In this project we created plays about Central American Immigrants and studied the problems in Central America that might cause them to immigrate. Crime rates are high and in many places people live in extreme poverty with little hope of moving up the socioeconomic ladder. To manny central americans, the USA shines as a beacon of opportunity but the way there is wrought with manny hardships such as molasses slow democracy and untrustworthy smugglers. We also debunked myths about what immigrants do when they reach the US, such as the myths that they leach of US welfare or take US jobs.
Play Script
Ruby’s Journey
by Connor Jennings and Albany Scott
Characters:
Ruby - 15 year old Honduran girl. Main Character.
Levi - Ruby’s best friend. Dreams of going to America and believes he can.
Fernando - Works as a Coyote. Smuggles kids to a group of kidnappers that demand money from the kids’ parents. Is kind at heart.
aZat lives near Ruby in Honduras. Cares for Ruby when she is first caught by the border patrol.
Border Patrol Officers - Mexican Border patrol.
Mary - Ruby’s Daughter.
Farmer - American farmer that hires Mary.
Children - Kids who are traveling with Fernando
Synopsis:
Ruby and Levi are living off money sent to them by Ira, their sister in the US. Levi decides to travel to America and Ruby comes with him. They get caught and are sent back to Honduras. Ruby then discovers that she is pregnant and must make a choice to either stay in Honduras and allow her child to live a similar life that she did, or travel to the US, facing many dangers along the way.
Script:
Scene 1
Baby Ruby & her Family are huddled together center stage. Ruby is crying.
Mother: Oh don’t worry my little one, everything will be ok. Ira, could you please hand me a bottle
for your sister?
Ira: Ok mama. (Gets up and grabs a bottle) Oh Ruby, no llora, no llora.
Father: If only we had more money, the girls deserves better than this.
Mother: I thought you said you were close to getting a raise at work?
Father: I haven’t told you everything, something happened at work, a lot of people got laid off and ...
Mother: Oh, honey... but you work so hard. Usted es el único que poner comida en la mesa.
Father: Don’t worry, I’ll find a new job. In fact I’ll do it now. (Gets Up)
Mother: NO! You know how dangerous the streets are at night! (Under her breath) Honduras tiene el mayor asesinato en el mundo...
Father: No te preocupas, I’ll be fine.
Father exits the stage left. A gunshot is heard and Father screams. Then Mother and Ira Scream and the stage blacks out.
Scene 2
Lights Up. Levi is lying on the floor with his foot in Ruby’s Lap, center stage. Ruby is wrapping gauze around Levi’s ankle. They are sitting in a back ally.
Levi: God Ruby, what are we going to do.
Ruby: My sister’s care package should arrive in a few days, let’s just hang on till then.
Levi: And then what? We’re still stuck in this terrible country. Who’s to say I won’t get killed next week, or worse? Something needs to change. We can’t keep living like this!
Ruby: But where would we go? All of Honduras is like this. Here we at least know how to navigate the streets and keep out of the way of la pandilla.
Levi: No, you’re wrong. We do have a place to go. Your sister, she’s doing okay in the states, right? Why can’t we live with her?
Ruby: She’s doing all she can, you know that. Getting the money to imigrate takes time.
Levi: Not necessarily. Look, we need to get out of this place. Your sister has been trying to imigrate us for two years! And we’ve heard of no progress! If we stay here any longer we’re gonna get killed or I’m gonna kill myself!
Ruby: But...
Levi: If you don’t want to come, that’s fine. But I’m not sit around waiting to get murdered. I’m going to the US, legally or not.
Levi gets up and limps of stage right. Ruby gets up, looks around and runs off after him (stage right).
Scene 3
Sirens are heard from offstage. Ruby and Levi enter from stage right, panting. Ruby stops center stage and sits down, pulling out a canteen of water and drinking.
Levi: Ruby! What are you doing! We only crossed the Guatemalan border 2 hours ago. The patrols could still be looking for us!
Ruby: Yo fatigado! Like you said, we’ve been running for two hours. I need to rest.
Levi: Fine, but we’re going in cinco minutos.
A group of kids and Fernando walk on stage. Fernando is edging them on and stumbles over Ruby.
Ruby: Gahh!
Fernando: Shhh! Be quiet. The’ll find us. Wait, quién eres?
Ruby: I’m Ruby, who are you? And what are you doing with all those kids?
Fernando: My name is Fernando. I’m taking these kids to the US border.
Ruby: Why?
Fernando: Their parents will pay me for their safe arrival to the U.S. It’s not much, but it’s enough to get by.
Levi: Ruby, this guy is a coyote. You can’t trust him, let's go.
Fernando: Hey! You can come with us, you'll be safe.
Levi: No, we’re not going with you!
Fernando: Your lose...
Fernando and the kids leave
Ruby: Maybe we should of gone with them?
Levi: Nah, you can’t trust coyotes. Who would smuggle kids for only the hope of a reward if they didn’t have some ulterior motive? Besides, we made it this far on our own. We’re better off by ourselves.
Ruby: I guess you’re right... anyways, I’m ready, let’s go.
Ruby gets up and Levi and Ruby begin to walk to stage left. Armed border agents rush in from both sides.
Agent #1: Stop right there! Yo rodeado!
Agent #2: You are under arrest for illegal immigration into Mexico.
The agents close in. Ruby and Levi struggle but are eventually handcuffed center stage.
Agent #1: Where are you two from?
Ruby: Honduras! We’re from Honduras! Nosotros somos Hondurans!
Agent #2: Honduras huh? You guys are the tenth group of kids from honduras this week. Well, no time to be sentimental, get into the truck. We’re taking you home.
Everyone exits stage right. Lights black out.
Scene 4
Lights up. Ruby is on a bed in a hospital center stage. It says “Honduras medical center” on the wall. The hospital is run down and the bed is rusty and the doctor is disheveled and standing to the right of Ruby’s bed There is a machine behind Ruby’s bed.
Doctor: Ruby is it? I’ve heard word that you just tried to imigrate to mexico?
Ruby: I was trying to reach the US.
Doctor: Well, take my advice. Immigrating illegally is too dangerous. I can’t tell you how many patients we’ve had from costa rica and nicaragua. All of them talking about this great safe haven to the north. All of them attacked on the road. I know it seems bad here but the trip is just too dangerous.
Ruby: I suppose you may be right...
Doctor: You’re lucky that the Mexican government funds Grupo Beta. Without their funds I wouldn’t of been able to fix your arm. Those border patrols really jostled you up, huh.
(Machine Beeps)
Doctor: Right, now on to business. Your wrist should be fine, it’s only a small sprain, but we found... something interesting in our examination. Can you tell me about your sexual history?
Ruby: (confused) What do you want to know?
Doctor: Ruby, you’re Pregnant.
Ruby: QUÉ!!!!
Doctor: Yo sabo, yo sabo, this must seem pretty sudden, but tell me, do you have any idea how you might of gotten pregnant?
Ruby: Yo no sabo... I mean... habiá una vez... on the street... this guy...
Doctor: The streets of Honduras are a dangerous place, I’ll put you down as a victim of rape.
Doctor leaves stage right. Levi enters from stage right. When he sees Ruby he runs up and hugs her.
Levi: Oh Ruby, yo muy contento tú eres bueno!
Ruby: Levi, there’s something I need to tell you...
Levi: (Ignoring Ruby) Don’t worry, when you in good shape again we can try for America again. This time we’ll make it!
Ruby: Yo soy embarazada.
Levi: QUÉ!!!
Ruby: You know that time I got attacked on the street...
Levi: Oh my God...
Ruby: I can’t take this Levi! My life is just one bad thing after another! What is my sister gonna think?
Levi: Honduras, Central America, It’s all just pain and suffering. In the states we’ll be ok.
Ruby: But, the baby... We didn’t make it last time, what if something worse happens? The trip is so dangerous?
Levi: Well, you're the one who’s pregnant, tú decides.
(Audience makes the choice to either have Ruby stay in honduras or leave for the US)
Option 1 (Leave for America):
Ruby: We can’t stay here. I can’t let my child live the life I have lived. She would have a much better life in America. When can we leave?
Levi: It depends, how bad did those border agents bang you up?
Ruby: I’m fine, just a sprained wrist. Nothing I can’t manage.
Levi: I’m fine too, so I guess we can leave now?
Ruby: Yeah, now.
Levi and Ruby walk of stage. Blackout.
Scene 5
Middle of a park. Fernando is surrounded by children, center stage, and he is counting them. Ruby and Levi walk onstage from the left. Ruby Recognises Fernando and Rushes over to him, Levi reluctantly follows.
Ruby: Fernando? Is that you?
Fernando: Huh? Oh, you’re that girl I met on my last run. I take it that you didn’t make it to America.
Ruby: Yeah, we got caught just a little while after you left. Did you make it?
Fernando: You kidding me? I’ve been doing this gig for half my life! Of course I made it!
Ruby: Everyone made it across the border OK?
Fernando: The border? Oh, yeah, right, the border. They made it across just fine.
Levi: Come on Ruby, let’s go. Like I said before, tú no confies coyotes.
Ruby: But Levi, we didn’t make it last time, they did. I’m not sure if the baby will be able to survive if we get sent back.
Levi: I’m telling you, don’t trust him.
Ruby: Is there any room left in your party?
Fernando: There is always room, if you can pay.
Ruby: Well, I only have 50 dollars...
Levi: Ruby! What are you doing! That’s the last of our money!
Ruby: (ignoring Levi) I know it’s not a lot, but my sister will pay you when I reach the US
Fernando: Alright. As long as there is someone with money you can contact. (to everyone) Alright kids, lets go! Time for a better life in America.
Everyone walks off stage right Blackout
Scene 6:
Fernando is sitting down on the side of a road center stage. Ruby walks up from stage right, creeps up behind him and sits down.
Fernando: Ah! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.
Ruby: Yo no puedo sueño, I keep worrying about the ba...(decides not to tell Fernando she is pregnant) about things.
Fernando: Yeah, I’m also worried about... things.
Ruby: So what’s your deal?
Fernando: My deal?
Ruby: Yeah, your deal. Where are you from, why are you doing this?
Fernando: I grew up in Honduras. My dream was always to go to the US, and when my mom died, I guess I was given that chance... You know what? You really don’t want to know about me.
Ruby: Nah, I do. Go on.
Fernando: Fine, so I made it to the US but there was nothing there for me. I knew no one, and I got found and deported before I got to know anyone. That’s why I started doing this, you know? I was trying to build up connections on the other side of the border. But, I’ve given up on that dream now... So what’s your deal?
Ruby: My dad was killed when I was a baby, my mom died soon after. I’ve been moving from shelter to shelter most of my life. My sister sends money from the US, It’s enough to get by. But I figure, If I go to the US I can have a better life. I’ll have a home.
Fernando: (moved) What are you planning to do when you reach the US?
Ruby: This sounds stupido, but I always thought I would open up a flower shop. I don’t remember much from when I was little, but I think my mom, before she died, would always bring home these wonderful bundles of flowers. (smiling as she remembers) She would find the flowers laying along side of the road.
Fernando: I guess I never really thought about what I wanted to do when I reached the US...
Ruby looks to Fernando, waiting for him to continue, but Fernando is silent and looks away from her.
Ruby: You’re a señor bien Fernando. I know you will bring us to safety.
The sound of a car is heard from offstage. Fernando looks up and gets to his feet.
Fernando:(Solem) Ruby, could you go wake the other children.
Ruby: Why? It can’t be more than 1 am.
Fernando: We... You need to switch trucks.
Ruby: Wait, you’re not coming with us?
Fernando: Ruby (Sigh) just go get the other kids.
Kidnappers with guns enter from stage left. They are followed by 5 children who look distraught.
Kidnapper #1: Don’t work yourself up Fernando, we got the other kids.
Kidnapper #2: Hey! Little girl! Come with us!
Ruby:(scared & confused) Fernando? What is going on?
Fernando: Just go with the men Ruby.
Kidnapper #1 grabs Ruby and starts pushing her and the other children off-stage left with the butt of his gun.
Kidnapper #1: Come on little sweeties, get the van!
Levi: Ruby! What’s going on? (pauses and looks around) It’s the coyote! He’s behind all this!
Ruby: You can’t do this! Fernando, help!
Fernando: Yo soy apenado. I really am.
Kids are pushed off-stage left. Fernando Crosses upstage-left and kneels down. During this time the kids come on stage right and go upstage-right. Ruby kneels upstage parallel to Fernando and the other kids kneel behind her. The kids and Fernando do not look at each other as they are in different places. There is a spotlight on fernando and the rest of the stage is in darkness. Ruby and the other kids are frozen in place.
Fernando: (to the audience) I’m not a bad man, I’m not. (Sigh) What I told Ruby was true, about why I started this Job. And I would've liked to continue like that, but the truth of the world is that money is survival. And the kids I was smuggling didn’t have any money, their parents weren't willing to send a thank you card with some cash, they were struggling as it was. I didn’t have a choice. But you would be surprised how much some people would pay for a kid. Those guys that you just saw, 500 bucks a kid, (laughing) I’m no king but I’ve got enough to get by. (sigh) but, that girl, Ruby. I usually make a point to not get attached to anyone, but, man, she broke down my defences like flamethrower breaks down a block of ice!
Spotlight fades and reappears on Ruby and the other children. Fernando freezes. They adlib for 3 seconds (what’s going on? What is this place etc). Then the other children freeze and Ruby talks.
Ruby: (speaking to the audience) Oh god, where am I? This must of been what Levi warned me about! (Soft and sweet) But Fernando, he seemed so nice... (mad) but it was all a lie! His story, his hopes and dreams, they were all just a con to get us here, herded like cattle into a slaughterhouse!
Spotlight fades. Ruby freezes. Spotlight reappears on Fernando.
Fernando: That girl... I can’t... I won’t let them touch her! Or any of the other kids! This has gone on long enough! (Exits stage left)
Spotlight fades and reappears on Ruby and the other kids. The kids are ad libbing as a kidnapper enters stage right and come up to Ruby. They then quiet down.
Kidnapper #2: Hey, little girl! Time to make a call.
Ruby:(scared) A call. To whom?
Kidnapper #2: You gotta have family somewhere! Dial them up and tell them that if they don’t fork over 3,500 bucks you’re dead meat! (He thrusts a phone into Ruby’s face. Ruby nervously starts to punch numbers into it. She starts crying. Then Fernando enters stage right, walks up behind Kidnapper #2 and knocks him out.)
Fernando: Ruby! Are you OK?
Ruby: (angry) You! What are you doing here.
Fernando: Silencio! I’m here to break you out.
Ruby: You handed us over to kidnappers!
Fernando: Yeah, but I’ve been thinking, all off this, it’s so wrong! I’ve looked past what they do here for 25 years. I always thought that, because their pay lets me live, it was in a way, justified... but a human life shouldn’t be something you barter with or toss away when it’s no longer useful. That’s how I was treated on my first journey, and it shouldn’t be happening on your’s!
Ruby: (disgusted) How can you live with yourself?
Fernando: That’s the thing: I can’t. And this one small act can’t begin to make up for all the people I’ve hurt, but it’s a start. Come on! They’ll be waking up any minute!
Fernando, Ruby and the other kids all run of stage right. BLACKOUT.
Scene 7:
Lights up in Ira’s apartment. It is sparsely decorated. There is a door to stage right. Ira is standing center stage pacing back and forth. A doorbell sounds off stage right. Ira trots up to the door and opens it. Ruby, Levi and Fernando are standing on the other side.
Ira: (Shakely) Ruby?
Ruby: Ira...
Ruby runs into the room and hugs Ira center stage. Fernando and Levi take one step into the room.
Ira: Oh Ruby! I was so worried about you!
Ruby: For a little while I was too... Oh! I totally forgot. Levi, Ira. Ira, Levi. Fernando, Ira. Ira, Fernando.
Ira: Oh, so this is the Levi I have heard so much about. And your relationship to Fernando is...
Ruby: He helped us cross the border.
Ira: Oh, Ruby I am just so happy to see you.
Ira and Ruby continue hugging. Fernando and Levi begin to walk out the door but are stopped by Ira.
Ira: Hey! Levi, Fernando, where do you think your going.
Levi looks at the floor solemnly and shrugs.
Ira: Well you can’t be left to wander the streets! This is America! And if it’s true you helped my sister get here than I can’t thank you enough. You can stay here as long as you like, you too Fernando!
Ruby: So what are we going to do now.
Ira: Getting american citizenship is a long process, but you’ll be safe while it’s happening.
Ruby: I can’t believe it. No more running, no more hiding, no more begging on the streets. I am finally home.
END PLAY
Option 2 (Stay in Honduras):
Ruby: Ohh Levi I am so sorry that we couldn’t go to america but think at least here we have shelter and it is safer than to travel to America because of the baby
Levi: yeah you are right america is just a dream crossing the border is just too Dangerous
Ruby: Maybe this is just the life we are supposed to live
Blackout
Scene 5:
Ruby is laying on a hospital bed and levi is sitting on the chair next to the doctor is standing next ruby with the baby in her/his hands the baby is covered in a blanket. You hear the baby crying. The lights turn on.
Doctor: Congratulations it’s a girl
Ruby: May I see her!
( doctor hands her the baby then exits the room )
Levi: she is beautiful it is a shame that she has to grow up in this horrible place maybe now we can still take her to america
Ruby: I already told you the journey is to dangerous
Levi: But she does not deserve this
Ruby:Levi please…
Levi: Only bad things can happen to her here!She has no chance!
Ruby: cuántas veces tengo que decirte que me dijo que no y eso es lo que he terminado de hablar de ello bien ahora por favor deja de!
Levi: ¿qué crees que es goanna suceda a ella aquí son lo más probable es mejor en américa cuántas veces tengo que decirte esto!
Ruby: Le dije que no y me refiero es correcto!
levi gets so upset he walks out of the room as levi exits the doctor enters with a clipboard and pen
Doctor: Is everything ok? where is your friend?
Ruby: Everything is fine
Doctor: Are you sure?
Ruby: I’m sure.
Doctor: Okay Well then. What is her name?
Ruby turns her head down to the little girl who is still in her arms and then looks up at the doctor
Ruby: Her name is mary
Doctor writes down the name then the lights dim down until
they are off
Scene 6:
Light come on. Ruby is holding Mary and Levi is making her a bottle. Then levi hands the bottle to Ruby, Ruby then hands Levi the baby and starts to grab her things. When ruby hands Levi Mary, Mary began to cry
Levi: Where are you going
Ruby: To find work
Levi: But Mary is crying
Ruby: She is okay just please put her to sleep
Levi: But it is so late and you know how dangerous the streets are at night.
Ruby : Everything will be fine okay levi don’t worry so much I will be fine
Levi: You know what happens out there the gangs are out
Ruby:but I need to find work
Levi: why can’t you go tomorrow
Ruby: I am going to look tomorrow to
Levi: It’s too late though Please ruby
Ruby: I promise I will be okay levi I will be back in a few hours it’s not that late
Levi: Prometes
Ruby: Prometo
Ruby exits the stage and then lights dim down. Suddenly there is a loud gunshot you hear Ruby scream. Blackout.
Scene 7:
Fast forward 14 Years to Ruby’s daughter mary who grew up in honduras without any idea of who her mother is or what she went through. She is escaping the to border with 2 of her friends One stage will be mary and her two friends who are going underneath the border.
Friend #1: Mary let’s go we are almost there
Mary: Okay hold up i’m super tired ( mary drinks from the bottle of water)
Friend #2: look we are almost there! Mary come on please lets go before the border patrol catches us
Mary: Okay..Okay i’m just tired can we sit down for a bit please we have been walking for miles
Friend #1: Mary come. On now
Friend #2: Ya mary let’s go
Mary: Okay i’m ready
They all climb under the border Lights dim down
Scene 8:
Light turn on Mary is alone and talking to Farmer The farmer has a Clipboard and is talking to mary,Mary is alone she seems out of breath and is tired.
Mary: Hello I am looking for work
Farmer : What is your name ?
Mary: My name is mary
Farmer: How old are you mary ?
Mary: Im only 14
Farmer : Where are your parents?
Mary: I was told that my parents were killed,I grew up in a orphanage until I escaped to come to america
Farmer: Did you travel alone?
Mary: No I came with two of my friends
Farmer: And where are they?
Mary: They went to find their parents
Farmer: So it is just you?
Mary: Yes
Farmer: (sighs) Okay then here is your tent you work for a dollar a bucket of tomatoes you pick
Mary: Okay Thank you so much
Farmer: No problem mary welcome to america
(Lights turn off )
by Connor Jennings and Albany Scott
Characters:
Ruby - 15 year old Honduran girl. Main Character.
Levi - Ruby’s best friend. Dreams of going to America and believes he can.
Fernando - Works as a Coyote. Smuggles kids to a group of kidnappers that demand money from the kids’ parents. Is kind at heart.
aZat lives near Ruby in Honduras. Cares for Ruby when she is first caught by the border patrol.
Border Patrol Officers - Mexican Border patrol.
Mary - Ruby’s Daughter.
Farmer - American farmer that hires Mary.
Children - Kids who are traveling with Fernando
Synopsis:
Ruby and Levi are living off money sent to them by Ira, their sister in the US. Levi decides to travel to America and Ruby comes with him. They get caught and are sent back to Honduras. Ruby then discovers that she is pregnant and must make a choice to either stay in Honduras and allow her child to live a similar life that she did, or travel to the US, facing many dangers along the way.
Script:
Scene 1
Baby Ruby & her Family are huddled together center stage. Ruby is crying.
Mother: Oh don’t worry my little one, everything will be ok. Ira, could you please hand me a bottle
for your sister?
Ira: Ok mama. (Gets up and grabs a bottle) Oh Ruby, no llora, no llora.
Father: If only we had more money, the girls deserves better than this.
Mother: I thought you said you were close to getting a raise at work?
Father: I haven’t told you everything, something happened at work, a lot of people got laid off and ...
Mother: Oh, honey... but you work so hard. Usted es el único que poner comida en la mesa.
Father: Don’t worry, I’ll find a new job. In fact I’ll do it now. (Gets Up)
Mother: NO! You know how dangerous the streets are at night! (Under her breath) Honduras tiene el mayor asesinato en el mundo...
Father: No te preocupas, I’ll be fine.
Father exits the stage left. A gunshot is heard and Father screams. Then Mother and Ira Scream and the stage blacks out.
Scene 2
Lights Up. Levi is lying on the floor with his foot in Ruby’s Lap, center stage. Ruby is wrapping gauze around Levi’s ankle. They are sitting in a back ally.
Levi: God Ruby, what are we going to do.
Ruby: My sister’s care package should arrive in a few days, let’s just hang on till then.
Levi: And then what? We’re still stuck in this terrible country. Who’s to say I won’t get killed next week, or worse? Something needs to change. We can’t keep living like this!
Ruby: But where would we go? All of Honduras is like this. Here we at least know how to navigate the streets and keep out of the way of la pandilla.
Levi: No, you’re wrong. We do have a place to go. Your sister, she’s doing okay in the states, right? Why can’t we live with her?
Ruby: She’s doing all she can, you know that. Getting the money to imigrate takes time.
Levi: Not necessarily. Look, we need to get out of this place. Your sister has been trying to imigrate us for two years! And we’ve heard of no progress! If we stay here any longer we’re gonna get killed or I’m gonna kill myself!
Ruby: But...
Levi: If you don’t want to come, that’s fine. But I’m not sit around waiting to get murdered. I’m going to the US, legally or not.
Levi gets up and limps of stage right. Ruby gets up, looks around and runs off after him (stage right).
Scene 3
Sirens are heard from offstage. Ruby and Levi enter from stage right, panting. Ruby stops center stage and sits down, pulling out a canteen of water and drinking.
Levi: Ruby! What are you doing! We only crossed the Guatemalan border 2 hours ago. The patrols could still be looking for us!
Ruby: Yo fatigado! Like you said, we’ve been running for two hours. I need to rest.
Levi: Fine, but we’re going in cinco minutos.
A group of kids and Fernando walk on stage. Fernando is edging them on and stumbles over Ruby.
Ruby: Gahh!
Fernando: Shhh! Be quiet. The’ll find us. Wait, quién eres?
Ruby: I’m Ruby, who are you? And what are you doing with all those kids?
Fernando: My name is Fernando. I’m taking these kids to the US border.
Ruby: Why?
Fernando: Their parents will pay me for their safe arrival to the U.S. It’s not much, but it’s enough to get by.
Levi: Ruby, this guy is a coyote. You can’t trust him, let's go.
Fernando: Hey! You can come with us, you'll be safe.
Levi: No, we’re not going with you!
Fernando: Your lose...
Fernando and the kids leave
Ruby: Maybe we should of gone with them?
Levi: Nah, you can’t trust coyotes. Who would smuggle kids for only the hope of a reward if they didn’t have some ulterior motive? Besides, we made it this far on our own. We’re better off by ourselves.
Ruby: I guess you’re right... anyways, I’m ready, let’s go.
Ruby gets up and Levi and Ruby begin to walk to stage left. Armed border agents rush in from both sides.
Agent #1: Stop right there! Yo rodeado!
Agent #2: You are under arrest for illegal immigration into Mexico.
The agents close in. Ruby and Levi struggle but are eventually handcuffed center stage.
Agent #1: Where are you two from?
Ruby: Honduras! We’re from Honduras! Nosotros somos Hondurans!
Agent #2: Honduras huh? You guys are the tenth group of kids from honduras this week. Well, no time to be sentimental, get into the truck. We’re taking you home.
Everyone exits stage right. Lights black out.
Scene 4
Lights up. Ruby is on a bed in a hospital center stage. It says “Honduras medical center” on the wall. The hospital is run down and the bed is rusty and the doctor is disheveled and standing to the right of Ruby’s bed There is a machine behind Ruby’s bed.
Doctor: Ruby is it? I’ve heard word that you just tried to imigrate to mexico?
Ruby: I was trying to reach the US.
Doctor: Well, take my advice. Immigrating illegally is too dangerous. I can’t tell you how many patients we’ve had from costa rica and nicaragua. All of them talking about this great safe haven to the north. All of them attacked on the road. I know it seems bad here but the trip is just too dangerous.
Ruby: I suppose you may be right...
Doctor: You’re lucky that the Mexican government funds Grupo Beta. Without their funds I wouldn’t of been able to fix your arm. Those border patrols really jostled you up, huh.
(Machine Beeps)
Doctor: Right, now on to business. Your wrist should be fine, it’s only a small sprain, but we found... something interesting in our examination. Can you tell me about your sexual history?
Ruby: (confused) What do you want to know?
Doctor: Ruby, you’re Pregnant.
Ruby: QUÉ!!!!
Doctor: Yo sabo, yo sabo, this must seem pretty sudden, but tell me, do you have any idea how you might of gotten pregnant?
Ruby: Yo no sabo... I mean... habiá una vez... on the street... this guy...
Doctor: The streets of Honduras are a dangerous place, I’ll put you down as a victim of rape.
Doctor leaves stage right. Levi enters from stage right. When he sees Ruby he runs up and hugs her.
Levi: Oh Ruby, yo muy contento tú eres bueno!
Ruby: Levi, there’s something I need to tell you...
Levi: (Ignoring Ruby) Don’t worry, when you in good shape again we can try for America again. This time we’ll make it!
Ruby: Yo soy embarazada.
Levi: QUÉ!!!
Ruby: You know that time I got attacked on the street...
Levi: Oh my God...
Ruby: I can’t take this Levi! My life is just one bad thing after another! What is my sister gonna think?
Levi: Honduras, Central America, It’s all just pain and suffering. In the states we’ll be ok.
Ruby: But, the baby... We didn’t make it last time, what if something worse happens? The trip is so dangerous?
Levi: Well, you're the one who’s pregnant, tú decides.
(Audience makes the choice to either have Ruby stay in honduras or leave for the US)
Option 1 (Leave for America):
Ruby: We can’t stay here. I can’t let my child live the life I have lived. She would have a much better life in America. When can we leave?
Levi: It depends, how bad did those border agents bang you up?
Ruby: I’m fine, just a sprained wrist. Nothing I can’t manage.
Levi: I’m fine too, so I guess we can leave now?
Ruby: Yeah, now.
Levi and Ruby walk of stage. Blackout.
Scene 5
Middle of a park. Fernando is surrounded by children, center stage, and he is counting them. Ruby and Levi walk onstage from the left. Ruby Recognises Fernando and Rushes over to him, Levi reluctantly follows.
Ruby: Fernando? Is that you?
Fernando: Huh? Oh, you’re that girl I met on my last run. I take it that you didn’t make it to America.
Ruby: Yeah, we got caught just a little while after you left. Did you make it?
Fernando: You kidding me? I’ve been doing this gig for half my life! Of course I made it!
Ruby: Everyone made it across the border OK?
Fernando: The border? Oh, yeah, right, the border. They made it across just fine.
Levi: Come on Ruby, let’s go. Like I said before, tú no confies coyotes.
Ruby: But Levi, we didn’t make it last time, they did. I’m not sure if the baby will be able to survive if we get sent back.
Levi: I’m telling you, don’t trust him.
Ruby: Is there any room left in your party?
Fernando: There is always room, if you can pay.
Ruby: Well, I only have 50 dollars...
Levi: Ruby! What are you doing! That’s the last of our money!
Ruby: (ignoring Levi) I know it’s not a lot, but my sister will pay you when I reach the US
Fernando: Alright. As long as there is someone with money you can contact. (to everyone) Alright kids, lets go! Time for a better life in America.
Everyone walks off stage right Blackout
Scene 6:
Fernando is sitting down on the side of a road center stage. Ruby walks up from stage right, creeps up behind him and sits down.
Fernando: Ah! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.
Ruby: Yo no puedo sueño, I keep worrying about the ba...(decides not to tell Fernando she is pregnant) about things.
Fernando: Yeah, I’m also worried about... things.
Ruby: So what’s your deal?
Fernando: My deal?
Ruby: Yeah, your deal. Where are you from, why are you doing this?
Fernando: I grew up in Honduras. My dream was always to go to the US, and when my mom died, I guess I was given that chance... You know what? You really don’t want to know about me.
Ruby: Nah, I do. Go on.
Fernando: Fine, so I made it to the US but there was nothing there for me. I knew no one, and I got found and deported before I got to know anyone. That’s why I started doing this, you know? I was trying to build up connections on the other side of the border. But, I’ve given up on that dream now... So what’s your deal?
Ruby: My dad was killed when I was a baby, my mom died soon after. I’ve been moving from shelter to shelter most of my life. My sister sends money from the US, It’s enough to get by. But I figure, If I go to the US I can have a better life. I’ll have a home.
Fernando: (moved) What are you planning to do when you reach the US?
Ruby: This sounds stupido, but I always thought I would open up a flower shop. I don’t remember much from when I was little, but I think my mom, before she died, would always bring home these wonderful bundles of flowers. (smiling as she remembers) She would find the flowers laying along side of the road.
Fernando: I guess I never really thought about what I wanted to do when I reached the US...
Ruby looks to Fernando, waiting for him to continue, but Fernando is silent and looks away from her.
Ruby: You’re a señor bien Fernando. I know you will bring us to safety.
The sound of a car is heard from offstage. Fernando looks up and gets to his feet.
Fernando:(Solem) Ruby, could you go wake the other children.
Ruby: Why? It can’t be more than 1 am.
Fernando: We... You need to switch trucks.
Ruby: Wait, you’re not coming with us?
Fernando: Ruby (Sigh) just go get the other kids.
Kidnappers with guns enter from stage left. They are followed by 5 children who look distraught.
Kidnapper #1: Don’t work yourself up Fernando, we got the other kids.
Kidnapper #2: Hey! Little girl! Come with us!
Ruby:(scared & confused) Fernando? What is going on?
Fernando: Just go with the men Ruby.
Kidnapper #1 grabs Ruby and starts pushing her and the other children off-stage left with the butt of his gun.
Kidnapper #1: Come on little sweeties, get the van!
Levi: Ruby! What’s going on? (pauses and looks around) It’s the coyote! He’s behind all this!
Ruby: You can’t do this! Fernando, help!
Fernando: Yo soy apenado. I really am.
Kids are pushed off-stage left. Fernando Crosses upstage-left and kneels down. During this time the kids come on stage right and go upstage-right. Ruby kneels upstage parallel to Fernando and the other kids kneel behind her. The kids and Fernando do not look at each other as they are in different places. There is a spotlight on fernando and the rest of the stage is in darkness. Ruby and the other kids are frozen in place.
Fernando: (to the audience) I’m not a bad man, I’m not. (Sigh) What I told Ruby was true, about why I started this Job. And I would've liked to continue like that, but the truth of the world is that money is survival. And the kids I was smuggling didn’t have any money, their parents weren't willing to send a thank you card with some cash, they were struggling as it was. I didn’t have a choice. But you would be surprised how much some people would pay for a kid. Those guys that you just saw, 500 bucks a kid, (laughing) I’m no king but I’ve got enough to get by. (sigh) but, that girl, Ruby. I usually make a point to not get attached to anyone, but, man, she broke down my defences like flamethrower breaks down a block of ice!
Spotlight fades and reappears on Ruby and the other children. Fernando freezes. They adlib for 3 seconds (what’s going on? What is this place etc). Then the other children freeze and Ruby talks.
Ruby: (speaking to the audience) Oh god, where am I? This must of been what Levi warned me about! (Soft and sweet) But Fernando, he seemed so nice... (mad) but it was all a lie! His story, his hopes and dreams, they were all just a con to get us here, herded like cattle into a slaughterhouse!
Spotlight fades. Ruby freezes. Spotlight reappears on Fernando.
Fernando: That girl... I can’t... I won’t let them touch her! Or any of the other kids! This has gone on long enough! (Exits stage left)
Spotlight fades and reappears on Ruby and the other kids. The kids are ad libbing as a kidnapper enters stage right and come up to Ruby. They then quiet down.
Kidnapper #2: Hey, little girl! Time to make a call.
Ruby:(scared) A call. To whom?
Kidnapper #2: You gotta have family somewhere! Dial them up and tell them that if they don’t fork over 3,500 bucks you’re dead meat! (He thrusts a phone into Ruby’s face. Ruby nervously starts to punch numbers into it. She starts crying. Then Fernando enters stage right, walks up behind Kidnapper #2 and knocks him out.)
Fernando: Ruby! Are you OK?
Ruby: (angry) You! What are you doing here.
Fernando: Silencio! I’m here to break you out.
Ruby: You handed us over to kidnappers!
Fernando: Yeah, but I’ve been thinking, all off this, it’s so wrong! I’ve looked past what they do here for 25 years. I always thought that, because their pay lets me live, it was in a way, justified... but a human life shouldn’t be something you barter with or toss away when it’s no longer useful. That’s how I was treated on my first journey, and it shouldn’t be happening on your’s!
Ruby: (disgusted) How can you live with yourself?
Fernando: That’s the thing: I can’t. And this one small act can’t begin to make up for all the people I’ve hurt, but it’s a start. Come on! They’ll be waking up any minute!
Fernando, Ruby and the other kids all run of stage right. BLACKOUT.
Scene 7:
Lights up in Ira’s apartment. It is sparsely decorated. There is a door to stage right. Ira is standing center stage pacing back and forth. A doorbell sounds off stage right. Ira trots up to the door and opens it. Ruby, Levi and Fernando are standing on the other side.
Ira: (Shakely) Ruby?
Ruby: Ira...
Ruby runs into the room and hugs Ira center stage. Fernando and Levi take one step into the room.
Ira: Oh Ruby! I was so worried about you!
Ruby: For a little while I was too... Oh! I totally forgot. Levi, Ira. Ira, Levi. Fernando, Ira. Ira, Fernando.
Ira: Oh, so this is the Levi I have heard so much about. And your relationship to Fernando is...
Ruby: He helped us cross the border.
Ira: Oh, Ruby I am just so happy to see you.
Ira and Ruby continue hugging. Fernando and Levi begin to walk out the door but are stopped by Ira.
Ira: Hey! Levi, Fernando, where do you think your going.
Levi looks at the floor solemnly and shrugs.
Ira: Well you can’t be left to wander the streets! This is America! And if it’s true you helped my sister get here than I can’t thank you enough. You can stay here as long as you like, you too Fernando!
Ruby: So what are we going to do now.
Ira: Getting american citizenship is a long process, but you’ll be safe while it’s happening.
Ruby: I can’t believe it. No more running, no more hiding, no more begging on the streets. I am finally home.
END PLAY
Option 2 (Stay in Honduras):
Ruby: Ohh Levi I am so sorry that we couldn’t go to america but think at least here we have shelter and it is safer than to travel to America because of the baby
Levi: yeah you are right america is just a dream crossing the border is just too Dangerous
Ruby: Maybe this is just the life we are supposed to live
Blackout
Scene 5:
Ruby is laying on a hospital bed and levi is sitting on the chair next to the doctor is standing next ruby with the baby in her/his hands the baby is covered in a blanket. You hear the baby crying. The lights turn on.
Doctor: Congratulations it’s a girl
Ruby: May I see her!
( doctor hands her the baby then exits the room )
Levi: she is beautiful it is a shame that she has to grow up in this horrible place maybe now we can still take her to america
Ruby: I already told you the journey is to dangerous
Levi: But she does not deserve this
Ruby:Levi please…
Levi: Only bad things can happen to her here!She has no chance!
Ruby: cuántas veces tengo que decirte que me dijo que no y eso es lo que he terminado de hablar de ello bien ahora por favor deja de!
Levi: ¿qué crees que es goanna suceda a ella aquí son lo más probable es mejor en américa cuántas veces tengo que decirte esto!
Ruby: Le dije que no y me refiero es correcto!
levi gets so upset he walks out of the room as levi exits the doctor enters with a clipboard and pen
Doctor: Is everything ok? where is your friend?
Ruby: Everything is fine
Doctor: Are you sure?
Ruby: I’m sure.
Doctor: Okay Well then. What is her name?
Ruby turns her head down to the little girl who is still in her arms and then looks up at the doctor
Ruby: Her name is mary
Doctor writes down the name then the lights dim down until
they are off
Scene 6:
Light come on. Ruby is holding Mary and Levi is making her a bottle. Then levi hands the bottle to Ruby, Ruby then hands Levi the baby and starts to grab her things. When ruby hands Levi Mary, Mary began to cry
Levi: Where are you going
Ruby: To find work
Levi: But Mary is crying
Ruby: She is okay just please put her to sleep
Levi: But it is so late and you know how dangerous the streets are at night.
Ruby : Everything will be fine okay levi don’t worry so much I will be fine
Levi: You know what happens out there the gangs are out
Ruby:but I need to find work
Levi: why can’t you go tomorrow
Ruby: I am going to look tomorrow to
Levi: It’s too late though Please ruby
Ruby: I promise I will be okay levi I will be back in a few hours it’s not that late
Levi: Prometes
Ruby: Prometo
Ruby exits the stage and then lights dim down. Suddenly there is a loud gunshot you hear Ruby scream. Blackout.
Scene 7:
Fast forward 14 Years to Ruby’s daughter mary who grew up in honduras without any idea of who her mother is or what she went through. She is escaping the to border with 2 of her friends One stage will be mary and her two friends who are going underneath the border.
Friend #1: Mary let’s go we are almost there
Mary: Okay hold up i’m super tired ( mary drinks from the bottle of water)
Friend #2: look we are almost there! Mary come on please lets go before the border patrol catches us
Mary: Okay..Okay i’m just tired can we sit down for a bit please we have been walking for miles
Friend #1: Mary come. On now
Friend #2: Ya mary let’s go
Mary: Okay i’m ready
They all climb under the border Lights dim down
Scene 8:
Light turn on Mary is alone and talking to Farmer The farmer has a Clipboard and is talking to mary,Mary is alone she seems out of breath and is tired.
Mary: Hello I am looking for work
Farmer : What is your name ?
Mary: My name is mary
Farmer: How old are you mary ?
Mary: Im only 14
Farmer : Where are your parents?
Mary: I was told that my parents were killed,I grew up in a orphanage until I escaped to come to america
Farmer: Did you travel alone?
Mary: No I came with two of my friends
Farmer: And where are they?
Mary: They went to find their parents
Farmer: So it is just you?
Mary: Yes
Farmer: (sighs) Okay then here is your tent you work for a dollar a bucket of tomatoes you pick
Mary: Okay Thank you so much
Farmer: No problem mary welcome to america
(Lights turn off )