Laura Gustafsson

ANOMALY
(TRANSLATED VERSION)

CHARACTERS
WOLF
AMALA, a 2-year-old Indian wolf girl
KAMALA, an 8-year-old Indian wolf girl, later in the play (in London) an 18-year-old spectacular
young woman
JOSEPH SINGH, reverend, a charismatic Indian male in his late forties
STEWARDESS, a beautiful 40-year-old Finnish white female
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE, 25-year-old female
BABY P, Peter Connelly, 1.3.2006-3.8.2007
MONSTER MOTHER, his mother Tracey Connelly, a 27-year-old white British female
STEVEN BARKER, her boyfriend, a 32-year-old white British male
JASON OWEN, Barkers brother, a 36-year-old white British male
GIRL, Owens girlfriend, a 15-year-old British girl
DOCTOR, a middle-aged, British, ethnically Indian female
AUTHORITIES
POLICE
SOCIAL WORKER 1, a younger female
SOCIAL WORKER 2, an older female
RICKSHAW DRIVER, an Indian male
NURSE, a British male
THERAPIST, a British female/male
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER, an Estonian female/male
MR and MRS, a middle-aged British white couple
CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR
DOG
STEWARDESSS CHILD

The play can be performed with 8 actors (5 women + 3 men).

1. ACT
India 1920
Jungle, wolfs lair.
A wolf is protecting two girls, Amala and Kamala, who resemble wolves more than human beings.
Joseph shoots a warning shot. The wolf wont leave the lair so Joseph shoots her and takes the
children with him.
JOSEPH
I shall name you Amala which stands for pure. And you I shall name Kamala which stands for a
pink lotus. In the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost!
Amala sneezes.
JOSEPH
I am reverend Joseph Amrito Lal Singh, and I have done a good deed.
The primitive people of God Amurru throw their babies into the jungle if they are not satisfied with
them, either it is because of a disability of the child or just because the child happens to be a girl. Or
perhaps they just dont feel like taking care of a baby.
I have done a good deed, I say. I have saved these children from their bestial guardians from the
ones who were humans as well as the ones who were wolves.
Amala and Kamala stare at the wall.
JOSEPH
They do not speak. They are of man yet they act like beast. But under their bestiality lies humanity.
Humanity is a permanent principle.
I shall cut off their tangled hair, and make them wear pretty dresses.
Amala and Kamala tear off their dresses.
JOSEPH
I shall dress them up until they learn how to behave like human beings. For I am a benefactor and a
philanthropist.
My dearest children you are so beautiful in a way so strange I only wish youd learn to walk
on your two legs, stand upright. I shall teach you. You will become bipeds. You will learn to
appreciate cooked food. And you will learn to pray.
Amala goes to sleep next to Kamala. They curl up to each other.
London 2006
Tracey is trimming Baby Ps finger nails.
MONSTER MOTHER
Does this hurt?
BABY P
2

Hurs.
MONSTER MOTHER
Hurt. To hurt. This doesnt hurt.
BABY P
Hurts.
MONSTER MOTHER
Doesnt hurt.
BABY P
Dosnt hurt.
JOSEPH
This takes places in 1920 anno domini in the British Indian Empire of West Bengal, near Calcutta. I
am reverend Joseph Singh and my name shall go down in history.
May 2009
On board an airplane.
STEWARDESS
Sometimes I wish wed fly into a black hole.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
(reading a newspaper) Theyve given the verdict.
STEWARDESS
On what?
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
On the murder of little Baby P.
STEWARDESS
Is that a child or something?
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Was. Just a baby, only 17 months old. Look.
STEWARDESS

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
His mother, his mothers boyfriend and the boyfriends brother, who lived in the same house, did it.
They tortured the baby, and beat him up. In the end they killed him.
STEWARDESS
How were they convicted?
3

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
The boyfriend got a 12-year sentence for this case and, Jesus, was sentenced to a life imprisonment
for the rape of a 2-year old girl. The mother got a minimum term of five years in prison, but she and
the boyfriends brother are held indefinitely until deemed no longer to be a risk to the public and in
particular to small children.
STEWARDESS
And how will they know
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Cant believe stuff like this is going on in the U.K! And they were all white. No Muslims or
anything. Hows that possible?
STEWARDESS
Man is his own worst enemy. Anyone can deliver a child, but not everyone can take care of them.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What about mothers instinct?
STEWARDESS
Maybe it just doesnt work for everyone.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
You know what. I always imagine were flying in heaven. And around us are all the dead like
angels and theyre guarding our way. That is why I wanted to become a stewardess. Who knows,
perhaps Baby P is out there too, watching out for us.
STEWARDESS
I believe theres really nothing out there after we die.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Maybe, when youve got kids of your own, youll think otherwise.
STEWARDESS
I cannot have babies anymore.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
You could adopt
STEWARDESS
I am far too old.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
But
STEWARDESS
Please.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
4

Im sorry, I didnt mean

STEWARDESS
Dear passengers, the captain and the crew would like to welcome you to London Heathrow.
Weather is um, cold. Thank you for choosing Cheap&Eazy Airlines. It was a pleasure travelling
with you.
Baby P dies.
STEWARDESS
Eight fractured ribs.
Broken back.
Multiple bruises, cuts and abrasions.
Deep tear to a left ear lobe, which had been pulled away from the head.
Severe lacerations to the top of the head.
Blackened toe- and fingertips, several missing nails. A top of a finger sliced off.
An injury inside the mouth. Partially healed.
One missing tooth. Found from his stomach.
Welcome to London Haringey.
This is where they kill babies.
2.8.2007 the day before the death of Baby P.
AUTHORITIES
Congratulations! We are dropping the charges concerning your babys abuse.
MONSTER MOTHER
Im so happy. Ill go home and bake a cake and give my baby a great big hug.
AUTHORITIES
Were so happy for you.
3.8.2007
BABY P
Hurts. Hurts. Hurts. hurts hurts hurt s hur ts hur ts h u r t s hu rt hu rt h u r t

MONSTER MOTHER
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.
Hello, somethings happened to my baby. Hes all cold and blue and stiff.
telephone:
Can you feel his pulse?
5

MONSTER MOTHER
Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!
India 1920s
We have here a dead cub.
KAMALA
wake up
wake up
wake up
wake up
wake up
wake up
wake up
wake up
wake up
JOSEPH
My dearest children, thank God for this glorious day we are about
Joseph notices Amalas corpse.
JOSEPH
She fell ill and departed this life. This is a day of woe. Let us lay her to rest at once for this tropical
climate does not treat the dead well.
I am thankful I still have you, my darling Kamala.
Joseph tries to gather-up Amalas corpse, Kamala obstructs him.
JOSEPH
Dead. Your sister is dead and gone. You understand? Dead like a chicken we eat for supper.
Supper, yum, you understand? Amala, dead Kamala, alive. Amala forever gone, never coming
back.
Kamala begins to weep.
JOSEPH
Bring me my notebook! This is something completely new: first evidence of her humanity. This is
the first step on a long road that shall bring her to civilization.

The following night.

Kamala is digging-up Amalas corpse from the grave.
JOSEPH
Who is stealing the corpse?!
Kamala! Fie! Bad! Very bad child. Wrong.
Later.
Kamala digs-up Amalas skull from the grave. The skull resembles something between a dogs and
a small childs. From here it will be an object which Kamala cannot bear to separate from.
Later.
It is now bedtime.
JOSEPH
That is not an appropriate toy. Give it to me.
Kamala refuses.
JOSEPH
You will give it to me. It is an object of great medical significance.
Kamala refuses.
JOSEPH
You are testing my patience. Give it to me.
Joseph still cannot get hold of the skull, and, as they struggle, Kamala bites him.
Joseph is forcing Kamala to wear a dog collar, and then tying her down to an iron stove or a tree
with a chain.
JOSEPH
Oh, Kamala. You do understand that in the light of recent events, I have to end up with a solution
like this. But this is just for the night. Please do understand.

Joseph retires for the night. He locks his door just in case.
October 2006
Traceys place.
MONSTER MOTHER
Youre so welcome.
STEVEN
I love you. Youre so fit.
MONSTER MOTHER
This place is a bit small, I know. I cant afford a bigger flat. Maintenance should really be bigger.
But the fucking queer wont get a proper job.
STEVEN
I fucking hate queers.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah I know, theyre like unnatural.
STEVEN
They make me sick.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah. Im so tired of not having any money. Cant ever do what people our age do. Like going to
parties and stuff.
STEVEN
Well you got yourself a good bloke now. Ill make your life one big party.
MONSTER MOTHER
Really?! You mean it?
STEVEN
Yeah, well go to parties and clubs and pubs, whatever you like.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yes!
Oh yeah, then theres that.
(to Baby P) Yes you, little fella.
STEVEN
Hes a pretty one.
MONSTER MOTHER
They let me keep him cause Im the mum. But seriously Im 26, I wanna live. Like a real life.
8

STEVEN
We could do something about him.
MONSTER MOTHER
Like what?
STEVEN
Like kill him.
MONSTER MOTHER
Ha-ha!
STEVEN
Yeah, you know, we could cut off his arms and legs. Thats what I did to a puppy once.
MONSTER MOTHER
Dogs dont have arms!
STEVEN
Thats right, youre so smart!
They laugh, Baby P laughs too.
December 2006
An appointment with the Doctor.
MONSTER MOTHER
Hi.
DOCTOR
Hello. Hows it been going with you two?
MONSTER MOTHER
Alright.
DOCTOR
May I take a look at him?
MONSTER MOTHER
I dunno.
DOCTOR
This is just a regular check-up. Its very important to monitor his growth. Hes now
MONSTER MOTHER
9

Eight months.
DOCTOR
Okay.
BABY P
Hurts!!
DOCTOR
Hey, whats the matter with you? Hes always been such an easy child. Just take it easy, I wont
hurt you.
MONSTER MOTHER
Everything okay?
Doctor notices bruises on Baby Ps face and chest.
DOCTOR
Oh!
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh.
DOCTOR
Umm-hm.
MONSTER MOTHER
Hm.
DOCTOR
Well
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah?
DOCTOR
Yeah well. I need to, you know, well, ask you something, um, personal.
MONSTER MOTHER
What?
DOCTOR
Well You think you could, um, explain how he got these bruises..?
MONSTER MOTHER
He bruises himself. He bashes the walls when hes walking. Over and over again.
DOCTOR
10

Oh, very well Um, can he actually walk yet?

MONSTER MOTHER
Well hes learning to.
DOCTOR
Yes Um, Im afraid I have to report this to, you know
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh no.
DOCTOR
Yes. Im afraid I cant help it.
MONSTER MOTHER
I see.
DOCTOR
Yes.
MONSTER MOTHER
Well
DOCTOR
But dont you worry!
MONSTER MOTHER
Okay.
DOCTOR
Well figure this out. Im sorry.
MONSTER MOTHER
They took my baby away from me.
India 1920s
Kamala is holding the skull.
JOSEPH
Speak. I need to know. Tell me.
Step into the light. If one can speak, one is akin to men.
Just say a word.
Kamala stares at the wall.
JOSEPH
11

I did not rescue an animal or a monster. I rescued a human

being.
(he tries to get Kamalas attention)
I will not fail. You are alive, you will show me.
KAMALA
what JOSEPH
That humanity is endogenous. It cannot be wiped away by
any wolf mothers. Prove it.
KAMALA
fuck me JOSEPH
What are you doing?
KAMALA
come on fuck me JOSEPH
You are deranged.
KAMALA
you want it.
JOSEPH
I do.
London 2000s
Joseph puts a dog collar on Kamala, and then walks her
down the street. Shes walking on all fours.
MRS
Oh, what a lovely dog!
JOSEPH
Isnt she. I found her in the woods.
No.
JOSEPH
Speak.

12

Kamala sniffs her empty food bowl as well as the ground

surrounding it.
JOSEPH
I want you to learn how to speak. I dont give you food for
three days in order to make you say food or hungry.
And what do you do? You go to the chicken hut and kill a
chicken and devour it raw. And when I arrive your face is
covered in blood and youre licking your fingers.
Kamala begins to pant.
JOSEPH
Stop that.
Joseph kicks Kamala.
JOSEPH
There are no grander disappointments than the ones
brought on by our children.
No.
JOSEPH
Speak.
Please.
Neither of them speak for a long time.
KAMALA
Mum.
JOSEPH
No, father!
MONSTER MOTHER
Its not their business anyway. Hes my baby. Ive got my rights. I own him.
January 2007

13

Visiting the childrens services department at Haringey.

SOCIAL WORKER 1
Tracey. We have decided that the child should be at home with his mother.
MONSTER MOTHER
Ive missed my baby so much.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Oh really?
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah, this month has been awful. I never want to be away from him again. I was so sad thinking of
him spending Christmas away from home.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Yeah. Yeah, I know, I have a baby too.
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh well then, you know that anything can happen with them.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Yeah, thats true.
MONSTER MOTHER
No matter how careful you are.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Yeah. Yes.
MONSTER MOTHER
And besides hes always been easily bruised. Just like me. I know it can look bad, but really its not.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Yeah. But thats just why you should be extra careful.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah I know.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Now, can you promise me youll be extra careful with him?
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah, I promise.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
You swear?
MONSTER MOTHER
14

Yeah, I swear.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Okay then. I want to believe in you. (to Baby P) Bye bye then little fellow!
The socialworkers share a private comment.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
I think its really important we dont break up families.
SOCIAL WORKER 2
Hmm.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Sometimes I feel Im doing something important.
SOCIAL WORKER 2
Oh dont worry, it will pass!
The socialworkers laugh benevolently.
London 2007
Traceys place
Baby P is alone at home. He has a small toy airplane which he rolls along the floor. First crawling,
he then stands-up and finally walks. Baby P is exhilarated by his newly discovered mobility.
BABY P
Oh boy oh boy.
Me so good boy.
Mum! Come look!
Good boy walking alone.
Mum!
So good boy.
Nobody enters.
Calcutta 2007
A chaotic street is brimming with traffic: rickshaws, motorcycles, and taxis. Masses of noise, and
litter, people yelling, cars honking, carcasses and livestock can also be seen. Stewardess is
travelling in a rickshaw.
15

STEWARDESS
Please hurry, I need to get to the airport.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
Where are you flying?
STEWARDESS
London.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
Its a nice place, no.
STEWARDESS
Have you ever been there?
RICKSHAW DRIVER
No!
STEWARDESS
Illusions are nice.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
Illusions are very nice.
STEWARDESS
Dont you find your job humiliating?
RICKSHAW DRIVER
All the time!
No.
STEWARDESS
Dont you find your job humiliating?
RICKSHAW DRIVER
Dragging around western women twice the size of my wife. Would I find that humiliating? Oh no!
No.
STEWARDESS
Do you like your job?
RICKSHAW DRIVER
16

It is only a job. Something I do in this life. Next life, who knows, Ill become a taxi driver.
STEWARDESS
Please hurry.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
I know a faster way.
The rickshaw arrives at a narrow alley. It cannot proceed further because a cow is obstructing the
way.
STEWARDESS
(curses in her native language) Voi vittu saatana.
The driver is happy to wait. Stewardess tries to push the cow out of the way.
STEWARDESS
Move it you fucking cow.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
Im sorry, you will not make it.
STEWARDESS
But I have to.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
This is your destiny, Im afraid.
STEWARDESS
There is no such thing.
Rickshaw driver points a gun or a huge knife at the Stewardess.
RICKSHAW DRIVER
Please give me your money and other valuables you are carrying, you white western hag.
After stealing her valuables including her shoes Rickshaw driver takes-off leaving Stewardess
behind him with the cow. Along comes Joseph. He has a fine car with a big trunk. Inside the trunk is
a large transportation box for a dog. Joseph beholds the sight before him - a beautiful and exotic
damsel in distress crying next to a cow with her luggage spread all over the alley.
JOSEPH
17

Hey, you, are you alright?

STEWARDESS
No. Ill be late from my flight. Its so important I get there.
JOSEPH
We are on our way to the airport, please let us give you a ride.
STEWARDESS
Thank you.
Joseph helps her with her luggage.
JOSEPH
I am very much sorry. My fellow countrymen are animals.
Calcutta is left behind.
Heathrow 2007
Inside the cargo compartment of an aircraft after the flight.
STEWARDESS
This really isnt supposed to be my responsibility.
Stewardess spots Kamala inside a large dog transportation box. Kamala gnarls.
April 2007
An appointment with the Doctor.
Baby Ps has two black eyes, a swollen cranium, and bruises over his body.
DOCTOR
Oh.
MONSTER MOTHER
Everything has gone very well.
DOCTOR
Yes

18

MONSTER MOTHER
Seriously.
DOCTOR
Thats nice.
MONSTER MOTHER
Hes growing so fast.
DOCTOR
Yeah... I wouldnt like to sound rude but theres this, you know, slight problem I mean
Marks?
MONSTER MOTHER
What marks?
DOCTOR
Well, I mean, like, the black eyes, and the swelling. And um, yeah, well bruises.
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh you mean those marks. Well. Now this sounds a bit weird, but hes got this habit, you see, hes a
head-banger. Bangs his head against the wall!
DOCTOR
Oh I see. Why do you think that is?
MONSTER MOTHER
I wouldnt know. Its hard to tell when hes still not talking.
DOCTOR
Oh yes, thats right.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yes. And like Ive told you before, he bruises so easily.
DOCTOR
Oh yes, yes, it is said in his file that he does.
MONSTER MOTHER
Of course it is.
DOCTOR
Yes, yes of course.
MONSTER MOTHER
And besides, he keeps tumbling down when he tries to stand up. No balance whatsoever.
DOCTOR
Hes still not walking? But he is 13 months old.

19

MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah!
DOCTOR
I wonder why that is Should we examine him..?
MONSTER MOTHER
I dont think so. It took me a really long time to learn to walk when I was small.
DOCTOR
Yes. Children develop individually. Thats actually totally normal.
MONSTER MOTHER
So, everythings normal.
DOCTOR
Nothing to worry about.
MONSTER MOTHER
Cool!
DOCTOR
Good. The swelling around the eyes will settle after a few days.
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh good, lets get going then.
DOCTOR
Next!
18-year-old Kamala steps in. She has a black eye and some bruises on her face.
DOCTOR
What on earth has happened to you?
Kamala refuses to speak.
DOCTOR
If you wont answer, I cant help you.
Who did it? Boyfriend? Father? Why must it always be one of us who has these problems?
White folk never beat up each other.
We come here and act like beasts.
KAMALA
Im hurt.

20

DOCTOR
Oh, you do speak. Now we can examine you. Ill send you to the lab, and have someone to take an
X-ray of you.
London 2007
A mental institution.
KAMALA
they examine me everythings okay i can keep you with me nobodys saying anything
it is accident
nurse a young woman girl makes sudden move
im not prepared i get confused
i bite
her arm makes noise something breaks
big men with white clothes come they hold me down make me sleep
i wake up tied in bed like pornographic but i have clothes
they are not my clothes
NURSE
Oh, schitzos awake.
You lost something?
Nurse shows her Amalas skull.
NURSE
Too bad.
The girl whose arm you decided to brake, shes my future wife. And at the moment shes carrying
my future child inside her. And if you wouldve managed to hurt her, I swear, Id fucking kill you.
Id take your head in my hands, and Id twist it until your neck would crack.
What are you looking at?
Oh. This. Its gross. And totally unhygienic. I have to to get rid of it.
Nurse takes the skull with him. Kamala sinks into a catatonic state, and remains unresponsive when
people come and poke her.
Some weeks later.
A mental institution, Kamalas room.
JOSEPH
Wake up.

21

Kamala is suddenly elated by this encounter with a familiar person. She behaves like a dog whose
master has finally returned home.
KAMALA
You.
JOSEPH
Father.
Kamala strive for physical contact with Joseph.
JOSEPH
Can you say father?
KAMALA
Home?
JOSEPH
What?
KAMALA
Home.
JOSEPH
No, no home. You need to stay here. They dont think you could adapt to society. Not yet.
Kamala draws back.
JOSEPH
Theres no improvement in your condition. Perhaps youre not motivated enough. And you are
behaving violently.
KAMALA
You?
JOSEPH
Father.
KAMALA
You.
JOSEPH
Oh, you mean that I would take you with me. No, no, no, thats not possible. I cannot guard you
24/7. Its better for everyone that you stay here. Where you dont cause a risk to the public.
22

KAMALA
You.
JOSEPH
No, you wont come with me. I dont want I cant take care of you.
KAMALA
Fuck you.
JOSEPH
Hm. (writes it down) Youve learned some new words. Great.
KAMALA
Go away.
JOSEPH
I just wanted to see you are alright.
KAMALA

JOSEPH
Ill write you.
Kamala is abandoned. She weeps.
London 2007
Tracey is trimming Baby Ps finger nails.
MONSTER MOTHER
Does this hurt.
BABY P
Hurts. Hurts!
MONSTER MOTHER
Really? Does this hurt?
BABY P
Hurt, mum. Hurts.
MONSTER MOTHER
Fuckin shut it. I dont feel like listening to your whining. Youve got it all nicely sorted.
BABY P
23

Hurts.
Tracey slices-off his fingertip.
MONSTER MOTHER
You happy now? Nothings enough for you. You should be grateful. This is peanuts compared to
what my mum did to me.
Somebody is banging on the door.
June 2007
Tracey and Stevens place.
MONSTER MOTHER
They took my baby again! Hes all Ive got.
STEVEN
You got me.
MONSTER MOTHER
But thats different. Hes mine. How can they do this to me?
STEVEN
Come here babe.
MONSTER MOTHER
I cant take this!
STEVEN
Well get him back. I promise.
MONSTER MOTHER
Everyone thinks Im a rotten mother. Im not a rotten mother. Im doing the best I can.
STEVEN
And Ive been like a father to him.
MONSTER MOTHER
They think I cant handle this. I can. Im a good mum.
STEVEN
Youre the best mum a child could have.
MONSTER MOTHER
24

I can take care of him.

STEVEN
Well take good care of him.
MONSTER MOTHER
Well become model parents.
STEVEN
I love you.
Jason arrives with his girlfriend.
JASON
Wanna get drunk? I lost my flat.
STEVEN
Oh shit.
MONSTER MOTHER
Whos she?
JASON
Shes my woman.
MONSTER MOTHER
How old are you?
GIRL
Fifteen. You?
MONSTER MOTHER
27.
GIRL
Thats a lot.
MONSTER MOTHER
I dont reckon so. Im young. I do what youngsters do.
GIRL
Really.
I cant go home because of him. Mum says hes too old to be my boyfriend.
The fuck he is.
Can we crash here for a bit?
JASON
Yeah? Youve got more room now anyway.
25

MONSTER MOTHER
Well get him back soon.
JASON
Yeah, but until then?
STEVEN
Of course, Fat boy. Youre my brother.
Calcutta International Airport, 2007.
JOSEPH
Where do you come from?
STEWARDESS
Finland.
JOSEPH
Are all the Finnish women as attractive as you?
STEWARDESS
Right.
JOSEPH
I didnt mean to be rude. Its just that I find you extremely beautiful.
STEWARDESS
Hm. Thanks.
JOSEPH
It may very well be that I wont return to London.
STEWARDESS
I never asked you your name.
JOSEPH
Joseph Singh.
STEWARDESS
Hm.
JOSEPH
You seem lonely.
STEWARDESS
Maybe I am.

26

JOSEPH
Thats too bad.
STEWARDESS
I always thought Id be happier in the air than on the ground. I thought life would be somehow
lighter up there. I would visit faraway countries. Take a taxi. Wear designer shades. I would wash
my hands with champagne like stewardesses once did. Now theres no champagne, and you have to
make sure to wash your hands with disinfectant every five minutes.
JOSEPH
Would you like to drink some champagne?
STEWARDESS
I would.
JOSEPH
Ive got a hotel room nearby.
On board an airplane, some weeks later.
STEWARDESS
Im pregnant.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Congrats! Youll be a wonderful mother!
STEWARDESS
Will I?
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Of course.
25.7.2007
Tracey and Stevens place.
STEVEN
Who was it?
MONSTER MOTHER
The social services people. Theyre letting him come home.
STEVEN
Great news.
JASON
27

Does that mean we have to scoot then?

STEVEN
Of course not.
MONSTER MOTHER
Well I dunno. Maybe, just when they bring him back. Maybe it looks a bit awkward, if theres so
many people here. Its only one bedroom you know.
GIRL
Sure.
JASON
Yeah, we should be looking for a flat anyway.
GIRL
Our own place! It would be just the two of you for once.
STEVEN
The three of us. With our little baby boy.
MONSTER MOTHER
I reckon we should ease-up on him. I wouldnt want any more trouble with the authorities.
STEVEN
Me neither. I definitely dont need any of that shit.
MONSTER MOTHER
Maybe we should just like, let him be, not be so hard on him when he does something stupid.
STEVEN
I only want whats best for him. Im like a father to him.
MONSTER MOTHER
You are so manly.
STEVEN
I love you.
MONSTER MOTHER
Me too.
GIRL
Ah, thats so cute.
No.
STEVEN
28

Who was it?

MONSTER MOTHER
The social services people. They wont let him home.
STEVEN
Fucking hell. Hes your child!
JASON
We wont need to scoot then, huh?
STEVEN
Yeah, well no.
MONSTER MOTHER
Fucking fucking fuck shit cunt. Hes my son. Im the mother. He belongs to me.
GIRL
Probably thought hed been a bit mistreated.
STEVEN
Who asked your opinion?
JASON
Yeah, shut the fuck up, this is a family tragedy.
GIRL
Well Im fucking sorry. Its just, maybe, Id been a lot more balanced, if Id been taken into custody
as a child too.
MONSTER MOTHER
Are you saying my baby is happier if hes given away? If hell never see his mummy again?
GIRL
Well maybe.
MONSTER MOTHER
You fucking whore.
Tracey attacks Girl. Steven holds her down.
GIRL
Help me!
JASON
You brought that one onto yourself now. I guess it comes from the way you was brought up.

29

No.
STEVEN
Who was it?
MONSTER MOTHER
The social services people. Theyre letting him home.
STEVEN
Great.
JASON
Does that mean we have to scoot then?
STEVEN
Of course not.
MONSTER MOTHER
Well tell them you two are the godparents.
Everybody laughs.
MONSTER MOTHER
Sometimes I get this feeling I want to see someone get hurt. Really bad.
GIRL
My mums boyfriend raped me when I was twelve.
JASON
I thought you were a virgin. Fucking whore, ha-ha.
GIRL
Yeah. Your whore. Ha-ha.
STEVEN
I once fucked a 2-year-old. Ha-ha.
GIRL
Gross, youre disgusting.
MONSTER MOTHER
Was she good.
STEVEN
Yeah. Ha-ha.
GIRL
30

Fucking hell.
MONSTER MOTHER
I think people develop on their own.
STEVEN
Whens he coming?
MONSTER MOTHER
Tomorrow.
STEVEN
Great. Ive got something special for him.
Everybodys laughing.
Baby P arrives home.
2. ACT
Tallinn 1990s
A huge dog shelter. Dozens, maybe hundreds of mongrel dogs. They are all kept on a short leash.
Some have small kennels, others do not. Their food bowls are made of tin. The dogs are barking.
After a while we can notice the Stewardess visiting the dog shelter.
London 2007
An appointment with the Doctor.
STEWARDESS
Hello.
DOCTOR
Hello. I have some quite bad news for you.
STEWARDESS
Oh.
DOCTOR
Yes, take a look at these results.
Abracadabra!
STEWARDESS
I dont quite follow.
31

DOCTOR
Amniotic.
Placenta.
Chronic villi sampling.
Nuchal translucency!
STEWARDESS
What?
DOCTOR
Chromosomal disorders.
STEWARDESS
What?
DOCTOR
Trisomy 21.
STEWARDESS
Whats that?
DOCTOR
Down.
STEWARDESS
What.
DOCTOR
Down syndrome. The baby is a mongoloid.
STEWARDESS
What do I do?
DOCTOR
Abortion?
STEWARDESS
Abortion?
DOCTOR
Thats what people usually do.
STEWARDESS
Well
DOCTOR
Three days off from work. No one will ever know.
STEWARDESS
32

But everyone at my work knows.

DOCTOR
Miscarriage is more common than people would think.
STEWARDESS
Who said anything about miscarriage?
DOCTOR
You can, at work.
STEWARDESS
There is no miscarriage.
DOCTOR
Read these brochures. Theyre about family planning. Think about it. Dont rush to conclusions.
Take your time. But remember, theres not much of it.
STEWARDESS
Thank you, bye bye
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, 2007
STEWARDESS
The foetus is not well. Its got down syndrome.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What did the doctor say?

London simultaneously.
Baby P plays with his toy
airplane.
Tracey and Steven are watching
TV.

STEWARDESS
She recommended an abortion.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What do you think?
STEWARDESS
Maybe it would be for the best.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
You do understand abortion means murder. Every child has a right to live. If you didnt want a baby
in the first place, you should have thought about it a bit earlier.
STEWARDESS
But the doctor said it would be for the best.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Your doctors trying to play God. Dont let her manipulate you. Dont let her kill the innocent child
you are carrying.

33

No, not really.

STEWARDESS
The foetus is not well. Its got down syndrome.

Baby P starts to make a sound

resembling an airplane. At first
quietly, and then it grows
louder.

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What did the doctor say?
STEWARDESS
She recommended an abortion.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What do you think?
STEWARDESS
It doesnt feel right.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
You do understand its life would be a miserable struggle. Youd have a huge responsibility as a
single parent. You couldnt let the baby out of your sight for one moment. And even if the child
made it until adulthood, it could never lead a normal, happy life. It would be discriminated,
despised and bullied for the whole of its life.
STEWARDESS
Lots of children with down syndrome lead a normal life.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Yeah listen, maybe in TV. You need to think whats best for the child. Have some mercy.
No.
STEWARDESS
The foetus is not well. Its got down syndrome.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What did the doctor say?
STEWARDESS
She recommended an abortion.

MONSTER MOTHER
Stop that.

Tracey turns up the volume.

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
What do you think?
34

STEWARDESS
I dont know.

MONSTER MOTHER
Oh for fucks sake I cant take
this shit.

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
In situations like these many people give up their child for others to raise-up.
There are people who have the expertise and the will to do it.
MONSTER MOTHER
Go tell him its my favourite
STEWARDESS
fucking TV show.
Should I give him up to someone else?
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Someone whod take good care of him.

Exit Steven.

30.7.2007
Tracey smears Baby Ps face with chocolate before stepping into the childrens services
department.
MONSTER MOTHER
Be still. Thats right. Good boy. Mummy loves you, try to behave. Dont cry.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Oh my god, whats happen to his face?
MONSTER MOTHER
Huh?
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Its all brown, what is this?
MONSTER MOTHER
Dont touch him..! Youll get your hands dirty.
We had a couple of chocolate biscuits, didnt we. I didnt have time to clean him up. Oh my, it does
look messy. Jesus, youd think were always this messy. Were not.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
How is it possible hes got chocolate on his forehead?
MONSTER MOTHER
You know what children are like.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Im not quite sure
MONSTER MOTHER
35

I swear our place aint messy or anything. We aint unhygienic or something. I got my hair done
just the other day.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
I see, thats nice.
MONSTER MOTHER
Was I supposed to sign a paper. As you see, were doing fine. This is all such a hassle. Dont you
people have anything better to do?
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Well yeah, just sign here.
MONSTER MOTHER
Bye.
The socialworkers share a private comment.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
Do you ever feel like theres nothing you can do?
SOCIAL WORKER 2
All the time.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
So. What do you do then?
SOCIAL WORKER 2
You check the records and figure out whats legal and whats not, and then you do what you can.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
And if according to the records theres nothing you can do?
SOCIAL WORKER 2
We work within the law.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
If theres no sufficient legal justification to take a child away from his parents?
SOCIAL WORKER 2
Then you hope for the best.
SOCIAL WORKER 1
It bothers me.
SOCIAL WORKER 2
There, there, were only human.

36

London 2007
A mental institutition.
Nurse escorts Kamala to her Therapists appointment.
THERAPIST
You dont talk much, do you. Of course its normal for people who suffer from autism.
Ive brought you some cards. They have a picture on them, and a word describing whats in the
picture. When you want to say something you just pick up one of these, and show it to me. Its that
simple. Look.
Please look.
Look!
KAMALA
Fuck you.
THERAPIST
Oh! Very nice, youve started to communicate. But because of your rather limited vocabulary,
please do it with the cards.
Kamala chucks the cards all over the place.
THERAPIST
Oh, I see. We better call it a day then.
Kamala stares at the wall.
THERAPIST
Take her away.
1.8.2007
An appointment with the Doctor / waiting room.
STEWARDESS
(to Baby P) Hey you. What is your name?
MONSTER MOTHER
He doesnt speak.
STEWARDESS
37

Is this your first time here?

MONSTER MOTHER
He doesnt speak. He just doesnt. Im trying to read a magazine here. Why dont they ever have
any good ones.
Stewardess makes Baby P smile.
STEWARDESS
Oh you can smile after all, youre such a pretty boy.
BABY P
Lap!
STEWARDESS
Oh, youve got some dirt on your face, let me wipe it.
BABY P
Hurts hurts hurts!!
MONSTER MOTHER
Great, you happy now?
DOCTOR
Tracey Connelly.
Despite the fact that his back is now broken, Tracey places Baby P in a chair so it appears that hes
sitting comfortably.
BABY P
Hurts.
Mum.
Hurts.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah right.
DOCTOR
Hes learned to speak, thats nice.
MONSTER MOTHER
We had a terrible morning. He didnt want to come. Hes so awfully cranky all the time.
DOCTOR
Yes its the age. Is everything else okay?

38

MONSTER MOTHER
Im really tired.
DOCTOR
Would you like me to write you a prescription?
MONSTER MOTHER
I just wish I could go somewhere really really far away.
DOCTOR
I could prescribe you something, say, to make you sleep better.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah. Maybe that would help me to get over it. I feel like Im a bad mother. That I cant manage.
Im so young!
DOCTOR
No dont say that. We all get a bit tired sometimes. This is a really tough phase in his development.
Youre being very brave.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah.
DOCTOR
Do you think we need to examine him?
MONSTER MOTHER
If you ask me, no. Especially when the lady in the waiting room got him totally upset. What is it
with people, they think they can just go grabbing other peoples babies.
DOCTOR
Youre probably right. A mother knows her child.
MONSTER MOTHER
So I guess were off. Come on. Fun and games are waiting for you at home.
Tracey grabs Baby P and they exit.
DOCTOR
Next!
STEWARDESS
Hi.
DOCTOR
Hello. Youve made your decision.
STEWARDESS
39

Yes.
DOCTOR
Okay then. Shall I fix you an appointment?
STEWARDESS
No.
DOCTOR
Oh. Are you sure?
STEWARDESS
Ive already started my prenatal classes.
DOCTOR
You do understand, it wont be easy.
STEWARDESS
Yes I do.
DOCTOR
Okay then. Its your choice.
STEWARDESS
Goodbye.
DOCTOR
Next!
3.8.2007
Tracey and Stevens place.
Tracey is feeding Baby P. He starts to wave his arms, and then drops his plate.
MONSTER MOTHER
Me mum always said, spare the rod, hate the child.
You up for it?
STEVEN
May I hang him on the ceiling from his feet?
MONSTER MOTHER
Yes you may.
STEVEN
May I beat him like a punch bag?

40

MONSTER MOTHER
Yes you may.
STEVEN
May I hit him with a baseball bat so his skull cracks?
MONSTER MOTHER
Yes you may.
(to Baby P) Okay, time to go to sleep.
Tracey puts Baby P into his cot.
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh my god oh my god oh my god.
Baby P takes his toy airplane and goes to heaven with it.
London 2007

Simultaneously elsewhere.

A mental institution.
Nurse takes Kamala to the Therapists appointment.
He makes her collect the cards she previously scattered around.
Enter Therapist.

THERAPIST
Okay. Lets try once more with the cards.
If you want to get out of here you will cooperate.

Stewardess is participating in prenatal

classes.

Kamala starts to browse through the cards. She picks-up a card with a picture of a man on it.
THERAPIST
Very good. That one stands for father.
Kamala rips the card to shreds.

CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR
Very good.

THERAPIST
I see.
Kamala flicks through the cards. She picks up a card with a picture of a dog on it.

41

THERAPIST
A dog. Can you say dog?
Kamala slips the card underneath her clothes.

CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR
Thats it!

THERAPIST
You cant take them with you. You can only use them here.
Kamala grins, but keeps on flicking through the cards. She finds a card with a picture of an
airplane on it, and lays this on the desk.
THERAPIST
An airplane. I have no idea what you mean.

CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR
Great. Im sure you could do this with your
eyes closed.
STEWARDESS
I wont be needing anybodys help then?
CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR
Ha-ha-ha.

Tallinn 2008
The same dog shelter as introduced at the beginning of the second act.
STEWARDESS
We dont have dogs like that in Finland. But I know who does.
A dog please, big one. Female
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER
How big?
STEWARDESS
Quite fucking big.
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER
Big dog is dangerous.
STEWARDESS
Good.
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER
Finns dont usually want a dangerous dog.

42

STEWARDESS
That one.
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER
She just came here.
STEWARDESS
Is there a problem?
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER
Shes not domesticated.
STEWARDESS
Thats okay.
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER
She can have babies. You know? (she makes a gesture indicating that the dog is with puppies)
STEWARDESS
Oh! I dont mind.
KEEPER OF THE DOG SHELTER.
Big dog is very good. Guards the house and the car. And the baby.
STEWARDESS
Perfect.
Finland 2008
Stewardess unleashes the dog in her backgarden.
STEWARDESS
There comes a night when the labour pains arrive. I am ready.
Contraction. First. Another one. Several.
The water brakes.
I have a mirror so that I can see what is happening. I know what will happen.
I feel the cervix with my fingers. Its open. I can see the top of its head. I breathe. Everythings
going fine.
Ten centimetres.
I push.
I push again.
I breathe.
I push. If only someone could help me. I breathe.
Nothing has ever been this fucking painful I breathe and push, breathe and push. I breathe and
fucking push.
(curses in her native language) Vittu!

43

And there it lies on my bed covered in blood and tissue and its gasping for breath and I clean its
nose and mouth and cut the umbilical cord with my teeth and tie it. It starts to scream. I have to
change the sheet no I have to change the whole mattress. We breathe.
Its alive.
I wash it and dry it and dress it up in an angora woven garment. I wrap it in a blanket and take it in
my arms. We go to the porch.
The dog lives in a shed. Shes got her puppies there. I bring her food every day but she can hunt too,
Ive seen her.
I place the baby on the bottom of the stairs and leave it there. It starts to cry.
The dog comes out from the shed, her puppies start to whine immediately. The dog approaches the
baby and sniffs it for a very long time.
She raises her head and sees me observing from the window.
She lifts it from its neck very gently, and takes it away.
London 2012
A mental institution.
Nurse escorts Kamala into the Therapists office.
THERAPIST
Youve made huge progress.

Prison.

KAMALA
Thank you.

Tracey is brought to face the

Authorities. They sift through her file.

THERAPIST
Im proud of you.
KAMALA
Really.
THERAPIST
Youve learnt to cooperate.
KAMALA
Yeah.
THERAPIST
Even though you suffer from autism
KAMALA
I dont suffer
THERAPIST
Even though you do suffer from autism, we have decided you would get along by yourself just fine.
KAMALA
44

What?
THERAPIST
We are discharging you. You may leave today. All the papers are ready. This is what youve been
hoping for, isnt it.
KAMALA
Where do I go?
THERAPIST
Wherever you wish. The whole world is open to you.
AUTHORITIES
Good luck.
Nurse gives Kamala a plastic bag. Inside is Amalas skull.
Tracey is released from custody.
London 2012
A mental institution.
JOSEPH
I came to see Kamala.
NURSE
Kamala isnt here anymore.
JOSEPH
What do you mean?
NURSE
Are you a relative?
JOSEPH
I am her father.
NURSE
Oh, according to her file she was an orphan.
JOSEPH
Yes. But Im her guardian.
NURSE
Look, I cant give you any information.

45

JOSEPH
But I am her closest relative.
NURSE
Look. Nobody visited her for five years.
JOSEPH

NURSE
So. You cant be that close.
JOSEPH

NURSE
She was a very lonely girl. Didnt get along with others, and the others avoided her.
(If you ask me, though nobody does, but if they did, Id say she wasnt autistic. She just didnt like
it here. Not in this institute, nor in this country. She didnt like doing stuff people do. She didnt
find it meaningful. Didnt see the point, you know. And if she hadnt been forced to try, I bet shed
had been a lot happier with her life.)
JOSEPH

NURSE
Yup. Look, I need to continue my work with the maniacs. Though if you ask me most of them
arent that crazy. Theyre just unhappy.
Silence.
NURSE
Was there something else?
JOSEPH
Did anyone read her the letters I sent?
NURSE
We tried but you see, she didnt understand the whole concept of a letter. She didnt realise that the
one who read the letter, wasnt the one who wrote it.
JOSEPH
Thats a no, then?
NURSE
No.

46

London 2012
On board an airplane.
Kamala is holding the plastic bag she received from the mental institution. An English couple sit
next to her.
MR
Hello.
MRS
Hello dear.
Helloo-o?!
Kamala ignores them.
MRS
What a rude young lady. Can they really afford to be rude like that?
MR
You wouldnt think so after all weve done for them. Education, civilization
MRS
Womens rights.
STEWARDESS
We would like to welcome you to the Cheap&Eazy flight from London Heathrow to Calcutta
International Airport. We will shortly prepare to take off. Please place your hand luggage into the
overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, and fasten your seatbelts. The captain and
the crew would like to wish you a safe flight.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
(to Tracey) Please fasten your seat belt.
MONSTER MOTHER
I think I forgot something.

Stewardess performs the safety

demonstration.
Mr and Mrs study carefully:
You never know, Just
in case...

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Oh dear. Im sorry. Maybe someone can send it to you later.
MONSTER MOTHER
But Im sure its something important.
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Oh. What might that be?
MONSTER MOTHER
47

Dunno, might have left my baby down there.

STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
In the airport?
MONSTER MOTHER
Yeah, but no, but
STEWARDESSS COLLEAGUE
Did you or didnt you leave your baby there?
MONSTER MOTHER

STEWARDESS
Why arent we wearing seat belts here?
MONSTER MOTHER
I left my baby down there.
STEWARDESS
Let me see your ticket.
Tracey shows her ticket.
STEWARDESS
Right. (to Stewardesss Colleague) I suppose she isnt a risk to the public anymore.
Stewardesss Colleague takes a look at the ticket. She is appalled.
STEWARDESS
Fasten your seatbelt. Now.
After the couple have studied the safety instructions they start to gape at Tracey, and then switch
their attention toward Kamala.
MONSTER MOTHER
But my baby.
STEWARDESS
There is no baby.
MONSTER MOTHER
Yes there is. My new baby.
48

MR
(to Kamala) Oh! You need to put that one in the overhead locker, were lifting off. Here let me help
you!
Kamala refuses to hand over her bag.
Stewardess fastens Traceys seat belt.
MR
Its for everybody safety, Miss!
Give me your bag.
Give me your bloody bag! Give it to me. Now.
MRS
It is for our safety.
MR
I command you.
STEWARDESS
Is there a problem?
MR
Yes, her.
STEWARDESS
Her..?
Baby P takes the airplane.
STEWARDESS
Oh.
MONSTER MOTHER
Hey, my babys out there. My old baby.
Announcement:
We are experiencing slight turbulence. It is not unusual. Please stay seated.
MR
Now this is just marvellous. Shes going to get us all killed with her bag. (to Kamala as if she were
an imbecile) It is a safety risk, do you want me to spell it out for you.
MRS
Oh, hell calm down once the tea is served.
49

The airplane vibrates more and more. Stewardess giggles.

MRS
When is the tea served, dear?
Stewardess bursts out laughing.
MR
Fucking say something. This is serious. What are we going to do?
STEWARDESS
You can put your oxygen mask on.
MR
I shall file a complaint about you. Lets see if youll find that funny.
MRS
Do you think this is serious?
STEWARDESS
I wouldnt know. I guess we only get what we deserve.
MRS
Oh dear.
MR
Give me the bag.
Kamala escapes with her plastic bag. Fleeing out of the reach of Mr she settles at the Stewardess
feet for protection.
Announcement:
Please remain seated.
MONSTER MOTHER
Oh look, my baby has learned how to walk.
MR
I dont care about your fucking baby you cunt.
Mr approaches Tracey.
50

MR
What is your bloody problem?
MRS
Hes always been like that.
Announcement:
Our staff has done everything humanly possible. We are now in the hands of the angels.
KAMALA
This isnt fair.
Stewardess strokes Kamalas head to calm her down.
Baby P is flying the airplane faster and faster until he nose-dives it into the ocean.
Finland 2012
Stewardesss backgarden.
There is a huge dog and a child around four years of age who is wearing little more than an old
shirt. The child is walking and running around the garden intermittently on all fours. When hes
tired he curls up next to the dog to keep warm. The dog glances toward the sky, somewhere a
declining airplane is about to crash.

51