Starr is a beautiful woman who finds herself sitting on the witness stand fighting not only for her present life but for her future. Looking out over a crowd of her family members who support her, the judge and jury that she is speaking passionately too and on the other side of the courtroom is her ex-husband is present. Having the right to stand before his accuser he speaks to him candidly and about him. This man she chose to marry who abused her and put her in this position. She takes her time in detailing and explaining the things that happened to her in their abusive marriage while also making it a point to remind everyone that unfortunately it is difficult and sad, but our truth is that women are often not believed. It took her many years to gain the courage and strength to walk out but as she has walked into this courtroom, she realizes that it's possible that the things her husband drilled into her head are true. That she will never be able to escape him, no one will ever believe her crazy stories, and that just like all other women she is not to be trusted. This is a story reflects on the idea that being a victim is difficult in and of itself but made a thousand times more traumatic when the victim finally finds the strength to speak, and no one will listen. *This performance comes with two ending options for the performer to choose.
Rollercoaster
(Reading) Never forget. Never forget how beautiful you are and how special you are. Never forget that before he came into your life you had a family that loved you. Never forget that your mother and father are only a phone call away. If you need them call them. If you are debating if you need them then you probably do and please call them. Never forget that you are strong, you are independent, and these are not things that he can take away from you no matter what he says. Never forget these things that remind you exactly of the person that you were before he changed you into the person that you are. In this moment you still love yourself. A note to self, Starr. (She folds the note and holds it tight for a few moments then looks up.) The date? A little over two years ago. A little over two years ago I wrote this note to myself, I guess not knowing where I would be in the future or if I would even be alive. (She looks out in fear at her husband sitting at the prosecution table, then back to her lawyer speaking to her.) No ma’am, I didn’t expect to ever end up in a courtroom sitting in front of a bunch of strangers explaining to them how it is that I got here. (She blows a kiss and mouths “sorry” under her breath) I definitely never wanted to sit in front of my parents and have them wonder what they did wrong to create such a weak person to allow myself to get here, “Mom and dad I’m so sorry. I’m so so sorry.” I loved the wrong person for the wrong reasons. Believed all of the manipulative things that told me, like I was nothing…I believed him. And now…now I am asking for help, for this court to believe me. I just want my life back.