The Anarchist Read online

  ANN: I . . .

  CATHY: Tell me what you want. What you want. Finally.

  (Pause.)

  ANN: I want to save you.

  CATHY: Why?

  ANN: Because you have a soul.

  CATHY: How do you know?

  ANN: Because I have a soul.

  (Pause.)

  CATHY: Those who have served. (Pause) A Life term. Those who have . . .

  ANN: Killed.

  CATHY: I have no problem with the word. And have served, a term, of thirty-five years . . .

  ANN: Your sentence is indeterminate.

  CATHY: . . . may be released.

  ANN: Because?

  CATHY: Through lack of opposition. By the State allowing the usual definitions of the Indeterminate Sentence. Through judicial lethargy, or sloth, indeed, through chance or mischance . . .

  ANN: But . . .

  CATHY: But finally, if that release seems to the State the path least likely to bring upon itself additional work, anxiety, or trauma.

  ANN: Yes. That’s right. And my question to you is: How could it be otherwise? Unless you were “the special case”; and why would that be.

  CATHY: I thought . . .

  ANN: Yes?

  CATHY: I thought that this meeting would be different.

  ANN: Why?

  CATHY: Because it was the end.

  ANN: You thought it was the end because?

  CATHY: Because you’re leaving.

  ANN: Well. Then it would be the end for me.

  CATHY: Why are you toying with me? Your replacement, must endorse my parole. Based upon my behavior. Based upon Time Served . . . far . . .

  ANN: But the Courts have denied . . .

  CATHY: Far in excess, of that served for any similar crime.

  ANN: We have discretion.

  CATHY: Which, a new, nonprejudiced, impartial official must see, which so prolonged incarceration they must see as “cruel and unusual punishment.”

  ANN (Simultaneous with “punishment”): The Courts have ruled . . .

  CATHY: Much of it, of course, at the, the, the instigation of: The Andersons, of Mrs. Fiske, of the Policeman’s Union of . . .

  ANN: And are they not entitled, to protest, to . . .

  CATHY: They’re gone. Those who were affected. The Policemen, the . . . They’re gone.

  ANN: Mrs. Anderson is not gone. Mrs. Fiske is not gone . . .

  CATHY: . . . and a persistence, in my, contrary to all precedent . . .

  ANN: Do you believe in Justice?

  CATHY: . . . and the Court’s refusal to hear. My latest appeals . . .

  ANN: Do you deny the rights of the Andersons, or of the Police Union, to protest? . . .

  CATHY: I beg your pardon. I . . .

  ANN: No. You “protested” didn’t you? With violence. With . . .

  CATHY: I . . .

  ANN: And called it “protest” although it was crime. And the courts have ruled, you are involved in an “ongoing criminal conspiracy.” Which crime has no Statute of Limitations, which . . .

  CATHY: “An ongoing . . .”

  ANN: You communicated with your . . .

  CATHY: . . . please

  ANN: . . . criminal partner, a fugitive from just . . .

  CATHY: And so you’ve given me thirty-five years. For, for, essentially, refusing to . . .

  ANN: You might have left after the initial, minimum . . .

  CATHY: For refusing to inform. I have repented my crime. I have served that sentence four times in excess of that which you would have imposed on a “mere” criminal. I am an Old Woman. I have done wrong. I have spoken my mind. My father is dying. It’s time to let me go.

  (The phone rings.)

  ANN (Into the phone): Yes. Yes. I know she’s tired. Yes. I know. I’m finishing here. And then I’ll come out. All right. Go ahead. (She hangs up)

  CATHY: Mrs. Anderson.

  ANN: That’s right.

  CATHY: She stayed, as usual, to hear . . .

  ANN: Yes.

  CATHY: And what will she do? When you tell her.

  ANN: When I tell her what?

  CATHY: Of my release. I beg your pardon. You haven’t informed me of your decision.

  ANN: No, that’s right.

  CATHY: But you’ve decided to release me.

  ANN: Which you say because?

  CATHY: You’ve changed my cell. For out-processing. (Pause) I’ve served my time. In Justice. As you know. You know that. (Pause) You say you would like to save me. And I thank you for the thought. Truly. As one who has found that which unites us. Which is the spirit of God. Which is the soul. I am imperfect. I am headstrong. I am arrogant. I am endeavoring to cleanse myself. In accepting that solace offered to me. The Sacrifice of Christ.

  ANN: Oh, please. It’s a lie.

  CATHY: Is it my Resurrection you doubt, or the Existence of God?

  ANN: Do you think I’ve worked here all these years and have learned nothing.

  CATHY: For, don’t you see? The two are the same.

  ANN: It’s a ruse, Cathy.

  CATHY: Is it impossible I have found God? We read that Sinners found God. Do you deny it, Ann? It’s in the Bible. Do you think I don’t know what you suffer? It’s called “doubt.” It is the bar on the gateway to Belief. Christ doubted Himself, Ann, in Gethsemane. He doubted God. Christ, Ann. How can you believe that which you disbelieve? The Prayer must come first, Ann. “Lord Jesus, I have Sinned . . .” Is it not possible. If Christ rose from the dead, Ann, that he saved me? Even me—that I was sent here—to remind you. (Pause) Pray with me, Ann. “Lord Jesus, I have Sinned . . .”

  ANN: Do you think I haven’t prayed? For you, for the others, for Myself?

  CATHY: Have you?

  ANN: Do you think. It was less apparent to me, than to you, that I should question the worth of my “work” here?

  CATHY: What did you pray for?

  ANN: Do you think I’m blind?

  CATHY: What did you pray for?

  ANN (Simultaneous with “pray”): I prayed for forgiveness.

  (Pause.)

  CATHY: And did you find forgiveness? (Pause) Then the time has come to stop praying for, and to pray to God.

  ANN: . . . in the midst of all this suffering . . .

  CATHY: And pray to God.

  ANN: . . . for one sign

  CATHY: How would that sign appear, Ann? Could it be: the plea of a murderess? That you accept Christ. He told us, Ann, the heart is Stone. To open it must shatter.

  ANN: I . . .

  CATHY: It’s called “doubt.”

  ANN: I . . .

  CATHY: Open your Heart and be Saved.

  (Pause.)

  Lord. (Pause) Who ordains all things. Who took the most depraved of women and bid her to Your side to be the Queen of Heaven. Who blessed the good Thief with the vow that he would that day abide with Him. Thank you. For your miraculous gift of Grace. To this poor, wretched sinner. Thank you, Jesus. For permitting me to pray.

  (Pause.)

  ANN: Cathy, it’s a lie.

  CATHY: No.

  ANN: It’s a lie.

  CATHY: Then Christ is a lie. You say you asked for a sign.

  ANN: Yes.

  CATHY: Of?

  ANN: Redemption.

  CATHY: It’s here before you.

  ANN: No.

  CATHY: Then tell me what a sign would be.

  ANN: If you revealed the location of your accomplice.

  CATHY: No, I don’t know it.

  ANN: Cathy.

  CATHY: Yes.

  ANN: I know it’s a lie.

  CATHY: No. You suspect it’s a lie. I’m asking you to trade suspicion for Faith.

  ANN: Where is Althea?

  CATHY: I don’t know.

  ANN: You asked what a sign would be. That your heart has changed.

  CATHY: I cannot confess to that of which I have no knowledge. Even to save you.

  ANN: If your heart has changed.

  CATHY: My h
eart has changed.

  ANN: Then . . .

  CATHY: But how can I confess to that of which I’m ignorant? How . . . how . . .

  ANN: Only in this room.

  CATHY: The ultimate Corruption of Power is the belief that it can do all things. But with all its power the State cannot compel me to confess that which I do not know. The State . . .

  ANN: Not the State, I swear to you . . .

  CATHY: The State does not have the power.

  ANN: . . . Just you and me. For me.

  CATHY: . . . Neither to suspend the natural laws, nor to force me . . .

  ANN: Cathy.

  CATHY: To corrupt my . . .

  ANN: Only in this room.

  CATHY: They pleaded with Jesus: “Come down from the Cross. If you are the Christ.”

  ANN: Is it absurd to ask for a sign? . . .

  CATHY: The sign was not that he descended the Cross, Ann, but that he did not. That is the meaning of Faith.

  ANN: Not to go free?

  (Pause.)

  CATHY: You disappoint me. “Confess and Go Free.” How does this differ from an Inquisition, which the laws, in their wisdom . . .

  ANN: . . . Cathy

  CATHY: No. The State does not have that power. To put me on the Cross? To . . .

  ANN: I have that power. Do you understand? I have to choose. And you are in my power. As was the Officer, when you shot him to death.

  CATHY (To self): . . . oh.

  ANN (Reads): “Cathy shot the guard. Althea stood over the second officer, and shouted, ‘he’s a witness.’ He crawled on his side, away from her, and Cathy shot him.”

  CATHY: No. You. Have put yourself into a false position. (Pause) You are a truthful woman. You’ve asked me to “confess,” to establish, my suitability for release. But you know that is against the law. It is a criminal misuse of power.

  ANN: I asked for a sign.

  CATHY: And if not, what? Am I a witch? Do you think I’m the devil? Do you want to end your time here in absurdity? But then, it was all absurd, was it not? Your “Good Works” and your “Life of Sacrifice.” And what has it brought you? Your child abandoned you, your husband left you. You have grown old. I have love waiting for me. You leave here with nothing. Having, you are correct, accomplished nothing. Which of the “clients” you’ve seen, over the years, has done anything but lie to you—while you took notes?? And you would lie, too. If the machine, which you serve, had oppressed, rather than co-opted you. You served a corrupt State in a failed institution. That’s the story of your life . . . Why?

  ANN: . . . all right.

  CATHY: For the sick thrill of hearing women cry. And lie to you. To see them wonder, “Can I seduce her?” And you, who could have had any of them. Yes, as I did, had and have nothing. Having had nothing but power, and too weak to use it, and now it’s gone. It’s you who should confess. And then you would be saved. Give me a cigarette.

  ANN: I haven’t smoked for years.

  CATHY: Does the girl have one?

  ANN: I don’t know.

  CATHY: And shall I tell you what I plan to do?

  ANN: When?

  CATHY: I beg your pardon. No. You haven’t “said” it.

  ANN: But I’ve changed your cell. For “out-processing.”

  CATHY: Isn’t it true?

  ANN: No. (Pause) I’ve moved your cell. And have removed: your book. Your manuscript, and all of your drafts and notes. I want the location of your accomplice. And unless you give it to me, I’m going to burn the lot.

  (Pause.)

  CATHY: Do you fear me that much?

  ANN: Yes, I do.

  CATHY: Why?

  ANN: Because you killed.

  CATHY: Your successor will set me free. That’s she, isn’t it? In the outer office.

  ANN: She will set you free because?

  CATHY: Because she’s young, because she’s new, because she’s stupid. And believes in the perfectibility of man. Against all evidence. She will read my book, and be moved by it. As will anyone. Who reads it.

  ANN: Because?

  CATHY: Because it reassures the frightened their passivity will keep them safe.

  ANN: You didn’t hear me. I’m going to have it destroyed.

  CATHY: I. Will. Walk. Out of this office. Right now. Into hers. And tell her of your threat. And file a complaint, against you. Which must be heard; and the State will be debarred by law, from destruction of my property. In fact. They will be forced to review it—which is to say read it. And will be “moved” by it. Don’t you see. All of your notions. All come down. To the willingness. Or the refusal to use force.

  ANN: In service of “Historical Necessity”?

  CATHY: Marx was a fool. And he was a Jew: No less a parasite than those he indicted, “writing.”

  ANN: Words have no power?

  CATHY: “only to misdirect . . .”

  ANN: As in your book.

  CATHY: “. . . by what universal test do we know power?”

  ANN: It comes from a gun?

  CATHY: How else have you held me here? Through “natural right”? Through “a consensus of the governed”? People with guns were paid to keep me here. As someone Feared me.

  ANN: . . . they feared your ideas.

  CATHY: Ideas more vicious and violent than mine are entertained every day, in the minds of the most peaceful people on Earth. Doctrines more seditious are taught in the schools. They feared me.

  ANN: As they should.

  CATHY: That’s right. And I’ll tell you about your Brave Announcement. That you were interested in our sex.

  ANN: Between Althea and you . . .

  CATHY: People are seduced by the forbidden. The Weak? Are not “terrified” by this or that act of transgression—they’re thrilled by it.

  ANN: . . . thrilled by it? . . .

  CATHY: What else is a newspaper? (Pause) People are killed every day . . .

  ANN: And what are The Weak frightened by?

  CATHY: The dissolution of their country.

  ANN: “The country is dying”?

  CATHY: “Dying bankrupt, and the wastrel children squabbling about the will.”

  ANN: He wrote well.

  CATHY: It’s nothing to write well.

  ANN: “He fought well”?

  CATHY: He fought, just as you fight. With the weapons at hand. With your guns.

  ANN: Our guns are used to enforce . . .

  CATHY: Laws made by whores, thugs and thieves who bribed their way to office. How many times must you see it?

  ANN: What replaces it?

  CATHY: It’s long been replaced. (Pause) We were looting an empty house.

  ANN: The Officer was there.

  CATHY: Yes, that’s too bad.

  ANN: And you shot him.

  CATHY: He was carrying a gun. He would have done better to use it.

  (Ann walks to the conference table and presses a switch on the intercom.)

  ANN (Into the intercom): Did you hear that? Have it transcribed. I’ll come out now to see Mrs. Anderson.

  (She hangs up.)

  CATHY: You have just sentenced me to a life in prison.

  ANN: Yes?

  CATHY: For speaking my mind.

  ANN: Is that what I did?

  (Pause.)

  CATHY: Do you believe in mercy? What have you done in your long “service” to the State that was a human act.

  ANN: I’ve done this. (Pause) They’ll take you back to your cell.

  END

  DAVID MAMET’s numerous plays include Oleanna, Glengarry Glen Ross (winner of the Pulitzer Prize and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award), American Buffalo, Speed-the-Plow, Boston Marriage, November and Race. He wrote the screenplays for such films as The Verdict, The Untouchables and Wag the Dog, and has twice been nominated for an Academy Award. He has written and directed ten films, including Homicide, The Spanish Prisoner, State and Main, House of Games, Spartan and Redbelt. In addition, he wrote the novels The Village, The Old Religion, Wilson
and many books of nonfiction, including Bambi vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose and Practice of the Movie Business; Theatre; Three Uses of the Knife: On the Nature and Purpose of Drama and the New York Times best-seller The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture. His HBO film Phil Spector, starring Al Pacino and Helen Mirren, will air in 2013. He was co-creator and executive producer of the CBS television show The Unit and is a founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company.