A Heros Identity

Prologue(Lights come on)

(Graduation music plays softly in background)
(Jamie walks onstage enter stage left wearing graduation cap and robes; Walks to podium)
Jamie: I want to congratulate all my fellow graduates from class of 1970. The future is bright
for all of us. I was so honored to be granted the privilege to speak here today. As a single mother
at age 18, I can tell you this has not been easy at all. School responsibilities being balanced with
taking care of my little Erik. Today we are released into the wild. Today is the day we follow our
hearts and take charge of who we want to be. And now our time has come. Our time to rise and
become part of this great nation full of entrepreneurs. This is your time to rise to the occasion
and show the world what youre worth.
(Applause)
(Turns tassel to other side of graduation cap)
(Exits stage right)
(Lights turn off)
(Lights come on)
(Jamie is sitting at table filling out a form)
(Props: Table on stage right, chair behind table, envelope, paper, pen, phone on table. Stage left
sits a mail box)
Jamie: ... Aaaaand done!
(slams pen down on table)
Jamie: This seems army-acceptable. I have all the credentials to enlist. Ive been waiting to
apply since the moment Bruce got accepted and made second lieutenant. I wish I could be as
good as him. I will be as good as him. This is my destiny, I can feel it.
(Excitedly licks the envelope and seals letter.)
(Walks stage left and opens mailbox, puts letter inside and then closes mailbox.)
(Walks away and when she gets center stage, lights turn off)
(Lights come back on)
(Jamie is wearing different clothes to represent time passing)
(Walks stage left; Opens mail box and takes out envelope)
(Rips envelope open and reads)
Jamie: (Mumbling) We are grateful for your admission active immediately report for
training as a NURSE?! Is this a joke?!
(Crumples letter and throws it on ground)

(Stomps stage right; picks up phone and aggressively dials)

Jamie: Hello, is this admissions for the U.S. Army? Yes I would like to speak to whoever is in
charge here. (pause) Schedule a meeting?! (pause) Very well. I will speak to General Adams next
Monday. Is 3 o'clock good? (pause) Alright, very well. Ill speak with him then.
(Slams phone down)
(Deep sigh)
(Exits stage right)
(Lights turn off)
Parados(Lights come on)
(Soldier #1, Soldier #2, and Soldier #3 walk to the center stage in a row from stage left. They are
all wearing U.S. Military uniforms. They face the audience.)
Soldier #1: America, the place of opportunity. Where the future belongs to the new generations,
the class of 1970.
Soldier #3: The graduates of 1970 have high hopes as they stride forward, into the world out
there yet to be discovered. Some will wander blindly through the beginning of their new life,
others know exactly what they search for.
Soldier #2: They have their dreams lined up and are reaching for them, one by one. They will
try, they will either succeed or fail. They will march on until they bring to light to an aspiration
that will satisfy them.
Soldier #3: Jamie here knows what she wants to make of life. She knows she has potential and
wants to use it for a worthy cause. She wants to fight for her country, for what she knows is
moral, and for the equality of every human being. She wants to join the U.S. Army and face the
heat of the battle in the Indo Pakistan war.
Soldier #1: Unfortunately, as dreams ignite and set ablaze our spirits, they can quickly
extinguish, ceasing to illuminate the darkness that smothers useless hands. Jamies dreams are
about to be brought to an abrupt halt.
(Soldiers exit stage right in a row.)
(Lights turn off)
Scene 1(Lights come on)
(General adams is sitting stage left)
(Jamie storms on stage from stage right)
(Props are desk, 2 chairs)

Jamie: Sir, I have scheduled this meaning to address the issue that when I enlisted in the army, I
enlisted as a soldier. What I got accepted as, however, was a nurse. Now I am sure this is all just
a silly mix up and I would love to get this all sorted out.
(General Adams says nothing, looks down, smiles a bit, and looks back up.)
General Adams: I am truly sorry to have wasted your time. You may go now
(Said with a dismissive gesture)
(Jamie looking confused)
Jamie: Um so I can join?
(General Adams laughs)
Jamie: I don't understand. Whats so funny? I want to enlist.
General Adams: Dont you have some shopping to do or anything?
(Jamie scoffs)
Jamie: Excuse me? I came here to talk about joining the army, not the babysitters club. Oh
wait I suppose you would be the baby I would be watching, now wouldnt you?
(General Adams becomes enraged)
General Adams: Now listen here young lady. That is no way to talk to your superior. I demand
respect.
Jamie: Ill give you the respect you want once you respect me as well.
General Adams: I only respect real men. You are obviously not that. Real men are born great.
Like me.
(Jamie rolls her eyes)
General Adams: Real men aren't just made. Real men dont just pop out of no where like
daisies.
(Jamie gets an idea)
(General Adams continues on tangent of boyhood)
(Jamie interrupts)
Jamie: Alright thanks bye!
(Jamie runs off stage right)
(General Adams huffs a sigh, shakes his head and returns to his desk to sort papers.)
(Lights turn off)

Chorus 1(Lights come on)

(Soldier #1, Soldier #2, and Soldier #3 enter from stage right in a row. They are dressed in U.S.
Military uniforms.)
(They face the audience)
Soldier #3: Jamie is furious. The gateway to her freedom as a woman has dismissed her,
discarded her as if she were an empty aluminum can. She has been crushed, like a ladybug
between the enormous fingers of a man. The brighter future for women she imagined is being
unraveled, falling apart at the seams.
Soldier #2: She has been discriminated for her gender, as many other women are, when she tries
to grasp glory and prove that she is as strong as a soldier. She is as strong as, if not stronger than,
any man.
Soldier #1: However, she knows that she must resist. Jamie must be titanium, indestructible, to
achieve the rights she deserves.
Soldier #3: A new soldier rises from the ashes. A soldier that will succeed in going to war as an
equal to the others. This one will be a hero. A hero in disguise.
(Lights turn off)
(Soldiers turn and exit stage left in a row)

Scene 2(Lights come on)

(There is a kitchen table with two chairs center stage)
(Jamie enters stage right)
(Huffs, sits down in a chair)
Jamie: This is complete and utter CRAP! Just because Im a girl by no means says that Im any
less than a soldier. I can fight just as well as anyone else. I have the skill. I have the dedication. I
have the integrity. I have everything I need to make me the best soldier in the army except the
body parts. So whats a girl to do in a mans world? Seems like the only solution to that is to
man up but even I cant do that.
(Pauses)
Jamie: But what if I could? What if I could man up? Would they accept me then?
(Bruce enters stage left)
(Pulls up a chair and sits down)
Bruce: Hey kiddo. I didnt know you were home yet. What happened?

Jamie: You wouldnt believe what just happened. I applied for the army, right? And they send
me back an acceptance letter as a NURSE! So I called and made an appointment to meet with
General Adams and he told me that girls cant be soldiers! Thats insane! They can't do that!
(Bruce rubs the back of his neck, looking down as Jamie speaks.)
(Bruce then looks up)
Bruce: Um. Look. Jamie. I know youre a really tough girl but the army its just not a place
for makeup and dresses if you know what I mean.
Jamie: Bruce, what the heck are you talking about? You said you would support me like I
supported you when you joined the army and got second lieutenant. I was so proud of my big
brother and now you want to go and turn on me like THIS?
Bruce: Jamie, I know you talked about joining the army but I didnt think you were serious
about it. I thought you were just messing with me.
Jamie: Well, I wasnt messing around then and Im not messing around now.
Bruce: Just stay home Jamie. You dont need to prove anything to me. (Condescendingly) Im
sure you would have made a great soldier. But we all know what youre REALLY good at.
(Annoyed)
Jamie: And what would that be?
Bruce: House keeping of course. Youre going to marry a very lucky man one day and you wont
have to work a day in your life.
Jamie: Youre unbelievable Bruce!
(Storms out stage right)
(Bruce shouts after her)
Bruce: What did I say?!
(Lights turn off)
Chorus 2(Soldier #1, Soldier #2, and Soldier #3 enter from stage left in a row. They are dressed in U.S.
Military uniforms. Walk to center stage)
(They face the audience)
Soldier #1: Jamie has joined the army as a person stepping out into the unknown, where she
could soar and succeed or she could fall with severe consequences. She leaped, unsure of her
fate.

Soldier #2: Now, she is one of the best, a selfless soldier with confidence and bravery, a strong
leader. She has surpassed her brother and has been granted position as First Lieutenant, to his
humiliation.
Soldier #3: Yet, something goes awry. Not every soldier is very welcome to James success. A
deadly human flaw lurks at the base camp. One that results in an unavoidable downfall, if
pursued.
Soldier #1: Jealousy has taken Neil, a fellow soldier specializing in guns and sniper rifles. He
envies James for his well-admired performance and how everyone thinks hes so perfect. Neil
will do whatever it takes to destroy James.
Soldier #2: A dangerous feud ignites between James and Neil, one that will result in the ultimate
loss. A price for the faults must be payed, and the results will be devastating.
Soldier #3: But no one knows. Neil will continue with his resentment foolishly, until it will be
too late. Too late for all involved. Beware jealousy. It will wrap around even the most kindhearted people, entangling them in a web of hatred and bitterness.
Soldier #1: And like a spiders trap, once snagged, there is no escape. Only regret.
(Lights turn off)
(Soldiers exit stage right in a row.)
Scene 3(Lights turn on)
(General Adams slowly enter the stage left)
(Jamie then enters stage right)
General Adams: Oh, James, there you are!
James/Jamie: General.
(Salute)
(Salute back)
General Adams: Ive been searching all over for you, Lieutenant James.
Jamie/James: Is there a problem?
(Surprisedly ask)
General Adams: Well yes, I need you for a dangerous assignment. An assignment I know you
would succeed in.
Jamie/James: What is it, General?
General Adams: Im putting you in charge of our men, and leading them through a battle.

Jamie/James: Understood, I will take on this task.

(General Adams sighs)
General Adams: But this is not an easy battle to fight. Im putting you in charge of these men
because I know you can handle it, especially because of your expertise in landmines.
Jamie/James: So youre saying the turf where we are battling the enemy is full of landmines?!
(Jamie/James is outraged)
Jamie/James: With all due respect General, this isnt a smart idea. We can lose hundreds of our
men fighting this battle.
General Adams: That is why I need you to take charge, Lieutenant! I need you to guide the men
to safety in this battle.
Jamie/James: But General...
(General interrupted)
General Adams: Damn it James, this is a command! You will follow my orders and lead the
men to battle, am I understood!
(Angrily commanded by General Adams)
Jamie/James: Understood, General. I will tell the men and we will prepare for this mission.
(Jamie/James exits the stage right)
(Lights turn off)
(Lights turn on)
(Gun shots)
(Explosions)
(James and soldiers enter stage left)
James/Jamie: Men, watch where you step, anything coming in contact with the landmines will
trigger it to explode.
(Soldier shaking)
James/ Jamie: So listen to all my commands. Understood?
Soldiers: Understood, Lieutenant!
(Soldiers walk around the stage in fear)

Neil: Understood, Lieutenant.

(Obnoxious tone)
James/Jamie: Soldier, move left!
(Soldier #1 moves left in relief)
James/Jamie: Soldier watch out, move right!
(Soldier #2 move right in relief)
(Gun shot)
Soldier #3: Ahhhhh!!!
(Soldier #3 shouts in pain)
(Hold hand on his right ear where he got shot to stop the blood)
James/Jamie: Soldier watch out! Dont take another step!
(Soldier #3 didnt hear James order because of his injury took another step)
(Explosion)
(Soldiers duck down)
(Soldiers in distress and panicking)
(Dirt and smoke flies everywhere)
Jamie/James: Soldier, are you okay?!
(Jamie/James walks toward the smoke to find his men)
Neil: Im getting tired of James, he doesnt deserve to be First Lieutenant. I should be First
Lieutenant!
(Neil triggers his gun)
(Gun shot)
(Jamie/James falls on her knees and falls over)
Neil: Oh my gosh, our Lieutenant got shot!
(Soldiers look around confused)
Neil: Men, lets not stop this mission. With the Lieutenant gone, I am now the new commander.
Anything Lieutenant James knows, I know twice as much. So I am now in charge. Anyone have
a problem with that? Good.
(Soldiers all nervously nod)
(Lights turn off)

Chorus 3(Soldier #1, Soldier #2, and Soldier #3 enter from stage right in a row. They are dressed in white,
with feathered wings strapped to their backs. Walk to center stage)
(Lights come on)
Soldier #2: This is the end of many lives. Heroes, brave soldiers, fell into Deaths trap and have
been enclosed before their final goodbyes. Many tremble in the face of demise, yet these
warriors ran to it to battle for the hundreds who needed saving. They will never be forgotten.
Their names represent their lives, engraved onto a smooth stone in a grassy field, molded onto
bronze plaques.
Soldier #3: The people they left behind! A daughter, wondering when she will meet her father
again, only to find that her birthday party was the last time she would ever see his face. A
brother, hoping to see his sibling in the winter, hears that the soldier lost his life to a snare
beneath loose soil. The blame is on a dead fool.
Soldier #1: He held on to his resentment until he wound up in a ditch, with burnt flesh and
missing limbs. His selfishness cost every man their life, including the one woman that was
among them.
Soldier #3: Jamie is dead. She can no longer conceal her identity. There is no avoiding it. She
will be discovered. She has no more secrets to hide.
(Lights turn off)
(Soldiers turn and exit in a row, stage left)
Scene 4(Lights turn on)
(Knock Knock)
(Bruce stands up and walks to the door holding Steve)
Bruce: Coming!
(Bruce opens the door)
(General Adams standing outside look down at his feet)
(Bruce put Steve down)
Bruce: Oh General, hi.
(General Adams take off his cap and put it over his heart with his left hand)
(Folded flag in his right hand)
General Adams: Bruce, I got I received news today that that youre brother Lieutenant
James has died on the battle field.

(Tears dripped down Bruces face)

Bruce: No, no, no, this cant be, this is not true
(Bruce took a few steps back, holding his head)
(Bruce breaks down on his knees and cries)
Bruce: NO!!!
(Lights off)
(Lights turn back on
(Set turns to funeral)
General Adams: Lieutenant James was a one of a kind Lieutenant to me. He was one of the best
Lieutenants I have ever had. He loved his job, he respected and cared for his men. He fought
with a spirit like no other. Although hes gone, sadly, James died doing something that he loved.
He diedwith honor and glory. He is gone and Im damn well sure hell never be forgotten.
(General Adams starts tearing up)
(Lights off)
(Lights turn back on)
(Mortician is taking care of the procedures)
(Morticians eyes popped open as if he is confused)
Mortician: I guess they gave me the wrong file.
(Mortician finish his procedures and quickly grab his phone when done)
Mortician: General, uh general.
General Adams: What is it?
Mortician: What do you want me to do with this woman?
(General Adams gets enrage)
General Adams: What the hell are you talking about.. woman?
Mortician: The woman who was shot on the landmines battle field.
(General Adams gets furious)
General Adams: WOMAN?! Mortician, that is Lieutenant James you good for nothing idiot!
(Mortician becomes more startled and confused)

Mortician: General, please come look at it for yourself.

(General Adams hanged up)
(General Adams then rushed down to meet the Mortician angrily)
General Adams: What the fuck are you talking about?!
(General Adams then glanced at the body)
(General Adams then silently steadily looked at Mortician and said)
General Adams: You saw nothing. You hear?
(General Adams exit the stage)
(Lights off)

Chorus 4(Soldier #1, Soldier #2, and Soldier #3 enter from stage left in a row. They are dressed in white,
with feathered wings strapped to their backs. Walk to center stage)
(Lights come on)
Soldier #1: Jamie has been revealed. After the struggle she went through to gain freedom, she
has fallen. She is shamed, remembered as an embarrassment to the U.S. Military.
Soldier #2: James is washed off the face of the earth. No one can recall the hero that ran towards
war with honorable soldiers following his lead. The General has scraped him off the bottom of
his shoes, and he is determined to pretend that a woman has never succeeded in doing such a
great act as what Jamie did.
Soldier #3: She is stripped of her medals, all of her achievements, and her titles. Her identity and
her story has been given to Neil, the selfish fool that led every soldier to their demise. Jamie can
not even be buried in the memorial graveyard. She will not be a part of the miles of stones
representing every hero that perished serving their country.
Soldier #1: James has never existed. To those who knew her, not another word will be said of the
hero in disguise.
Exodus(Lights come on)
(Bruce is sitting alone at a kitchen table center stage)
(Looks up somberly)
Bruce: ...If only things were different. If only I hadnt pushed her so hard. She was such a great
sister. She was a great soldier. She was just great. (Exasperated sigh) Maybe if things were

different she would still be here. If I hadnt called her weak she wouldnt have had to try and
prove her strength. If she had been able to apply as Jamie instead of James then maybe she
would still have come home with a medal of honor. I dont mean coming back alive. What
happened happened, regardless of gender. Shes still not here though. She wont have an obituary
or a funeral. Shell just be repressed and forgotten. Not by me though. (Sadly smirks) They can
try to take away her honor and reputation. They will bury all that shes done without burying her.
They cant bury the marks she left in our hearts though. Ill always remember how she liked her
eggs sunny side up. Ill always remember how her hair whipped behind her as she rode her bike
across town. Ill always remember her strength and all that shes done. I couldnt forget if I
wanted to. (Breaks down sobbing) Ill never forget you, Jamie.
(Bruce is sobbing at kitchen table, crying into hands)
(Lights turn off)