Make It Right

© 2017 by James Lamar

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ACT 1

Scene 1

Spot light on Raymond and Virginia as they walk down the center aisle toward their seat.

RAYMOND

Where are you taking me?  You know I like the back row.

VIRGINIA

I managed to get us special seats for this show.

RAYMOND

How am I gonna be able to sneak out early if we’re way up front?

VIRGINIA

Oh hush. You won’t want to sneak out. We’re gonna have a good time. You understand?

RAYMOND

Yeah I understand. I’ll have a good time. As soon as I get home.

They settle into their seats and the spots go to Mrs. Flowers who walks up to the circle confidently.

MRS. FLOWERS

Welcome parents and students. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Mrs. Flowers, the Principal. What a turnout! We are so glad you could all make it our Open House. There have been so many questions, and so much interest in what we call Restorative Justice or, Restorative Discipline. We thought it would be best to invite you for an “information night”. Excuse me for just a moment please.

The principal and school counselor whisper something.

Lights to platform #2 on the old couple.

RAYMOND ALLEN

Hey. You told me this was going to be a school play, not an “information night”.

VIRGINIA ALLEN

Calm down, calm down. This IS the play. It’s a story. They’re acting! Now just relax. Pay attention.

Lights off platform #2. Back on #1.

MRS. FLOWERS

There are many different practices that contribute to what we call Restorative Justice. But the foundation is the circle. Every day, here at school, each class begins with a circle. So we’ll be sharing that with you this evening.

Miss Thompson leans in to whisper something.

I’m sorry. Please excuse us for just a moment.

They look towards the empty chairs.

Lights to platform #2 on the old couple.

RAYMOND ALLEN

Did I just hear, “Circle? As in Circle Time?” What is this: Sesame Street?

VIRGINIA ALLEN

You’re making a scene, Raymond. Remember your grandson is in this play. And besides, maybe you could learn a thing or two if you calm down and listen for a few minutes. There’s nothing wrong with circles.

Lights off platform #2. Back on #1.

MRS. FLOWERS

Our circle will take place right here (gesturing to the spot). And we might even have a musical number or two this evening. (smiling and pausing) Without further delay, I would like to introduce today’s circle facilitator, Miss Thompson.

Audience applauds.

MISS THOMPSON

Thank you for the nice welcome. My job is help participants follow the guidelines we established early in the year. We respect each other, we listen to each other, essentially we follow the school behavior expectations. (Pausing as if an idea just came to mind…) Students, what are the Barnet expectations? (In unison, students recite them.)

 

That’s the idea.

Before we start this circle, will you join me in sharing our appreciation for our circle participants tonight?  (Applause) Thank you. It seems that two of our participants couldn’t make it. (She slowly directs a glance at those seats.) So, I’m looking for two volunteers. (smiling)

VOICE FROM DOORS

Miss Thompson, I’ve got popsicle sticks with names on them!

MISS THOMPSON

Thanks. We’ll see if that’s needed.

There’s an uncomfortable pause.

MRS. IMAN AZMEH

Hello. I volunteer. (Pause for the audience to turn and look. Standing up.) We are new to school. This might be good way to become a part of the community. (Addressing her daughter, still seated and covering her face.) You think so Amira?

AMIRA

The daughter looks horrified at the prospect of going in front of the school.

I don’t think so mama. (shaking her head)

MISS THOMPSON

You are welcome of course. But only if you are comfortable.

The daughter looks even more horrified as the mother starts walking up to the stage.

MRS. IMAN AZMEH

I am coming, thank you. My daughter, she will come when she is ready.

MISS THOMPSON

Okay. We can make a space for Amira whenever she is ready. We still have one empty chair to fill…

MR. SAMUELS

Miss Thompson, I would be happy to be a part of your circle. Thank you.

Mr. Samuels quickly walks to the circle, cheerful and polite along the way. He finds his chair and settles in.

MISS THOMPSON

Sure. Mr. Samuels. Please join us.

While the two are walking up, the dialogue continues.

JOE EDWARDS

Excuse me, excuse me. I gotta say, I’m a little confused by all of this.

Lights to platform #2 on the old couple.

RAYMOND

You got that right!

(Raymond elbows Virginia.)

I am totally lost... again. (looking at his wife)

VIRGINIA

That’s because you’re not listening. (pause)I’d know... You haven’t been listening to me for years.

RAYMOND

I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention. What’d ya say?

Lights off platform #2. Back on #1.

JOE EDWARDS

I mean, well, I think I’m supposed to be a part of a circle? Right? We didn’t do this kind of thing when I was in school. So I’m not sure what a “circle” is or what I’m supposed to do in a “circle”?

MISS THOMPSON

I don’t think you’re alone Mr. Edwards. I’m sure we can help you understand our circle.

​

Curtain opens, the band begins, and a class is ready to sing.
 

Song: Welcome!

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Welcome, welcome

Come and be as you are

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Gathered round the fire communities began

To warm, to cook, to eat, to speak...from the early days of man

Connected by this circle, with common things in need

Stronger when together, bonded to succeed

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Welcome, welcome

Come and be as you are

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I will meet you in the circle where there is no right or wrong

You can share your story or pass your turn along

Everybody knows that we may not agree

But we respect the right for you to speak...freely

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Welcome, welcome

Come and be as you are

 

A talking piece reminds us who we listen to

We pass it round the circle, it goes from me to you

The center-piece is our symbol, and a place to rest your eyes

While your heart is feeling and while your mind grows wiser

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Welcome, welcome

Come and be as you are

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You may not believe all the gifts you could receive

When you listen with your heart, really listen, listen

When you make the choice to share your deepest voice

You’re grateful those around you do listen, listen

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Welcome, welcome

Come and be as you are

​

MISS THOMPSON

Thank you very much for that informative and inclusive song. What a helpful introduction to circles.

EDDIE

Did they say the part that you can “pass” if you don’t feel like saying anything? That’s important.

MISS THOMPSON

That’s right Eddie. People may pass, and contribute later when they’re ready. (Pause) We never want to force people to speak.

Let’s get started. For today’s  circle, we’ll introduce ourselves in the first round, and then respond to 3 different prompts. By using this process, we should become very familiar with circles and, almost certainly some other restorative justice practices here at Barnet School. There will also be a chance for questions in between the 3 rounds.

Lights to platform #2 on the old couple.

RAYMOND ALLEN

Oh Lord. Did you hear that? 3 times around the circle! Wake me up when circle time is over.

VIRGINIA

Cut it out! This is going to be very interesting. All you need to do is pay attention and care a little bit! (pause) Who knows, maybe there will be a whoopee cushion in this play...

RAYMOND

Whoopee cushion? Now THAT would be entertaining… (sitting up as if it were about to happen).

Lights to platform #1.

MISS THOMPSON

As we go around this first time, let’s introduce ourselves. Please tell us your name and why you’re participating in this circle today. And one more thing, tell us a characteristic that describes you when you are at your best.

CHRIS

Is that the talking piece?

MISS THOMPSON

Yes. Do you want to explain how it works?

CHRIS

Okay. We will use this stuffed animal as the “talking piece”. The only person to speak is the one holding the talking piece. We don’t interrupt. That shows respect to the speaker. It also gives an equal voice to each member of the group.

MISS THOMPSON

Thank you Chris. I’ll get us started. My name is Miss Thompson. I’m the school counselor. I really hope that today’s circle helps our community to understand more of the restorative practices we’re using here at school. When I’m at my best, I show kindness.

ANGELINA

Thank you. My name is Angelina and I’m in second grade. I’m here because I told my teacher I would really, really, really like to be in this circle. Because I love circles and I love school! (huge smile) My characteristic is ...love!

MRS. CRUZ

Thank you. I’m Jackie Cruz, Angelina’s mom. I’m here because my daughter asked me to join her.(directing a short loving glance to Angelina). I want to support the school in whatever programs the school takes on. This is a great place for my children and I want to do all I can to keep it working so well. Thank you. And my characteristic is being grateful.

OCTAVIA

Thank you. (Pausing with an almost giddy expression.) Like Angelina said. (showing the “me too” gesture) She’s my best friend. (Smiling and pausing.) So that’s mostly why I’m here. (Pausing.) Oh yeah. My characteristic is friendly. I’m really friendly.

CHRIS

I’m Chris and I’m in 4th grade. I know, I’m kind of short. I guess I’m here cause my brother and my dad were asked to be a part of this circle...so then my dad told me I needed to come up too. And it’s not a good idea to say “No” to my dad. (handing the talking piece off and giving dad an “I’m just being honest look.”) Oh and for my characteristic, honesty!

EDDIE

I’m Eddie and I’m here to…(takes a slow deep breath) I pass. (It’s hard to read whether he’s angry, embarrassed, scared, or sorry. The others express subtle surprise and concern.)

MR. JOE EDWARDS

I’m Joe Edwards. I’m Chris and Eddie’s dad. (Takes a deep breath and sighs slowly.) I guess it’s no secret that we were “invited” to be a part of this circle. So, um, this isn’t my kind of thing. (looking towards Eddie with frustration, and pausing) I guess I value being responsible. To get anywhere in life you gotta be responsible. It usually keeps you out of trouble, and uncomfortable situations.

MR. SAMUELS

Thank you. I am Derrick Samuels. You might have seen me around. I’m a chef and caterer. I specialize in Jamaican food. I also know this school very well. My wife and I had 5 children attend this school. I heard about this musical and wanted to see the performance. Now I get to be part of it! The characteristic I choose is acceptance. I am at my best when I accept people for who they are.

MRS. IMAN AZMEH

Thank you. The song was so nice. Very nice. It make us feel welcome to be in circle. My girl Amira and me, we just got here. We are from far away… a place that is not good right now. America is much better, much safer, I think. Sorry my English is not so good. But thank you. Thank you. My character is to show thank you.

MISS THOMPSON

Thank you. You are very “grateful” Mrs. Azmeh. And thanks to each of you. It’s nice to know a little about each other as we get started.

Miss Thomson sees an audience member’s hand raised.

MRS. JOANNE CARTER

I was wondering why you asked about the characteristics. What’s the meaning of those characteristics?

Miss Flowers approaches the front enthusiastically.

MRS. FLOWERS

Oh, I’d love to respond to that Miss Thompson.

The characteristics you mentioned tell us about our values as human beings. When we talk about restorative practices, we are thinking about how we return to those core values, how we return to the BEST in each of us.

For example, when someone is harmed, we want to restore the kindness, the friendliness, the love. We want to “make it right” again.

When someone is excluded, we want to restore acceptance and respect, to “make it right” again.

When there is dishonesty or irresponsibility, we want to restore the honesty and responsibility, to “make it right” again.

And always we want to be grateful.

These are the core values that we define us and the way we want to live together as a community.

Thanks for the question.

MISS THOMPSON

Thank you Mrs. Flowers. That was a great way to explain our values. Since one of our members passed, I’d like to ask if he is ready now to say something.

EDDIE

Nope. Well, actually, courage. I think courage is important.

MISS THOMPSON

Thanks Eddie. Now let’s consider our first question: What’s going well in our school?  (pause) And please keep in mind, we’re focused on how people treat each other, you know, how people act, what we say and what we do. I’ll go first. (takes a slow deep breath). I think we have the greatest kids! They come to school ready to learn, with a good attitude, and ready to follow our school expectations. Barnet students are great. That’s what’s going well.

ANGELINA

Thank you. I’m glad that people are nice to each other. I don’t see much meanness. It happens sometimes, but usually people are nice to each other. And that’s good!

MRS. CRUZ

Thank you. It seems to me that as soon as I walk in the door I feel a good, positive climate. That’s impressive. The principal and secretary are friendly and upbeat. The staff looks for good behavior. They give links and have celebrations. Those links are everywhere, even in my wash machine! All children respond well to that kind of ...of positivity. Life isn’t always easy, and some of our children face some real ups and downs. I think we all are better off with positivity.

 

Song: Positivity

Life is like a ride, a roller coaster ride, complete with all its ups and downs

As each day will show, it goes and goes and goes, keeps you looping round and round

Each and every day, we can feel the sway, clickin’ clackin’ down the track

So do enjoy the ride, cause there’s nowhere we can hide, you know we really can’t turn back

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The roller coaster ride of life

Has seats for you and me

And we will do just fine

With Pos-i-tiv-i-ty!

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When it’s going much too fast, I’d rather laugh than cry

When you feel like getting off, I’d rather live than die

When it’s all an uphill climb, I say this too shall end

When it turns you upside down, The seatbelt is my friend

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It’s easy to feel down, when you look around, there’s so much to be found going wrong

But finding what is right, makes our lives more bright, and that’s the home where we belong

See how people rise, when we cast our eyes, on what we see that’s looking good

Let positivity, come from you and me, right here in this neighborhood

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Do you recognize all the goodness? We call that positivity.

Do you make the choice, to use a hopeful voice? That’s called positivity.

When you know something’s wrong, and you still sing a song, that’s called positivity.

When you’re feeling low, can you smile and say “Hello”? That’s called positivity.

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OCTAVIA

Showing the agree gesture.

I agree. Like each day Mrs. Flowers and Miss Thompson meet us at the front door and say “Good Morning”. It feels good to be welcomed like that. And you know, sometimes they joke around with me and that makes me laugh.

CHRIS

I think what’s good about the school is that my friends are here. I’ve been going to this school for at least 5 years and I have some pretty good friends. I’m glad for my friends.

Octavia and Angelina again show the “Agree” gesture.

EDDIE

(Pausing when he gets the talking piece.) I appreciate the small circles with Miss Thompson. Those help us make things right after some harm is done. Those are good.

JOE

I see you guys really are trying to make it better at the school. I know there are problems, and I know this ain’t the time to talk about them, but, I’m glad you guys are trying to make things better. You’re doing something.

MR. SAMUELS

Thank you. I’m glad that this school is still the heart of the community like it was when my kids were here. It’s a safe place for our kids to come and learn. It’s a place where children get prepared for life. And, most of the time, you’re doing alright. We’re doing alright. My kids all turned out great. (smiling confidently)

MRS. AZMEH

Thank you again for letting me to be a part of this circle. It’s so nice to be included in a new community, like this. (She looks gratefully, around the circle.) My daughter Amira is new to your school, and it has been hard for her to leave her family, her friends, and her home. But mostly her friends. She gets here and nobody knows her, and of course, she is different. Different clothes, different way to speak English, different history. Thank you for letting her come here and for giving her the chance to make a new life, with new friends. We all need friends, don’t we?

MISS THOMPSON

Thank you, Mrs. Azmeh. And thank you to all. I am grateful for each of your comments, and for your willingness to try something new, like this circle. It sounds like we have common themes of friendship and positivity. We all benefit from having a friend close by. We all benefit from being in a place that promotes a positive attitude! It nice to know we think about our school in that way.
 

Song: Where You Find a Friend

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Early morning, it’s still so dark, can’t see the clouds in the sky

You roll over, you know it’s time, but you’re still asking why

Another day, it’s time to roll, you’ve got a job to do

Thinking ahead, you need something, something to look forward to

You know a place, at the school that you attend

You know a face, smiling at you again

Where you find a friend (4X)

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It’s not always easy, it’s not always fair, it’s hard to know what to do

Sometimes you feel like you’re all alone, as if nobody cares about you

Then you remember, there is somebody, it’s a relief to your mind

Someone who cares, who’s thinking about you, who’ll never leave you behind

You know a place, at the school that you attend

You know a face, smiling at you again

Where you find a friend (4X)

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Some think you’re goofy, some think you’re crazy, some think you’re out of your mind

Friends know you’re normal, just feeling freedom, cause you’re with one of your kind

A friend is a person, who will accept you, for being just who you are

Won’t ever judge you, won’t try to hurt you, they love you because you’re bizarre!

You know a place, at the school that you attend

You know a face, smiling at you again

Where you find a friend (4X)

​

MRS. FLOWERS

What a nice way to finish up our first round. Before moving onto the next round, we’d like to open up the discussion. Are there any questions? (looking around) Yes.

MRS. ROBERTA LANE

(pause, looking almost frustrated)

What’s this? (Her hands are imitating the “agree” gesture. She deliberately shows the audience.) At first I thought one of the girls had a nervous habit. But I see a few of the kids doing it. What’s it mean?

ANGELINA

I can explain it Mrs. Flowers.

She smiles, stands up, and as the music begins, she walks onto stage to begin the first verse.

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Song: Me Too!

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When I hear somebody speaking and I know just what they mean

I feel like saying something, Like “I know just what you mean!”

If I say it out loud, I could interrupt the scene

So instead I use the gesture to show that I agree

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It goes like this, and you could do it too

It has a silent message: I agree with you.

Communication is a natural thing to do

Let the speaker know that you’re thinking, “Hey me too!”

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Sitting in the circle the talking piece goes round

Everybody’s listening, no interrupting sounds

I hear what you say and I want to say to you:

“Hey that’s what I’m thinking,” and I know just what to do

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Have you been interrupted, people talking over you

You deserve more respect, that’s absolutely true

If you know what I mean, show me with the sign

I’m feeling the connection: we’re communicating fine!

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MISS THOMPSON

Wasn’t that wonderful! I trust that explained it, Mrs. Lane?

She responds using the “agree” gesture, smiling slightly.

MRS. FLOWERS

Any other questions before we move on? (Seeing none) Alright then.

MISS THOMPSON

I think we’re ready for round two. This time we respond to this question: What can be improved? Or, what could we do better? Angelina, can you get us started?

ANGELINA

I think we can walk quieter in the halls. Sometimes the halls get really noisy and kind of crazy. And that’s not good for a school. Sometimes it’s so noisy in the hallway that we have to close our door. So that’s something our school can do better.

JACKIE CRUZ

Thank you. This is a hard question. I’m really happy with the school. (pause) Well, one thing I’m concerned about is exclusion. I know that some kids are excluding others from their games, activities, and who they play with at recess. Nobody should tell another kid who she can or can’t play with. That’s not right. Our children each have the privilege of choosing who they are friends with. I’ve learned that this happens sometimes. It breaks my heart.

OCTAVIA

I know what you mean Mrs. Cruz. It’s happened to me before. My mom says I can be friends with anyone I want, and that I can have lots of friends. I don’t have to have just one “best friend” either. She also said that if anyone tells me who can be my friend, that person is not acting like a friend. I should play with somebody else.

CHRIS EDWARDS

I think a big issue at the school is bullying. (tension builds as he pauses and looks around) I mean, everybody knows that bullying happens. Everybody knows that bullying is wrong. So why does it still happen? That’s a problem for our school.

EDDIE

I can’t believe you said that. (looking angrily at his brother) Are you trying to embarrass me in front of everybody? (frustrated, volume of voice is loud, he’s thinking quickly of how to respond) Maybe I’m not like that anymore at school. Maybe I’m not a bully. (He pauses, realizing how personally he responded, he settles down, handing the talking piece to his dad.)

Lights to platform #2 on the old couple.

RAYMOND ALLEN

Did you hear that? Now things are starting to get interesting.

VIRGINIA

I feel sorry for Mr. Edwards right now.

Lights off platform #2. Back on #1.

JOE EDWARDS

When Eddie told me about this “event”, I didn’t really understand it. Now I’m beginning to see what this circle thing is all about. It’s like everybody is given truth serum or something. (pausing to get his thoughts together) Look, I don’t think I’m too different from any parent in here. I just want what’s best for my kids. I hope they grow up to be good people, responsible enough to hold down a job, decent enough to find someone to marry and have a family with, if they want that. I think you know what I mean...but sometimes along the way, things don’t go right. I just want the folks here at this school to give my boy a chance. He’s made some mistakes, like we all have, but he deserves the chance to get things right. I hope you can show him some kindness. He just needs a little help to get things right.

MR. SAMUELS

Thank you, Joe. I hear what you’re saying. There’s always a place for kindness. But it can be the hardest thing to offer. (pause) In fact, I’m not sure we all see kindness the same way, even though we’ve been hearing about it for a long time. Many of the great teachers spoke of kindness: from Plato to Jesus to Mohammed; even Einstein spoke of kindness. My challenge to this school is to consider what the word really means. Kindness in words and actions. What does that mean each day? There may be different kinds of kind. (Extended pause) So, what kind of kind is your kind of kind?

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Song: What Kind of Kind

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In my world there ain’t nobody else

So I learned to be kind: kind to myself

If there’s something I want, and it’s you or it’s me

You better believe, I’m gonna succeed

I’m fast and I’m smart, I do what I must

Cause I learned there’s not a soul I can trust

I’m kind to me now, like I’m kind every day

Now mind your own business and get out of my way

​

If you’re in my circle then you passed the test

With family and friends I feel so blessed

I take care of those who take care of me

I’m kind to you cause you’re like family to me

I’ll even protect you from those who could hurt you

Compete and defeat you, or maybe desert you

In a world that’s cruel, crazy and cold

I will show kindness to one of my own

​

Humans are blessed to do more than survive

The test for my kindness: Are you alive?

All living things deserve my respect

I strive to be kind, that’s what I expect

Sometimes it’s not easy to find the right light

To bring into focus what’s not in our sight

Kindness is light that can bring clarity

The circle’s as wide as we see it can be

​

While it’s true that you’re one of a kind

Deep down inside, what do you find?

Like precious gems are found deep in a mine

What kind of kind is your kind of kind?

​
 

MRS. AZMEH

That was very nice. It reminds me that we all have common interest: we all deserve kindness from others. Where I come from kindness was not shared by everybody...in America, this is what I hope for. I hope that my daughter gives kindness and she receives kindness. (pause)

So far, it is not that good yet. (pause) My girl Amira is not included. She wants to make friends, but she says it’s hard because kids already have their own friends. She tells me the teachers are nice to her but they are very busy and can’t see all things. When she tries to make friends, kids tease her because she talks funny English. This is my hope for your school- to open up, to include others, to be honest and respectful so that others can trust. Real friends feel trust.

​

Song: Trust

CHORUS: Can I trust you with my feelings?

Can I trust you to hear me out?

Will you listen without judging?

Can I trust you beyond a doubt?

Can I trust….you….

Can I trust….you...

​

VERSE: I don’t even trust my family

With all the things inside my head.

So who are you to come and ask me

To put my trust in you instead?

​

VERSE: I’m afraid to share my secrets

With just anyone at school,

My new friends have turned against me.

Makes me feel like such a fool.