I Give You The Tate

By: Sean Colcleasure

Characters:

Kyle, male in mid-40s-50s

Sarah, female late-40s

Set:

A bedroom with a bed of some sort and a night stand.

Props:

A picture frame (used a couple times), if available, a projector that can project a couple images on the wall of the Tate Britain (if a projector is unavailable, the play will continue without the images), some papers/pamphlets, an envelope with a piece of folded paper inside, a head scarf, a straw and a coffee mug.

Note: The play is broken into three parts with the diming of the stage lights denoting the passage of time. In the first part, Sarah should remain standing. In the second part she will be sitting, and in the final part she will be lying down.

Play opens on characters entering the room. Sarah is noticeably agitated and angry.

Sarah

It can’t be! No, it can’t be! (Kyle moves close to comfort her) God, (pushing away) I always knew this would happen, but why now?

Kyle

(Tries to comfort with his voice) Hey, it’s one doctor’s opinion. We can…

Sarah

We can what, waste money to see another doctor who will say the same thing? For Christ’s sake Kyle, we always knew this might happen. (Picks the picture frame up off the table as her voice gets softer) I just somehow hoped that it wouldn’t.

Kyle

(Moves in and puts an arm around) I know, I was hoping too.

Sarah

(Not hearing and referencing the picture frame) Look at them. My grandma was 49 when she was diagnosed, and she was dead at 50. My mother was diagnosed at 53 and died that same year, and here I am, 47, and ready to start the next journey in our lives, but this is not the journey I was planning for.

Kyle

I know. But…

Sarah

(Putting the picture down and getting agitated) But what? Is this where you tell me everything will be okay? That I will (speaking in air quotes) “beat the odds”? That I will be different than them (points to the picture frame)? Well, is it?

Kyle

(A little slow to respond) I…I don’t know how you want me to answer that. (Pause) I want to say “yes” (quick pause) to all of those, but I don’t think you want me to. (Pause) Am I right?

Sarah

(Sarcastically) Yes, Kyle, you’re right. I don’t. I know it, you know it, my sister knows it. There’s nothing that can be done. God damn this stupid death sentence! This was supposed be our year to travel. (She picks up some papers off the table).

Kyle

(Calmly) I know, love.

Sarah

(Not really hearing him) The Acropolis (throws the paper), the Louvre (throws the paper), State Hermitage (throws the paper), the Prado (throws the paper) and my dream, the Tate (rips this page and throws it). Now, I will never see any of them.

Kyle

(Slowly moving toward and her still speaking calmly) That’s not true. You know it, and I know it. All the doctor said was that we can’t go until your initial treatments are over. (Puts his arms around her) I’ll just move the tickets back, and we’ll see how you feel.

Sarah

(Pushing him away) Move the tickets back! See how I feel! Do you not remember watching my mother wither away into nothing? Do you think I will be any different!?

Kyle

(Finally getting upset) Yes, God damn it, I do! You’re stronger than the both of them put together. And everyone knows it but you! (Calming down) You just can’t go giving up already. There’s more to you than that. I…

Sarah

(Cutting him off) I have inoperable cancer of the brain stem…there’s nothing we can do. I might get a couple more months at best to put my affairs in order, but that’s it.

Kyle

If you feel that way, why don’t we just go? Leave next month like we planned? You can start your treatment when we get back. We’ll just cut our trip shorter.

Sarah

Now you are being ridiculous. (Pacing around the room)You know I can’t fly. The doctor said a flight could kill me. (Pause) Yes, I know how that makes me sound, but I want to die on my own, not in airplane flying over the Atlantic. (Pause) No, we’ll just go through the motions, and I’ll start the chemo.

Kyle

You can beat this. I know you’ll get better.

Sarah

No, my love, I won’t, but isn’t it pretty to think so?

Lights dim.

Lights come up on Sarah sitting on the edge of the bed, head wrapped in a scarf and she looks exhausted. There’s a drink next to her.

Sarah

(Sounding tired and looking drained of energy) Well…that was it…my last treatment…what a waste that was. (Takes a drink) All those hours lost. I should have listened to you.

Kyle

What do you mean?

Sarah

We should have just gone. All this treatment has done is wear me out. I’m now too exhausted to do anything but sit here and wait to die.

Kyle

That’s not what we’re doing. The doctor said the chemo slowed the spread to the nervous system. He said…

Sarah

I know what he said, I was sitting right there in the room for as much as the two of you acknowledged me. You talked about me like I wasn’t even in the room. “If she does this, if she does that, she could do this,” blah, blah, blah. Why didn’t you have the decency to involve me more in the conversation of my death?

Kyle

What do you mean, involve you? I wasn’t trying to leave you out? I just needed to know what I’m to do now. I’m the one taking care of you, aren’t I?

Sarah

Well, maybe I don’t need a caretaker?

Kyle

What’s that supposed to mean?

Sarah

It’s supposed to mean, maybe I don’t need a caretaker. (Coughs a few times. Takes a drink) I can die on my own. (Sets the cup down) I don’t need you to help me do that.

Kyle

He said you could get a year, maybe two…

Sarah

(Talking over him) But he also said that was the best case scenario, worst case one to two months.

Kyle

Why are you focusing on that? You seem to be able to eat more. Maybe you are getting better, right? Can’t you think more positively?

Sarah

(Taking his hand and pulling him down next to her) No, I can’t. I’m dying. And you know, as well as I do, that I’m eating more because of all the pot I’m smoking. (She smiles slightly at him) Anyway, what does it really matter if I live one month or two years, I’ll still be gone before you and the kids. (Picking up the picture frame) I won’t see Tyler graduate from college and I won’t get to see Janey’s wedding. I won’t get to meet my grandkids or see how the kids turn out as full-fledged adults.

Kyle

What’s with all this Debbie-Downer talk? You need to be thinking more positively. Come on, Tyler graduates next May, and Janey and Scott have already said they’d move the wedding up to when you are feeling better. (Gives her a hug) You’ll get to see both of those. I know it.

Sarah

I wish I had your optimism. I just don’t.

Kyle

(Hands her an envelope from his pocket) Maybe this will help.

Sarah

What’s this?

Kyle

Just open it.

Sarah

(Opens envelope and takes out some papers.) What the hell is this!? Is this some kind of sick joke!? God you can be such an ass! (Begins coughing horribly.)

Kyle

(Trying to comfort by rubbing her back) Are you okay? Do you need me to do anything?

Sarah

(Takes a drink and slows her speaking.)I need you to think with your head. (Takes another drink) What would possess you to book flights to England? I’m in no shape to fly, and I’m in even worse shape to see the Tate. God, I can’t believe you would do something like this without talking to me first.

Kyle

I just thought…

Sarah

(Cutting him off) You just thought what? That I’d jump up and say let’s go? Where have you been these last four months? Didn’t watched me throw-up most everything I ate for weeks? Haven’t you watched me lose all of my hair? Wasn’t it you who had to help me move from room to room? Help bathe me? Where in all of this did you think it would be a good idea to book a trip? (Coughs again.)

Kyle

I…I thought that it would give you something to work toward. England, the kids’ wedding, Tyler’s graduation, these could all be goals to keep you going. I know how much you want to be part of all these things. And the Tate. I know…

Sarah

Yes, love, I do want to see the Tate, watch Tyler get his degree and Janey say “I do,” but I’m being realistic. My mother had things she wanted to do once her cancer hit, and she didn’t get to do one. So why…

Kyle

(Voice rising to show the importance of what he is saying)Because you are not your mother nor your grandmother for that matter. I’m sorry, but they’re dead and you’re not. Yes, they cursed you with this death sentence, but it doesn’t mean that you need to lie down and let it happen…

Sarah

But…

Kyle

(Rising from the bed) I am not finished. I have sat by your side every day and night for the past fourteen weeks. I’ve watched what the chemo has done to you. I know how hard it’s been, but you’re still here. So rather than lying here waiting for the disease to take your life, why don’t you take my hand, lean on me a little bit more and enjoy what time we have left. Let me give you what I can. Let me give you the Tate.

Sarah

Kyle, I don’t…

Kyle

(Sitting and taking her in his arms) I don’t need anything from you but a yes.

Sarah

(Starting to cry) I’ll try, love. I’ll try.

Kyle

That’s all I’m asking. (Kisses her and pulls her closer)

Lights dim.

“Here Comes the Bride” plays.

Lights come up.

Sarah is now lying on the bed. Voice is weaker with longer pauses between words and blended with occasional wheezing and coughing. Difficulty with breathing and speaking is noticeable. Kyle now holds her cup and helps her to drink from a straw.

Sarah

(Coughing and looking at the picture frame) It was such a beautiful wedding, wasn’t it? I’m so glad I got to see it.

Kyle

(Sitting next to her and holding her cup now with a straw) It was beautiful, you were so beautiful and the kids were so happy. It meant everything to them to be able to share that with you. (Places his hand on her head and strokes her hair) Especially when you took the floor and danced with Tyler.

Sarah

That was so hard. I’m just glad I could do it, even if I didn’t finished the song.

Kyle

I was just so happy to see you dance. You made me so proud…I cried.

Sarah

(Coughs and takes a drink) You did? I didn’t see.

Kyle

How could you? You were cutting a rug. (Laughs a little)

Sarah

(Smiles weakly) I just wish we could have stayed in that moment. I was so happy, there with all of them, but now, here I am, so weak…so sad.

Kyle

Why?

Sarah

(Tearing up) Because I will be leaving you soon. I know I have accepted that, but I don’t want to leave you alone.

Kyle

You’re not leaving me alone. You gave me two wonderful kids and a lifetime of memories. (Taking a tissue and wiping her eyes and her mouth) I will never be lonely. You made sure of that.

Sarah

I know, love. (Coughs) I know you’re saying that for me. But be realistic, please.

Kyle

I am. (Stands and begins to pace the bedside) You will be with me forever. I’ve told you this before. So many times before. From the day I first laid eyes on you outside the student commons building, I knew you were the only girl for me, and that has never changed. Will never change. My heart belongs to you and only you.

Sarah

But you’re still young. You will have urges and…

Kyle

(Cutting her off) And they will be filled with thoughts of you until the day I join you. (Kissing her forehead and sitting back next to her) Now, let’s stop wasting the time feeling sad thinking about these things and do something to make you happy.

Sarah

Hello, (coughs) I can’t even get out of this bed to pee on my own anymore, and they’re bringing the morphine soon.

Kyle

(Not acknowledging) How about we take a trip? Just the two of us.

Sarah

(Looking at him intently) What are you talking about? (Coughs) You know I can’t go anywhere.

Kyle

Yes, you can. You can go anywhere you want to. There is still time, and I’d like to do something for you while it still matters. While you can still enjoy it.

Sarah

What are you talking about? This doesn’t make any sense.

Kyle

The Tate, my love, I’m talking about the Tate.

Sarah

We can’t go to England. You know that.

Kyle

Yes, we can. (Dims the lights and turns on the projector). It’s right here. Can you make out the image on the wall? (An image of the Tate Museum appears on the wall)It’s the Tate, my love. I give you the Tate.

Sarah

What? What did you do?

Kyle

Remember when Tyler took his Spring Break trip to Colorado? (She nods.)Well, he didn’t go to Colorado. I sent him to England to bring you back the Tate.

Sarah

England? (Tears up) Tyler…is that why he didn’t…

Kyle

Yes, my love. (Kisses her) Tyler helped me to bring you the Tate. Now, look, here’s the outside of the museum. Notice all the intricate details cut into the stone, the columns and the cornices?

Sarah

Yes, I see them. I see it all. (Pausing to take it all in)It’s so lovely. (Pause) It looks so peaceful, so inviting.

Kyle

Good, because here you…at the front door (Image of the door is shown). Are you ready to go in?

Sarah

(Noticeably emotional) Yes, yes I am.

Kyle

Here you are, my love, you’re standing inside the Tate. (Image from the entryway of the Tate)

Sarah

My God, (Squeezes Kyle’s hand weakly) I never knew it could be this beautiful.

Curtain.

|����=Characters:

Kyle, male in mid-40s-50s

Sarah, female late-40s

Set:

A bedroom with a bed of some sort and a night stand.

Props:

A picture frame (used a couple times), if available, a projector that can project a couple images on the wall of the Tate Britain (if a projector is unavailable, the play will continue without the images), some papers/pamphlets, an envelope with a piece of folded paper inside, a head scarf, a straw and a coffee mug.

Note: The play is broken into three parts with the diming of the stage lights denoting the passage of time. In the first part, Sarah should remain standing. In the second part she will be sitting, and in the final part she will be lying down.

Play opens on characters entering the room. Sarah is noticeably agitated and angry.

Sarah

It can’t be! No, it can’t be! (Kyle moves close to comfort her) God, (pushing away) I always knew this would happen, but why now?

Kyle

(Tries to comfort with his voice) Hey, it’s one doctor’s opinion. We can…

Sarah

We can what, waste money to see another doctor who will say the same thing? For Christ’s sake Kyle, we always knew this might happen. (Picks the picture frame up off the table as her voice gets softer) I just somehow hoped that it wouldn’t.

Kyle

(Moves in and puts an arm around) I know, I was hoping too.

Sarah

(Not hearing and referencing the picture frame) Look at them. My grandma was 49 when she was diagnosed, and she was dead at 50. My mother was diagnosed at 53 and died that same year, and here I am, 47, and ready to start the next journey in our lives, but this is not the journey I was planning for.

Kyle

I know. But…

Sarah

(Putting the picture down and getting agitated) But what? Is this where you tell me everything will be okay? That I will (speaking in air quotes) “beat the odds”? That I will be different than them (points to the picture frame)? Well, is it?

Kyle

(A little slow to respond) I…I don’t know how you want me to answer that. (Pause) I want to say “yes” (quick pause) to all of those, but I don’t think you want me to. (Pause) Am I right?

Sarah

(Sarcastically) Yes, Kyle, you’re right. I don’t. I know it, you know it, my sister knows it. There’s nothing that can be done. God damn this stupid death sentence! This was supposed be our year to travel. (She picks up some papers off the table).

Kyle

(Calmly) I know, love.

Sarah

(Not really hearing him) The Acropolis (throws the paper), the Louvre (throws the paper), State Hermitage (throws the paper), the Prado (throws the paper) and my dream, the Tate (rips this page and throws it). Now, I will never see any of them.

Kyle

(Slowly moving toward and her still speaking calmly) That’s not true. You know it, and I know it. All the doctor said was that we can’t go until your initial treatments are over. (Puts his arms around her) I’ll just move the tickets back, and we’ll see how you feel.

Sarah

(Pushing him away) Move the tickets back! See how I feel! Do you not remember watching my mother wither away into nothing? Do you think I will be any different!?

Kyle

(Finally getting upset) Yes, God damn it, I do! You’re stronger than the both of them put together. And everyone knows it but you! (Calming down) You just can’t go giving up already. There’s more to you than that. I…

Sarah

(Cutting him off) I have inoperable cancer of the brain stem…there’s nothing we can do. I might get a couple more months at best to put my affairs in order, but that’s it.

Kyle

If you feel that way, why don’t we just go? Leave next month like we planned? You can start your treatment when we get back. We’ll just cut our trip shorter.

Sarah

Now you are being ridiculous. (Pacing around the room)You know I can’t fly. The doctor said a flight could kill me. (Pause) Yes, I know how that makes me sound, but I want to die on my own, not in airplane flying over the Atlantic. (Pause) No, we’ll just go through the motions, and I’ll start the chemo.

Kyle

You can beat this. I know you’ll get better.

Sarah

No, my love, I won’t, but isn’t it pretty to think so?

Lights dim.

Lights come up on Sarah sitting on the edge of the bed, head wrapped in a scarf and she looks exhausted. There’s a drink next to her.

Sarah

(Sounding tired and looking drained of energy) Well…that was it…my last treatment…what a waste that was. (Takes a drink) All those hours lost. I should have listened to you.

Kyle

What do you mean?

Sarah

We should have just gone. All this treatment has done is wear me out. I’m now too exhausted to do anything but sit here and wait to die.

Kyle

That’s not what we’re doing. The doctor said the chemo slowed the spread to the nervous system. He said…

Sarah

I know what he said, I was sitting right there in the room for as much as the two of you acknowledged me. You talked about me like I wasn’t even in the room. “If she does this, if she does that, she could do this,” blah, blah, blah. Why didn’t you have the decency to involve me more in the conversation of my death?

Kyle

What do you mean, involve you? I wasn’t trying to leave you out? I just needed to know what I’m to do now. I’m the one taking care of you, aren’t I?

Sarah

Well, maybe I don’t need a caretaker?

Kyle

What’s that supposed to mean?

Sarah

It’s supposed to mean, maybe I don’t need a caretaker. (Coughs a few times. Takes a drink) I can die on my own. (Sets the cup down) I don’t need you to help me do that.

Kyle

He said you could get a year, maybe two…

Sarah

(Talking over him) But he also said that was the best case scenario, worst case one to two months.

Kyle

Why are you focusing on that? You seem to be able to eat more. Maybe you are getting better, right? Can’t you think more positively?

Sarah

(Taking his hand and pulling him down next to her) No, I can’t. I’m dying. And you know, as well as I do, that I’m eating more because of all the pot I’m smoking. (She smiles slightly at him) Anyway, what does it really matter if I live one month or two years, I’ll still be gone before you and the kids. (Picking up the picture frame) I won’t see Tyler graduate from college and I won’t get to see Janey’s wedding. I won’t get to meet my grandkids or see how the kids turn out as full-fledged adults.

Kyle

What’s with all this Debbie-Downer talk? You need to be thinking more positively. Come on, Tyler graduates next May, and Janey and Scott have already said they’d move the wedding up to when you are feeling better. (Gives her a hug) You’ll get to see both of those. I know it.

Sarah

I wish I had your optimism. I just don’t.

Kyle

(Hands her an envelope from his pocket) Maybe this will help.

Sarah

What’s this?

Kyle

Just open it.

Sarah

(Opens envelope and takes out some papers.) What the hell is this!? Is this some kind of sick joke!? God you can be such an ass! (Begins coughing horribly.)

Kyle

(Trying to comfort by rubbing her back) Are you okay? Do you need me to do anything?

Sarah

(Takes a drink and slows her speaking.)I need you to think with your head. (Takes another drink) What would possess you to book flights to England? I’m in no shape to fly, and I’m in even worse shape to see the Tate. God, I can’t believe you would do something like this without talking to me first.

Kyle

I just thought…

Sarah

(Cutting him off) You just thought what? That I’d jump up and say let’s go? Where have you been these last four months? Didn’t watched me throw-up most everything I ate for weeks? Haven’t you watched me lose all of my hair? Wasn’t it you who had to help me move from room to room? Help bathe me? Where in all of this did you think it would be a good idea to book a trip? (Coughs again.)

Kyle

I…I thought that it would give you something to work toward. England, the kids’ wedding, Tyler’s graduation, these could all be goals to keep you going. I know how much you want to be part of all these things. And the Tate. I know…

Sarah

Yes, love, I do want to see the Tate, watch Tyler get his degree and Janey say “I do,” but I’m being realistic. My mother had things she wanted to do once her cancer hit, and she didn’t get to do one. So why…

Kyle

(Voice rising to show the importance of what he is saying)Because you are not your mother nor your grandmother for that matter. I’m sorry, but they’re dead and you’re not. Yes, they cursed you with this death sentence, but it doesn’t mean that you need to lie down and let it happen…

Sarah

But…

Kyle

(Rising from the bed) I am not finished. I have sat by your side every day and night for the past fourteen weeks. I’ve watched what the chemo has done to you. I know how hard it’s been, but you’re still here. So rather than lying here waiting for the disease to take your life, why don’t you take my hand, lean on me a little bit more and enjoy what time we have left. Let me give you what I can. Let me give you the Tate.

Sarah

Kyle, I don’t…

Kyle

(Sitting and taking her in his arms) I don’t need anything from you but a yes.

Sarah

(Starting to cry) I’ll try, love. I’ll try.

Kyle

That’s all I’m asking. (Kisses her and pulls her closer)

Lights dim.

“Here Comes the Bride” plays.

Lights come up.

Sarah is now lying on the bed. Voice is weaker with longer pauses between words and blended with occasional wheezing and coughing. Difficulty with breathing and speaking is noticeable. Kyle now holds her cup and helps her to drink from a straw.

Sarah

(Coughing and looking at the picture frame) It was such a beautiful wedding, wasn’t it? I’m so glad I got to see it.

Kyle

(Sitting next to her and holding her cup now with a straw) It was beautiful, you were so beautiful and the kids were so happy. It meant everything to them to be able to share that with you. (Places his hand on her head and strokes her hair) Especially when you took the floor and danced with Tyler.

Sarah

That was so hard. I’m just glad I could do it, even if I didn’t finished the song.

Kyle

I was just so happy to see you dance. You made me so proud…I cried.

Sarah

(Coughs and takes a drink) You did? I didn’t see.

Kyle

How could you? You were cutting a rug. (Laughs a little)

Sarah

(Smiles weakly) I just wish we could have stayed in that moment. I was so happy, there with all of them, but now, here I am, so weak…so sad.

Kyle

Why?

Sarah

(Tearing up) Because I will be leaving you soon. I know I have accepted that, but I don’t want to leave you alone.

Kyle

You’re not leaving me alone. You gave me two wonderful kids and a lifetime of memories. (Taking a tissue and wiping her eyes and her mouth) I will never be lonely. You made sure of that.

Sarah

I know, love. (Coughs) I know you’re saying that for me. But be realistic, please.

Kyle

I am. (Stands and begins to pace the bedside) You will be with me forever. I’ve told you this before. So many times before. From the day I first laid eyes on you outside the student commons building, I knew you were the only girl for me, and that has never changed. Will never change. My heart belongs to you and only you.

Sarah

But you’re still young. You will have urges and…

Kyle

(Cutting her off) And they will be filled with thoughts of you until the day I join you. (Kissing her forehead and sitting back next to her) Now, let’s stop wasting the time feeling sad thinking about these things and do something to make you happy.

Sarah

Hello, (coughs) I can’t even get out of this bed to pee on my own anymore, and they’re bringing the morphine soon.

Kyle

(Not acknowledging) How about we take a trip? Just the two of us.

Sarah

(Looking at him intently) What are you talking about? (Coughs) You know I can’t go anywhere.

Kyle

Yes, you can. You can go anywhere you want to. There is still time, and I’d like to do something for you while it still matters. While you can still enjoy it.

Sarah

What are you talking about? This doesn’t make any sense.

Kyle

The Tate, my love, I’m talking about the Tate.

Sarah

We can’t go to England. You know that.

Kyle

Yes, we can. (Dims the lights and turns on the projector). It’s right here. Can you make out the image on the wall? (An image of the Tate Museum appears on the wall)It’s the Tate, my love. I give you the Tate.

Sarah

What? What did you do?

Kyle

Remember when Tyler took his Spring Break trip to Colorado? (She nods.)Well, he didn’t go to Colorado. I sent him to England to bring you back the Tate.

Sarah

England? (Tears up) Tyler…is that why he didn’t…

Kyle

Yes, my love. (Kisses her) Tyler helped me to bring you the Tate. Now, look, here’s the outside of the museum. Notice all the intricate details cut into the stone, the columns and the cornices?

Sarah

Yes, I see them. I see it all. (Pausing to take it all in)It’s so lovely. (Pause) It looks so peaceful, so inviting.

Kyle

Good, because here you…at the front door (Image of the door is shown). Are you ready to go in?

Sarah

(Noticeably emotional) Yes, yes I am.

Kyle

Here you are, my love, you’re standing inside the Tate. (Image from the entryway of the Tate)

Sarah

My God, (Squeezes Kyle’s hand weakly) I never knew it could be this beautiful.

Curtain.