GIRLS

WITH BODIES



























Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa
24 Park Place, Apt. 19G
Hartford, CT 06106
909-229-2719
eastonkirsten@gmail.com

 CHARACTERS
The intent with the characters is for all of them to represent women, not necessarily a
certain kind of woman. When casting, I think it best to look for a diverse group of women
who will play well together as an ensemble. Diversity in this play in particular means
diversity of body types, which may include size, height, skin color, hair color, etc. They
should be played by women in their late teens- late twenties.

GIRL 1
GIRL 2
GIRL 3
GIRL 4
GIRL 5
GIRL 6

SETTING
In the hearts of women, everywhere.

TIME
Past, present, future.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 1

PROLOGUE

GIRL 1
There’s this girl. A woman really. Her teeth are almost straight, but the bottom front ones
overlap. Her eyes are pretty, but she can’t see without glasses. Her skin is smooth, but she
has stretch marks on the sides of her stomach.

She isn’t perfect.

I want to love her, but I don’t know how.

GIRL 2
People always tell her how beautiful her hair is. At least when she lets it grow out. They tell
her that she has nice fingers. Nice fingernails. Even if she doesn’t paint them. And they say
her laugh can be picked out of a crowd. How it’s like a violin in a dark room. I can see how
they think that, but I’m not so sure.

GIRL 3
She looks like her mother, but she reminds me of her father. And her brother has her nose.
It’s not a terrible nose, but if it were different, her face could be prettier.

GIRL 4
Most days she thinks she’s not pretty enough. That life would be easier if she were ten
pounds lighter or two inches taller. Or if her dresses were three sizes smaller. And other
days more rarely, she looks in the mirror and doesn’t look away from her reflection.

And I should love her, but I don’t know how.

GIRL 5
Should I even love her? What’s to love? Is she likeable but not loveable? I can’t tell.

She doesn’t go to the gym. She forgets to floss. She doesn’t wear makeup everyday and her
clothes don’t always fit her in the morning.

GIRL 6
But, maybe I’m the problem. I’m the one who can’t love. It’s not her fault, is it? Hasn’t she
made the best of what she’s got?

She doesn’t smile with her bottom teeth. She got contacts to replace those glasses.
She doesn’t show her stomach. She hides her flaws. Or at least tries. Why do I care so much
about what’s wrong instead of what’s right?

GIRL 1
I want to love her. I really do.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 2

 ALL
Because everyone wants to love themselves.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 3

MOVEMENT 1

GIRL 6
As a child, I roamed free. Free of expectations. Free of disappointments. My body was
naked, wild, unapologetic. Running through blades of grass, galloping past the sprinklers:
wet and cold, yet perfectly content.

GIRL 1 and GIRL 2 run around each other in
circle, yelling to one another as they run.

GIRL 1
Ca-cah! Ca-cah! I’m a bird! Ca-Cah!

GIRL 2
No- I’m the bird! You’re the cat! That’s why you’re chasing me!

GIRL 1
You’re chasing me!

GIRL 2
We’re cat-birds. We’re both chasing each other!

GIRL 4
When I was a little girl, I was the queen of double dutch. The best on the playground. One
time, I jumped for ten minutes straight without catching the ropes. Ten minutes of smack,
smack, smack, smack on the pavement. Ten minutes of the thump, thump, thump, thump of
my sneakers.

GIRL 3 and GIRL 5 turn the ropes. GIRL 6 jumps.

GIRL 3
Your shoelaces are untied.

GIRL 5
You’re going to fall.

GIRL 6
Just a couple more minutes.

GIRL 3
Come on, I want a turn.

GIRL 6
Just keep turning the ropes!


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 4

 GIRL 2
You know how sometimes people try to make snow angels, but then, when they get up, they
mess them up? Not me. I used to make the best snow angels. All of the kids in the
neighborhood used to ask me how to make them.

GIRL 1 and GIRL 4 make snow angels on the
ground.

GIRL 4
Am I doing it right?

GIRL 1
Make the wings bigger and the dress wider.

GIRL 4
Like this?

GIRL 1
Bigger. Bigger. The bigger the better!

GIRL 3
I used to like eating cake. I used to enjoy eating cookies. But I loved eating pie. Which is
why Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. Because it was the one time a year that I didn’t
have to pick a favorite. It was the one time a year that I could eat all of the different pies.
How could you choose? How could you pick a favorite?

GIRL 6 cuts a pie, while GIRL 2 looks over her
shoulder.

GIRL 2
What kind of pie is that, papa?

GIRL 6
This one is pumpkin.

GIRL 2
I like pumpkin.

GIRL 6
What other pies do you like?

GIRL 2
All of them.



Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 5

 GIRL 1
I grew up in a household of boys! I was the only girl, so I had to keep up when my older
brothers would steal my stuffed animals and run around the house or when it came to
getting the last slice of pizza for dinner. I didn’t even think about being a girl, I was just a
part of the family.

GIRL 4 chases GIRL 3, who is holding a stuffed
animal.

GIRL 4
Give me back puffy bunny!

GIRL 3
Only if you can catch me!

GIRL 4
Please.

GIRL 3
Better keep up!

GIRL 5
As a child, all I thought about was how far my body could go as I kick-kick-kicked with my
paddle board and went plummeting head-first off into the deep end. My lungs would burn
in my chest, trying to swim faster as I doggie-paddled from one end to the other trying so
hard to beat my sister. She was a year older and therefore a year stronger but I wanted to
beat her.

GIRL 1 and GIRL 4 swim across the stage, racing.

GIRL 1
I’m going to get you!

GIRL 4
No you aren’t!

GIRL 1
I’m catching up! I’m kicking! I’m swimming!

GIRL 4
Nuh-uh!

GIRL 6
But one day, when I went to run through the sprinklers, my mother stopped me and asked
me where my bathing suit was.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 6

 GIRL 2
Where’s your bathing suit, young lady?

GIRL 1
Why do I need a bathing suit. I’m just running through the sprinklers.

GIRL 2
It isn’t right for little girls to run around naked.

GIRL 1
I want to feel the water on my skin.

GIRL 2
Go put on a bathing suit.

GIRL 4
But one of the days that I was jumping: up and down, up and down, out of the haze of the
plastic beads smacking the concrete, I heard one of the other girls laughing at me.

GIRL 3
Doesn’t she know that her body is jiggling all over the place?

GIRL 5
There’s a reason why I stopped jumping rope last year.

GIRL 3
She’s like a bouncy ball.

GIRL 3 and GIRL 5 laugh.

GIRL 2
One day, the boy who lived down the street saw me making the snow angels in our front
yard.

GIRL 4
What are you doing?

GIRL 1
I’m making snow angels, duh!

GIRL 4
More like an abominale snow man!

GIRL 1
What do you mean?

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 7

 GIRL 4
They’re huge! Angels are supposed to be small!

GIRL 3
But one Thanksgiving, things changed.

GIRL 2
I want four slices of pie this year, papa!

GIRL 6
You can only have one.

GIRL 2
How am I supposed to choose between chocolate and pumpkin and apple and pecan?

GIRL 6
I don’t know. You’re just going to have to decide.

GIRL 2
Only one? How come?

GIRL 6
You need to start watching what you’re eating. I want my little girl to stay little.

GIRL 1
But one day, when I was playing outside alone, the neighbor lady came over and wanted to
talk to me about no longer just being one of the family, one of the boys. I had to become one
of the girls.

GIRL 3
Hi there sweetie, my, you are getting big. How old are you now?

GIRL 4
I’m ten!

GIRL 3
Ten?! My! You are practically a woman. And you know what women wear? Bras.

GIRL 4
A bra?

GIRL 3
I think it might be time for you. Especially with those little t-shirts.

GIRL 5
But one year when we were swimming, my sister stopped racing for fun.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 8


GIRL 1
I’m going to beat you.

GIRL 4
I’m not racing you.

GIRL 1
How come?

GIRL 4
I’m trying to lose weight. I’m swimming to burn calories.

GIRL 1
What are those?

GIRL 2
I wanted to go back.

GIRL 4
But you can never go back.

GIRL 1
Why can’t I? Why can’t I? I could do so many things. I can do so many things.

GIRL 5
People don’t see the other things.

GIRL 6
Maybe girls aren’t supposed to be run naked and wild.

GIRL 4
Maybe girls aren’t supposed to jiggle.

GIRL 2
Maybe bigger isn’t better.

GIRL 3
Maybe girls aren’t supposed to eat a lot of pie.

GIRL 5
Maybe exercise isn’t supposed to be fun.

GIRL 1
But I can. I can.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 9

 GIRL 3
(mocking)
She can!

The GIRLS all laugh at her.

GIRL 5
All people care about is what your body looks like.

GIRL 1
But what about everything else? What about the eating and swimming and running through
sprinklers?

GIRL 6
Everything becomes invisible. Everything except one thing.

GIRL 2
It’s all they see.

GIRL 3
And that’s all you can see.

GIRL 1
But I’m more than my body.

GIRL 4
Not if you’re a girl.

GIRL 5
You’re only good for one thing.

GIRL 6
To be looked at.

GIRL 2
To be pretty.

GIRL 3
To be seen.

GIRL 1
But what if I’m more than that?

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 10

MOVEMENT 2

GIRL 4
Which bathing suit are you going to buy?

GIRL 2
Which one?

GIRL 5
Which suit?

GIRL 3
You can only pick one.

GIRL 6
Just one?

GIRL 1
You can only have one suit.

GIRL 3
I’m the sexy halter bikini. I tie in the back of your neck and around your back. I come with
matching sexy bottoms. Dazzle at the beach in this spicy combo.

GIRL 1
I’m the modest, yet sexy Tankini. I provide more tummy coverage. Unlike the sexy halter
bikini. If you’re looking for beauty and simplicity, look no further than this tankini.

GIRL 3
Coverage is not sexy.

GIRL 2
I’m the super skimpy string bikini. Strings hold me together. Strings on your neck. String on
your back and strings on your hips. Grab everyone’s attention in this tiny suit.

GIRL 5
Strings hold together and strings fall apart.

GIRL 6
There aren’t any one-pieces?

GIRL 2
No one-pieces. Those don’t exist.

GIRL 6
Are you sure?
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 11

 GIRL 3
Only two.

GIRL 1
Modest.

GIRL 3
Dazzle.

GIRL 5
I’m the closest you can get to a one-piece. Behold the monokini. Mono meaning one and kini
meaning lots of cut outs! I cover all the important parts, but show off all the others! If
you’re looking for a more sophisticated take on the average bathing suit, look no further
than right here. The monokini.

GIRL 6
You sure do show a lot of skin.

GIRL 4
Do you get tired of straps digging into your neck? Do you think straps or strings are
unsightly or annoying? Well look no more! I am here! This season’s sexy bandeau top! I’m
basically just a ring of fabric that covers your breasts. But oh, do I cover them well!

GIRL 2
Skimpy!

GIRL 5
Cut-outs!

GIRL 1
Which suit will you choose?

GIRL 4
So many choices.

GIRL 5
Mono means one!

GIRL 3
Try me on!

GIRL 1
No, try me on!

GIRL 2
I’m the best suit!
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 12


GIRL 5
I’m the most flattering.

GIRL 4
Choose me, you won’t be sorry.

GIRL 6 chooses the string bikini. GIRL 2 mirrors
GIRL 6’s movements, as if GIRL 6 is trying on the
string bikini.

All of Bathing Suits make an oohing noise of
disapproval.

GIRL 1
That is not the right suit for you.

GIRL 5
Very unflattering.

GIRL 4
You need fewer strings.

GIRL 3
I don’t know what it is.

GIRL 2
Take me off!

GIRL 2 exits.

GIRL 5
Here, try me on.

GIRL 6 tries on the monokini. GIRL 5 mirrors her
movements just as GIRL 2 did.

The Bathing Suits again make an oohing noise of
disapproval.

GIRL 4
Nope. Nope. Nope.

GIRL 1
Not for you.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 13

 GIRL 3
I come in six different colors.

GIRL 5
Take me off!

GIRL 5 exits.

GIRL 3
You know, I think it’s time to take me for a spin.

GIRL 6 tries halter bikini. GIRL 3 mirrors her, just
as the others before.

The bathing suits laugh.

GIRL 1
I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing.

GIRL 4
She looks hysterical!

GIRL 1
Hilarious!

GIRL 3
Take me off.

GIRL 3 exits.

GIRL 4
There’s only two of us left.

GIRL 1
Perhaps a tankini would be more flattering.

GIRL 4
If halter bikini didn’t work, you know I’m here for you.

GIRL 1
Try me on!

GIRL 4
No- try me on!


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 14

 GIRL 6
I don’t like either of you.

GIRL 1
What will you wear to the beach?

GIRL 4
Or the pool?

GIRL 1
You aren’t going to go naked are you?

GIRL 6
You sound like my mother.

GIRL 1
I am your mother.

GIRL 4
I’m the voice of your mother too!

GIRL 1
And your sister.

GIRL 4
And your first boyfriend.

GIRL 1
And that moody salesclerk at the department store.

GIRL 6
Enough! I just won’t go swimming anymore. I won’t have to worry about it.

GIRL 4
No more swimming?

GIRL 1
No more?

GIRL 6
Not with these choices.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 15

MOVEMENT 3

GIRL 1
A good body is a skinny body.

GIRL 2
A healthy body is a tiny body.

GIRL 3
But what about food?

GIRL 4
A good body is a disciplined body.

GIRL 3
I can’t eat whatever I want?

GIRL 6
Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.

GIRL 5
Do you want to be obese?

GIRL 4
Do you want to disgust people with your body?

GIRL 3
Well, no-

GIRL 6
For your new diet, keep a journal of your caloric intake. Write down everything you eat for
the next week.

GIRL 1
One pound is equal to 3,500 calories.

GIRL 2
That’s 7,000 calories for two pounds.

GIRL 4
10,500 calories for three pounds.

GIRL 3
Ok. Current Weight: 146. Target Weight: 143. I can do this. I can be good. I can be skinny.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 16

 GIRL 4
Breakfast Day 1: 24 almonds. Calories: 164.

GIRL 6
Lunch Day 1: one granny smith apple. Calories: 130.

GIRL 1
Snack Day 1: 5 peanut M&Ms. Calories 30.

GIRL 2
Dinner Day 1: three strips of bacon. Calories: 103.

GIRL 3
Current Weight: 145. Target Weight: 143. Down 1 pound.

GIRL 5
Breakfast Day 2: 5 cups strawberries. Calories 230.

GIRL 4
Lunch Day 2: 1 slice of pizza. Calories: 272.

GIRL 6
Snack Day 2: Peanut butter on a rice cake. Calories: 90.

GIRL 1
Dinner Day 2: 1 Caesar salad. Calories: 300.

GIRL 3
Current Weight: 145. Target Weight: 143. No weight loss.

GIRL 2
Breakfast Day 3: Bagel. No cream cheese. Calories: 300.

GIRL 5
Lunch Day 3: Green bell pepper. Calories: 33.

GIRL 4
Snack Day 3: No snack. Calories: 0.

GIRL 6
Dinner Day 3: 8 chicken nuggets. Calories 270.

GIRL 3
Current Weight 144. Target Weight 143. Down 2 pounds. So close.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 17

 GIRL 1
Breakfast Day 4: Blueberry smoothie. Calories: 200.

GIRL 2
Lunch Day 4: Half a hamburger. Calories: 145.

GIRL 5
Snack Day 4: 6 pieces of licorice. Calories: 150.

GIRL 4
Dinner Day 4: 2 slices of French bread. Calories: 500.

GIRL 3
Current Weight 145. Target Weight 143. Up 1 pound.

GIRL 6
Time to stick your fingers down your throat.

GIRL 1
1 pound?

GIRL 2
Target Weight: 143.

GIRL 5
You need discipline.

GIRL 6
Cut those calories.

GIRL 1
3,500 for one pound.

GIRL 3
I’m trying.

GIRL 4
Must try harder.

GIRL 6
Current Weight: 145.

GIRL 1
Unacceptable.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 18

 GIRL 2
Fingers down the throat.

GIRL 3
I don’t want to vomit.

GIRL 6
Vomiting is discipline.

GIRL 4
A good body is a skinny body.

GIRL 3
I’ll eat better. I’ll count better.

GIRL 5
Breakfast Day 5: One mini blueberry muffin. Calories: 47.

GIRL 1
Lunch Day 5: 2 lettuce leaves. Calories: 8.

GIRL 2
Snack Day 5: No snack. Calories: 0.

GIRL 6
Dinner Day 5: Whole wheat pasta. No sauce. Calories: 300.

GIRL 3
Current Weight 145. Target Weight 143. No change.

GIRL 4
No weight loss.

GIRL 5
Not enough discipline.

GIRL 1
Must try harder.

GIRL 2
145.

GIRL 6
143.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 19

 GIRL 4
3,500 calories.

GIRL 5
3 servings.

GIRL 1
2 pounds.

GIRL 2
6 pieces of licorice.

GIRL 6
Half a hamburger.

GIRL 4
3 meals.

GIRL 5
7 Days.

GIRL 3
The counting is getting harder.

GIRL 1
Breakfast Day 6: Half a grapefruit. Calories: 52.

GIRL 2
Lunch Day 6: 8 tortilla chips. Calories: 118.

GIRL 6
Snack Day 6: No snack. Calories: 0.

GIRL 4
Dinner Day 6: 1 slice of turkey. Calories: 35.

GIRL 3
Current Weight: 146. Target Weight 143. Up one pound.

GIRL 5
You aren’t trying hard enough.

GIRL 1
Do you want to be obese?


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 20

 GIRL 3
I am trying. I am.

GIRL 2
Not counting well enough.

GIRL 4
A good body is a skinny body.

GIRL 3
I know. I’ve been cutting calories.

GIRL 5
Fingers down the throat.

GIRL 3
No please. I don’t want that. I don’t want it.

GIRL 6
Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.

GIRL 5
You won’t make your target weight by tomorrow if you don’t.

GIRL 3
Ok. I’ll do it. I’ll do it!

GIRL 3 starts to put her fingers down her throat.
The other GIRLS encroach on her, sticking them
further until she vomits.

GIRL 4
Breakfast Day 7: 3 donut holes. Calories: 156.

GIRL 1
Lunch Day 7: 10 snap peas. Calories: 14.

GIRL 2
Snack Day 7: No snack. Calories: 0.

GIRL 6
Dinner Day 7: 1 cup of rice. Calories: 242.

GIRL 3
Current Weight: 143. Target Weight 143.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 21

 GIRL 4
Wasn’t it worth it?

GIRL 5
A good body is a disciplined body.

GIRL 1
Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 22

MOVEMENT 4

GIRL 5 stands in the center of the gym,
surrounded by the other girls.

GIRL 1
Welcome to the gym.

GIRL 5
Time to get in shape.

GIRL 6
thighs

GIRL 2
butt

GIRL 3
back

GIRL 4
stomach

GIRL 1
arms

GIRL 2
Let’s target those problem areas.

GIRL 5
Which ones?

GIRL 6
thighs

GIRL 2
butt

GIRL 3
back

GIRL 4
stomach

GIRL 1
arms
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 23


GIRL 3
Choose a machine.

GIRL 5
Which machine?

GIRL 6
thighs

GIRL 2
butt

GIRL 3
back

GIRL 4
stomach

GIRL 1
arms

GIRL 4
Choose an activity.

GIRL 5
There are so many.

GIRL 6
Lunge forward. Hold.

GIRL 2
Squeeze your ass. Stick that squat.

GIRL 3
Press dumbbells up. Pull your shoulder blades together.

GIRL 4
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

GIRL 1
Push Up. Pull Up. Up. Up. Up.

GIRL 6
Other leg. Lunge forward.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 24

 GIRL 2
Gluteus maximus. Gluteous minimus.

GIRL 3
Lift from your legs. Not from your back.

GIRL 4
Hold that plank. 20 more seconds.

GIRL 1
Engage your biceps.

GIRL 6
Now lunge faster. Right. Left. Right. Left. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump.

GIRL 2
Push down. Down. Down. Down.

GIRL 3
Feel it. Feel the burn. Feel it. Feel it burn.

GIRL 4
Engage your core. Hold. Hold. 10 more seconds.

GIRL 1
Now triceps. Now biceps. Now both. Now both.

GIRL 2
Target those problem areas.

GIRL 5
I’m not sure what mine are.

GIRL 6
Perhaps thighs?

GIRL 2
Need a rounder ass?

GIRL 3
A sexier back?

GIRL 4
A flatter stomach?


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 25

 GIRL 1
Toned arms?

GIRL 5
I want that. I want tighter thighs. And a rounder ass. I want a sexier back and a flatter
stomach. And who doesn’t want more toned arms? But how can I do them all?

GIRL 6
Target those problem areas.

GIRL 5
Where do I start?

GIRL 4
Abs. Abs. Abs. Abs.

GIRL 5
My stomach is a little flabby.

GIRL 4
Sit ups. Crunches. Planks.

GIRL 5
And these will make my stomach flatter?

GIRL 4
Hold for a minute.

GIRL 5
How many minutes total?

GIRL 4
As many as you need.

GIRL 5
Let’s try something else.

GIRL 2
Squat. Squat. Squat. Squat.

GIRL 5
And those will tone my butt?

GIRL 2
Up. Down. Hold. Down. Up. Down. Hold. Down.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 26

 GIRL 5
Wow, it’s really burning.

GIRL 2
Up. Down. Hold. Down. Up. Down. Hold. Down.

GIRL 5
How long do squats take?

GIRL 2
5 sets. 10 squats per set. 50 squats.

GIRL 5
I can do that. Squat. Squat. Squat.

GIRL 2
That’s just the basic level. They increase in difficulty and amount as you go on.

GIRL 5
More squats?

GIRL 2
Get that sculpted ass.

GIRL 5
Maybe a machine?

GIRL 3
Burn away that back fat with these simple moves.

GIRL 5
Oh yes. How do I get rid of that?

GIRL 3
Machines. Strings. Pulleys. Levers. Adjust the weight.

GIRL 5
I’m always wondering about my back fat.

GIRL 3
Push. Pull. Arms up. Arms down.

GIRL 5
How many machines?


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 27

 GIRL 3
At least 5. Different back muscles. Different parts.

GIRL 5
How long does that take?

GIRL 3
At least an hour.

GIRL 5
An hour? I don’t know…

GIRL 6
Strip away those thunder thighs. No more jiggle. No more thunder.

GIRL 5
Yes. No more thunder thighs.

GIRL 6
Lunges. Right. Left. Right. Left.

GIRL 5
Maybe these will be better than squats.

GIRL 6
Wall sits. Hold a sitting position against the wall. For 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes. Hold. Hold. Hold.
Hold.

GIRL 5
How many minutes?

GIRL 6
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes.

GIRL 5
That doesn’t make any sense.

GIRL 6
Hold. Hold. Hold. Hold.

GIRL 5
These are not better than squats. Perhaps some arm exercises?

GIRL 1
Lift those dumbbells high above your head. Curl in. Hold out.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 28

 GIRL 5
Yes. Yes. I can do that. I can get toned arms.

GIRL 1
Curl in. Hold out. Hold out. Curl in.

GIRL 5
This doesn’t seem so hard.

GIRL 1
They just get heavier and heavier. 5 pounds. 10 pounds. 15 pounds. Increase. Increase.
Increase.

GIRL 5
How long do those take?

GIRL 1
As long as you need.

GIRL 5
I don’t understand any of these exercises.

GIRL 4
Don’t be a quitter.

GIRL 2
You want that beach body don’t you?

GIRL 3
That back won’t tone itself.

GIRL 5
Ok. So I need to do squats. And crunches. And lunges. And machines. And push ups and.
And. And. And.

GIRL 6
thighs

GIRL 2
butt

GIRL 3
back

GIRL 4
stomach
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 29


GIRL 1
arms

GIRL 5
How will I have time for all of it?

GIRL 3
30 minutes.

GIRL 2
As long as it takes.

GIRL 6
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes.

GIRL 4
It increases with difficulty and duration.

GIRL 1
Keep doing more.

GIRL 2
Don’t you want that perfect ass?

GIRL 6
Isn’t it worth it?

GIRL 3
It takes as long as it takes.

GIRL 5
I can’t do it all. I can’t do everything.

GIRL 4
Why did you come here, if you couldn’t commit?

GIRL 1
Quitter.

GIRL 2
You gave up.

GIRL 5
I don’t want to do it all. I don’t want to do everything.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 30

 GIRL 6
Just target those problem areas.

GIRL 4
Just work those areas one day at a time.

GIRL 5
But aren’t bodies for moving because you want to? Not because you have to?

GIRL 2
There isn’t room for quitters at this gym.

GIRL 4
Only room for toned stomachs.

GIRL 1
And slim arms.

GIRL 6
For fat-free thighs.

GIRL 5
This isn’t worth it to me.

GIRL 3
But what about your back?

GIRL 5
What about it?

GIRL 1
But what about your arms?

GIRL 5
What about them?

GIRL 2
I told you she’s a quitter.

GIRL 5
I’m not quitting. I’m starting. I’m starting to love my body the way it is.





Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 31

MOVEMENT 5

GIRL 5
Tonight’s the night.

GIRL 4
Our first school dance.

GIRL 3
With both seventh and eighth graders.

GIRL 5
Josh told me he was going to be there.

GIRL 4
You talked to Josh?

GIRL 5
Yeah- afterschool.

GIRL 4
Oh.

GIRL 3
Have you been practicing your dance moves?

GIRL 5
Of course.

GIRL 4
I didn’t think I needed to practice.

GIRL 5
There’s this move I saw in a music video where the girl is like shimmying her shoulders
really hard. Like this.

GIRL 5 does a shoulder shimmy move.

GIRL 3
And your sweater will just accidentally slip off because it’s so hot inside of the gym. “Oh
Josh, it’s just so hot in here, because you’re here”.

GIRL 5
Shut up!


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 32

 GIRL 3
(laughing)
What, am I wrong?

GIRL 4
I didn’t know that you liked Josh.

GIRL 5
Everybody likes Josh.

GIRL 3
I don’t like Josh.

GIRL 5
Ok- everybody but her likes Josh. But it doesn’t matter who likes Josh, it only matter who
Josh likes. Which, after tonight, hopefully will be me.

GIRL 3
Have you seen that other video where the girls bend over and shake their butts all fast like?

GIRL 5
Ooh. Yeah. I’ve been trying really hard to get that right. I almost broke my mirror last
weekend! (she laughs)

GIRL 3
You are such a klutz!
(to GIRL 4)
So, what dance moves do you know how to do?

GIRL 4
I don’t know. Like normal ones? I guess?

GIRL 5
What do you mean by normal ones?

GIRL 4
I don’t know. Like the ones you see in the romantic movies?

GIRL 5
You mean music videos?

GIRL 4
No, like when slow music gets put on and the girl puts her arms around the guy’s neck.

GIRL 5
Uh….. sure.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 33


GIRL 3
Shut up. What she means is- are you sure you don’t want to do some faster dance moves? I
mean- Chris is going to be there tonight.

GIRL 4
But I don’t like Chris.

GIRL 5
She likes Josh.

GIRL 4
What? I never said that.

GIRL 5
You didn’t have to.

GIRL 3
Don’t you want the boys to notice you?

GIRL 4
I know Chris and Josh. They notice me. I talk to them.

GIRL 5
She means notice you in a different way.

GIRL 3
In a girlfriend way.

GIRL 5
In a- slide your hands from my waist down to my hips while we’re dancing kind of way.

GIRL 4
Oh. I didn’t know there was a difference.

GIRL 3
Where have you been?

GIRL 5
Here, I’ll show you the butt popping move I learned this weekend watching MTV.

GIRL 3
Yeah, let’s see ‘em.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 34

 GIRL 5 does an eerily accurate depiction of a
stripper. It should feel overtly sexual-
particularly for a 13 year old.

GIRL 3
I think Josh will like that butt popping move.

GIRL 5
I hope so. There’s so many other girls that like him. It’s so hard to get his attention.

GIRL 3
(to GIRL 4)
Do you know any dance moves like that?

GIRL 4
I guess I’m not really a good dancer.

GIRL 5
Oh, sure you are.

GIRL 4
No, I’m really not-

GIRL 5
Just try. It’s not that hard.

GIRL 4
Okay-

GIRL 4 does some side to side movements
snapping her fingers. It’s has less movement than
Carlton’s signature dance, but is still as silly.

GIRL 3 bursts out laughing.

GIRL 3
I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be laughing. It’s just- that is so not sexy!

GIRL 5
Here, I’ll show you.

GIRL 5 grabs GIRL 4’s hips and tries to make
them move. They move awkwardly.

GIRL 5
Just move with my hands. No- not all jerky- smoothly.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 35




GIRL 3
(giggling)
It’s not looking very smooth.

GIRL 5
I’m trying here.

GIRL 4
It’s fine. I guess I just won’t dance. My sister said the boys never dance anyways. I’ll just talk
to them.

GIRL 3
Yeah- but they watch.

GIRL 4
They watch what?

GIRL 3
Us.

GIRL 5
Dancing.

GIRL 3
And if they’re watching us dancing…

GIRL 5
Then they aren’t listening to you talking.

GIRL 3
You know, the boys watch music videos too.

GIRL 5
And so do the other girls.

GIRL 3
That’s how they think girls dance.

GIRL 4
How do you know all of this?

GIRL 3
How do you not?
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 36


GIRL 4
So- you think I have a shot with Josh if I learn those moves?

GIRL 3
It couldn’t hurt, now could it?

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 37

MOVEMENT 6

GIRL 1 stands in a department store, surrounded
by the other GIRLS dressed and posed as
mannequins.

GIRL 1
This dress does not look like it did on the mannequin.

GIRL 2
Of course it doesn’t. We are mannequins.

GIRL 3
The epitome of perfection.

GIRL 4
And grace.

GIRL 5
And femininity.

GIRL 6
You can never quite look like us, but you can try.

GIRL 1
How do I do that?

GIRL 3
Well first, let us observe the perfection of the mannequin.

GIRL 5
We never move.

GIRL 2
We stay posed.

GIRL 6
Stylish and sexy.

GIRL 4
And oh so smooth.

GIRL 1
Yes. But I’m a human. I can’t-


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 38

 GIRL 4
Bah-bah-bah- wait until we’re finished explaining.

GIRL 2
Our breasts don’t jiggle.

GIRL 3
Our thighs don’t press together.

GIRL 5
Our feet are permanently flexed in the high heel position.

GIRL 6
And our arms are always rested ever so slightly on our hips.

GIRL 4
So why, you ask, does that dress not look the same on you as it does on me?

GIRL 5
Because your body is too free to move.

GIRL 2
Look at that roll beneath the band of your bra.

GIRL 3
Mannequins don’t wear bras. We don’t need them.

GIRL 6
Or what about that pooch just below your belly button?

GIRL 4
Or those love handles just above your hips?

GIRL 1
I know. I know. I guess I don’t have a perfect body.

GIRL 5
Don’t lose hope. We can help.

GIRL 1
I can’t be a mannequin. I’m made out of flesh and bones, not acrylic and metal rods.

GIRL 2
All you need is a good base. Something beneath your clothes.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 39

 GIRL 1
You mean like a bra and underwear?

GIRL 3
We’re talking about shapewear!

GIRL 6
Maybe a corset or some spanx?

GIRL 4
Something to keep things contained. In the right places.

GIRL 5
Like us.

GIRL 1
Okay….

GIRL 2
Let’s start small. Ease you into it. How about a slimming tank top?

GIRL 1
I guess I could try that.

GIRL 1 tries on the tank top.

GIRL 5
I like it. I think it definitely adds some contour.

GIRL 4
Yes. I’m seeing improvement. Definitely improvement.

GIRL 3
But, I think we could see more.

GIRL 6
Yes. Definitely could be more constrained.

GIRL 2
What about some high-waisted shaping shorts?

GIRL 1
Sure. What could hurt?

GIRL 1 tries on the shaping shorts.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 40

 GIRL 3
My. Yes. I very much like the effects of that.

GIRL 5
Very smooth. Almost mannequin-like.

GIRL 2
I don’t know. I think she could use some more shaping.

GIRL 4
Some more constraining?

GIRL 6
I agree. Perhaps a waist cincher?

GIRL 1
A waist cincher?

GIRL 3
Oh, you’ll love it. It pulls in the sides of your torso.

GIRL 5
Gives you a nice hour-glass figure.

GIRL 1
I don’t know.

GIRL 2
Don’t you want to look like us in clothes?

GIRL 6
Smooth, elegant and beautiful?

GIRL 1
Give me the waist cincher.

GIRL 1 tries on the waist cincher.

GIRL 4
My, my, my. What a wonderful improvement.

GIRL 3
I agree! How nice. Look at that defined waist.

GIRL 5
You are getting very close to looking like one of us.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 41


GIRL 2
It’s true. And we are a very selective club. Aren’t we girls?

GIRL 6
But you know, I think it could go just a step further.

GIRL 4
What were you thinking? Corset?

GIRL 3
Yes. I think she’s right. This waist cincher does an adequate job, but when did we ever settle
for adequate?

GIRL 1
A corset? On top of a tank top and a waist cincher?

GIRL 5
It’s the only way to truly change the shape of a gal’s body.

GIRL 2
And over time, you won’t even have to keep wearing it. It will just magically make your
waist smaller.

GIRL 4
A permanent mannequin!

GIRL 1
Okay. I guess I’ll try it.

GIRL 1 tries on the corset. She pulls it tight. And
stands stiff, unable to move or breathe.

GIRL 3
Can I just say: what a transformation!

GIRL 4
Now, you are one of us!

GIRL 6
So smooth and contoured!

GIRL 2
How do you feel?


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 42

 GIRL 1
I can’t…. breathe.

GIRL 5
We never said anything about breathing.

GIRL 3
Don’t tell me you’ve never heard the expression pain is beauty.

GIRL 1
I can’t move…. either.

GIRL 6
Neither can we. We’re mannequins.

GIRL 1
But I don’t want to be a mannequin. I want to be a girl.

GIRL 2
Why ever would you want that?

GIRL 1
I don’t want this corset. I don’t want this waist-cincher. I don’t want these shaping shorts
and I don’t want this tank top.

GIRL 1 removes all of the garments.

GIRL 4
What are you- what are you doing?

GIRL 3
Why are you giving it all up?

GIRL 5
Just throwing perfection right out the window?

GIRL 1
Because I want to breathe and move and… not be a mannequin.

GIRL 1 exits.

GIRL 2
Well I never!



Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 43

MOVEMENT 7

GIRL 6
Welcome ladies to a demonstration of the Incredible Shrinking Machine! How many of you
wish that you could be smaller? I know I do. Because let’s face it. The less space we take up
in this world, means the more space men can take up. Am I right? So, who would like to
volunteer to demonstrate what this wonderful invention can do.

GIRL 3
You should do it. You are always talking about wanting to be smaller.

GIRL 2
I know but, this machine just seems…. dramatic.

GIRL 6
Come on ladies, don’t be shy.

GIRL 3
Go try it.

GIRL 2
You’re embarrassing me.

GIRL 6
This machine won’t demonstrate on itself.

GIRL 3
Weren’t you just saying yesterday that you wish that you could lose 10 pounds?

GIRL 2
I always want to lose 10 pounds. I’m 10 pounds overweight.

GIRL 3
Well, here’s your chance.

GIRL 2
I’m going to start doing other things. Like watching what I eat.

GIRL 3
Another diet? Remember that time that you tried to eat only fruit snacks to lose weight?

GIRL 2
Or maybe I’ll get a gym membership. You know? Get in shape?

GIRL 3
You’ve had a gym membership. Twice. You never used it.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 44


GIRL 2
Well dieting and exercising are less dramatic. They don’t require a machine.

GIRL 3
Desperate times call for desperate actions.

GIRL 2
So you think my desire to lose weight is desperate?

GIRL 3
Obviously watching what you eat and going to the gym haven’t worked for you.

GIRL 2
So you’re saying I need to lose weight?

GIRL 3
I never said that.

GIRL 2
Well, now I’m definitely not going to do it.

GIRL 3
Now you’re being ridiculous. Just try it out. It’s not like you have to take it home or
anything.

GIRL 2
Fine. I will try it. But I’m not going to buy it.

GIRL 3
You have someone here!

GIRL 3 raises GIRL 2’s hand.

GIRL 6
Wonderful. Are you ready to change your life?

GIRL 2
I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.

GIRL 3
I’m just helping you get what you wanted all along.

GIRL 6
So tell me, have you often thought about getting smaller? Shrinking your waistline? Making
those stretch marks disappear? Erasing those extra pounds?
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 45


GIRL 2
I mean- yeah. I guess. Who hasn’t?

GIRL 6
Well this incredible shrinking machine is the answer to your prayers. For only fifteen
minutes each day, you will see the outline of your body get smaller and smaller.

GIRL 2
Fifteen minutes each day?

GIRL 6
If you were starting an exercise program, how many minutes a day would you spend?

GIRL 2
I guess at least thirty.

GIRL 6
And if you were dieting, how much of your time would be consumed with calorie counting?

GIRL 2
A lot.

GIRL 6
Precisely. This machine not only takes the pain out of exercising and dieting, but it also
saves you tons of time.

GIRL 3
It’s like she knows you.

GIRL 2
So how do I know if this thing works?

GIRL 6
Well, that’s the great part about the machine. You can see it beginning to work in just
minutes.

GIRL 3
You hear that? Minutes!

GIRL 2
So how do I use it?




Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 46

 GIRL 6
We have different versions of this machine. For a full-body transformation, we recommend
our largest machine, which works much like a tanning bed. You lay inside and let the
machine do the work.

GIRL 2
People are going to buy a tanning bed instead of going to the gym?

GIRL 6
The larger machines are being marketed towards salons. I have a list of vendors already
using them. But, we also have a portable machine for the woman on the move. It allows you
to target those problem areas in the comfort of your own home, office, wherever.

GIRL 2
So I carry a small tanning bed around my body?

GIRL 6
Oh no. It wraps around you. Allow me to demonstrate the wondrous abilities of the
Incredible Shrinking Machine! What area would you like to target in this demonstration?

GIRL 3
Have her do your ass!

GIRL 2
Excuse me?

GIRL 3
Well, you are always complaining about it.

GIRL 2
I am not.

GIRL 6
We can wrap it around any problem area of the body. Not just the gluteal region.

GIRL 2
I guess we can try that.

GIRL 6 wraps the Incredible Shrinking Machine
around GIRL 2’s gluteal region.

GIRL 2
I look ridiculous.



Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 47

 GIRL 3
(sarcastic)
You never looked better.

GIRL 2
Thanks.

GIRL 6
Can you feel it working yet? Any tingly sensations?

GIRL 2
No. Mostly, I just feel uncomfortable.

GIRL 6
Give it a minute. You’ll start to feel it.

A pause. GIRL 2 waits. Then-

GIRL 2
This is weird. I’m sorry. I’m taking it off.

GIRL 2 takes the machine off.

GIRL 3
Oh my god!

GIRL 2
What?

GIRL 3
Your ass. It looks.

GIRL 6
Smaller.

GIRL 2
What?

GIRL 3
Look at it.

GIRL 2
It does not.

GIRL 6
I told you. It’s a wondrous machine!
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 48


GIRL 2
You’re just saying that so you can make me buy this machine.

GIRL 3
No. Honestly. It looks smaller.

GIRL 2
Really?

GIRL 6
I told you that it only takes a few minutes to start working.

GIRL 3
And you said that it works on all parts of your body?

GIRL 6
Any problem area you have- it will fix.

GIRL 2
You know what? I don’t think my ass is a problem.

GIRL 3
You’re not going to get it?

GIRL 2
I don’t need it.

GIRL 3
But why? It will work on other parts. You can be smaller!

GIRL 2
I don’t want to be smaller. Not like this.

GIRL 3
You don’t make any sense.

GIRL 6
It’s only fifteen payments of nineteen ninety nine!

GIRL 2
I’m tired of being told that my body is a problem. It’s not a problem. It doesn’t have
problem areas.



Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 49

MOVEMENT 8

GIRL 4
He thought I was beautiful. He told me.

GIRL 5
You’re beautiful.

GIRL 4
And maybe that’s why when he asked me to leave the frat party and go up to his room with
him, I did.

GIRL 5
Come up to my room with me.

GIRL 6 nods. GIRL 5 takes her hand and leads
her.

GIRL 5
This is my room.

GIRL 5 sits on the bed. She pats the space on the
bed next to her.

GIRL 5
Sit down next to me. I won’t bite.

GIRL 4
He told me I was beautiful. And I knew that being beautiful- that having a boy tell you that
you were beautiful was a good thing. So maybe that’s why when he asked me to sit next to
him on his bed, I did.

GIRL 6 sits down on the bed next to GIRL 5.

GIRL 5
You’re really sexy, do you know that?

GIRL 6
Noooo. Not me.

GIRL 5
Yes you are.

GIRL 6
You think so?

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 50

 GIRL 5
Yes. I really do.

GIRL 6
Oh. Thank you.

GIRL 5
I want to kiss you.

GIRL 6
You do?

GIRL 5
Yes.

GIRL 6
I guess that would be alright.

GIRL 5
But I get to choose where.

GIRL 6
What do you mean, where?

GIRL 5
There are so many different places to kiss someone.

GIRL 6
Not on the mouth?

GIRL 5
That’s one place.

GIRL 6
What other places?

GIRL 5
Well, I could kiss you on the neck.

GIRL 5 kisses GIRL 6’s neck.

GIRL 5
Or on your collar bone.

GIRL 5 kisses GIRL 6’s collar bone.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 51

 GIRL 5
Or- somewhere else too.

GIRL 6
Um. Ok.

GIRL 5
You’re really sexy. But you know what would be even sexier? What would make the kiss
even better?

GIRL 6
What?

GIRL 5
If you took your clothes off.

GIRL 6
I don’t know.

GIRL 5
You don’t believe me. You don’t think that you’re sexy.

GIRL 6
No- I mean- yes- I mean. I don’t know.

GIRL 5
You are really sexy.

GIRL 4
He told me I was sexy. So maybe that’s why when he took my sweater off without asking
me, I let him.

GIRL 5
And I think you’ll be more comfortable with your sweater off.

GIRL 6
It is kind of warm in here.

GIRL 5
If you’re really warm, you should take off your shirt too.

GIRL 6
It’s not that warm, is it?

GIRL5
You’re shy, aren’t you?
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 52


GIRL 6
No-

GIRL 5
Then why won’t you take your shirt off?

GIRL 6
Then I would be almost naked.

GIRL 5
Is that a problem?

GIRL 6
Well, yes-

GIRL 5
This is your first time being with a guy, huh? It’s alright if you’re inexperienced. You just
have to go with things.

GIRL 6
It’s not- my- it’s not. I’ll take it off.

GIRL 5
And just one more piece of clothing and you’ll be all ready.

GIRL 6
My pants?

GIRL 5
Unless you’re wearing some invisible clothing.

GIRL 6
I don’t know if it’s such a good idea.

GIRL 5
You are so skinny.

GIRL 6
I am?

GIRL 5
Yeah. Why wouldn’t you want to show that off?

GIRL 6
I don’t know.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 53


GIRL 5
Here, I’ll help you.

GIRL 4
He told me I was skinny. He told me I was sexy. He thought I was sexy. So maybe that’s why,
when he took the rest of my clothes off, I didn’t stop him.

GIRL 5 removes GIRL 6’s bra and underwear. She
is completely naked, completely vulnerable.

GIRL 6
It’s kind of chilly now.

GIRL 5
Don’t worry, I can keep you warm.

GIRL 6
Oh. Um-

GIRL 5
Now I can give you a proper kiss.

GIRL 4
You always hear other girls talk about how boys like them. How boys want them And it’s
always subtle like they aren’t even sure that’s what they’re saying. And I waited and waited
for that- not because I wanted someone to want me, but because that’s what I thought I
should want. So when this boy told me he liked me he told me he wanted me, I should have
wanted it right? I did want it, right?

GIRL 6
I didn’t want that to happen.

GIRL 5
What do you mean?

GIRL 6
I never said yes.

GIRL 5
You never said no.

GIRL 6
You made me. I didn’t want to do that.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 54

 GIRL 5
You’re the one who took your shirt off.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 55

MOVEMENT 9

GIRL 1 sits on a stool. The other crowd around
her.

GIRL 3
We just need to get one good picture of you. One good picture can serve a variety of
purposes.

GIRL 5
Right. So just look natural and I’ll start shooting.

GIRL 1 tries to look natural.

GIRL 4
Well, why don’t you place your hand on your hip? It makes your arm looked more toned.
Like you just did 100 push ups before the photo was taken.

GIRL 1
Like this?

GIRL 1 puts her arm on her hip.

GIRL 4
Good. But throw your shoulder back too.

GIRL 1 throws her shoulder back.

GIRL 4
Okay. Better. But then put your hand a little higher. So it’s on your waist, not your hip. It
makes your waist look smaller.

GIRL 1
Really?

GIRL 4
Yeah. I read it in an article.

GIRL 1
Okay.

GIRL 1 moves her hand.

GIRL 5
Are you sure that this looks natural?

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 56

 GIRL 4
She looks great.

GIRL 6
And lean forward. Like your leaning into the person looking at the photo. Kind of sexy.

GIRL 1
Okay. I can try that.

GIRL 6
Pretend like you’re having such a great time. You’re leaning in, you’re laughing. Like some
guy just said the funniest damn thing you’ve ever heard.

GIRL 1
Like this?

GIRL 1 tries to learn forward and laugh, but leans
forward a little too far.

GIRL 6
I said lean, not bend.

GIRL 1
Oh. Sorry. Like this?

GIRL 1 leans in slightly.

GIRL 6
Yes. I love it. Very sexy.

GIRL 5
She does look sexy.

GIRL 2
But not too sexy. You want to appear professional.

GIRL 1
Right.

GIRL 3
You want to be able to use this photo for multiple purposes.

GIRL 1
So how do I do professional?


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 57

 GIRL 2
Just think confidence. Smile. But not too big.

GIRL 1
Okay.

GIRL 2
Shoulders back. Both of them.

GIRL 1
But what about the leaning?

GIRL 6
You can do both.

GIRL 2
Just keep it professional.

GIRL 5
That does look quite professional.

GIRL 6
But not too stuffy. You don’t want people to think that you’re all work and no play.

GIRL 1
Okay so sexy, yet professional.

GIRL 1 leans forward, but then corrects herself
by trying to look professional. It should just look
awkward.

GIRL 3
Darling. While your doing the shoulders and the leaning, just suck in your stomach a bit.

GIRL 2
She’s right. The camera adds ten pounds.

GIRL 1
Does this look alright?

GIRL 1 sucks in her stomach.

GIRL 2
A little more.

GIRL 1 sucks in her stomach more.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 58


GIRL 5
It’s almost like she doesn’t have a stomach anymore!

GIRL 3
But we’ve got to do something about that smile!

GIRL 1
I thought I was trying to show confidence.

GIRL 2
I think you look very confident!

GIRL 3
Yes, but you are smiling just a little too big. You don’t want to make your face look
scrunched up like you’re a pug.

GIRL 1 drops the smile.

GIRL 3
Not too little or people will think you’re too serious.

GIRL 1 smiles again, making her eyes big.

GIRL 3
Open your eyes. But not too much. Remember the pug.

GIRL 5
Pugs are not natural.

GIRL 1
Okay so, I need to keep my hand on my waist, lean in, but throw my shoulders back and
suck in my stomach. I need to look sexy, yet professional. And I need to smile, but not to big.
And not too little. Okay, I think I have this.

GIRL 6
I would also tilt your head to one side or the other. It creates angles. Making your face look
less like an egg.

GIRL 1
You think my face looks like an egg?

GIRL 6
Not just yours. All heads are very egg-like. It’s a little trick I picked up.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 59

 GIRL 1
Okay. So like this?

GIRL 1 drops her head to her shoulder.

GIRL 6
Not so much. Just ever so slightly. Just like the lean. Keep it sexy. Playful.

GIRL 1
How’s this?

GIRL 1 tilts her head ever so slightly.


GIRL 6
Yes. Much much better.

GIRL 5
Heads should not look like eggs.

GIRL 3
Can I just add one more thing?

GIRL 1
What is it?

GIRL 3
Your legs. I mean, they might not be showing completely in the picture, but I think how you
position your legs does a lot to your posture. If you just slightly bend one of your legs, it
makes them seem more defined and separate. So they aren’t just one big leg.

GIRL 1
So bend one?

GIRL 1 bends her leg, holding it up.

GIRL 3
Not so much. Subtle. That’s why so many people don’t have good pictures. They don’t
understand all the subtle things that go into taking a good picture.

GIRL 1
Subtle bend. Got it.

GIRL 1 bends her leg slightly.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 60

 GIRL 1
Ok so. Let me see if I got this straight. Slight leg bend. Suck in my stomach. Hand on waist.
Shoulders back, but lean in. Smile. Not too big. Head tilt. Confident. Professional. Sexy. No
egg head.

GIRL 1 struggles to do all of these.

GIRL 1
Okay. I think I’m ready for the photo.

GIRL 5
I can’t take it.

GIRL 1
What do you mean?

GIRL 5
At the beginning, I asked you to look natural. You don’t even look like yourself anymore.

GIRL 1
I thought I wasn’t really supposed to look like myself.

GIRL 5
But I’m taking pictures of you.

GIRL 1
But I don’t do any of these things. My head might actually look like an egg.

GIRL 5
It doesn’t. But these should look like you. Just the way you are.

GIRL 1
They should?

GIRL 5
I think you were the most beautiful just being you.

GIRL 1
Oh.

GIRL 5
So just be yourself. Whoever that is.


GIRL 1 smiles. GIRL 5 snaps a picture. A camera
noise and flash.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 61

EPILOGUE

GIRL 3
As a child I roamed free.

GIRL 5
My body was naked.

GIRL 6
Wild.

GIRL 4
Unapologetic.

GIRL 2
Running through blades of grass.

GIRL 3
Wet and cold.

GIRL 5
Yet perfectly content.

GIRL 1
And no one seemed to care about what that meant. I know I didn’t care.

GIRL 2
But somehow along the way, I lost control over my body.

GIRL 4
I lost control over how I moved it.

GIRL 5
I lost control over thinking about it as a whole being and instead thought of it as the sum of
its parts.

GIRL 6
How I dressed it.

GIRL 3
Or what I put into it.

GIRL 2
I thought of my body as broken. Needing fixing.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 62

 GIRL 5
I lost control of it belonging to me.

GIRL 6
But I want this body back.

GIRL 4
I want it to be mine.

GIRL 2
I wish I could go back and choose:

GIRL 4
To not give into the girls who told me boys would only notice if I danced sexy.

GIRL 5
To tell myself that my body is fine with or without going to the gym.

GIRL 6
To not let my bathing suit affect my desire to dive off that diving board.

GIRL 3
To not stick my fingers down my throat to be skinnier.

GIRL 2
To not give into trying to change the physical shape of my body.

GIRL 1
To feel like I had to constrain my body in order to make it good.

GIRL 4
But being a girl with a body doesn’t have to mean:

GIRL 3
Vulnerable.

GIRL 5
Slutty.

GIRL 6
Weakness.

GIRL 4
That you’re asking for it.


Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 63

 GIRL 2
That you’re betraying your mother.

GIRL 1
Or your boyfriend.

GIRL 3
My body is mine.

GIRL 5
And it should be celebrated.

The GIRLS remove their clothing. It should feel
empowering. They should all end up in various
forms of: underwear or undergarments
(whatever that means for each girl).

GIRL 1
Nobody’s perfect. No body is perfect. My body is flawed. But my body is able.

GIRL 6
My body is still naked, wild and unapologetic. I can still have that wild girlhood.

GIRL 4
My body is made for dancing. Made for moving. For jumping, running, playing. And I don’t
have to make other people happy with the way I move my body.

GIRL 2
My body is meant to take up space. And I can take up however much space I want to. I don’t
have to shrink myself down to make room for others.

GIRL 3
My body is made for eating. For feeding myself. For nourishing myself. For rewarding
myself. For taking a bite out of the world.

GIRL 1
My body is made to be free. To have peaks and valleys. To have smoothness and rolls. To
breathe. To move. To live.

GIRL 5
My body is not the sum of its parts. It isn’t arms for toning or thighs for shrinking. It’s for
enjoying myself, not disciplining myself.


GIRL 6
This girl is capable.
Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 64


GIRL 4
This girl is strong.

GIRL 2
This girl is solid.

GIRL 3
This girl is powerful.

GIRL 1
This girl is in control.

GIRL 5
This girl is the girl I love.

ALL
My body is able. My body is strong. My body is beautiful.

Girls With Bodies Kirsten Easton-Hazzaa 65