. ( T U R N I N GT O P . C . 2 . ) knickersryou need 'em. friend, here you see. there That lot Thing your over Irve high there.

Not supposed to be ask. Why

P.C.2:

Well, But if than

you are. here?

been meanJ,ng to a handful. feminist I horses

no men allowed double

Irve

Oh, just

suopose. more

you jumped off your

all

members.
the at

Sue: P.C.2z

Men, you see

Oh, heard

usual
me.

reasons.
Bland

rMen more aggressiver.

of rice

(LAUGHING) pudding.

Now look

as a plateful

And my mlssus

hot in

as red pepper. reason if with is you (not general; you make an women than

Sue:

Ah, youtre arrest, men.

the

exception. but

No, the real

you personally)

the police

you behave,.. ShaII

we say "better"

't

(251
If : i:6 P.C. 2: P.C. 1: (TO P.C. 1) Oh, I donrt know. You hear that, Len? - Name is Len, isnrt it? Ought to be. (WOODEN.) Wouldnrt think so. A11 the same to me: men, women. Le11y: Sue: (UNDER HER BREATH.) WeII, ( G I G G L E S). Of course I've Out here, the policestation Oh, we knowi nothing P.C. 2z Megs: or nose even. You think so? that was a long dumped all'the in the time ago the Trafalgar Square sit-down. men in ribs. Now my Dad We know so. t54? Must have been After midnight in police fountains: then off in P.C. 2z Megs; But that the yard lifted there more than a bit no doubt a little well, you'd like to think so. maybe. But once youtve run them in, once inside roughing-up j-n interrogation. With women twistj-ng an ear' they would be, wouldn't they?

werve got boy friends. of hair-pu1ling,

moved in,

them out,

a few kicks to Bow street. business.

the blackmarias

What went on

nobodies

was a long time ago. bruises where

Remember my Dad when he came home: the he dare show 'em, black as Christmas.

P'c' 2: Tl1"..llfl;.
Just Megs: It isl It like is!

"::J".:"":i'
a father My Glyn!

di.fferent now' civilized

(HE CLAPS BOTH SUE AND

to you.

LELLY ON THEIR SHOULDERS.) I{hat you coming here for? (SHE DARTS OFF STAGE I{OMENTARILY, RETURNINGI{TTH GLYN AI{D FRAN: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: GIyn: TWO OTHERSBOYS, ED AND ROIT, BRING UP REAR. THEY ARE ALL BIG HEAVILY BUILT.) Then werve found you. Just where we should sure he'd be. find But you by these away. Red, Orange, Green: all the three boys. Glyn here Megs near to the Red Gate. Oh, we got was quite sj-de-tracked a mile

Ivlore than half same to me.

A1ways was colour-blind!

(26) II: i: 7 Megs: Glyn: Megs: Glyn: Megs: Glyn: Lelly: Glyn: So what you come here AGGRESSIVELY.) Ted and Ron. Why they AII come. his sister, Ron came to bring Tedrs car: About but his Mam. Abergavenny? I drove. over Don't there. mind, 25O parked for? (SHE PRODSAT HfM know the way here.

And you two?

They didnrt

Ted had to bring the way from they

Picked Ron up in Bristol. Couldn't do you? (Kisses Last mj-nute decision.

come by coach?

How else

we get here?

her on forehead. Iay

She punches him. ) Donrt want to nick aII your own

P.C. 2z

( M O C KS 1 5 R N L Y . )N o w : you for way. assault. So there Canrt

off , there? (af,f, f,aUGH.) good lads you.

you are ladies.

Canrt have it at home.

keep three

Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue:

WeI1, now werve all She was. Something Wellr

found each other. on to the Orange Gate. I'11 be meetj-ng her there. GLYN AND TED Soon.

Thought you had Ev. with going on there?

But went straight Something.

(EVASMLY.)

w stay here. (BOYS ARE AT FENCE I,.IITH TWO GIRLS. but chicken-wire. This going

PULL AT WIRE TENTATIVELY.) GIyn: Nothing (TO JOCK, OR ANYONEON going mate: to defend And that you don't over belong O T H E RS I D E . ) what they're there? here. Fran: (TO SUE.) No sign stiff. feels Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: of The only her thing is Iast tent. have you seen Pam. night. Didnrt Evrs worried return. Ev. anywhere since Ev's responsible, what they're t o d e f e n d us with? Hi,

(NODS TOWARDS YANK.)

She was sharing terribly

Ev. would. But so do I. WeII, Lel thinks she'I1 be all right. Shouted to her to go her. to sleep at her mam's. Knows where she lives? Lel says She gets on with

(27) II: i: 8 Fran: Thank God. Hope that yourre right (THEY WATCH THE OTHERS AT FENCE. HELICOPTERSHEARD IN DISTANCE.) Ted: Lelly: Ted: Ron: Christ, That's look at that "chopper". Those Yanks. "USAF Chopper." "Chopper"? See those "Chopper" ! what they call them. bastards the usual.

SOUNDOF

i-n Vietnam?

That other's

at us! What we done? Straight Comi-ng this way. (MIMES, COWLTNG AWAY. OTHERSLAUGH,) Ted: Ron: Just WeIl, traffic (PAUSE: AND HOVER.) Glyn: Fran: Sue; Fran: Sue: Fran: Over Orange Gate, (TO SUE.) them. that Why shouldnrt And me. about. Show off , you know at age. donrt be so sexist. do too. to join Girls So maternal. (THEY LOOKAT EACH OTHER: Ev. You know what she is, Ir11 bet. to be all right here? look after Got Megs and Lelly,to Those boys going they be? control. trafficking in? WE HEAR HELICOPTERAPPROACH,THEN TURN what you bin

ThaL's what I'm worried Oh Fran, SMILE,) gets

Not sexist. anxious.

Must be off timid? it. Before

Sue: Fran:

A bit That's

shetlI

do anythitg,

needs my im-mora1

support. (SHE GOES OFF LEFT. P. C. 2: LelIy: P. C. 2: Nice 1ady. ( I A U G H I N G .) ABSENTLY.)

(to P.C.

OTHERSWAVE AS SHE GOES.) (TO MEG OR LELLY. ) Big Sister! ...? Whatrs your name? you. You (napS Love you and leave (NoDS AT BOYS.) off the fence.

That your mother? Not my mother.

(TURNTNG AWAY AS HELICOPTORHOVERSLOWERTN DISTANCE. That what she is

2) Hey, Len!

Signalling. Somethingrs all

P.C. 1:

Have to going with these?

leave you. the gate. fingers

on at

right of

But,

course!

Take your

POST. WITH HIS BATON ON CONCRETE LAUGHING. )

BOYS JUMP TO ATTENT]ON,

(28) II: i:9

p.c. Be seeing you( G O E So F F L E F T '

2z

FENCE A}iD OVER LEFT.) ALL STARE THROUGH Whatrs going on up there? Canrt quite see'

GIyn:

( S L O WF A D E . )

(29) II:ii:1
I

/ 1

Scene 2 BEFORE ORANGE GATE. A SECTTON OF FENCE, WITH ORANGE GATE AND GUARD-BOX,NOW SHOWS, LEFT, AT RTGHT A}TGLES TO MAIN FENCE. BEFORE GATE: ARM IN ARM. EV. rS POLTCE STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

BUT ALMOST CONCEAIED BEHIND DEMONSTRATORSLINKED OTHERS STILL ARRIVING.

DOWN LEFT,

LOOKTNG FOR FRAN WHO ARRTVES RTGHT.

Ev: Fran s Ev: Fran:

Thought youls Hallo, then! l"let Sue and the girls. No Pam? Not there. tells me. Might Lifts well

missed me,

be here.

She likes Especially

crowds,

Lel

her depressj-on.

singing.

(A MAN APPROACHES, ALONE.) Outsider: Mind if Iost I join you? Brought my wife: but seem to have her, (He I,TNTS IN BETWEEN EV AND FRAN. (SONG 4.) ENDS. woMAN LEFT OF EV. TURNS, LAUGHS.) W 1: Outsider: Ha: thought it was motorcade rather know. stupid. starti-ng up. me what WHICH SUBSIDES. THEY SING SONG AND SWAY IN UNISON. A SLIGHT SCUFFLE UP FRONT: WE HEAR HELTCOPTER TAKING OFF.

Motorcade? (TO EV.) we're

What? Look:

(NO ANSWER.) Could you tell

doing here? donrt Crowd gathers. begin People want to in. Thatrs like the way things that. to happen. the gate, which with a crowd of of can this course.

Ev:

No, I really join Sometimes.

( S H E T SA L I T T L E B R E A T H L E S S E , XCITED.) We're blocking of distraction automatically, see. certain big-wig, factors Air But why blocking due

Fran:

Not exactly Certain operate, size well

tactics You'll

Outsider: W 1: W 2t

Wel1r yes this gate? Some American to drive You sure? out.

Commodore Someone, about

(3 0 ) rr: ii- :2
W 1: I Fran: Outsider: W 2z Ev: rd 2z Fran: (LAUGHfNG.) No f 'm not. ltlight well ( L A U G H f N G) . Wellr rlo: be. theyrre I thought to blocking the gate. in! Stopping not rea11y. us getting But the police: Do we want to? But it could be.

we'd no intent j-on. we can block intend to the gates the when

Come on, take hands. disperse

You see werve got we want to. missiles,

show that

Very soon, if they werve just got to.

W 1: Outsider: W 1:

Thatrs

true. sltting, see!

But lying down Of course, ( L A U G H I N GH E A V I L Y . ) L y i n g d o w n , s t a n d i n g u p , jumping in the air. We shall stop 'em, you'Il (SHE BEGINS TO SINGI ovERcoME") CIRCLES OVERHEAD.
SUDDENLYTHEIR VOICES STOP:

ALONE (SONG 5:

oTHERS AROUNDJOrN rN,

"WE SHALL AS HELTCOPTER APPROACHES,

THEY ALL LOOK UP.)

Voice:

(FROM NEAR GATE OVER AMPLIFIER.) feel thisl "We shall not

Werve got

to

make them

be moved.tl A SHADOI^IOVER

(A PAUSE: THE CROWD. Outsider: W 2: Outsi-der : W 2: Trying to put

HELTCOPTER HOVERS LOIIIER:

the

knockers

on us? RAISE LINKED HANDS ABOVE HEADS.)

Knockers? O. K. But "

(WOMENLAUGH: Scare us 'r. never will.

thev

(WOIvIEN SING NOW fN

UNISON:

"WE SHALL OVERCOME",

CLASPING ADJACENT RAISED HANDS AND SWAYING. THE HELICOPTER HOVERS STILL SONG LOUDER AND LOUDER: LOWER.

GRADUALLY THE FENCE OVER

RIGHT BEGINS TO SWAY BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS. SONG ENDS,HELICOPTER LIFTS LOOKING UP, ARMS STTLL, W 2t Cor: you,darling 1ove1y Even OFF A LITTLE. ALL STILL

EXTENDED. don't Our dimples

SOMEONELAUGHS.) leave used us! to Could go to even school mum

up there, blue seen eyes. the

see his with him.

Stan

on his

bum when his

(31) If: ii:3 changed his Voj.ce: Fran: (UP FRONT.) off towards Somethingrs nappyl They say hers Purple going Gate. on over there. Look at that fence! not coming. Convoy turned

(LAUGHTER, AS HELICOPTER LTFTS, VEERS AWAY.)

You comi-ng, Ev? (THEY STAND ITNDECTDED,AS ARMS ARE LOWERED, CROWD BEGINS TO DISPERSE. MANY BEGTNTO MOVE OF'F RIGHT. FADE OUT. )

(32',)
II: iil: Scene 3 A ,S FOR rr BACK TO FENCE-SECTION P.C. I SCENE1. HE LOOKS I

S T A N D I N GU N C O M F O R T A B L B Y POST AT RIGHT OF SECTION. Y

OFF LEFT, WHEREFENCE SHAKES VIOLENTLY. ) P. C. 1: What I s going on there? Take you hand.s of f ! I^IE HEAR HTS RON PRODS

(SOLDIER 2 BEYONDFENCE RUNS OFF RIGHT. B A T O N S T R I K I N G F E N C E , A N DS U P P R E S S E D SHRIEKS. SUE AND LEL WITH RON AT FENCE (CENTRE). GESTURESAT YANK AND SHOUTS. T E D M O V E SO V E R T O L E F T P O S T , S H A K E S I T : WITH TOE.) GROUND Ted: Lelly: Ted: Pretty loose thisr you know. Crikey! Donrt do that, f

( S H A K E SH A R D E R , G L A N C I N G tell you!

OVER SHOULDER ). Nearly Sorry cut

( J U M P I N GB A C K F R O MF E N C E . ) my nose off. Sorrl'. darling!

(THEY STAREAT EACH OTHER. HE TURNS

AT{AY EMBARRASSED: KICKS BASE OF POST AGAIN. TOGETHER. lvIEcS AND GLYN, MEANWHfLE,AREDOWN-STAGE Megs: you! Don't do that I tell ( P U L L S A W A Y F R O MH T M . ) Donrt you know therers Glyn: Megs: Glyn: Sue: Ron: Megs; Glyn: Megs: GIyn: Megs: How long you got to stay Donrt breathe ln my earl ...? necessary.

. a time and place

here?

Greenhamr you mean? (He NODS.) Long as it's (SIGNS. A PAUSE.) Maybe for ever? (tO nOn RE. YANK.) r.. if Not pointing he had to. it at us.

You knowl

Bet he would (SOFTLY.) Know.

Things tell

more important me.

than making love.

You

(HE LOOKSAT HER MUTELY.)

Very well: The future

( L A U G H SD R I L Y . ) Not far B E F O R EH I S N O S E )

How far awayrs that? long htay. That far. (HOLDS HAND and further than you can see.

and a very

Glyn: Megs:

(HE DODGESSIDEI^TAYS. ) j n between. WelI, therers me I know, I know! It's very dlfficult.

(33) rf: iii:2 Glyn: Difficultl mam says the job here, jobs: Megs: GIyn: I"legs: GIyn: Megs; GIyn: Donrt talk Newbury? Scared?
job, well

Look: same.

I agree with If I could

what yourre

doing. no

My

pack up and get

another

I would do. silly, Ird

Even Newbury.

But there's live job. in

T've asked. GIyn boy. if Who wants to be scared you gave up your

Why scared? hate me, blame me. Could be out of a

ri,

In case you should Well what? We1l, for Thatls you knowJ vf. a yery

long time.

CPAUSE.) Thatrs Werve got

the future, A LONG in it:

(THEY LOOK AT EACH OTIIER, BOTH LAUGH. to believe

P A U S E : T U R N SH E R F A C E A W A Y , )
P. C. Ted: 1:

(sHOutfnc FROM OFF RfcI{T.) (INDIGNANT.) is! Was stamping

Keep your it in!

hands off

that this

fence! post

See how loose

(Ur SHAKES IT TO AND FRO, AS RON SI^IINGSTO AND FRO ON

P. C.

1:

W I R E , C E N T R E) . (BAFFLED, AS FENCE MOVESEVEN MOREVIOLENTLY OF'F RTGHT.) Move yourselves off. (HIS VOICE FADES. I nearly that go daft in near Not a soul TED AND RON LAUGH.) the morning, Tregaron? in sight. head up when

Glyn:

You know sometimes I wake up. Remember that AIl ft it

sun outside river

and the mountains

day by the

Megs: Glyn:

Not Tregaron. Very well: Remember there,

was Lampeter. above your

was Lampeter.

somewhere there

Megs: GIyn: Megs:

bloody jackdaw was singing. that tree (LAUGHING.) Jackdaws don't sing! A11 right then! Y o u r e m e m b e r ? ( H E P R E S S E SH E R C L O S E , B E G I N S T O N U Z Z L E H E R .) Of course for everything.
FURTIVE PECK.)

Al1 righti

But therers

a time

and place

(SHE RESISTS A LITTLE,

Everything? But always in

BUT GIVES A
the future! no place

Glyn:

Everythl-ngl

(HE PRESSES HIMSELF TO HER FRANTICALLY. ) for this? (SHE PUSHES HIM AWAY VIOLENTLY: BACKWARDS.)

But

HE ALMOST FALLS

(34) II: iii:3 Ted: Oi, two? oi! Whatrs going You got it on there? You got it that bad you WHO

frantic?

(HE STARES AT GLYN:

STANDS EMBARRASSED A IVIOMENT,I THEN DASHES UP TO FENCE NEAR TO RON AND THE GIRLS. Glyn: This bloody fence! HE JUMPS AT IT, bloody fence! SHAKING IT.)

This

(ALL SILENT WATCHING. THEN, AS HE FALLS TO GROUND, SUE CLAWS AT HIM. ) Sue: Lelly: No, you don't do thati ftts our bloody fence!

(DANCING.) Looki

(sHE JUMPS A FEW FEET, HANGS CLTNGTNG. TED MEANTIME HAS BEGUN TO SHAKE THE POST IN EARNEST. AND FORWARDS. SWTNGSBACKW.ARDS RON RUNS UP BEHTND, PTNCHESHER BOTTOM. ) Ron: That's it, gel! Hang on, hang on! FALLS OrF. ) Sexist pig! Sexist pig! Lovely bum, loveIy bum! LEL

(HE RUNS AT HER PRETENDING TO BITE OUT WITH ONE HAND; Sue: (RUNNING AT RON.)

(RON SIDE-STEPS, SHE FAI,LS FACE INTO FENCE - I]IIHICH TED IS STILL ROCKING. RON SLIPS: NOW LELLY fS ON TO HIM, TOOTH AND NAILS. THEY ROLL LAUGHING. SUE RUNS FROM FENCE, HOLDTNGHER FACE.) Sue: Oh my godl (MEGS RUNS UP TO HER, JUST AS GLYN,WHOHAS RUN BACK TO TAKE A BETTER LEAP, JUMPS AGATN.) Megs Sue: Megs Glyn You all right?

He's drawn blood. (pur,r,s HANDS FRoM suE I s FACE. ) No, he hasn ! t? ( F R O MA B O V E , ) L o o k a t t h a t , thenl How about that! (HE CLTNGS WITH ONE HAND TO TOP OF FENCE. TED STOPS SHAKING FENCE. MOMENTARTLY. AT THE SAME MOMENTSOLDTER 2 (BILL) F E N C E F R O ML E F T : RUNS UP BEHIND S T R T K E ST E D I S F I N G E R S W I T H B A T O N . ) ALL PAUSE WATCHINGGLYN

Bill

Get out of it:

(35) fI: iii:4

Ted:

You bastard: (BILL RTINS TO WHERE GLYN HANGS, TRIES BUT SLIPS, DOUBLED UP. MISFIRES, TO STIKE AT

HIS F'INGERS; GLYN FALLS,

HITS GLYN IN GROTN.

MEGS RUNS TO HIM.

SUE JUMPS TO HER FEET. ) Sue: (TO GLYN.) it. Got ToId that your didnrt to I? hit Boys should keep out of

much more

(SEEING BILL

CLINGING EXHAUSTEDTO OTHER SIDE OF

FENCE, SHE SALVAGES BATON STTCK WHICH HAS FALLEN THROUGH, RUNS TOWARDS HIM, Sue: Havenrt they, Bill? AS THOUGH TO STRTKE.) Havenrt they?

(SHE STOPS JUST BEFORE SHE TOUCHES HIM. ) BilI: Sue: (BREATHLESS.) Course not. Now, no violence, at persons, FAR, only remember! nroperty: (SHE TURNS

Not

THROWS BATON STICK

OVER LEFT TAKES A RUNNTNG JUIvIP, LANDS HIGH

THEN SHE RUNS BACK, UP THE FENCE.) This is our Fence !

Ou:: Fence I

(SUDDENLY ALL THREE GIRLS ARE CLINGING AT THE FENCE, SWINGING IT. THE FENCE SWAYS VIOLENTLY ON ETTHER SIDE: EXCITED VOICES IN DISTANCE. THE THREE BOYS LOOK UP LAUGHTNG. THE THREE GTRLS FALLS DOWNEXHAUSTED. REPLACE THEM. THE HELICOPTER HOVERS IN THE DISTANCE BY THE GATE: DISTANT SINGING. IvIORESOLDIERS RUN PAST BEYOND THE FENCE: AT THIS SECTION. Glyn: THE BOYS DROP OFF: ONE STOPS THE BOYS CHEERING,

GLYN LAST.

(CLINGING SINGLE-HANDED, DIRECTIONS.) (NOW ALL Look SIX at that

LOOKING ALONG FENCE rN BOTH bloody fence!

OF THEM ARE MANOEUVRT|TG, TWO RUNNTNG WHILE THE OTHERS ETTHER LEAP UP

UP DISTRACTING SOLDIERS, OR SHAKE THE TWO POSTS. AT LENGTH GLYN IS P.C.

LEFT CLINGING BREATHLESS TO TOP.

2 HAS REAPPEARED, EXHAUSTED. SINGING STOPS.)

r/1vn
Chopperrs coming this Now itrs turning there? way. At least I think Whatrs going on over (A DISTANT CHEER.) Canrt quite see.

(36) If: iii:5 so.

(NOWTED AND SUE ARE BESIDE HIM. ) Think the fence is down Sue: GIyn:
SUC:

It

is! Get down, you clot! Go and join themj

What do we do now? (DROPPINGDOWN. )

THEY RUN OFF LEFT: Ron: Outsider: (ALONE WITH OUTSIDER.) Ibro places . Seems so.

CHEERTNG GETS LOUDER.) Is it down, mate?

THEN FOLLOWS THE OTHERS.)

(RON PAUSES, BREATHLESS:

FACE.OUT.

( 3 7)
ff: iv: I

Scene 4
LATE THE SAME AFTERNOON: HALF MTLE FROM MAIN GATE.

''BENDERSI', SLIGHTLY VARIED DISPOSITION SCENE SIIVTILAR TO ACT 1 WITHOUT OF TREES. SEMr-IWILTGHTDOWN-STAGE. A FTGURE KNEELS, LEFT CENTRE, CLOSE TO SHE TS SHIVERING. IT IS PAM. PAUSES, LOOKS AT HER, POLTCEMAN

FENCE, HEAD DOWN, FACE AVERTED. PASSES. SHE LOOKS UP AT HIM:

BEYOND FENCE SOLDIER 1 SHAKES HIS HEAD.

(JOCK) PATROLS:

SHE STARES BACK:

THEN BOWS HER HEAD SUDDENLY. SKYLINE, YANK 1 (ED) IS

RIGHT UPSTAGE, AGATNST STILL ON DUTY.

BRTLLIANT

A FEW WOMEN PASS SLOWLY DOWN-STAGE, WITHOUT SPEAKING. FRAN APPEAR OVER RIGHT.

THEN EV AND

THEY PAUSE, FRAN LOOKS AT HER WATCH.

Fran: Ev: Fran: Ev:

That's

it.

ftrs

over.

(A SIGN. ) Well, To me silent

You sure?

almost always vigils. of us. But does it move them. I wonder? HTS TEETH. ) the most moving part of it, these

Fran:

To most

(THEY LOOK AT SOLDTER WHO TS PICKING Ev: Fran: Always like to But think so. Thatts

Of course. the other.

do we know.

why we have

to

do

(BOTH STARE OFT' LEFT: YET SEEN PAM. ) Not a sound..

AND LISTEN,

THEY''VE NOT

Ev: Fran: Ev: Fran:

then? Your watch fast, (THEY LISTEN AGAfN.) WeIl, maybe. But where are we, exactly? Half-a-mile, Always morning. noise. quiet maybe three-quarters here. The woods down there you'd from the Main Gate. alone the early camp, the block out Sometimes eome here

Ev:

Yon'd thing

hear somethinq. TO WALK ON TOGETHER. )

(THEY BEGIN

(38)
If:tv:2 Fran: Ev: Fran: Ev: Wind's It It from north-east be today Who's that over there?

canrt

is I Itrs Pam. (THEY RUN UP TO HER.) werve found your aIl right? HIDES SOMETHING dear. Youtre all right?

Thank God that Yourre realIy

( p a u T U R N S , D O E S N T TS T A N D U p : TIMIDLY IN POCKET. ) Fran: Of course she's all right.

(pAM STANDS, LOOKS AT THEM, SAYS NOTHTNG.) What's this you've got herer ily sweet? A prayer-mat? (EV NUDGES FRAN TO BE OUIET.) ( S L I G H T L YA G G R E S S I V E . ) f t r s n o t h i n g . Mrs. Graham, Le1's mam, she gave it Fran: Pam: Ev: Pam: Very thoughtful It's my knees. Sti11 I thinking forget it. You poor dear. crying. here, never Fran: Pam: Fran: Pam: Ev: No, I'III not. of her. Keep your Theyrre all are. feel fine I tell you. I r t r a sj u s t kneeling there. Shal1 and thinking Never day? it. A11 the people So nice to me. ( S H E T U R N SL E F T , H A L F L I S T E N I N G . ) something.
SHE HAS BACKED RTGHT

Pam:

Old stair-carpet. me. In case dry! fe1l. You've been I

bottom

scratched.

( T U R N SP A M | S F A C E T O H E R . )

And looking

across

(SHE SHUDDERS INVOLUNTARILY.) coNcEAL IT, And why not? I'm very gladr felt At least, You really

Been a wonderful day. ( N O WV I S I B L Y C R Y I N G , T O

SHE BENDS, ROLLS Up THE SHORT STRrp OF CARPET.) I loved

Youtve been alone all

my dear. that?

they were doing

(PAM STANDS, ROLL UNDER ARM; UP TO THE FENCE.) Pam: But of course! yet, not Only say what I

feel.

Then you

donrt

know

rTl, not

reaIly.

Do you?

(A STRANGE HALF-SMILE

AS SHE PRESSES HER BACK TO FENCE. ALL THREE TN STLENCE: CHEERINGI ULLULATIONS, THEN A DTSTANT SHOUTTNG,

RATTLTNG. ) Must be at the fence. REDOUBLED.)

Fran:

Thatrs

it:

Theyrve

started.

(THE WHOLE FENCE BEGINS TO QUIVER:

SHOUTTNG rS

(3e)
II:iv:3

At

the

fence? camp.

Where? This side of lvlain Gate, point to Maybe the the Silos. WHO other

Near side,

the too.

Green Gate,

nearest

(ALL LISTEN:

fNCLUDING SOLDIER AND POLICE,

BEGIN TO MOVE OFF LEF'T. ) Something down, Lf they go on like that. Bound to to be back be! at

(TURNING TO EV) the Camp, just to get after

That's four. for f )

why we were

Ev: Fran:

You said That to

candles Look:

the

last want

vigil. to tell you. frve got

as wel1,

didnrt

be there, not

(SHE BEGINS TO RUN OFF LEFT: cominq?

PAUSES.)

You're

Ev: Fran: EY: Pam:

donrt

know. to. We all ... I tell you! (ALMOST FfERCELy. ) ought to!

You ought Therers f rm not

Pam here coming,

(EV PUTS OUT A HAND TO HER. )

Pam:

You should Itrs

go.

Yes, here...

both

of

you.

Irm

all

right

here.

my place

(HER HEAD

BACK AGAINST THE FENCE,

HER TEETH CHATTERING. FRAN IS You should RUNNING, ALI4OST OUT OF STGHT.) Ev But it's my place here.

go,

(EV TAKES HER ARM. WITH HER I don't

PAI{ THRUSTS HER AWAY, CLAWING

FINGERS ALMOST VICTOUSLY. ) you, f te1l you!

want

(8V PUTS HER SCRATCHED HAND TO HER MOUTH, THEN HALFRUNS HALF-WALKS IRRESOLUTELY AWAY. THE SHOUTING DIES, SHIVERING. THE FENCE, GROWS LOUDER AGAIN: THE FENCE

PAM STANDS A MTNUTE.

THEN OUICKLY TURNS TO ALREADY MADE: AND

PULS THE GAP APART SHE'S

SO DOWN ON HER KNEES BEGINS CUTTING VIGOROUSLY. A PAUSE: SMALL. SHE MEASURES THE GAP FOR SrZE SHE|S

A LTTTLE

MORE CUTTING AND SHE WRIGGLES THROUGH, THEN RUNS, BENT ALMOST BOTH POLICE A LOUD CHEER

PULLS THE ROLL OF CARPET AFTER.

TO THE GROUND TOWARDS THE MAIN BARRTER.

AND SOLDIER ARE WELL OVER LEFTIDTSTRACTED: GOES UP.

(4o)
fI: / Police: iv: 4

TO SOLDTER.) It.s TSHOUTING Gate. That postls coming too.

down, this now.

side

the

Main

Jock:

Any minute

(THEY STAND VERY STILL:

THEN BEGIN TO RUN OFF. ) THE YANK TOO rS

(pAU RUNS TO RTGHT OF THE YANK I: LEFT. WATCHTNG

SHE SLINGS ROLL OF CARPET OVER FIRST BEGINS TO CUT, WRIGGLING FORWARD. (ED) TURNS, SEES HER.

COILS OF WIRE:

YANK 1

SOUND OF HELTCOPER (USAF) TU DTSTANCE, CROWDCHEERTNG.) God: At it itrs again, youl are The little we? lady! (A SMILE OF RECOGNITfON.)

(WALKS ALMOST CASUALLY TOWARDS HER,

TRAILING Got spirit,

GUN. ) to Iady: hand it to yer Attah girl: A fine ( H E P A U S E S , H O L D I N G N E A F . E S TC O I L O F W I R E . ) Why don't to. AT FTRST TAUNTINGLY: THEN MORE you come get me?

Pam:
Ia r:l .

(ALMOST VICIOUSLY.) Get you?'.: No need

(HE SHAKES WIRE, VIGOROUSLY.

SHE SLIDES BACK A'LITTLE: HE FAILS

THEN CLINGS

DESPARATELY TO CARPET. Better you get hurtl scram now.

TO DISLODGE HER. ) off Before

Take yourself

(sHE BEGTNS A LrrrLE TO SCREAM, HER ABOUT. SWAYS

A S H O U TF R O MO F F L E F T . ) Jock: (Ofr.) Coa: that bloody postrs

HYSTErirCer,r,V, AS HE

down.

Under it,

the

Inspector. (SHOUTINGFROM CROWD LOUDERS: SOUNDOF POLICE HORSES. POLICE WHISTLES. NEARER. r N T H E F O R E F R O N TN , O W ' F R A N T SV O T C E . Fran:
.Eio:

HELICOPTERVEERTNG. EVERYTHTNG MOVTNG

(Onr'. )

Where are you?

What you going they come!

there? Quick:

Pam'j let go,

Vamoush, quick little bitch:

before

(NEAR TO HER NOW, HE SHAKESWIRE VTOLENTLY.

SHE SLTDESOFF EXHAUSTED ).

(41) fI:iv:5

Pam:

Every

right

to

be

there Well,

where havenft

you I:

are. Havenrt

(THEN I?

CRYING CHfLDISHLY.)

(HE TURNS AWAY FROM HER, SOLDTER OFF LEFT. ITIS FRAN WE SEE FIRST,

SIGNALS

TO POLICE AND

RUNNING, STUMBLING.

SHE

STOPS, SEEING THE COILS OF WTRE LIFTED, READY TO ROLL FOWARD.) Fran: (SCREAMTNG,) Get ahray, Paml Cut you to

POISED BY THE YANK

piecesl

(PAM STAGGERS TO HER FEET, Pam: So . !. Could you won't tell you let a thing us in; or

TURNS A LAST TIME TO YANK. ) come out listen to see us?

why not two, Lf

you'd

(gN STOPS SHAKING WTRE, STARES BLANKLY.) Not there free, with I though, your dare are bloody youi DEFIANTLY, THEN SEE FRAN RUNNING you? Not rea11y: Donrt hid dare away inside to come out.

missilesl

We1l,

(SHE STARES AT HIi{ TOWARDS HER. ) Fran: Look Pam, for God's

sake!

Before

theyrre

all

here,

(PAM PUTS HEAD DOWN, RUNS STRATGHT TO FENCE, STANDS STRUGGLING A MOMENT BY GAP; A COUPLE OF CLIPST TAKES OUT WTRE-CUTTERS.

SHE SLIDES THROUGH, BUT CATCHES SLEEVE,

LETTTNG FALL I^IIRE-CUTTERS. SHE STUMBLES OFF DOWN RIGHT AS FRAN ARRIVES AT FENCE. FRAN STUGGLES, TOO TALL TO GET THROUGH: THEN CLTNGS

THERE EXHAUSTEDAS HEAD-LTGHTS SWING ROUND FROM LEFT. JOCK TS RUNNTNG TOI{ARDS HER TNSTDE FENCE. wrRE-cuTTERS, SHE SEES THEN

prCKS THEM UP AS THOUGH ABOUT TO CUT.

SEEING JOCK STANDS WATTING. ) Fran: Oh God (ALMOST LAUGHING.) fsnrt rrEquipped that for gorgeousl criminal damage."

(HOLDS OUT I{IRE-CUTTERS.) Cauqht me red-handed

(HE TAKES WTRE-CUTTERS. ) BLACK-OUT.

END OF ACT II

(42) III : i-: I

ACT THREE / S c ene

t
EARLY JANUARY. THE PEACE CAMP' AS ACT I, THOUGH

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER: LATE AFTERNOON:

MISTY TWILfGHT.

NOW LOOKING RATHER DEPRESSED, CLUTTERED HERE AND THERE WITH LITTER, MOSTLY ROUND LARGE OVER.FULL SMOKILY RIGHT.CENTRE. THE CAMP SEEMS DESERTED. BEFORE THE FENCE: RIGHT. A POLTCEMAN ON PATROL-DUTY WALKS ACROSS LITTER BIN. A DAMP WOOD FTRE BURNING

PAUSES AS PAM ENTERS, ALIvIOST AT A RUN FROM DOWN

SHE STOPS, BREATHLESS, OUTSIDE ONE OF THE BENDERS. (SHE NODS.)

Policeman:

You all afternonn.

right,

Iove?

Quiet

here

this

Pam:

Always

is

Mondays.

Shopping,

launderette.

Besides,

todayL Policeman: Pam: Today's what, Nothing love? nothing PAM TAPS ON BENDER.

(HE CONTINUESOFF RIGHT. E V O P E N S) . Ev: Pam: Ev: Pam: Ev: You all You're right? of too early:

You look wretched. Fran? case didnrt o'clock

( S H E C O M E SO U T . ) court ti1l

Any news yet

come up in

2.3O, ildy be three Who's gone? Sue, Lelly, the four all

the rest. bus.

Could be back. soon

catch

ofclock

(SHE LOOKS ROUNDVAGUELYAT RUBBISH.) Look at this bother. ONTO FIRE: But problems Pam: Ev: I Then just Only upset bothers to qo. 1ot, They should collect burn it: but donrt

We could therer

HALF-HEARTEDLY some (THROWSPAPER

LOOKS ACROSSAS POLICEMANRETURNS.) sleep aIl last night.

1zou s Couldn't should have gone, too. couldn't yourself face it. more Don't

know why it almost

sti1l delighted forth!

you.

You know Fran

really

Gives her a heaven-sent

chance to hold

(43)
ITr: i:2 If sherd told them those wire-cutters have believed to track her. belonged to you, Too got

they wouldn't much trouble her.

Pam:

Why should

they? already

you down, when they'd Don't

still

should Felt

have gone. crazy.

know what got me that

day.
Ev:

quite

As we all
go today. regret. (pau

do at times.
Bound to have

(LAUGHS.) Yes, even me Just as well you didn't

you'd said something there

( S T A R T ST O G O B A C K I N T E N T . )

rURNS AWAY, BowsHER HEAD.) I always do. (SHE BURSTS INTO TEARS.) I, now. Just look at mer ily Donrt

Pam: Ev:

God:

but

(GOING OUT TO HER.) age! upset

So do

(SHE BENDS OVER HER, HANDS ON SHOULDERS.) yourself, sweetie.

(KISSES HER ON FOREHEAD: HE WINKS AT HER: SHE TURNS

GLANCES UP,

SEES POLICEMAN.

HER FACE AWAY RAPIDLY.) Come inside. tea there (SHE PUSHES PAM INTO BENDER, FOLLOWS HER. WANDERS DOWN-STAGE, STARES AT LITTER-BTN: BOTTLE, DROPS IT. T H O U G HL T S T E N I N G . A SHRUG, HE MOVES OFF; THREE FIGURES, DISAPPEARS UP LEFT. STANDS, SILENTLY, POLICEMAN So cold and damp here. A flask of

PICKS UP

CLOSE TO BENDER, AS

DRESSED TN ANORAKS AND .]EANS, WOOLLY

CAPS PULLED DOWN OVER EARS AND NOSES, SLTNK IN FROM BETWEEN TREES, RIGHT: LITTER.BIN, FEET. TURN IT DANCE AROUND FURTIVELY. RUN TO

OVER, GENTLY;

SLIDE REFUSE OUT WITH THEY KICK TT FURTHER.

THE WIND BEGINS TO BLOW IT:

SLIDE OFF. LTGHTS DIM. FAINT SOUND OF BUS OFF LEFT: FOOTSTEPS.

SUE, LELLY TOGETHER WTTH MABEL, PAT AND CON, AND SEVERAL OTHER WOMEN APPEAR. LAUNDRY. sEE LITTER, Mabel: Pat: Con: Oh God! Been at it Look at THEY STOP.) thisi Do we call the police? ALL CARRY BAGS OF SHOPPING OR

againl

Ca l l th e p o l i ce :

( r RoNr cALLy.

sHE pr cKs up Bor r LE:

THROWS TT TOWARDS HIM.

OTHERS JOTN HER. )

(44) fII: "Harrassment" this ... Lelly: Mabel: Sue: Ev: Sue: Ev: Sue: Ev: Sue: Mabel: Sue: Le1ly: Ev: Sue: Stupid farm. Does nobody like OUT.) Oianrt us? (SHE TAPS ON BENDER. EVELYN LOOKS Ev? minutes Sort Not much round here. lads from the village, Those three kids from the that's what they call it. If it i:3

were only

you hear anything,

Oh, not again! Only been inside five thought it was birds. of scuffling; Whatrs the matter? Pamrs here. Fran's Shets upset. you ? About Fran still? not with right. Shefs aIl She went back home. than this: she was. It

Wanted to be with

He was more upset John. (INTERRUPTING.) Look at Do shut fn fact, up, Mabell she was really

gets worse and worse.

(THROWS BOTTLES VIOLENTLY INTO BIN.) beginning to enjoy herself.. are you there?

So what happened? (POKING HEAD THROUGH OPENING.) Pam: (peu APPEARS: SHE IS SMOOTHING HER HAIR BACK: TRYING TO LOOK CALM AND COLLECTED.)

Pam: Sue:

Yes, I heard. WeIl, Fran started lesser of word. so often. the dangers inherent in a those or a cruise'missile. She was hooing "in possession of comparing with to have her use of force greater say; being you know the justified Even quoted usual the about the to prevent

the possibility Act word for Ev: Sue: Ev: Sue:

vj-olence.

Theyfve heard a1I that Then went on to pair We1l, to get They listened? just. of wire-cutters

Produced the wire-cutters. crj-minal offence, referred:

dangerous weapon", you know.

Pam: Sue:

Inlhy that? More chance to make a politcal told you. Whole jury have to Makes a splash in the press, statement. listen: too. Thought we'd agree. rarely

I
(4s)
ffI: But what happened? They wouldnrt so cut the
Lelly:

i:4

her

wear it. Could see what she was after: lt No proof you were in possession of short. In fact you were seen to take them from as some person unknown disappeared. stiff upper lip.

wire-cutters. ground,

Case dismissed. " Poor Fran: You know what she j-s: to tears. Never seen her nearer
Pam: Sue:

(INCREDULOUSLY.) So she wanted to be found guiltyl (THEY DISSOLVE IN Oh Pam! You poor j-nnocent: LAUGHTER. FACE BURIED TN HANDS, PAM EDGES AWAY FROM T H E M .)

Mabel; Ev: Sue:

A,g_rea! disappointment. But Fran? She'11 be back tomorrow. Letrs IN BrN. God: clear up this IN: mess. in (eSCfliS TO THROW LITTER a mess T T I S N O WT O T A L L Y D A R K . THE WOMEN STAND, STT PAM IS EV BESIDE HER.) be on that. away irom her O T H E R SJ O r N E X C E P TP A M .)

the whole world's

( L I G H T S D I M T H E N C O M EU P : FIRE GLOWSNOWFURTHERTO RIGHT: A L M O S TM I D - S T A G E , S E A T E DO N B O X :

Pat: Mabel: Pat:

AROUNDOF- SQUAT BESTDE BENDERS. SOME DRINK TEA.

Sounds like WelI yes: Beautiful Break it if

the bus.

Megs could tear

Did she say she'd be back tonight? she could herself beauti-f uI Wales.

Mabel: Pat: Mabel: Sue:

Glyn,

you mean. if she can make a connectlon.

Depends on the trains you meanl Don't. be nasty"

(We Unan THE BUS DRAWUP. SETS OF FOOTSTEPS.)

Mabel:

ALL LISTEN:

THEN TWO

(A WHTSPER.) Who's she got this

time? SILENCE.

(THEY GATHERCLOSERABOUT F'TRE. MEGS AND YANK 1 PAUSE. ED IS DRESSED IN CTWIES,

(ED) APPEAR RTGHT OVER LEFT, B O T H C A R R YC A S E S .)

(46) fII: (natgnn LOUD; from the other L O O K I N GA T F E N C E . ) side Nice to i:5

see the place different. A little

Kind of makes you feel ( R A T H E RF o R M A L F o R H E R . ) M o r e ' y o u r o w n m a n ' . say that you know.

freer perhaps. (LAUGHING.) Shouldn't mC. Megs: Ed: Megs:

.E;O:

No ones freer'n

(PUTS HIS HAND ON HER ARM: You really think

SHE NUDGESHTM AWAY.

NICE PLACE YOU GOT HERE.) (fNSTANTLY.) little so. lrd say. Could be a WeII no, maybe not. more hygienic. choose it you know. We didn't Well no. It was you. Sti11, it's nice. Little disorganised HE HESITATES.) you? (TAKES HER CASE Picturesque

Megs: Ed:

( M E G SB E G I N S T O M O V EO N : Mind Lf NOW) . Megs Ed: Megs

F/:l .

come right didn't fact, I

along invite

with you?

WeIl, Matter

ro: of

had a long-standing here? to

invitation.

From someone else That unusual? Why no: If Well, always come. be now. not

Megs Ed: Megs Ed: Megs

E'A .

lj-ke

see someone from the to exchange ideas. a certain

other

side.

they'11 could

Like

Guess I've An uncle

symoathy

you folks We1l, well We know it, the other Who invited insistent. Megs: Ed: You mean Pam. Hi, there Though wefre

a quaker

exactly encouraged to fraternise. ( T H E Y T R EN E A R I N G F I R S T B E N D E R . ) B u t w h o w a s one? The little one. Kinda cute but

me?

she isl well,

(PAM SITS WTTHHER BACK TO THEM, Wanted to Just off let on her been avoiding her.

HUDDLEDUP AS THOUGH HIDfNG HERSELF.) know leave. hadnrt

(THE WOMEN HrM, EXCEPT pAM. TURN TOWARDS TAKES HER CASE FROM HIM. HE HOLDS OUT A HAND.)

MEGS

( 4 7) ffI: WeIl, ladies, glad to see you a1l again. A litt1e i:6 closer

(alu AWKWARD this time. PAUSE. ) Hello, Yank. Edrs the real name things At least find out. aII not Been meaning to about. in K.C. drop in tell on you: us much don't junkies see what this back home. bother Sue: Ed: to thereabouts. Got a good peace movement, havenrt Oh those think. (WOMEN LAUGH: Not about practical the Ruskies. Megs: First HE'S A LITTLE CONFUSED.) things, I mean like holding off intellectuals. WelI, you? they don't really Donrt

Or maybe we just

A11 seem commiesr 9ays,

Afghanistan, a quaker

then Poland.-

Got an

uncle in Poland. (BRIGHTLY.) And another

(THEY LAUGH: BUT QUTTEGENTLY.) Ev: Sue:

Ito:

Quite But,

exciting! of course,

(THIS IN EARNEST. SO THAT THE OTHERS there was Vietnam. And now El Salvador,

LAUGH AT HER. ) Nicaragua. But right Like on our doorstep. and Poland. Now, look: ! f rm not that dumb, Sue: Ed: Mabel: Ed: Mabel: Ed: l4abe1: Afghanistan

(A LITTLE INDIGNANT.) ladies. Like But that Kissinger feller in in Chile ...

I do know about things. was a Marxistl Allende democratically. Now you never know where they liberaI. take you

Though voted Yet a Marxist. to next.

(VERY VEHEI{ENT. ) where Kissinger's

Poor man was to pushed them.

We can see bastard!

Pinochet:

(OTHERSTRY TO QUIETEN HER. ) Ed: Wellr That's

Pat:

w've

done things

wrong see you.

have to admit Have a long talk

that. sometime.

why I wanted to

Hear exactly We1l, don't

where you stand. go by the papers.

(48) TII: i:7 - thatrs us. "piggy-in-the-mj-dd1e" between the Power Blocks, can't get away. Sort of WelI, you always do, Mabel: Here, have a cup of (ALL LAUGH: tea. PAM IS STANDING A CUP.) Stuck So we wriggle. S H E H O L D SO U T

(HE TAKES IT, NOW, WATCHINGHrM. ) Ed: Mabel:

"Ejo:

DRTNKS. A PAUSE.

You see... Nor do we.

I don't Sitting

exactly

enjoy what I do. weathers. And you don I t admire where is she? all me.

here watching, you do

But T ad.mire what (SILENCE. ) There's

specially.

the
your

little
boy

one
friend.

Ad.mired her

Mabel:

Pam:

here's

(pUSHES HER FORWARD.)

(PAM'S EMBARRASSED:

ED ALSO, BUT HE GOES ON

REGARDLESS. ) Ed: Women: Mabef: Ed: Lot of guts! Gee-w:;zz'. Sshush: Then ran Which way? Both ways: (ALL LAUGH: EXCEPT PA.l,l, WHO fS BRfcHT RED,
MEGS TURNS.) two .bastards we Nothing but a pair of wire-cuttersi

( A L L LAUGH. ) like
a rabbit.

ALMOST CRYING. NOISE THROUGH TREES, O F F L E F T . Megs: Oh God, theyrve saw outside followed
us.

Those

the gates.

(TWO MTLITARY POLTCE COME TOWARDS THEM.)

M.P. 1:

So here we are. are we? Cups of spare, Plenty to

Gotcher! tea if all

Entertaining round. Very nice.

him,

gir1s,

Pat: M.P. I , l .P . 2z I:

you want one.

Not me. We're on duty. We can see that! (TO YANK.) Fraternizing. Being friendly, thatfs yes. sent home. all. This situatj-on: Security Could get risk. drummed out: Tsnrt Is that that it? a crime?

Mabel: I \ 4P . . Sue: M. P. M. P. M. P. 1: 2: I: 1:

(4e)
IIf: God: of this make it poor, slippy then: A11 that this I wanted. i:8

Get out

damn country:

goddam uniform.

(HE HOLDS OUT BOTH ARMS:

M. P. Ed: 1:

THEY TAKE HIM.)

You drunk, Drunk!

paI? it. Hi, just a sec. .. (HE PULLS

Hever touch for you,

AWAY, KTSSES PAM ON FOREHEAD.) Thatrs HTM AWAY.)

Mabel:

dear.

Won't be seeing you again.

(AN TRONIC CHEER FROM THE WOMEN, AS THEY MARCH You I ve got

(TO PAM.) And lost

There now: one

a new boy fr j-end !

(PAU STANDSMOTIONLESS. ) Sue: Mabel: For Godrs sake, love. Smashing. (SHE GOES: Le1ly: Pam: You all I'm all right, right. PAM TURNS AWAY.) leave her, Mabel. Yourre smashing,

(RELENTING: PUTTINGARM ROUND HER.)

dear?

(SUE AND LELLY TURN TO MEGS.) Lel1y: Megs: Le1ly: Megs: Whererd you find On the Came all train. that way? Right from Wales? f think. a new got myself him away. Swindon somewhere: Thought frd taken hJ-m, Megs? On the bus?

Not from Wa1es (SUDDENLY LTMPLY.) boy friend.

And they've

Le1ly: Ir{egs: Lelly: Megs: Lelly: Megs: Sue: Megs:

New boy friend! Werre finished. A11 over? Wasn't fair Horarlong? We've been going I stay here? thatfs Oh, Megs : Well, I'm it! It

What about A11 over. can't be!

GIyn?

to him.

Wasnrt fair four

to me. years.

A11 this But,

time.

together ...? sorry.

how long do

For ever

Donrt letrs Just

talk thought

about it" this

(PAUSE. well, he

LELLY GLANCESAT PAM.) might be God's gift.

(so)
Tff: i:9

LeIly: Megs: Le1ly:

The Yank? Well, "the Lord giveth and taketh away". Shall have to to ( S H E G O E SO Iook round, shan't I? . F F T O T E N T .) (TO SUE.) My goodnessl Nearly forgot. got Still break the news to Pam. did She canrt We just talk stay you? about "family"; back. WeI1, William tonight. She's Gal1-stones the with Pam, love: my Mam teII

my Mam.

Pam:

Doesnrt teII Conqueror.

me much. I don't stay

hers and mine. Lelly: Well, you can't

Hers goes right really love.

listen. Not after WeIl at day after tomorrow. least. Havenrt we, Sue? You can snuogle in

got to go in hospital... be there Pam: Le1ly: Sue: So I You're .... ? worry. to stay us Look, don't going Of course. between.
Pam: Le1ly: Pam: Lelly:

three

weeks.

We've arranged. here. right. all Sort And the already three small of rest? told

Going to be all Three of

(GLANCINGAT MEGS

W H O I S S H O R TB U T P L U M P . ) And Fran won't Of course not. I'm going Oh, Pam! ftrs mind? Ilve only

them. And this is your home.

to miss your Mam. weeks.

( P A U I S A L M O S TT N T E A R S . ) Look, shall we make it in. and phone Mam right away. your things. tonight? And be done with it?

You move straight Come on!

We can go off

Then go back and get

(PAU NODS RELUCTANTLY. THEY GO OFF TOGETHER LEFT. ) Shan't be long, Sue. THE CAMP

(SUE YAWNS, STRETCHES, GOES INTO TENT. IS SILENT. BOYS LAUGHING. WOLF-WHTSTLES, )

THROUGHTHE TREES WE HEAR SOMEWIIERE

BLACK-OUT.

I
(s1)
III: ii: I

Scene 2- (a) THE SAI4E: THE FOLLOWING EVENING. MOONLIGHT. THE LITTER BIN IS

THE CAivIP NOW LOOKS RELATIVELY EMPTY. WOMEN STAND AROUND FIRE: LIE

NEAT AND TIDY:

IN

ENTRANCE TO TENTS.

Con: Megs: Mabel: Pat:

Love1y moon. Makes you feel Almost romantic. old dump look Iove, prettyarenrt you? yotr are, makes this

(LAUGHING.) Well,

(MABEL HITS HER PLAYFULLY. UP, OFF LEFT.) souND oF cAR DRAWTNG Sue: Thatfll be Fran.

( S U E R U N SO F F . )
Pat:

(TO MABEL.) Sit

But I really

meant it:

You are

...

or could be-

down, love.

Let me show You. PAT TAKES OFF HER WOOLLYHAT,

(MABEL SrTS ON BOX. Therer

Mabel: Pat:

BEGINS TO COMBBACK HER HATR. ) Will 1rou see? be. f Like be? Raquel Welsh! Shers fifty if shefs a day,

What you mean, will Raquel.

can remember TNAN

(THEY BREAK OFF AS FRAN AND SUE APPEAR. VERY SMART.) Pat: M a b eI : Megs: Pran: Sue: She's had a new hair-do Celebrating? But she didn't Everything Rang up the last Fran: Sue: night. ln back again it last? too" Promised to put an extra patrol been happening? council. Rang up the police. messl I want it so tidy like thatTold meWeIl tidier. looks here. ..:

Whatrs told it you was came

Such an awful the night. got into

and whoever

So the council The police nights.

action:

(LAUGHS.) How long will on at

(52)
fII: Sue: Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue: Whether that's Depends which Even promised "Wardens " ? To protect, - or interfere with, - our rights. advisable we value to give or not, Irm not quite or privacy. ii:2

sure.

most:

safety

us "wardens".

(THEY ARRIVE AT THE TENTS.)

Pat: Mabel: Fran:

Hallo,

Fran.

quite get what you wanted. Sorry you didn't (LAUGHfNG.) Oh, they can always find someone innocent - when they want to. But you've think we could Jenny. heard it things meet here Soon fetch all that in from Sue and Le1 yesterday. have to be said. here except Dtyou Mol1y, (Sgn ten minutes? Even Pamrs here. dear, that's all. - There are other

Mabel:

Why not Jane, NODS.)

now, Fran? You see

We're all them"

Sue:

Wants to spend a penny first, (SUE AND F'RAN }4OVEON.)

Fran: Sue: Fran: Sue;

(TO SUE.) Yes; right... Doesn't

So Pam's staying

with for

us? three weeks. feeling Pam's all guilty

M e g ' s m u m ' si n h o s p i t a l exactly look it. fs

she still TeIl

about me? Not exactly. Something happened. you later.

( T H E Y I R E N O WN E A R T O P A M , Fran: Pam: Fran: Dj-d our bit, dear,

F R A N G O E SU P T O H E R . ) right for both of

to make everything

us. It didntt quite work (NODS, LOOKS CONFUSED. AS THEY PASS, SHE WALKS SLOWLY AWAY.) She certainly isn't all right. ".

(THEY DTSAPPEAR BETWEEN TENTS AS LIGHT FADES: TO COME UP ALMOST TMMEDIATELY.

I
(s3)
III: Scene 2 (b)
FRAN IS NOW BACK WTTH THE GROUP OF WOMEN: ROUGH SEMT-CTRCLE: MOONLIGHT. SUE BESTDE HER. WOMEN

ii: 3

FACE HER IN

PAM A LTTTLE APART.

Fran:

Well,

herer

we are say's to do with "harassment". Oh yes, Sue told me about more from peoole So much you know, yourve

What I have to Not just the

but "generalt'. "local" yesterday. f heard plenty "local" other camps yesterday.

from the

experienced before here. Abuse by groups of soldiers, verbal and physical, usually at night. Very often they're mud. three dressed One night feet It Defence. Department of in civvies. in, Rocks thrown belongings threw at tents. plastered with within (paUSn. Unattended benders kicked a soldier

a fire-cracker she slept.

someone's face while

FROI'IWOMEN. MUTTEREDCOMMENTS ) goes on complaints of more and rnore frequently. to the police has linked More general Werve of The submitted and the Ministry harassment. the up with

What do we get? Transport

Home Office road for try to

of Defence in a plan to evict and Ministry our camp - to widen the main road wherethe Ieads up to the Main Gate. the evict Con: Fran: large This us: (PAUSE.) mlsslle-transporters could set happen soon. up boundary So that Very it'II in to drive fence,

us from here, access be easier and out. might guard.

soon they a security

You see how things are getting worse? (QUIETLY.) Sort of conspiracy, against us, it seems? Not exactly. But, feel of Itrs just that the more dangerous we become, towards us. sides. now they eIse, harden on both for don't nothing they? the more consistent course, At least they're we have the obviously that becomes the opposition and actions If that satisfaction

factions

of knowing that up to ridicule.

we are really

dangerous. afraid wide open to

to be held

l'labe1:

Leave themselves Especially

"Hairy" I

(s4)
III: ii:4

Well , of course, there were our three frj_ends, Liz, Rebecca, Jean, who broke into the traffic control, the spraying of peace slogans on the planes, the dancing on the top of Why yes, Mabel: Sue: Fran: If Of course, control-tower May be: as we can. harassment. There are plenty course, deploy. Sue: Fran: Sue: Then when d'you Already by thei! think thelz'11 deploy? 1st 1984, as you know Ready for launching from January a way to they'11 they'Il try to get their own back for here just that as long site. Of they business . Stick I warn you, Be prepared more: try therelll less be much worse an adjacent before convenient. us just if the silos: all that adds up, you know we get a good press.

but we have to go on.

to move to

though

to disorganise

"deployed" definition. just

Wasnrt that from silos, but not

save face? So they've There's can prevent

they mean missiles. I{e still dispersal

deptoyed missiles, them becoming ',cruise,'. - woodlands in resort to if all only sorts to

cruise

a difference.

Fran: Pat: Fran: Sue:

There How?

you are, their

Prevent

to hidden theyrre

sites, to

Hampshire, of ruses, Con: Pat: Fran: Con: Fran: Just

Sussex, Surrey: false alarms

by any means possible. going dispersal,

Meanwhi-le, of course, di-scover our tactics.

about their

what are our tactics? ( P O L I C E O N P A T R O LS T O P S U P L E F T . ) that later. when (PAM LEANS - Any day, any just could happen tonight

Yes, what? We'1I discuss But things Early time, hours in

FORWARD,ALERT. ) of the morning most IikeIy. But, for the sake of prestige, they've got to get those missiles out - a trial dispersal. Meantlme we go on making them look of lot All: the Absurd. in ftaly? "Indiani Took things Metropolitani". fact.

ridiculous. Tactics you heard of that Indians.

up from the American

(ULLULATIONS, LAUGHTER. )

(5s)
IIr: But whatever opposition. (PAUSE. TWO STONES COIVIE HURTLING THROUGH TREES. we do, w donrt let them out without ii: 5 maximum

WOLF-WHISTLES FROM RTGHT AND LEFT. LED BY MABEL. ) ANGRY SHOUTS FROM WOMEN Fran: You see ! game Now like j-t or not we I re j-nvolved us. in a power

And must beware how it

affects

(MABEL BRANDISHESA PAN AGGRESSIVELY.) Fran: There's retaliate Mabel: Fran: Mabel: Pat: Fran: the problem. physicallyr We just can't allow ourselves Property may be, but not that.. . convoy of missile, we? need God, shall us. (PAUSE.) to

against persons ( S O U R L Y). Y o u ' v e s a i d And say it So we lie transporters again! down before

an advancing

and hope God's on our side?

A body like yours, love, $/e shan't (ALL LAUGH, EXCEPT FRAN.) If need be we do just that, AII of

(pol,tcsMAN, uPsrAGE, TURNS TOWARDS THEM.) PoIice: A11: PoIice: Sue: Fran: You all right, ladies? I4e've chased the buggers off . We think. Couple

A11 right. Those stones of lads You think? We're extremely grateful. A PAUSE.) from the v i - l I a q e

( H E N O D S , W T N K S , G O E SO F F . Fran: Sue: Fran: German Girl: Pat: German Girl: Fran: Where were we? Preventing dispersal. bfelI, there are other ways. . . (fnou BACKOF GROUP.) Cement in (ALL TURN.) What did she say? (vsnv eurETLy. ) Quick-drying, Werll we're discuss not that later. There is

silos.

naturlich. happens,

But rememberr whatever public opinion.

alone.

The Ministry

( 5 6) III: to alienate Not quite. plenty of support elsewhere: Ho1land, Ita1y, that, not totally. ii:6

canrt
Mabel Fran:

afford

( I R O N I C A L L Y .) A1so, there's

East Germanlr Hungary, Japan, the American Peace Movement: - And, of course, our friends in West Germany, who are in a far more crucial with So: posltion than any of us. and continue Absolutely to look to saturated missiles to us. nor the place. round. We'11

we do our own thing, look

them as they
Pat: Fran:

What are those other ways? (GLANCING UP-STAGE.) Not the time, meet early scale tomorrow. Word will all ? discussion. Bring

be sent

A fu11-

your suggestions.

Mabel:

Including

"Naturlich"

(ALL LAUGH. ) Fran: Ssh woolly (JOKINGLY. ) ones. ( S H E B E G T N S T O MOVE OFF VIITH SUE: THE OTHERS' TOO' Keep everything under your hats .,.

D I S P E R S E ' W H E N S H E SEES PAM STARTNG AT HER. ) Fran:

Donrt all

look

so worried,

dear.

You're

here with

us.

Wefre

together. Supposing something happens... what you call several

IaIe have

Pam: Fran; Pam: Fran: Pam:

E"rrn.

". What happens? 'Dj-spersal' But we shall But how? Don't

Yet tonight.

it? hours
our

know

in

advance.

But how?
methods.

worry your head. (WOMEN LAUGH.)

Pam: Fran:

Even j-n an emergency? That too. the silos tired: anything Things are? like Know where move so quickly. (pornrs UP LEFT.) Itm over there. don't Get to bed: ...lookr sleep peacefullv. out. If lou wonrt be left

you.

happens,

(s7)
rTI: ii:7
(SHE GOES UP RTGHT BETWEEN TENTS, MEGS. FOLLOWED BY SUE AND PAM STANDS ALONE,

OTHER WOMEN BEGIN TO DISPERSE. SUDDENLY, MABEL,

TJNDECIDED.

PUTTING ON A HUGE PADDED

ANORAK, RUNS UP TO HER.)

Mabel:

Imagine

me lying of

down in the walz

this,

Iuvie! tuck

ro11 me out as ballast.

simply

If they try po you in my pocket

(SHE PTCKS UP PAIVI BODILY,

RUNS WTTH HER TO ENTRANCE

OF BENDER, DROPS HER AND RUNS OFF LAUGHING. )

BLACK-OUT.

(s8)
III: Scene 3 (a)
THE SAME: AFTER MIDNIGHT THB SAME NIGHT. DESERTED. MUCH FATNTER MOONLTGHT.

iii:

THE CAMP OUIET,

SOLDIER 3 BEYOND FENCE STA},IPS AND WALKS AWAY. POLTCE, OFF LEFT: MUTTERED CONVERSATION AS THEY MEET. POLICEMAN

PATROLS BEFORE FENCE. SILENCE: THEN ROAR OF TWO MOTORBTKES, BELOW LEFT ON ROAD. MOTORBIKES HALT: ENGINES CUT OUT. LIGHTS POLTCE

FLASH THROUGH TREES.

REAPPEARS, GOING ACROSS LEFT MORE QUICKLY.. NOISILY: ON AND OFF IN SUCCESSION

ENGINES SUDDENLY REV UP

Police: Soldier Police: Soldier Police:

Noisy bastards.

3: What's the time?

fruo o'clock. 3 : A long night Only just beginning.

(HEADLIGHTSFLASH THROUGH TREES. POLTCE DISAPPEARS. ENGTNES REV AGAIN AND AGAfN - ALMOST LIKE ROAD-DRTLLS. DISTURBANCE IN PAMIS, SUEIS, LELLY''S BENDER. ENTRANCE OPENS, PAMSTANDSTHERE: EYES CLENCHED CLOSEDI HANDS T E N S E D) . Lelly: I F R O MI N S I D E . ) Whatrs the matter, VERY RIGID, Pam? ,DEEPLY. BREATHES LIGHTS

(PAM DoESN'T REPLY: FLASH AGAIN: Pam: LelIy: Pam:

MOTORBTKESSTART UP, MOVE AWAY.) Canrt do it, I tel1 you! Can't

(fN HER SLEEP, THICKLY.) do it! (IUST VISIBLE) Have to What?

Tear the road up"

They canlt.

We're here.

Gqt to stay.

(LELLY PUSHESOUT BESIDE HER: Lelly: Pam, Pam: wake up.

TOUCHESHER ARM.)

(PAM OPENS HER EYES: Lelly: It I s all right r p.Aft. Just

SUDDENLYSCREAMS.) a nightmare .

(SUE NOWALSO AWAKE INSTDE TENT. )

(se)
fIr: ( S H I V E R I N G .) Drilling I saw it, I telI you and heard it. Can't you hear it ..? iii:2

up the road down there.

(ALL LISTEN: Lads going This Sue: Pam! time!

DISTANT MOTORBIKES.)

back to the village. Not late for them. death! Come in!

OnIy two orclock.

No shoes eyen! (pAM IS,

Catch your

rN FACT, BARE-FOOT, HAS MOVEDA FEW FEET

AWAY.)
Pam:

But I

saw it.

Dri11s, just

ripping

up the road.

Next thing doing to back.

they were here:

outsj-de the tent.

Drills

Right through, something inside my head. front - Worse than dentists: (A LTTTLE LAUGH.) LelIy: ( T A K I N G H E R A R M .) going Pam: Can't, to drive f tell TOWARDS TENT: WelI, it's all gone. us out yet. you! Got to Come inside. stay here.

And theytre not (DRAI^7S HER Have tol

BUT PAIvIPULLS AWAY.)

(SUDDENLYTURNS, STARES THROUGH FENCE TO WHEREYANK USUALLY STANDS: NOWONLY A SHADOWY FIGURE.) Not the Lelly; same nor,r, You donrt Very well, understand. Ed's no

longer there .. r (NOw RATHERPTEVISH. ) Itrsbloody I'm cold freezing. anorak

Please yourself. Won't come in.

out here. then.

(TO SUE.) Her shoes.

Sue:

Throw her her

(LELLY PUSHES PAMIS SHOES OUTSIDE, FLINGS ANORAK HER SHOULDERS.) ROUND Lelly: Come in when yourve to build to turn going roads at had enough , l o v e . this time of night. (PeUSe:
Nobodyfs Nobodyrs going going.

us out either.

WHISPER.)

And nobody's

to bring

him back now.

HALF CLOSES ENTRANCE.

(SHE CRAWLS BACK INSTDE: PA}I STTLL

STANDS STARING TN SAME DIRECTION. SOLDTER PATROLS ACROSS, LOOKS AT HER BEGINS SHIVEF-ING.- AFTER SHE DOESNI T MOVE:

A LONG PAUSE. CASUALLY.

(60) IIr: iii:

A WHILE, BACK TO TENT ENTRANCE, SQUATS THERE OUTSIDE.

TEARS RI]N DOWN HER FACE. SHE STARES AT HER SHOES: CONFUSION: AS LIGHT FADES.) EDGES THEM AWAY IN

(61) frr: iii:4 ne 3 (b) SOME HOURS LATER. srcHT, S O L D T E R3 . Soldier Police: Bloody long night. mate. see if me. Look at me, stuck is A LONG SILENCE. herie another and relieve two hours. myself. I can do push off A bit after. on hj-s s/ay. Time some Charlie's HAS FORMED. A CERTAIN GROUND-IVITST
NOW NO-ONE TN

ExcEpT A YANK RrGHT UP-STAGE.

VOTCES OF'F LEFT OF POLTCE AND

Four orclock, Going down to sod relieved

Soldier

3: Lucky sod you! WeII, best (BOTH LAUGH: UP RIGHT:

A SCUFFLING AMONGLEAVES

LTKE AN ANIMAL OR BIRD.

AGAIN SCUFFLfNG. COMES RT]NNING, ALONG FENCE BEYOND

SILENCE:

THEN A FIGURE TENTS.

FACE ALL BUT CONCEALED IN WOOLLY BALACLAVA, CARRIES SOMETHING LONG

UTTERLY ANONYMOUS TN DARKNESS: AND SHINING, POISED: FEINTS,

VEERS AWAY, THEN BACK WALL

BETWEEN TENTS; OF BENDER.

SPEARS IT

SUDDENLY THROUGH PLASTIC

HE STUMBLES, TRIES TO WRENCH TT OUT AGAIN O GTVES UP'llJesus Christr', - BREATHLESS,AND VANISHES AWAY UP RIGHT. MEANWHILEA CERTAIN MUFFLED WRTTHING CONFUSIONTN THE BENDER: ENTRANCEFLUNG OPEN

EVELYN SITS THERE VERY WHITE.) Ev: Megs! Megsl (MEGS RUNS TO HER FROM ADJACENT BENDER.) Megs: Ev: My God. Itrs Ev, what is it? You sick?

Left arm. Look at this! Fran. She's bleeding. (MEGS GOES TO FENCE BENDER. THEN SPIKE STUCK THROUGH right, Fran?

CALLS TNSIDE.) Megs: You all

(62) rIf: ( F R O MI N S I D E . ) blood than LAUGH.) Nothing. thing ftrs out. really like not ftfs nothing. a pig. in me! iii: 5

More (HALF-

scratch.

Always bleed

Take the

(SHE AND EV COMEOUT.) Megs: Ev: Fran: Could have been nasty. Terriblel Do you think Shine your to me. (-MEGSSHINES A TORCH. HAVE ARRIVED. I'OKING DAZED.) Fran: Mabel: Fran: Pat: Sue: Mabel: Megs: Fran: Mabel: Sue: (f,fCXS HER ARIvt.) Anti-tet,love? Anti-tet, Still; Ought to I'm call ful1 of it Leave it Offensive Their there, weapon. first night tonight ... Megs. a booster, the police. There: remarkably little. CLUSTER ROUND FRAN: BY NOW SEVERAL OTHER hIOMEN THEY another torch, six Megs. inches. (HER TEETH ARE CHATTERING.) Letrs see what theyrve done we'd better?

SUE, LELLY AND PAII4APPEAR ALSO.

ALL EXCEPT PAM WHO STANDS ALONE

(INDICATING FENCE-SPIKE) Very offensivel Could even call Safer with Some of Ivlegs you nearly them,

the wardens! some of them.

the police.

We know what they're shocked out of

1ike. her life

Poor Evelyn:

(MEGS BEGINS TO RUN OFF: HER ARIVI. ) Pam: Megs: Parn: l{egs: Pam: Megs: What is Nothing it? drastic, BUt love. Itrs

SHE PASSES PAM' WHO GRABS

Fran's

anni

just

a scratch.

FOLLOWING.)

could have been dreadful. I know: with a fence-spike. (SUDDENLY f saw But donrt you see! S T A N D I N GS T I L L . ) The way it could happen. it,. - All there ( P U L L T N GA W A Y . ) Going to fetch Donrt know what yourre getting at. the police. PAM ALONE, STARING AGATN UP-STAGE

(.SLIGHT PAUSE: PAST FENCE.

THE CROWDOF WOMENHAVE GATHERED ROUND

(63) III: iii:6

FRAN: SOMELAUGHING LIGHTLY. SOMEONETS FETCHEDOUT A

BOTTLE.)
Mabel: Fran:

GJ-n, love t ot whisky? poor Ev needs it ftts saw the thing

more than me.

- Was half

awake ...

come in...

(PAU STARTS, AS LONG BEAT\,I OF' HEADLIGHTS GLANCES ABOVE HOR]ZON. SOUNDOF DTSTAI\TT CAR OR LORRY. TREMBLTNG

SHE PAT}6ES: HOLDS HERSELF VERY RIGID, vISIBLY. THE FIRST. Pam: Intabel: Pam: Mabel: LeIIy: Mabel: But they're What, love? carriers. What with, it's (LAUGHING, ) Werre not love? there to The convoy Stop them? She thinks Ivlissiles : than my old thinks it's wrong Parn? It is. It ls ... all PAI\4TURNS ABRUPTLY: coming: theyrre

THEN ANOTHERBEAM OF LIGHTS, CRISS-CROSSING RUNS UP TO THE GROUP. )

coming! stop them.

Not like that , love I wo bigger (TURNING TO FRAN.) She man's good luck:

Fran: Pam:

What's there.

( N O WS H R I E K I N G . )

coming up behind

And you do nothing! (SHE CLOSES HER EYES:

Nothing! VERY TENSE AGATN, FINGERS

EXTENDED, YET SHAKING ALL OVER.) Pat: Fran: For a start ... quite the wrong direction. Probably staff

lorries, from the kitchens. (VERY CALMIY.) Look, Pam . ! I told you werd know. Silos Barbara are across there (LEFT,) close to Green Gate, there sign ln the sends out warnings of activity, dark. stand here till it's too late! You let them Just to can't all other gates once therers that any move things like quickly

Pam:

So you all fool you.

(SHE FLTNGS HERSELF AT FRAN.) Fran: Do calm down, chiId.