Happy Ending

A Play by Anat Gov

Translated from the Hebrew by Margalit Rodgers

All rights reserved by

The Hanoch Levin Institute of Israeli Drama
Office: The Cameri Theatre of Tel Aviv, 30 Leonardo de Vinci St.
P.O.B 23097, Tel Aviv 64369, Israel
Tel: (+972)-3-6951188, Fax: (+972)-3-6061956
Email: shimrit@cameri.co.il

Characters:
Talia

A theatre actress, 49

Hayaleh

An elderly cancer patient

Miki

A cancer patient, 55

Emunaleh

A cancer patient, religious, 28

Amalia

A nurse in the oncology day-care department

Dr. Katz

An oncologist, head of the oncology day-care department, 48

Yossi

The wig man

Cancer
Doctors
Surgeons

The action takes place in a hospital oncology day-care department

(The lights go down, and music begins to play. The lights go up on the oncology
day care department. The department is new, modern, sparkling clean, and
furnished and fitted with the latest technological innovations. Large windows
reflect a view made of a collage of CT and MRI images and X-rays. In the room
there are four sophisticated treatment chairs that can become beds. On three of
them sit Hayaleh, Emunaleh, and Miki, all in hospital gowns. The three patients
are talking on their cell phones.)
Emunaleh:

(Into her phone) Leahleh, why arent you at school? Why are you
crying? Hush, Leahleh, whats the matter? I dont unders Let me
talk to Abba

Miki:

Theres no need for you to come before three, Mayaleh, Ive only just
started of course I drank the wheatgrass, I purposely left the machine
dirty, so youd see Yes, Im drinking water, a glass every half hour,
I swear.

Emunaleh:

Hanochi, whats happened? Why is Leahleh crying? Why isnt she at

school? Whats Esterkeh yelling about? Poka? You dont know
what poka is? cola yes, Im sure. Poka is cola go on, give
her some and get right back to me.

Hayaleh:

Thank God. A human voice at last. I called yesterday to order some

camel milk Haya Ben-Dov

Miki:

Just a second, Mayaleh. (To Hayaleh) Camel milk?

Hayaleh:

Its the latest thing. Havent you heard? There was a big report about it
on television.

Miki:

Mayaleh, have you heard anything about camel milk? (To Hayaleh)
She wants to know what its good for.

Hayaleh:

It strengthens your immune system and reduces (Into her phone)

Four cartons, yes. For a week (To Miki) The side effects of this
shit (Points to the IV drip) (Into her phone) Weizmann corner of
Arlozoroff Arlozoroff! (To Miki) Is she deaf or something? (Into
her phone; shouts) Arlozoroff! The one who was murdered! (To
Miki) Why do they have a deaf person answering the phone?

Emunaleh:

She was sent home? Why? Shes been ostracized? Why? But I let
down her skirt last week! They measured it? In front of everybody?
She must have grown without me noticing, but why send her home?

Talk to the principal All right, Ill talk to her, Ill be polite, dont
worry. (Hangs up) (To heaven)Bitches (Dials)
Miki:

(To Hayaleh) Camel milk, is that instead of wheatgrass?

Hayaleh:

As well as.

Miki:

(Into her phone) As well as

Hayaleh:

Wheatgrass, a teaspoonful of turmeric, and a glass of camel milk, in

that order. (Into her phone) Tomorrow between ten and twelve is
fine (Shouts) I said its fine!

Emunaleh:

Hello, this is Emuna speaking, Leah Weisss mother

(Enter Amalia carrying a pile of IV drips)

Amalia:

Good morning.

Miki:

Here, Amalias just come in, you can ask her (To Amalia) Tell her
Im drinking enough water, shes driving me crazy (Brings her phone
to Amalias ear)

Amalia:

Dont worry, Mayaleh, your mothers being a good girl yes shes
drinking Ill check, I promise you too, sweetie.

Miki:

(Into her phone) Happy now?

Amalia:

Thats quite a daughter youve got. We should all have children like
her.

Miki:

Did you hear that, Maya? (To Amalia) Shes completing her MA in
astrophysics (Into her phone) All right, Im shutting up!

Hayaleh:

Liora, its Ima, I know youre busy today and that its Mottis turn to
pick me up, but I think hes forgotten, as usual, and hes not
answering, so I finish my treatment at about four, Ill wait for you.
Call me back when you get this message.

Emunaleh:

Tell her its urgent! No, I cant come now, Im at the hospital

Miki:

Go and do something fun, Mayaleh

Hayaleh:

Motti? Can I speak to Motti?

Miki:

Studying for an exam isnt something fun!

Emunaleh:

Tell her its not the childs fault, its mine.

Hayaleh:

Tell him its his mother calling from the hospital.

Miki:

Tell the professor your mothers got cancer, it automatically gets you a
higher grade Well, of course it doesnt, youve got to be holier than
the Pope, the pedophile!
4

Emunaleh:

What?

Miki:

(Into her phone) Its not a lie! Its just optimal exploitation of the
maximal resources at your disposal at any given time

Emunaleh:

Tomorrow at eight? With the child? Fine, Ill be there.

Hayaleh:

So tell him he was supposed to come with me for my treatment today.

(Hangs up)

Miki:

All right, Ill text you when Im on my last IV bag Ill drink Ill
rest Ill breathe Bye. (Hangs up. Heaves a sigh of relief)

Emunaleh:

Thank you, God bless you. Tomorrow at eight, please God. (Hangs
up)

Amalia:

Its really chaotic in here today.

Hayaleh:

Too many patients, eh?

Amalia:

Too many patients, not enough nurses, as long as the management is

happy (Her phone rings) Damn, whos this now? (Into her phone)
Yes? Im coming. In the meantime call Dr. Katz, Im coming.
(Hangs up) Someones passed out. Great. (Quickly arranges the pile
of IV drips next to the empty chair)

Hayaleh:

Whos this pile for?

Amalia:

A new patient. First treatment, its the full banquet. Appetizer, entre,
and dessert.

Hayaleh:

Theres nothing like the smell of fresh cancer in the morning.

Amalia:

(Finishes arranging) Thats it, is everybody sorted? (Checks the

womens IV drips) This ones almost finished

Emunaleh:

Hanochi, I arranged to meet with her tomorrow at eight Dont

worry, Ill go with her Ill have the strength, please God

Hayaleh+Miki:
Amalia:

Please God.

(To Emunaleh) Sweetie, youve got to rest a little, please God. (Starts
walking toward the door)

Hayaleh+Miki:
Emunaleh:

Please God.

Of course Im reading the Book of Psalms, all the time Chapter 111.
What? Nama-daddle is the new dummy. The red one we bought her
yesterday. Manana is banana, Hanochi! Amool is spoon. She basically
switches letters. (Hangs up. Resumes reading the Book of Psalms)

Miki:

Amalia?
5

Amalia:

(Stops at the door) What is it, sweetheart?

Miki:

The new one is she young or old?

Amalia:

In the middle. (Exits)

(Emunalehs phone rings a Hassidic ringtone)

Emunaleh:

(Into her phone) Yes, Hanochi bawa is water. Apple. Cup. Bye.
(Hangs up)

Hayaleh:

Im exhausted just from listening to her.

(Emunalehs phone rings)

Emunaleh:

(Into her phone) Yes, Hanochi! Moishi? What is it, my darling

you want me to sing to you? What a sweetheart. (Sings a hymn into
her phone)

(At the same time: Miki is putting on hand cream)

Hayaleh:

New hand cream?

Miki:

Maya got it for me. Its cream thats used for cows, for their teats.
Want some?

Hayaleh:

Of course. A cow, thats me.

Miki:

Its great for sores on your hands. (Gives some hand cream to
Hayaleh and Emunaleh; all three put on hand cream)

(The chimes of an elevator bell and announcements are heard)

Announcer: Top Floor Oncology Day Care.
(Clicking heels can be heard offstage, approaching the door. They all listen.
Enter Amalia and Talia. Talia, glamorous and elegant and wearing large
sunglasses, stops at the door to the room. She looks at the women, and turns to
leave)
Amalia:

Whats the matter?

Talia:

Isnt there a private room?

Amalia:

Sorry, theyre all in use.

Talia:

No, I cant be here.

Amalia:

Come on, dont worry. No one will bother you.

(Talia follows Amalia, trying to hide her face from the women in the room. She
doesnt look at them. They look at her. Amalia leads her to the empty chair)
Amalia:

Come and sit down.

Talia:

Can you close the curtain?

Amalia:

Yes, of course, here. (Draws the curtain) Dont worry about your
privacy. Well do everything we can to hide you

(The women lean toward the curtain to listen)

Miki:

Isnt that whats-her-name?

Hayaleh:

Its her.

Emunaleh:

Who? Who is she?

Miki:

You know, that actress, whats her name?

Hayaleh:

Batya? No.

Miki:

No, not Batya. Shes very well known Her names on the tip of my
tongue Shes the star of that theatre what was it? Shes played lots
of roles.

Hayaleh:

Oh, yes, I saw her not long ago in what was it?

Miki:

Mother Courage.

Hayaleh:

No, no.

Miki:

Shakespeare something?

Hayaleh:

Warmer

Miki:

Lady something

Hayaleh:

A shampoo commercial!

Miki:

Thats right! She takes a bow at the end of a performance and loosens
her hair in slow motion

Emunaleh:

Shes got lovely hair.

Hayaleh:

She had lovely hair.

(All three look at the drawn curtain sorrowfully)

(Amalia finishes arranging the IV drip on a stand)
Amalia:

(Hands Talia a hospital gown) Put this on.

Talia:

(Recoils) No way! Im not putting that on.

Amalia:

You have to. Its for sterility purposes.

Talia:

(Takes the gown, holds it at arms length as if it were something

disgusting) Why does it have to be so ugly? Isnt it enough to be sick,
you have to be ugly as well? (Puts it on)

Amalia:

(Helps her to dress) Dont worry, youll be beautiful even with the
gown.

Talia:

I dont like this pattern.

Amalia:

Ill pass it onto our designer.

7

Talia:

Did they make a point of choosing a blind designer or what? Just look
at me! Im not taking my shoes off.

Amalia:

(Holds Talias hand) Its quite natural for you to feel a bit nervous
today

Talia:

Im not nervous.

Amalia:

Everythings new and looks frightening, but

Talia:

Im fine. Really. No big deal.

Amalia:

Did you come on your own?

Talia:

Yes, yes.

Amalia:

Dont you want someone to sit with you? For the first time at least?

Talia:

No, no. I prefer it this way.

Amalia:

Someone will have to come and get you. Youll be getting some very
strong drugs here

Talia:

Ive made arrangements with the taxi driver, everythings fine. Trust
me.

Amalia:

Then you need to give me the number of someone close who can be
contacted in the event of

Talia:

No, no. Dont worry about it, really. Im fine. I swear.

Amalia:

(Scrutinizes Talia) You havent told anyone.

Amalia:

You havent told anyone?

(Talia remains silent)

(The three women lean even closer toward the curtain)
Talia:

I will; its just not a good time right now.

Amalia:

There isnt a good time to tell people about something like this.

Talia:

Its only been a week, Ill tell. When the times right. Its fine.
Everythings fine. Lets start.

Amalia:

Not your children either?

Talia:

Just drop it, will you?

Amalia:

Theyre grown up, arent they?

Talia:

25 and 23. If thats considered grown up, then yes, theyre grown up.

Amalia:

When are you planning to tell them?

Talia:

Soon. I know what Im doing. Believe me.

(Silence)
Amalia:

But theyll notice youre not at your best. Theyll sense it.
8

Talia:

Dont worry, they wont. Im an actress.

Amalia:

I know. I recognized you.

Miki:

Talia Roth.

Hayaleh:

Bingo.

Talia:

I hope it wont get out. This is really important to me.

Amalia:

The staff wont leak it, but you wont be able to hide it for very long.
People will see you around here, theyll talk.

Talia:

Ill say Im here preparing for a part. What are you looking at me like
that for? Once I checked myself into Abarbanel Mental Hospital for
two weeks to prepare for The Madwoman of Chaillot. It goes with the
territory. In fact even you cant be sure that Im not doing this to
prepare for a part.

Amalia:

No sane person would endure chemotherapy to work on a part.

Talia:

You dont know actors.

Amalia:

Now I will. I.D. number please.

Talia:

23688005

Amalia:

(Putting on gloves) Shall we begin?

Talia:

Do I have a choice?

Amalia:

Deep breath, a little prick.

(Talia takes a deep breath. Amalia inserts the needle. Talia stifles a cry of pain.
Amalia hooks her up to the IV drip. Three small bags are suspended from the
stand. Amalia begins to speak rapidly, without punctuation marks, but not
without humanity)
Amalia:

We start gradually, first with some little things to strengthen you,

Zofran to prevent nausea, Zantac against heartburn, and a few steroids
to give you strength, well let those drip quite quickly and in the
meantime Ill explain what comes next. Hold on, why isnt it dripping?
(She manipulates the IV pipe until it starts dripping) Good, now
its dripping in the end it all boils down to plumbing. When were
done with these three friends, well move onto this one, (Takes a huge
IV bag and hangs it on the stand) Oxaliplatin, (The three women
listening attentively, cringe painfully when they hear the name of
the drug, and sigh) well let that drip slowly, itll take a few hours,
you might experience some dizziness at first, so dont try to stand up

on your own, youve got a bell here, even the smallest problem, ring
and Ill come. You might experience some tingling in your fingers and
toes, its one of the side effects, it can also be irreversible, but thats
rare. You shouldnt experience nausea here because youre getting
Emend, but if you feel nauseous at home, youve got prescriptions here
for Pramin, and in severe cases take Zofran, the only problem is that
Zofran has side effects too, pretty bad headaches, so youve got
Neurofen Plus here, you can take two of those. If you feel weak,
youve got a prescription here for Dexamethasone, but you can only
take that after youve eaten, and only if youve taken Ompredex
against heartburn before you eat because the steroids cause a bit of
heartburn.
(Talia stares at Amalia)
(Giving Talia more and more prescriptions and drugs) Imodium,
and Cacaverin only in cases of severe, transparent, greenish diarrhea,
and you take that with food, not before, not after, but during. For
particularly convulsive stomach ache youve got Papaverine
Hydrochloride, for fungus in your mouth Aphtagone gel helps
sometimes, try it. Procto-Glyvenol for hemorrhoids, theres nothing to
be done, its from the diarrhea. By the way, I want to stress that you
can have sexual intercourse theres nothing stopping you, they even
say the orgasms are stronger, but they say a lot of things. And after
sex, or instead of it, whatever you prefer, Bondormin for a good
nights sleep, (Handing her the last prescription) and about hair loss,
it can start ten days after the first treatment, but some go as far as their
fourth treatment, in any event weve got an angel here, his names
Yossi, whos a volunteer wigmaker. His wigs are totally real, and it
saves on blow drying and hairdressers, youll end up becoming
addicted to it, believe me. If, on the other hand, hair suddenly starts
growing where its not supposed to, like a beard or a mustache, just be
aware that it goes away after the treatment; worst case, a little waxing.
Regarding food, our nutritionists ten commandments are:

10

(The lighting changes: a dream sequence. Music. The three women start singing
Amalias speech. At first they remain seated, and then stand up and join the
chorus)
Side Effects:
Hayaleh:

No sugar

Amalia:

No salt

Emunaleh:

No coffee

Miki:

No meat

Hayaleh:

No chicken

Amalia:

No milk

Emunaleh:

No butter

Miki:

Nothing fr

Hayaleh:

ied, nothing

Amalia:

Cooked

Emunaleh:

Nothing spi

Miki:

cy

Patients:

Nothing tasty, ah-ah-ah

Patients:

Well let it drip slowly-slowly, one hour or two.

Miki:

You might experience

Emunaleh:

Some dizziness

Hayaleh:

Or a hangover

Patients:

So dont try standing up on your own.

Tingling in your toes is just a side effect.
If you feel nauseous at home, youve got some Pramin here.
For severe nausea take Zofran (Zofran, Zofran).
The only problem is Zofran has side effects too.
Really bad headaches, so take something strong for those headaches,
you can even take two.
For weakness, two steroids, but only after food,
And only after youve taken Zantac (Zantac) for heartburn, because
steroids give you heartburn but
You can have sexual intercourse, theres nothing stopping you,
They even say the orgasms are much, much stronger, ah-ah-ah
In the end its all plumbing! (*2)

11

Only in cases of severe, transparent, greenish diarrhea, take with food,

not before, not after, but during.
If hair starts growing in your nose, your ear, or on your nipple,
Theres nothing like a little hot wax.
Diarrhea, tingling, nausea, sores, and grogginess,
Heartburn, tiredness, esophageal infections,
And all your hair will fall out.
Weve got an angel here, his name is Yossi (Yossi, Yossi),
But you can have sexual intercourse, theres nothing stopping you
They even say the orgasms are much, much stronger, ah-ah-ah
In the end its all plumbing! (*3) Thats all!
(The women return to their chairs. The lighting changes to normal. Talia
straightens up in her chair, gazing forward, concerned)
Hayaleh:

Im hot, Im burning up. Its hot in here, isnt it? Or is it hot flashes,
may God avenge their blood.

Miki:

(Fanning her long, heavy hair) What can I say?

Hayaleh:

My wigs making me itch, I feel like doing a handstand on some nails.

Miki:

Take it off.

Hayaleh:

Take it off?

Miki:

What do you care? Take it off.

Hayaleh:

I will take it off. (Takes off her wig) Thats nice! Why dont you take
yours off, Miki? Emunaleh, you can take that rag off your head too.
Its just us here. No men, thank God.

(Miki and Emunaleh take off their wigs, and heave a sigh of relief. Now the three
women are bald. Talia cant see them because of the drawn curtain. Suddenly
Talia sits up. Slowly, she tries to stand up. She uses the IV stand for support. She
manages to stand up. She opens the curtain, sees the three bald women, screams
in horror, and almost collapses. They rush to help her, and she becomes even
more alarmed)
Emunaleh:

Are you all right?

Miki:

Sit down. Breathe.

Hayaleh:

Get Amalia.

Miki:

Drink this (Gives Talia her water).

Talia:

(Pushes them away) No, no, Im all right. Its all right. I can manage.

Hayaleh:

We scared her.

12

Talia:

No, its just, I didnt notice the when I came in.

Miki:

We had wigs on.

Talia:

Oh! They look so real.

Miki:

Its Yossi. Hes an artist. A big darling

Talia:

(Interrupting her) Yes, where are the toilets here?

Emunaleh:

You go out of the room and its the first door on the left.

Miki:

Do you need some help?

Talia:

(Warding her off) No!

(Talia puts on her sunglasses. She insists on putting on her high heels, and drags
herself and the IV stand toward the door. They watch her. She exits)
Hayaleh:

Madame de Pompadour! Who does she think she is?

Miki:

Have a little compassion, Hayaleh, shes very nervous.

Hayaleh:

And you suck up to her like I dont know what. Why? Because shes
famous? (Mimicking Talia) Isnt there a private room? No silk
sheets? No goose-hymen pillows? Who do you think you are?
Famous doesnt cut it here! Here were all in the same shit! In a week
shell look just like us!

Miki:

Its her first time. I was in shock the first time too.

Hayaleh:

You never behaved like a bitch.

Miki:

You did.

Hayaleh:

I am a bitch.

(Emunalehs phone rings)

Hayaleh:

Dont answer! Let him manage on his own for once!

Miki:

Calm down, Hayaleh.

Hayaleh:

I cant stand stuck ups.

Emunaleh:

(Into her phone) What is it, darling?

Hayaleh:

I feel like slamming him against the wall as well, just once.

Miki:

Who?

Hayaleh:

Her nudnik. He should read less Psalms and start taking care of the
kids!

Emunaleh:

How can the gas be finished? It was changed just a month ago

Hayaleh:

No, that husband is unbelievable! Where did she find such walking
helplessness?

Miki:

Hayaleh, calm down, its not good for you!

13

Hayaleh:

Getting angry is good for me! Sucking up to anything that moves, on

the other hand, weakens the immune system.

Emunaleh:

The phone number and the consumer number are in the address book.
Order two cylinders urgently, and text me when youve done it.

Hayaleh:

Is there anything hes good at?

Emunaleh:

(Covers the phone with her hand. To Hayaleh) Hes a scholar. A

prodigy. (Into her phone) Youll manage with Gods help.

Hayaleh:

A prodigy? To order gas he needs Gods help!

(Talia returns. She drags herself to her chair. She doesnt look at them)
Hayaleh:

(Hissing) Oh, her highness is back.

(Miki elbows her to silence her)

(Talia is humiliated. She sinks heavily into her chair. Awkward silence)
Emunaleh:

(Reading from the book) Happy is the man that hath not walked in
the counsel of the scornful

Hayaleh:

Whats with the happy is the man now?

Miki:

(To Talia) Are you all right?

Talia:

Couldnt be better.

(Enter Yossi the Wig Man, boisterously pushing a trolley with mannequin heads
adorned with a variety of wigs. In high spirits)
Yossi:

Good morning girls! Never fear, Yossis here. Whos wig needs
attention? Shampoo? Brushing?

Miki:

Have you brought it for me?

Yossi:

Of course! (Gives Miki a flaming red wig. Miki is delighted. He

spots Talia) Well hello, a new patient. Welcome. What magnificent
hair!

(Talia hides her face)

Yossi:

Dont worry, Yossi will make a stunning wig for you, just like your
own hair, no one will know the difference as soon as your hair starts
falling out, come to me, well give your head a nice shave

(Talia raises her head)

Yossi:

Talia? Talia Roth?

Talia:

Not now.

Yossi:

Dont you remember me?

Talia:

What No Yes Remind

14

Yossi:

I made you a wig for The Taming of the Shrew fifteen years ago,
something like that, dont you remember? A once-in-a-century wig. It
was even mentioned in the reviews. Not the wig specifically, but they
wrote that you were the most radiant shrew ever seen on the stage, and
what is it they say Hair maketh the man Isnt that so?

Talia:

So-so.

Yossi:

So what are you doing here?

Talia:

Ive come to get a manicure. They say you get the very best here.

Yossi:

(Laughs) What a comedienne. I like you best in comedies. What was it

that pickled gherkin wrote about you in his review shes got
spectacular sense of comic timing. What is it? Breast? Could be
worse, nowadays people recover from it without any trouble, and
theres reconstruction, you can get yourself Angelina Jolie boobs

Talia:

No, no. Not breast.

Yossi:

What then?

Talia:

(Sharing a secret) The truth is Im here to work on a part.

Yossi:

(Enthusiastically) Liar!

Talia:

Im playing a terminal patient and I wanted to get a real sense of

what its like.

Yossi:

Wholl come to see a play about a terminal patient? (Laughs)

Talia:

Its for the small auditorium, Stage 4.

Yossi:

Shut up! So wait a minute, so this IV drip is?

Talia:

(Gets confused. Looks at the huge IV drip) This?

Miki:

Vitamins.

Yossi:

(Happily) Vitamins!

Talia:

(To Miki) Thanks.

Yossi:

What a relief! Thank God! What a scare! My heart dropped into my

posterior!

(The three women hold their heads)

Yossi:

I swear! I thought and I said no way, not her, not Talia Roth! Wholl
make us laugh? Oh, no, Ive just got to hug you, can I? (Assails her
with a tight hug)

Talia:

Watch out for the needle!

15

Yossi:

(Disengaging from her) Oops, sorry! (Winks at her) So? Youve

decided to go for tragedy this time?

Talia:

All the way.

Yossi:

(Whispers to her) I can really help you, you know, I see terrible
things here, shocking, chilling Bergman films.

Talia:

You do, huh?

Hayaleh:

Yossi!

Yossi:

Just a minute, Hayaleh, just a second. (To Talia) Shes crazy about my
ass

Hayaleh:

You wish!

Yossi:

Sweetie. So listen, if you want the audience to cry, but really cry, Im
talking about Oscar crying, yes? Have you ever won an Oscar?

Talia:

Not yet.

Yossi:

Shut up! A cancer patient is classic Oscar material. Its a fact. Is there
romance in the play? Because cancer and romance go really well
together. Wait, youll need a bald wig. Isnt that something? Lets see
what youll look like on the stage. Just a second, I had a bald wig from
China here here it is. Original.

(He takes a bald wig and fits it onto Talias head. He expertly gathers up her hair
into the wig, until she looks completely bald)
Yossi:

Amazing! Oh, wait! You need to cover your eyebrows and eyelashes!

Talia:

Eyebrows and eyelashes?

Yossi:

Of course. Theyre the first to fall out, darling. What gives you that
holocaust cancer look more than anything else if not the eyebrows
and eyelashes falling out? (Covers her eyebrows. Looks at her,
satisfied)

Yossi:

Perfect!

(Yossi holds a mirror in front of Talia. She looks at herself in the mirror for a
very long moment. Shock and horror are evident on her face)
Yossi:

What do you think?

(Talia is paralyzed)
Yossi:

(Whispers into her ear) Mirror, mirror on the wall, whos the fairest
of them all?

(Tears well up in Talias eyes)

16

Yossi:

Say something. Toss me a bone.

Talia:

(To the mirror, slowly) Consider whether this is a woman / Without

hair or name / With no more strength to remember / Eyes empty and
womb cold (Her voice cracks)

Yossi:

Shakespeare?

Hayaleh:

Primo Levi. Ignoramus.

(A tear trickles down Talias face)

Yossi:

(Enthusiastically) Tears! Shes great! See what a wig can do? How it
instantly got her into character? Wheres there a tissue for the queen?

Patients:

Yossi

Yossi:

Shhh, dont spoil her concentration.

(Amalia pops her head around the door)

Amalia:

Yossi Pussy, Naamas looking for you. Shes in Room 21, shes been
waiting for her wig to come back from a shampoo for over an hour.

(Exit Amalia)
Yossi:

Coming! (To Talia) Ill leave you the bald wig so you can work with
it, all right?

(Talia doesnt respond. She looks at herself in the mirror)

Yossi:

(Whispers into her ear) Thank you for allowing me to be part of the
creative process. Bye now, Ill be back later. You look amazing! The
Oscars already half in the bag!

(Exit Yossi. He can be heard offstage shouting: Never fear, Yossi is here)
(Talia is still mesmerized by her reflection in the mirror. The three women follow
her inquisitively)
(Talia slowly takes off the bald wig. She removes the eyebrow covers. Loosens
her hair)
Miki:

Are you all right?

(Talia doesnt respond. Hayaleh motions to Miki to stop sucking up to Talia)

Miki:

Want a smoke?

(Talia doesnt respond)

Miki:

(Takes out a small pipe, packs it, and lights up) Organic medical
marijuana approved by the Ministry of Health.

(Talia doesnt respond)

17

Miki:

Its good for the nausea and it gives you an appetite. (Inhaling smoke)
Its very relaxing. And funny.

(Talia glances at her for a moment and withdraws into herself again)
Miki:

Laughter releases endorphins and enkephalins that relieve pain, reduce

infection, accelerate healing processes, and lead to increased levels of
oxygen in the blood.

Hayaleh:

Light up already and stop going on about it.

Miki:

(To Talia) Theres a choice: why suffer when you can rejoice?

Hayaleh:

Cant you see she doesnt want to talk to you?

(Talia is detached, not listening to them)

Hayaleh:

Want some?

Emunaleh:

No thanks.

Miki:

Theres no prohibition in the Torah against smoking grass.

Emunaleh:

And youve read the whole Torah, Miki?

Miki:

What do you know? Do you know what goes on in the yeshivas? Its a
plant! God loves His plants!

Hayaleh:

Thats whats great about the Bible. Any idiot can find justification for
every bit of nonsense.

Emunaleh:

Hayaleh, beware.

Hayaleh:

Of you?

Emunaleh:

(Pointing heavenward) Of Him.

Hayaleh:

He should beware of me!

Miki:

(Inhaling the smoke) I was busted for possession of marijuana six

times back in the 80s, and now Ive got this nice government courier
who comes to my house once a week to bring me a bag of fine
marijuana buds (To Talia) If thats not the Prophecy of the End of
Days, then what is? Not to mention the number of friends Ive
suddenly got. My house is full of hustle and bustle.

(Talia sniffs the smoke. She draws the curtain. Hayaleh pulls a face)
Emunaleh:

You were arrested six times?

Miki:

I was a rocker. It goes with the territory.

Emunaleh:

What does a rocker do exactly?

Miki:

My job was mainly to roll.

Hayaleh:

A leading role, no less.

18

Miki:

Rolling correctly is an art form. I was known as the queen of the cones.

Hayaleh:

Cones and cosines.

Miki:

(To Hayaleh, inhaling smoke) Youre just jealous. (To Emunaleh)

Music. Its the only thing worth living for.

(Miki exhales the smoke toward Emunaleh, who fans the air to disperse it.
Emunaleh starts coughing and laughing)
Emunaleh:

Thou daughter of perverse rebelliousness! (Laughs)

Miki:

You love it, admit it.

Emunaleh:

(Coughs and laughs. Her phone rings) Oh no (Into her phone)

Manochi? Did I say Manochi? (Bursts into laughter) Manochi?
(Laughs)

Hayaleh:

(To Miki) What have you done to the girl?

Emunaleh:

He managed to order gas!

Hayaleh:

Bravo! Give him a Nobel Prize!

Miki:

Hallelujah!

(Enter Amalia)
Amalia:

Whats the matter? What youve been smoking in here? No, I dont
believe it! The doctors will be here for their morning visit any minute!
Miki! We said youd smoke in the stairwell, not here! No, what am I
going to do now?

(The doctors can be heard offstage, laughing)

Emunaleh:

Doctors rounds!

Amalia:

Theyre here!

Miki:

Dr. House too?

Amalia:

Dr. Gad Katz to you.

Miki:

Right, Dr. House.

(Amalia starts rushing around the room in a desperate attempt to ventilate it,
waving blankets and so forth. She opens the curtain between Talia and the
women. Talia looks at the commotion in bewilderment)
Emunaleh:

Why do they call him that anyway?

Miki:

Its the nurses nickname for Dr. Katz. Theres a series, on that
appliance you dont watch, about this doctor whos really obnoxious
and insanely sexy.

19

(Talia looks on as the three women quickly put on their wigs and ready
themselves as if for a military inspection. The sound of thundering laughter can
be heard offstage, drawing closer and closer. The door opens. The laughter stops
abruptly. Five young doctors and one senior doctor come into the room, their
expression somber and grave. All activity in the room comes to a halt. Silence.
The senior doctor sniffs around Miki suspiciously)
Amalia:

The fuse

Miki:

Shorted out

Amalia:

Ive already had words with maintenance

Dr. Katz:

(Interrupting her) Thank you, Amalia.

(Exit Amalia)
Dr. Katz:

(In cold politeness) Good morning.

(The three women answer in unison, flatteringly)

Patients:

Good morning, Dr. Katz.

Dr. Katz:

(Not looking at them) How are you all?

(They answer together)

Miki:

Cool.

Emunaleh:

Thank God.

Hayaleh:

Crap.

Dr. Katz:

Good.

(Dr. Katz goes up to Talias cabinet; all the young doctors follow him. He picks
up her medical notes, which are on the cabinet. He ignores her, looks at the
notes, reads them)
Dr. Katz:

(Not raising his head) Good morning.

Talia:

Ive had better mornings.

(The doctors dont respond to her words; they stand around her bed)
Dr. Katz:

Dr. Netter, present the case to us please.

Dr. A:

Talia Roth, new patient, 49 years of

Talia:

Shhh!

Dr. A:

What?

Talia:

Theres no need to shout a womans age (The doctor freezes, not

knowing what to say) Just kidding, sorry, go on, go on. Youre all
really serious.

(Dr. Katz signals him to continue)

20

Dr. A:

Gastroscopy and PET-CT findings show Stage 4 metastatic pancreatic

cancer

(The three women groan in alarm. Talia looks at them. They pretend to busy
themselves)
Dr. A:

Squamous cell carcinoma originating from the pancreas with multiple

metastases in liver and lung, metastasis distribution, size, and location
immeasurable, consequently non-op. Question mark on PET-CT
concerning abnormal lymph nodes on the hepatic portal vein. Other
lymph nodes negative. Receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Candidate for
gastrectomy plus lymph node dissection. Postoperative
chemoradiotherapy.

Talia:

Excuse me, can I say something?

Dr. Katz:

Later. Lift up your gown a little, please. Dr. Netter.

(One of the doctors feels Talias abdomen)

Dr. D:

I can feel that the pancreas is enlarged.

Dr. Katz:

Thats not the pancreas, its the stomach. Can anyone here find the
pancreas without a GPS?

(All the doctors feel Talias abdomen together)

Doctors:

(Together) Found it!

Dr. Katz:

(Bends over to inspect. Tosses the doctors hands away one after
another) Thats the liver. Thats the spleen. Thats the pancreas. Well
done, Dr. Salah, the only one who found the treasure. What would you
give for first line therapy, Dr. Salah?

Dr. B:

Standard of care is combination therapy of 5-FU in continuous infusion

plus Oxaliplatin plus biological therapy with Avastin once every three
weeks.

Dr. Katz:

Thats the standard of care, but I asked what you think, Dr. Salah. Dr.
Kiril, have you got an opinion?

Dr. C:

I would add leucovorin which helps absorption of 5-FU.

Dr. Katz:

Good.

Talia:

Now can I say something?

Dr. Katz:

Dr. Sheffer, have you got something to add too?

Dr. D:

Dr. Heffer.

Dr. Katz:

Well?
21

Dr. D:

I actually think that in this situation, with the disease spreading toward
the spleen

(The doctors look at one another in bewilderment)

Dr. Katz:

Speak clearly!

Dr. D:

With invasive cancer its worth trying dose dance therapy every two
weeks.

Dr. E:

And then youll get dose limiting toxicity! And then shell be
completely non-op.

Dr. D:

As it is were not exactly talking about disease-free survival.

Talia:

Excuse me, people

(All the doctors start arguing over Talias head. They speak at the same time,
ignoring her)
Dr. A:

Youll cause cardiotoxicity which will reduce the possibility for op

even more.

Dr. B:

The standard of care for neoadjuvant therapy specifically states once

every three weeks.

Dr. C:

The only chance of metastasectomy of some of the metastases is dose

dance therapy once every two weeks.

Dr. D:

Youve forgotten that the PET scan shows nodes on the hepatic portal
vein.

(They all bandy about words in Latin)

(Talia begins to convulse, squirm, roll her eyes, and groan)
Dr. B:

What is it?

Dr. C:

Shes convulsing.

Dr. A:

Its an epileptic fit.

(The three women look on in concern)

Dr. D:

(To Dr. Katz) Shes having an epileptic fit!

(Talia continues convulsing)

Dr. Katz:

(Calmly) How do you know its an epileptic fit?

Dr. D:

Shes presenting all the symptoms. Spasms in her limbs, rolling eyes,
convulsing jaw muscles, salivation

Dr. Katz:

Have you examined her?

(The doctors hurry to examine Talia. The convulsions stop abruptly. They recoil
in alarm)

22

Talia:

Its not easy to get your attention, but not impossible.

(They look at her incredulously)

Dr. A:

How did it pass so suddenly?

Dr. Katz:

It didnt pass, Dr. Netter. Ms. Roth simply couldnt help demonstrating
her dramatic skills to us.

Dr. B:

It looked so totally real

Talia:

Thank you. Thats the best review Ive received here.

Dr. Katz:

(To Talia) So what did you want to say that was so urgent?

Talia:

I wanted to ask if you could keep quiet about seeing me here.

Dr. Katz:

And you think thats the most important thing right now?

Talia:

Its important to me, yes.

Dr. Katz:

Pity, Ive already set up a press conference on Channel Two to

announce to the nation that her celebrity-ness is being treated on my
ward.

Talia:

Tell me, who do you think you are?

Dr. Katz:

I beg your pardon?

Talia:

Whats the meaning of this behavior?

Dr. Katz:

(To the doctors) Yes, youll encounter things like this as well; youre
getting a free peek here through the fascinating window into the
mysteries of unpredictable human psychology.

Talia:

Why are you talking about me as if Im not here? Hello! Im here!

Theres someone here! Talk to me! You came to visit me, didnt you?

Dr. Katz:

No, Ms. Roth, we havent come to visit you in the entertainment

meaning of the word visit.

Talia:

So why is it called doctors visit?

Dr. Katz:

Ask the Academy of the Hebrew Language

Talia:

You cant just stand there and talk over a persons head as if he doesnt
exist. At least do it behind his back.

Dr. Katz:

Youre right. (Turns her chair so she has her back to them) So what
have we learned from what just happened here?

Doctors:

Checking, checking, checking.

Dr. Katz:

Sense of touch is the ABC. Touch can never mislead like sight can.
(The young doctors faithfully write everything down) Does anyone

23

have any questions? Responses? Observations? (They shake their

heads. He turns Talias chair back to face them. She looks at him
in astonishment, her mouth agape in shock)
Dr. Katz:

Surprises never cease. Have a good day Madam Paparazzi.

(Dr. Katz starts walking toward the door, all the doctors waddle behind him like
a flock of ducks. After taking two steps, he stops. They almost crash into him. He
turns to Talia)
Dr. Katz:

And dont worry. We wont expose you. We wont stand in the way
of you continuing to hide your condition from yourself?

(He inclines his head, nods, turns on his heel, and continues walking toward the
door, the young doctors behind him. He stops at the door)
Dr. Katz:

Miki?

Miki:

(Sweetly) Yes, Doctor?

Dr. Katz:

Next time you smoke in here (Pauses. Miki becomes agitated)

call me.

Miki:

(Delighted) Its a deal.

(Exit the doctors. Talia is stunned)

Talia:

Whats with that creature? Whats with him? Thats House? Him?
Next to him House is like Mother Theresa! What a twisted psychopath
asshole!

(Dr. Katz returns to the doorway. He is about to come in, but overhears Talia
and stops to listen. She doesnt see him)
Miki:

But sexy.

Talia:

Sexy? Whats sexy about him? There isnt an ounce of sexiness in

him! Hes the most repulsive creature Ive ever come across, and that
includes my ex-husband. The arrogance! Who the hell are you!
Anyone would the think the sun shines out of your asses! You cant
even cure the common cold!

Dr. Katz:

Is anyone missing an earring?

(They all look toward the door in alarm)

Dr. Katz:

An earring. It was here on the floor by the door.

(They all feel their ears)

Dr. Katz:

White pearl.

Emunaleh:

Not mine.

24

Miki:

Nor mine.

Hayaleh:

I dont have pierced ears.

Talia:

Its mine.

(Dr. Katz comes into the room and places the earring in Talias hand)
Talia:

(Not looking at him; coldly) Thanks.

Dr. Katz:

Look after your belongings. Not everyone around here is Mother

Theresa.

(Exit Dr. Katz. This time they all look to make sure the door is shut)
Talia:

He heard me.

Hayaleh:

Every word.

Talia:

Good! Idiot! An ashtray has more brains.

Miki:

He brought you the earring, if thats not a come-on, my name isnt

Miki.

Talia:

He threw it at me without even looking.

Miki:

What could be more romantic?

Emunaleh:

Isnt he married?

Miki:

No, and he never has been.

Talia:

Whod want that loser?

Hayaleh:

How do you know hes not married?

Miki:

I asked Amalia. She told me hes more of a short-term relationship

specialist.

Talia:

Suits him. Don Juan de la Schmatte. Moron, idiot, imbecile, scum of

the earth, jackass, shit-head, with a tiny little!

Hayaleh:

Hey, hey, there are religious people here!

Talia:

And he calls himself a doctor! Thats a doctor? How can they even
allow him anywhere near patients! A block of ice, a heart of concrete,
a flake has more empathy in it, idiot Ill show him whats what! Im
not going to keep quiet about this! Ill sue him! Hell never work
again. Ill sue this whole hospital! (Her voice cracks. She starts
crying)

(Talia leans back in her chair, covering her face with her hands. The three
women look at her and at each other)
Talia:

I cant believe Im crying because of that idiot (Sobbing bitterly) I

didnt cry when the doctor told me, I havent cried once during this
25

whole surreal week, and now because of that loser, that miserable
(Crying)
(The three women look at one another, debating whether or not to interfere.
Hayaleh signals them that whats happened to Talia is a good thing, and she
should be left alone. They watch her tensely. Talia draws the curtain and cries
and cries. The three women are disappointed by the drawn curtain, as if
someone has stopped their movie in the middle. They listen and react to the
sobbing and groaning from behind the curtain. Talias phone rings. She looks at
the screen, and reacts in alarm. She composes herself, quickly wiping away her
tears. She takes a deep breath as if getting into character)
Talia:

(Into her phone, lightheartedly, in high spirits) Hi dollyface, Im at

the beauticians. Shes killing me, the bitch (Happily) Really? How
nice! Where did you buy them? How much did they cost? What color?
Great! Comfortable? Have you walked in them yet? How highs the
heel? Thin or great, just what you wanted Im happy. All right
Milly, the murderess needs to scour my face Well talk this
evening Good, Im pleased about the shoes. Bye sweetie. Bye.
(Hangs up. Takes a deep breath. Looks into the mirror. Dabs the
remaining tears. Fixes her lipstick. Takes a long look at the
mirror)

(The women look at one another. They look at the drawn curtain. Silence)
Talia:

(Suddenly, in a loud voice) Whats Stage 4?

(The women are startled. They look at each other questioningly)

(Talia opens the curtain. They pretend to be terribly busy. All three are busy
with their phones)
Talia:

Whats Stage 4?

Hayaleh:

Whats what?

Talia:

When they said Stage 4 you all went (Mimicking their alarmed
groans) Why? Whats Stage 4?

(The women look at each other)

Talia:

What?

Miki:

The doctor didnt tell you?

Talia:

He told me a lot of things, but I dont remember him saying Stage 4.

Miki:

You should talk to him. Whos your doctor?

Talia:

Professor Manilevsky.

Hayaleh:

Oho! You have to sell your house to get to see him.

26

Talia:

And I didnt understand a word.

Miki:

Its hard to understand it all the first time. Too much information.

Hayaleh:

Its not hard if you know what to ask.

Talia:

So, whats Stage 4?

Emunaleh:

Maybe you should speak to Amalia. Do you want us to get her?

Talia:

Is it so bad that you cant tell me?

Hayaleh:

Its bad by the very fact of us being here, isnt it? This isnt really a
manicure parlor here.

Talia:

A stage is something you perform on, isnt it?

(The women look at one other, smothering their smiles)

Talia:

Stage 4? Whats bad about Stage 4?

Hayaleh:

This stage means grade.

Talia:

Oh, grade.

Hayaleh:

Grade.

Talia:

Grade 4.

Hayaleh:

Deux points.

Talia:

OK.

(Silence)
Talia:

Which means what exactly?

Hayaleh:

Weathers very unsettled today, isnt it?

Miki:

Very; I didnt know what to wear

Emunaleh:

One minute its hot, the next its cold

Talia:

Oho, if were talking about the weather then its very bad.

Miki:

Its just a kind of arbitrary method of measuring the disease that

doesnt actually mean anything. It all depends on your soul, and that
cant be graded.

Talia:

What stage are all of you?

Miki:

Im 3b.

Talia:

Oh, there are sub-stages as well?

Hayaleh:

There are also sub-subs. A whole world of subs.

Talia:

What stage are you Madam Subs?

Hayaleh:

(Proudly) 3a.

(Talia looks at Emunaleh)

Emunaleh:

Two for now.

27

Miki:

Shhh, tfu-tfu.

Talia:

So Im overtaking all of you.

(The women nod)

Talia:

How nice for me.

(She leans back. The three women lean back, relieved that the conversation is
over)
Talia:

How many stages are there?

(The women glance at each other)

Talia:

Ten? (The women dont respond) Less?

(The women look down)

Talia:

Seven? Six? How many?

(Silence)
Talia:

I get it. There isnt a Stage 5.

(The women shake their heads)

(Talia shrinks into her chair)
(The women look at her in concern)
Talia:

(Not looking at the women) 4a or 4b?

(Silence)
Hayaleh:

Theres only one 4.

Talia:

Got it. Thanks. (Draws the curtain. Leans back)

(The three women look at one another as they try to listen through the curtain)
Talia:

(Takes the mirror the Wig Man left with her, looks into it for a
long time. To the mirror, quietly) One day youll feel lousy, the
doctor will give you a little gropesy, hell find a little lumpsy, and
whoops an end to the babblesky

(Silence. They watch the curtain in concern. Miki and Hayaleh are arguing using
hand gestures. Quarrelling in whispers. Talia listens to their argument)
Miki:

Not everybody can cope with the truth!

Hayaleh:

If you cant cope with the truth you wont survive this war. Shes too
spoilt, she needs to become stronger.

Miki:

Some things should be told by a doctor, not a stranger.

Hayaleh:

Im not a stranger. Im her fellow sufferer.

(Talia leans toward the curtain to listen to them. They lean toward the curtain to
listen to her. Silence. Whispering)

28

Hayaleh:

And this is five-stars compared to whats in store for her.

Emunaleh:

God forbid.

Miki:

Did you hear what they said about the operation theyre planning for
her?

Hayaleh:

Its not an operation, its butchery.

(Talia opens her eyes wide in terror)

Miki:

Shhh. Its not that bad, the liver grows back pretty quick

Miki:

Ive already had three fucking operations.

Hayaleh:

Ive had five, and still going strong. So far Ive had my stomach
removed, my uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, spleen, and gall bladder.
My mouth is more or less joined to my tuchess. Who needs internal
organs anyway? Look at me. Do I look like Im missing anything?

(Talia opens her eyes even wider)

Miki:

Just dont scare her; you can see the state shes in.

Hayaleh:

If shes being a crybaby here, whats going to happen when she meets
the surgeons?

Emunaleh:

Oh, mama, the surgeons.

(Talia tenses in alarm)

Miki:

Oh, the surgeons, the surgeons

(Mikis voice begins to echo. Talia looks around her. The lights flicker and
change. A low musical note is heard in the background. The chiming of the
elevator and the voice of the announcer are heard)
Announcer: Floor Minus One. Operating Rooms and Surgical Intensive Care.
(The lighting changes. Enter interns, who take the women out. The stage is
empty)
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome Dr. Ga-ad Katz!
(A white staircase comes onto the stage, at the top of which stands the surgeon, a
bright white light shining behind him, creating a magnificent halo around him.
The other doctors stand on the steps below him, dressed in luminous butchers
clothes)
Doctors:

(Singing) Hallelu-you, hallelu-you, hallelu-you.

Surgeon:

(Singing) Hallelu-me

Doctors:

Hallelu-you.

Surgeon:

Hallelu-me.

29

Doctors:

You.

Surgeon:

Me.

Doctors:

You.

Surgeon:

Me. Whos the doctor?

Doctors:

You!

Surgeon:

Say my name.

Doctors:

Dr. Gad Katz.

Dr. Gad Katz.

Surgeon:

When youre feeling cold and sad,

When everything seems to be so bad,
Who do you pray to?

Doctors:

Dr. GOD Katz.

Surgeon:

In the night when its dark,

And its just you and the pail,
For whom do you wail?

Doctors:

Dr. Gad Katz.

Surgeon:

So dont be afraid,
Hand me a scalpel,
Watch out for the shrapnel,
Im Dr. Gad Katz.

Doctors:

Dr. Gad or God.

Surgeon:

Easy girls

Doctors:

Hoo-ha, lets all cheer,

The next department head is here!
Dr. Gad,
Dr. GOD GOD GOD

Surgeon:

Half doctor half god,

Prophet and demigod,
Full of vim and vigor,

All:

Its Dr. Gad Katz!

Gad Katz.
Hallelu-me, hallelu-me, hallelu-ME

(The doctors bring Talia in on a surgical bed. Dr. Katz takes an electric saw and
begins sawing her abdomen, as the music reaches a crescendo. The surgeon

30

removes from Talias body a glowing sphere; the doctors sigh in amazement. He
raises his arms and brandishes them over Talia lying on the bed. Her body is
seemingly sawn in half; the two parts of the bed separate and move away from
each other, her head on one part, and her feet in high-heeled red shoes still
moving on the other. Talia looks at her split body. The music continues. The
doctors start tossing out internal organs in the form of balloons. They sing and
make the internal organs dance on their scalpels, gently, like Charlie Chaplin
with the globe in The Great Dictator; playing catch with them, and so forth)
(Doctors take Talia to the two sides of the stage; two take the part of the bed with
Talias head to one side, and two others take the part of the bed with her feet to
the other. The stage empties. Talia enters the empty stage dressed in a gown onto
which numerous pipes are stitched. She tries to walk toward the doctors waiting
for her on the other side of the stage)
Doctors:

Ground Floor Nuclear Medicine, CT, MRI, PET-CT.

Doctors:

Take a deep breath, and hold it You can breathe, but dont move.

Doctors:

Second Floor Invasive Radiology Angiography.

Doctors:

Fourth Floor Laboratories and Institutes, Head and Neck, Mouth and
Jaw Operations.

Doctors:

Fifth Floor Infectious Diseases, Isolation Rooms, Esophageal

Surgery Unit

Doctors:

Seventh Floor Oncology Department, Hematology Department, Bone

Marrow Transplants

(Talia reaches the doctors. She holds her hand out to Dr. Katz. He blows on her,
and she falls into the doctors arms. They carry Talia on their raised arms, dance
with her like a lifeless doll, and exit with her. The cacophony reaches a
crescendo, until Talias shouts can be heard offstage)
Talia:

Enough! Enough! Enough!

(The music stops abruptly. Lighting changes to normal. The three women are
sitting in their chairs)
Miki:

Where is she?

Emunaleh:

Shes been in the toilet for the past hour.

Emunaleh:

(Reading quietly from the Book of Psalms) My God, my God, why

hast Thou forsaken me, and art far from my help at the words of my
cry? O my God, I call by day, but Thou answerest not; and at night,
and there is no surcease for me

(Talia returns with the IV drip)

Talia:

No, no, no, no, no.

Talia:

No. No. No.

31

Hayaleh:

What no, no, no, no?

Talia:

No, Im not going to do it.

(Talia starts to take off her gown and put on her dress)
Hayaleh:

Do what?

Talia:

What for?

Miki:

Whats the matter?

Talia:

What for?

Miki:

What what for?

(Talia gets dressed)

Talia:

Nurse! Whats that nurses name?

Miki:

Amalia.

Talia:

How do you call for her? What do you press?

Emunaleh:

The red button.

(Talia presses the red button several times in quick succession)

Hayaleh:

Once is enough!

Miki:

Whats the matter?

Emunaleh:

Dont you feel well?

Miki:

Drink some water.

(Miki gives Talia her bottle)

Talia:

I dont want water Well, where is she? (Shouts) Amalia!

Hayaleh:

Shhh! So much noise today.

Miki:

Shell come when she can.

Emunaleh:

There are lots of new patients, may they be restored to good health.

Miki:

Whats the problem?

Emunaleh:

Do you need some help?

Talia:

Yes.

Emunaleh:

What? Maybe we can help.

Talia:

I want to stop it.

Emunaleh:

Stop what?

Talia:

(Points at the IV drip) This. How do you stop it?

(The women look at one another)

Emunaleh:

Dont you feel well?

Talia:

I feel great.

Emunaleh:

So why
32

Talia:

What difference does it make? I want to stop. Just tell me what I have
to do.

(The women look at one another. They know the answer but decide, with an
exchange of looks, not to tell her)
Miki:

Lets get Amalia.

(Talia presses the button again and again)

Emunaleh:

But what happened?

Talia:

I cant be here anymore.

Hayaleh:

Are we such bad company?

Talia:

Yes! No! On the contrary. Youve helped me more that you can
imagine.

All Three:

How?

Talia:

Ive realized whats the right thing to do.

All Three:

What?

Talia:

To go home. (Excitedly) Im going home.

(Speaking over each other)

Emunaleh:

What do you mean going home?

Miki:

What do you mean going home?

Hayaleh:

What do you mean going home?

Talia:

(Smiling) I mean Im stopping the treatment and going home. (Starts

applying makeup)

Hayaleh:

Nu schoin, weve jumped straight into the depression stage.

Talia:

No, no, no. No depression, on the contrary, a big light.

Miki:

Wheres the light here?

Talia:

Our fates are sealed in any case.

Hayaleh:

Speak for yourself.

Talia:

OK, sorry, my fate is sealed. So why go through this whole nightmare?

Emunaleh:

And what will you do at home?

Talia:

Ill enjoy every moment Ive got left (Enjoying the moment. A big
smile spreads over her face) and Ill start getting ready.

Emunaleh:

Getting ready? For what?

Talia:

To to go and get ice, as they say.

Emunaleh:

Whats that?

Talia:

To lie with my forefathers.

33

Emunaleh:

With who?

Talia:

To say, yalla bye.

Emunaleh:

To who?

Talia:

To life.

Emunaleh:

What do you mean?

Talia:

I mean to die.

(The three women react with shock, speak all at once; upset)
Miki:

No way!

Emunaleh:

God forbid! God help us!

Hayaleh:

Why are talking like that?

Miki:

Tfu! Touch wood! Hamsa, hamsa!

Talia:

Whats the matter? Why are you screeching like gulls? What did I say?
Die?

(The three women react with shock once again)

Miki:

Tfu, tfu, tfu!

Emunaleh:

God forbid! Heaven forefend!

Hayaleh:

Stop it already!

Talia:

All right, settle down! I wont say the D word anymore.

(Miki spits and knocks on wood, Emunaleh mutters a prayer)

Hayaleh:

Here we dont talk about that.

Talia:

You dont talk about that?

Hayaleh:

No.

Talia:

Here you dont talk about that?

Hayaleh:

What is it you dont understand? We dont talk about it and thats that.

Miki:

We dont even think about it.

Emunaleh:

God forbid! Heaven forefend!

Talia:

So where are people going to talk about it if not here?

(Enter Amalia)
Amalia:

Who called for me?

Talia:

I did.

Amalia:

Why arent you in your gown?

Talia:

I want to be disconnected.

Amalia:

Disconnected?

Talia:

Disconnected. To stop it.

34

Amalia:

Dont you feel well?

Talia:

I want to stop before I start feeling unwell.

Amalia:

I dont understand.

Talia:

I want to stop the treatment. Just disconnect me, thats all.

Amalia:

But why?

Talia:

What for? What am I doing it for?

Amalia:

To live.

Talia:

Live? You call whats in store for me living?

Amalia:

Thats a different matter.

Talia:

But its the question, isnt it? Not to be or not to be, but how to be.

Amalia:

(Sits beside her) Sweetheart, can you tell me whats the matter?
(Takes Talias hand in hers and caresses it)

Talia:

Ive made a decision.

Amalia:

First calm down, sweetie

Talia:

Im totally calm!

Amalia:

OK. OK. Take a deep breath.

Talia:

I dont want to take a deep breath, I want to be disconnected!

Amalia:

But whats changed since an hour ago?

Talia:

Everythings changed. I saw the magical mystery tour thats in store

for me, and I refuse to take part in it. Im getting off the train.

Amalia:

(To the three women) What did you say to her?

(The three women shrug)

Talia:

Its got nothing to do with them. Its me. Please, disconnect me.

Amalia:

I cant.

Talia:

Why not?

Amalia:

Because youre in the middle of a life saving treatment. (Makes

quote marks with her fingers)

Talia:

So?

Amalia:

So, were not allowed to stop it, by law.

Talia:

Under no circumstances?

Amalia:

I imagine that in a physical emergency

Talia:

So youre allowed to stop it?

Amalia:

Only with a doctors approval.

Talia:

So who do I need to speak to? Who has the final say?

35

Amalia:

Only a senior physician can approve termination of treatment, and I

doubt if this kind of thing will be approved, because you gave your
consent for treatment. I suggest you finish todays treatment, and then
decide whats next, when youre calmer, more reasonable

Talia:

When exactly will I be calm and reasonable? Before the diarrhea or

after the vomiting?

Amalia:

What youre going through is typical for the first treatment, but once
you get used to it a bit youll see its not that bad

Talia:

I dont want to get used to it. Thats precisely what I dont want.

Amalia:

These drugs can sometimes confuse

Talia:

No, no, listen. Im not confused. Im the least confused Ive been in
my entire life. I just dont want to get into this whole routine of
chemo, radiation, surgery, CT, chemo, biological, CT, surgery, CT,
chemo, biological, radiological I want to stop. Now. This minute.

Amalia:

Look, if you decide not to continue the treatments, no ones going to

force you to have them. But if youve started a treatment, stopping it in
the middle is complicated. Very complicated. I wouldnt even begin
trying.

Talia:

Amalia! Every minute you spend talking to me more and more bleach
is flowing into my body!

Amalia:

One treatment wont cause that much damage.

Talia:

What about my hair?

Amalia:

Its just hair. Itll grow back.

Talia:

Amalia, disconnect me!

Amalia:

I cant, really. Do you want to get me fired?

Talia:

Fine, then Ill disconnect myself. (Moves her hand toward the
needle)

All:

No!

Amalia:

Its an artery! Not a vein! It has to be done sterilely otherwise you

could get an infection thatll kill you within twenty-four hours! And I
dont think thats what you want.

(Talia considers what she should do)

Talia:

Ill call Professor Manilevsky. If he gives you his approval over the
phone
36

Amalia:

Hes at a breast conference in Las Vegas.

Talia:

A breast conference? Just one?

Amalia:

Anyway its nighttime over there now.

Talia:

So Ill wake him up.

Amalia:

He doesnt pick up at night.

Talia:

And if theres an emergency?

Amalia:

Then Dr. Katz takes his place.

Talia:

Him?

Amalia:

Hes the only one whos authorized to decide on a course of action like
this. If you like I can get him for you, but I doubt very much that hell
authorize it. There have been too many lawsuits recently.

Talia:

Do you want to tell me my fate is in the hands of that creature now?

That heartless, lung-less psychopath

Amalia:

Hes not heartless.

Talia:

Do me a favor; Im sure if you look for a pulse in him you wont find
one.

Amalia:

For reasons of privacy Im not going to go into details, but he really

isnt heartless. Hes not the most environmentally friendly, thats
true, but everyone in this profession has to find their defense
mechanism. Hes a brilliant, world-renowned doctor, and a very
special man.

Talia:

Youre in love with him.

Amalia:

No, sweetie, Im in love with my husband. I respect him, yes. Hes not
greedy. He doesnt take private patients, only at the hospital, there are
no preferred patients with him. A rare commodity in this day and age.
So what do you say? Shall we forget the whole thing? Youll be
finished soon anyway. How much have you got left (Checks the IV
drip) no more than two hours two and half

Talia:

Fetch him.

Amalia:

Do you want my advice?

Talia:

Fetch him.

Amalia:

Its just a waste of time. Yours and his. You dont know what goes on
here

Talia:

Amalia!
37

Amalia:

(Trying to conceal her irritation) There are life and death cases here.

Talia:

This is a case of life and death too.

Amalia:

No, its not!

Talia:

Amalia, Im more stubborn than you.

(Amalias phone rings. She answers)

Amalia:

What! Im coming! Im coming! (Hangs up. To Talia) Ill tell him to

come and see you. (Starts to leave) Promise me you wont do
anything stupid in the meantime.

Talia:

Promise me youll fetch him.

Amalia:

(To the three women) Keep an eye on her

Talia:

Tell him to come as quickly as possible!

Amalia:

Hes only got a hundred and thirty patients on his head!

(Exit Amalia)
Talia:

(Shouting after her) Tell him itll only take a minute!

(Silence)
Miki:

Pity, youre missing all the fun.

Talia:

All the what?

Miki:

All the fun.

Talia:

What fun exactly? What have I missed?

Miki:

Do you know what kind of benefits cancer patients get? Weve already
talked about the drugs; first of all you get a discount on your property
tax

Talia:

Wow, then getting cancer really is worthwhile.

Miki:

Exemption from income tax, national insurance. A disabled parking

permit! You get a disabled parking permit! No more parking
problems

Talia:

Call me peculiar, but Id rather spend four hours looking for a parking
spot than losing my hair and having diarrhea.

Miki:

Everybody will be really nice to you; even people who couldnt stand
you before, suddenly really like you, (With feeling) How are you?
How are you feeling sweetie? What can I do to help? No one has any
expectations from you, even the smallest thing you do is considered
supreme bravery, no errands, everything is done for you. You dont
have to go anywhere, you dont have to buy presents, remember
38

birthdays, see people you dont feel like seeing, youve got the
ultimate excuse to do whatever you want to without feeling even
slightly guilty.
Hayaleh:

Heaven.

Miki:

Believe me, this disease is a gift.

Talia:

Do me a favor.

Miki:

You suddenly understand whats important in life.

Talia:

And then you die. Great timing.

Miki:

You discover your children; youre amazed by their devotion, concern,

patience their endless and boundless love Do you know how
much strength that gives you? How much happiness?

Hayaleh:

Well, not all children are like her Maya, are they?

Miki:

(To Talia) Look at me and repeat after me. Cancer isnt the end

Talia:

Cancer isnt the end?

Miki:

Cancer is a beginning. A new, fascinating, exciting, funny beginning

(The lighting changes into that of a video clip. Enter a huge present. Cancer and
Miki sing a love song duet)
Cancer:

They say cancer and bliss take you by surprise,

I hope youve found bliss, because Im your surprise, Miss! Ol!

You were so lost, yes,

Everyday cares and stress,
You only thought you were living,
But all this time you were trapped, more or less.

Miki:

I hear songbirds singing,

Prayers, and children laughing,
Im where the sun and a smile from last night
Meet and to one another cling.

I was lost as could be,

Until you came to me,
My little cancer
Its all I needed, you see.
39

Even when we thought we were through,

It persisted and returned,
Cancer:

But you
Didnt even ask where Id been to.

Miki:

Dont think I didnt want to

You just said.

Miki:

I was so lonely and alone,

Until you came back to me, you know,
My persistent little cancer
Its all a woman needs.

(Musical interlude: Miki and Cancer play hide-and-seek)

I was lost as could be,
Until you came to me,
My cheeky little cancer
Cancer:

Its all you needed, you see.

Miki:

My little, persistent, cheeky cancer,

Both:

Its all you needed, you see.

(Exit Cancer. Lighting changes to normal)

Talia:

You know youre insane, dont you.

Miki:

(To Talia) Ill give you the number of a witch from the Golan Heights
whos saved thousands if not tens of thousands

Talia:

No thanks.

Miki:

If its too far for you, theres also an excellent one in Ramat Gan, a bit
more expensive though

Talia:

I dont want any witches!

Miki:

What about an Indian shaman?

Talia:

What have Indians got to do with me?

Miki:

OK, so a therapist who channels angels? Its only three hundred

shekels and hes got a ninety-percent success rate

Talia:

Channeling angels? And you buy that?

Hayaleh:

She buys anything. There isnt a witch she hasnt been to. Tell her
about the treatment you did with extraterritorials.
40

Talia:

Extraterritorials?

Miki:

Extraterrestrials.

Hayaleh:

From outer space!

Miki:

You can laugh all you like, but the fact is Im still here.

Hayaleh:

Youre here because of the chemotherapy.

Miki:

And turmeric.

Emunaleh:

I heard about this Yemenite who came in with a huge tumor on his
lung, he was scheduled for a pneumnectomy a month later, and in the
pre-op CT they suddenly discovered it was gone. Vanished. The
doctors were astounded. Turns out that during that month he ate
asparagus with hilbeh, three times a day. The tumor just vanished into
thin air. Asparagus and hilbeh.

Hayaleh:

Interesting. I heard the very same story, only with broccoli and ambah.

Miki:

And turmeric.

Talia:

I cant stand turmeric, or ambah, or witches, or hilbeh.

Emunaleh:

All you have to do is believe in God the Creator, thats all.

Hayaleh:

Oh! Hello!

Talia:

Believe? How old are you?

Emunaleh:

Twenty-nine.

Talia:

(Sorrowfully) Twenty-nine God Almighty. How many children?

Emunaleh:

The storks visited me six times, thank God!

Hayaleh:

Thats a stork? Its a leech.

Talia:

Six children?

Emunaleh:

The youngest is a year old. The gift was discovered during my last
pregnancy.

Talia:

And you still believe in God? How does He do it?

Emunaleh:

Love is for better or worse, isnt it? Its not about loving only when
things are good.

Talia:

Forgive me, youre a saint.

Emunaleh:

Im not a saint.

Talia:

Do you observe tahara?

Emunaleh:

Of course.

Talia:

Niddah?

Emunaleh:

Its the same thing.

41

Talia:

Shmita? Tzedakah? Negiah?

Emunaleh:

Yes, yes, and yes.

Talia:

Do you have a baby every year?

Emunaleh:

Like clockwork.

Talia:

Only sit in the back of the bus?

Emunaleh:

Always.

Talia:

Cut toilet paper every Shabbat?

Emunaleh:

Cut, and fold.

Miki:

Fold?

Talia:

And is that what you get in exchange? Cancer at the age of twentyeight? What kind of god have you got?

Emunaleh:

Shhh, dont talk like that.

Talia:

How come youre not angry?

Emunaleh:

Do you think I havent got any questions? When the day comes for me
to stand before Him, Ive got plenty to say to Him. A lot of questions
to ask Him. (To Heaven) Why did I cut my hair all these years when I
could have had a glorious head of hair? You know what kind of hair I
had! (To the women) Im a natural blond! (To Heaven) What is this, a
test? The Book of Job II? Havent I proved myself to you sufficiently?
And if this is a test, is it a personal one? Or random And why are the
children to blame?

(Silence. They all look at her. She lowers her eyes from Heaven, and looks at
them)
Emunaleh:

Its between me and Him. And Hed better have some good answers.
But until then, I have no greater anchor than my faith. And theres no
more comforting medicine than prayer.

Talia:

Even if theres no one listening?

Miki:

Scientific research shows that praying three times every odd day
increases the chances of recovery by fifty percent.

Hayaleh:

Prayer. Another superstitious belief. In fact, what belief isnt

superstition? You dont need to believe and you dont need to be a
bleeding heart! You need to fight! With all your might! Cancer only
understands force! Six years ago the doctor didnt give me more than
two years, I told him, You dont know me, Mister. The cancer doesnt
42

know who its messing with here. From me it wont get any hugs or
positive energies. It wont have a single day of peace. Ill blast it with
anything that moves, Ill intercept it with every means available in the
world, Ill take part in experiments, Ill fund experiments, Ill use up
my childrens entire inheritance, and my grandchildrens too if
necessary, Ill grind it down to the last drop of camels milk on earth!
Nobody messes with me!
(Hayaleh starts singing. The women join in, in harmony, using the IV drip stands
as microphones)
Hayaleh:

Ive endured so much humiliation, betrayal, and deceit,

Too much to remember all thats gone wrong,
My parents scorned me, my children didnt thank me
And my husband is a subject for a separate song.
Ive eaten shit of every consistency and flavor,
Day after day, and weekends to savor,
Im a guitar, someones shitting on me
Maybe its time to say enough! No more!

Dont try to stop me, dont even bother,

Here I come, better run for cover
Whoever you are, whatever your motive,
You want me to die, but Im going to live.

No matter how hard it might be

If youre the last thing I do,
Ill be the cancers cancer, youll see,
Itll live to regret and rue
The day it showed up in me,
By the time Im done, itll wish it were dead,
Itll wish me on its worst enemy.

I shant delay,
I shall smite it hip and thigh,
And when the vermin goes away,
43

Ill roar like a lion! I will live, youll see! Yeah, yeah, yeah
I will live, youll see! Yeah, yeah, yeah
I will live, youll see!

Hayaleh:

Dyou understand?

Talia:

I understand.

Hayaleh:

What do you understand?

Talia:

I wish I was as combative as you, Mrs. Hayaleh, but Im not. I can

barely kill a cockroach. So theres no point, do you see? The cancer
will realize straight away who its dealing with and laugh at me all the
way to the CT.

Miki:

Because her way really doesnt suit you; for an artistic personality like
yours the spiritual, creative approach is more suitable

Talia:

Your approach is very charming, Miki. But no matter how much I try
and how many summersaults my brain does, I cant manage to see
cancer as a gift. Sorry. Its a bit like saying that Auschwitz was a
summer camp.

Hayaleh:

Hey, hey, hey, dont utter the Holocausts name in vain!

Talia:

Sorry, but you end up looking the same, dont you? When I came onto
the ward this morning and looked around me, it was like coming
into Bergen-Belsen with parquet floors.

Hayaleh:

How dare you compare?

Talia:

The only difference is that here theres choice. And you can choose
differently. I realize its possible to live with cancer, but if Id wanted
to share my life with an evil, cunning parasite that sucks all the energy
out of me, Id have stayed with my husband.

Emunaleh:

So theres no point in talking to you about faith.

Talia:

You cant suddenly start believing just because you feel a bit unwell. If
I were God, even I wouldnt buy it.

Emunaleh:

Do you really mean to do it?

Talia:

Absolutely. Im going home.

Emunaleh:

And you wont do anything at all?

44

Talia:

Of course Ill do something. Ill do lots of things. Maybe a nice trip.

To Africa with the kids. Ill eat like a cow without counting calories, I
wont lose sleep over global warming and the Iranian threat, on the
contrary, the thought of everybody joining me is actually quite
comforting. And the wardrobe needs clearing out, the comfortable
panties with all the holes need to be chucked out, all I need is for them
to be found. Ill plan my headstone, I dont fancy marble, I dont know
who decided that headstones have to be marble. Id have smoothed
concrete, but it might look a bit pretentious, dont you agree? Maybe
Rekortan? I can have a grave in the shape of a slide, and then my
grandchildren can slide over me

Hayaleh:

(Stands up) Right, I cant stay here any longer! (Shouts) Amalia!

Miki:

Whats the matter?

Hayaleh:

Im moving to another room! Amalia!

(Silence. They look at her)

Miki:

But why?

Hayaleh:

I dont want to be in the same room with her.

Talia:

With me?

Hayaleh:

(To Talia) Tell me, who do you think you are?

Talia:

What?

Miki:

Hayaleh!

Hayaleh:

Who are you to come here and depress us like this?

Talia:

Sorry, I really didnt

Hayaleh:

Did you come here to demoralize us? Great! Youve succeeded! Look
at them. Look at their faces. Buried in the ground. Youve buried
them! Happy?

Talia:

What did I do?

Miki:

Hayaleh, drop it

Hayaleh:

(Points to Miki) Do you know how much energy she invests to make
the atmosphere here positive? So we wont think about bad things even
for a second. She spits blood to make us laugh every week! Do you
have any idea what we go through here to survive?

Talia:

And I respect that very much

45

Hayaleh:

You come in here and discount everything were doing, make us feel
inferior, worthless, pathetic. Who do you think you are? Smoothed
concrete, not smoothed concrete! Rekortan? Rekortan? Sorry, Im not
prepared to stay in the same room with her. (Shouts) Amalia!

Miki:

Leave poor Amalia alone.

Talia:

Im sorry, I really didnt mean, its not against you at all

Hayaleh:

The way to hell is paved with I didnt mean it. (Her phone rings.
She searches for her phone in her bag and its entire contents fall
out onto the floor. Talia hurries to help her pick everything up.
Hayaleh stops her with a movement of her hand. Talia returns to
her chair. Hayaleh rummages through her things. She picks up the
phone. Into her phone) Motti? The prime ministers easier to get hold
of than my own son But yesterday Liora told me that its your turn
today What heads or tails? (Quietly into her phone) You flipped a
coin to see whod come with me? Dont bother to come, either of you!
(Hangs up. Miki and Emunaleh pick up all her scattered
belongings. Hayaleh is on the verge of tears) My perfumes
(Choking) broken you cant get it in Israel only at the duty free
wholl get me some now

(Silence. Embarrassment. Distress)

Miki:

Forget it, its perfume from the seventies, Ill get you another. You can
come back with us. Maya will help you up to your apartment.

Hayaleh:

No, theyll be here. Now both of them will come, youll see.

Miki:

Whatever you want. I just want you to know its no problem. Maya
will be happy to.

Hayaleh:

Fine. Mayas a saint! Weve heard!

Miki:

Before the cancer that saint didnt speak to me for five years, OK?

Hayaleh:

What?

Emunaleh:

Who? Maya?

Miki:

From age seventeen to age twenty-two she didnt exchange a single

word with me. Throughout the army, university, first boyfriend

Emunaleh:

I dont believe you.

Miki:

Hated me like the devil.

Hayaleh:

So there are problems in Paradise.

46

Miki:

Hell. Happy? Id wait for her by her house and shed walk right past
me as if I was air. Once she even threatened to file a harassment
complaint against me with the police.

Emunaleh:

Maya? Drink, Mom, eat, Mom, that Maya?

Hayaleh:

What did you do to her?

Miki:

Lets just say I was an unconventional mother.

Emunaleh:

Whats an unconventional mother?

Hayaleh:

Its a shitty mother, thats what.

Miki:

I was sure I was this cool mom who didnt change her lifestyle just
because she had a kid. I didnt put on a pinafore and start cooking. I
didnt think it was terrible if she came to the kindergarten at eleven,
she went to bed late, a rocker girl Turns out kids dont like cool
moms.

Hayaleh:

Well, duh!

Miki:

Fortunately for me the universe sent me a final lifeline. A small lump

in my breast. A small lump that gave me back my daughter big time,
and gave us a chance to put things right. Finally shes got absolute
control over me. Everything she didnt have as a kid. Thats the whole
saint.

Hayaleh:

(To Talia) See what youve done?

Talia:

Me?

Hayaleh:

Ive never seen her like this. Until you came with all your prattling
about death.

Talia:

Sorry, I was only talking about myself, I wasnt suggesting that

anyone

Hayaleh:

I dont want to listen to you!

Talia:

What are you so angry about? What did I say? I have the utmost
respect for your way, and yours and yours, but it just doesnt suit me.
Were not in the same situation, thats just how it is. Im Stage 4. Not
1, not 2, not 3a, not b, Stage 4. Theres no Stage 5. Finished. The
only thing I still have control over is the how. The cancer thinks its
navigating? Well, Ive got a surprise in store for it. Its not going to
decide how I die; Ill decide how its going to die Itll be my idiotic

47

little triumph. Im excited about it but I wont talk about it anymore if

it depresses all of you.
(Silence)
Emunaleh:

What about your children?

Talia:

What about them?

Emunaleh:

How are they going to react to you

Hayaleh:

Abandoning them.

Talia:

Im not abandoning them!

Hayaleh:

Of course youre abandoning them.

Talia:

Stop saying abandoning.

Hayaleh:

Is running away better?

Talia:

No!

Hayaleh:

Deserting, evading, absconding

Miki:

(To Talia) She used to be a language teacher.

Hayaleh:

Forsaking

Talia:

Im releasing them from a life of anxiety and bitter memories. Is that

what I want to leave behind? What have I got left to give them besides
a happy memory?

Miki:

But children want their mother whatever the situation. They dont care
if shes sick, bald, in a wheelchair, as long theyve got a mother!

Talia:

Theyll understand. They know me.

Miki:

It wont make them any less sad.

Talia:

Theyll get over it! The death of a parent is natural.

Emunaleh:

The death of a mother is the saddest thing in the world.

Talia:

I know.

(Silence)
Talia:

A few years ago I decided to go to therapy. The psychologist asked me

why Id come to see him, and I told him my mother died when I was
ten Do you know what he said?

Emunaleh:

What?

Talia:

Go home. Only people whose mother isnt dead come to see me.

(The women smile)

Emunaleh:

Arent you afraid?

Talia:

Of death?
48

Emunaleh:

Yes.

Talia:

I dont want to give it the satisfaction.

Emunaleh:

But how do you do it?

Talia:

Shakespeare already said that Cowards die many times before their
deaths; The valiant

(Enter Dr. Katz and Amalia toward the end of Talias last sentence. She doesnt
see them)
Dr. Katz:

(With her) never taste of death but once. (They all look at him.
To Talia) So whats all the drama about now, Madam Shakespeare?

Talia:

Oh! Hi, thank you for coming, I know youve got a hundred and thirty
patients on your head, and the last thing I want is to take up your
time

Dr. Katz:

And the point is?

Talia:

I want to be disconnected.

Dr. Katz:

You want to be disconnected?

Talia:

Id like to be disconnected.

Dr. Katz:

Dont you feel well?

Talia:

(Nods hesitantly) Yes.

(Dr. Katz takes a pair of gloves from the instrument trolley, puts them on, and
sits on a chair beside Talia. He puts his stethoscope in his ears. Silence. The
women look on mesmerized. He draws the curtain, separating Talia from the
other women. They complain quietly, watch the curtain, almost falling over as
they lean toward it)
Dr. Katz:

(To Talia) Turn your back to me and lift up your shirt a little, please.

(The three women exchange meaningful looks)

(Talia turns her back to him, and lifts up her shirt)
Dr. Katz:

(Examining her with his stethoscope) Take a deep breath.

(Talia and the three women take a deep breath)

Talia:

I didnt know you were a theatre lover.

Dr. Katz:

Im not a theatre lover. Deep breath.

(Emunaleh and Miki look at Hayaleh questioningly; she shrugs)

Talia:

And the Shakespeare quote?

Dr. Katz:

I go to the theatre but Im not much of an enthusiast. Deep breath.

Talia:

So why do you go? I dont get people who go to the theatre and text

Dr. Katz:

Hold your breath.

49

(Talia holds her breath for a long time, until she cant hold it any longer, and
exhales)
Talia:

You did that to shut me up.

Dr. Katz:

Purely as a medical indication. Turn round to me please, and lift up

your shirt a little.

(Talia turns to face him, lifts up her shirt. The women hold their breath)
Talia:

Why do you go to the theatre if you dont like it? (Breathing)

Dr. Katz:

My mother had a subscription. And I renew it every year in her

memory. Instead of going to her grave. (Talia smiles at him gently)
At least the theatre has air-conditioning. Take a deep breath. (Her
smile vanishes)

(Talia holds her breath, closes her eyes, and goes into a trance. Dr. Katz doesnt
look at her. He starts examining her. Music. They dance the Examination Dance.
The music ends, and they are once again where they were before the fantasy
sequence)
Dr. Katz:

You can breathe out you can breathe out. (Stands up, takes off his
gloves) I cant see any problem.

(Dr. Katz tosses the gloves into a bin. Opens the curtain all at once, catching the
women leaning toward it. They immediately regain their composure and get very
busy with other matters)
Talia:

I want to stop the treatment.

(Silence. He looks at her)

Talia:

Id like to stop the treatment. If you can tell Amalia its all right

Dr. Katz:

Theres no reason to stop. Your bodys responding very well to the

treatment.

Talia:

But I dont want it. I dont want treatment.

Dr. Katz:

All of a sudden you dont want treatment?

Talia:

Its not all of a sudden.

(Dr. Katz opens her medical notes, searches for a document, and pulls it out)
Dr. Katz:

A week ago you wanted it. Unless this isnt your signature on the
consent form.

Talia:

Its my signature. But the truth is I wasnt really fully conscious and
didnt understand all the implications when I signed it.

Dr. Katz:

Were you sedated?

Talia:

When?
50

Dr. Katz:

When you signed the consent form.

Talia:

No, I was in the initial shock at the news.

Dr. Katz:

If you werent sedated it wont hold up in court.

Talia:

What court?

Dr. Katz:

When you change your mind again of course, and regret stopping the
treatment youll sue me and the hospital for assisted suicide, and youll
win too.

Talia:

Thats the problem? Youre afraid of a lawsuit?

Dr. Katz:

Im not afraid. I simply know itll happen.

Talia:

So, what you see in front of you isnt a patient, but a lawsuit.

Dr. Katz:

Weve had bad experiences with these things

Talia:

I wont sue you.

Dr. Katz:

Just an hour ago you screamed at the top of your voice that you were
going to sue me and this entire hospital (Talia is stunned) Ive got
ears in the back of my head.

Talia:

(Sheepishly) That was in a moment of anger Im in a different

place now, believe me.

Dr. Katz:

And why should I believe you? Youre an actress. Even a good one, so
Im told. (Turning to leave)

Talia:

Im not acting now.

Dr. Katz:

And I believe you believe that. But the second you change your
mind

Talia:

I wont change my mind!

Dr. Katz:

You just did, who can guarantee you wont change it again.

Talia:

I guarantee it. Its a final decision.

Dr. Katz:

And what if you leave now, suddenly fall in love, blossom, become
happy and really want to live, and then youll be told its too late for
treatment, and youll get angry and look for someone to take that anger
out on, and at the trial youll speak with the same passion youre
speaking to me now.

Talia:

So Ill sign something that says I wont sue you.

Dr. Katz:

That wont hold up either.

Talia:

Why?

51

Dr. Katz:

Because youre under the influence of drugs right now. Very strong
drugs that can easily disrupt ones rationality. Youll have no problem
proving that you werent competent to make decisions.

Talia:

Are you saying Im not competent to make decisions about my own

life?

Dr. Katz:

Its not me saying it, the law does.

Talia:

But its a Catch-22. Because Im receiving drugs that affect my

rationality Im not competent to make a decision to stop the drugs in
order to restore my rationality.

Dr. Katz:

Finish todays treatment, and then youre free to do what you choose.

Talia:

I dont want to finish the treatment. I want to stop now.

Dr. Katz:

Sadly, I cant comply with every childish whim.

Talia:

Its not a whim. Its the most significant decision Ive ever made.

Dr. Katz:

One of the symptoms of irrationality is a tendency to make excessive

use of the phrase the most.

Talia:

Why is this making you so nervous? Are you afraid your medical
authority will be undermined if everybody decides what they want to
do with themselves? Afraid youll be left without a job?

Dr. Katz:

Ill send the department psychologist to see you

Talia:

No! I dont need a psychologist!

Dr. Katz:

I realize youre upset, and its only natural the first time, what youre
going through isnt easy, youre transitioning from the denial phase to
the depression phase, itll pass

Talia:

Dont talk to me in your cancer voice!

Dr. Katz:

Come and sit down, Ill give you a sedative

Talia:

Dont you patronize me! Im just as sane as you are.

(Silence)
Dr. Katz:

What do you want?

Talia:

I want a happy end.

Dr. Katz:

Happy ends only happen in fairy tales.

Talia:

I want to choose what my death will be like. Is that so hard for you to
believe?

Dr. Katz:

I dont understand why were talking about death right now.

52

Talia:

So I cant talk about death with you either? What is this? A whole
department living in denial? Hello! Wake up! Were on the top floor.
From here you can only go up!

Dr. Katz:

Youre not yet at the stage that you need to talk about it.

Talia:

Stage 4 isnt the stage I need to talk about it? What are we waiting for?
Stage Grave?

Dr. Katz:

Theres a lot more we can do before we get to the grave.

Talia:

Can you cure me, Doctor?

Dr. Katz:

I cant promise anything, but I can try.

Talia:

What are my chances of making a complete recovery?

Patients:

Oh!

Dr. Katz:

Median survival from a sarcoma like yours

Talia:

Will you please speak Hebrew?

Dr. Katz:

The median survival time

Talia:

What median?

Dr. Katz:

Median is the time from diagnosis or the last treatment, to how long
fifty percent of patients survive.

Talia:

So you dont want to tell me.

Dr. Katz:

What?

Talia:

Im asking you a simple question. Look in my case notes and tell me

what my deadline is.

Dr. Katz:

I cant give you an answer to that because it would be irresponsible.

Ive seen people in your condition who have been alive and kicking for
many years, there are also unexplained cases of complete recovery,
like the old man who came here with a huge tumor on his lung

Talia:

Asparagus and hilbeh, I heard.

Dr. Katz:

Asparagus and coriander leaves.

Emunaleh:

Hilbeh.

Hayaleh:

Ambah.

Miki:

Turmeric.

Talia:

So youre advising me to eat ambah?

Dr. Katz:

Miracles happen. Its a fact.

Talia:

Forget about miracles. What do the statistics say?

Dr. Katz:

Statistics isnt an exact science.

53

Talia:

All of a sudden statistics isnt an exact science? Every turmeric has

become an exact science, and all of a sudden exact science isnt exact
anymore?

Dr. Katz:

Do you know that one of the most important principles in statistics is

that if you give a lot of monkeys a bunch of typewriters, one of them
will eventually type out Hamlet.

(Talia looks at Dr. Katz in shock. He smiles arrogantly)

Talia:

Do you think its morally right to give a patient hope even when there
isnt any? Is that what they taught you at medical school? To deceive?

(The smile vanishes from Dr. Katzs face)

Hayaleh:

I was born in Auschwitz.

(Everybody looks at her in astonishment)

Miki:

(Laughs. They all look at her) This is a joke, isnt it?

Emunaleh:

Hayaleh, this humor is really inappropriate

Hayaleh:

Three months before the Liberation. Do you know what chances a

baby had of surviving in Auschwitz? The chances of a healthy adult
surviving in Auschwitz was half a percent. Half a percent! Do you
know what chances a baby had of surviving in Auschwitz? A tenth of
that. A tenth of one half of one percent! Theres no such number. And
Im here. And I laugh at the statistics. And every morning when I get
up I say, Hello, Herr Hitler, where am I and where are you?

(Silence)
Dr. Katz:

Why dont you try. Give it a chance. Maybe youll hold up better than
you think. At least try. If its bad for you, dont come for the next
treatment.

Talia:

No! If I start therell be no end to it. Humans are adaptable creatures,

and greedy, of course Ill hold up. Of course Ill discover amazing
strengths I never knew existed. You can get used to any situation. But
its like a casino, once youre in its hard to get out. And just like that,
before I know it, Ill find myself doing all the things I swore to myself
Id never do. No, no, the only way to not lose everything is to get out
of the game before it even begins.

Dr. Katz:

What are you so afraid of losing?

Talia:

Human semblance.
54

Dr. Katz:

(Looks at her for a long moment as if hes coming round) Do you

know how much that bag costs? (Points to the IV drip) 20,000
shekels.

Talia:

Whats money got to do with it now?

Dr. Katz:

Do you know how much blood we sweated until the state agreed to
include it in the medicine basket?

Talia:

So Ill be saving the state hundreds of thousands of dollars. I should

get an award for outstanding citizenship.

Dr. Katz:

Do you know how many mice gave their life

Talia:

Ill erect a memorial to the mice! Just disconnect me already.

Dr. Katz:

Sorry, I dont have the authority. (Turns to leave)

Talia:

No! Dont go!

Emunaleh:

Dr. Katz?

Dr. Katz:

Yes?

Emunaleh:

The Dying Patient Law says that before a patient gives his or her
consent to treatment, he or she has to be provided accurate
information. Its called Duty to Inform. If she proves that the
information wasnt accurate and/or full and/or was conveyed in
unintelligible language her signature on the consent form is invalid.

Talia:

(Surprised) Thanks, girlie.

Dr. Katz:

I see youve brought along a lawyer.

Emunaleh:

Not a lawyer yet, but on the way to becoming a rabbinical pleader.

Miki:

Emunaleh, I dont think we should interfere.

Hayaleh:

Everybodys gone mad today.

Emunaleh:

I know the law and she has right of control in medical decisions.

Dr. Katz:

So if you know the law, then you know that I have to involve the
hospital director, and he can decide to form a committee to discuss her
request, and by the time all that happens shell have finished the
treatment and gone home ages ago.

Emunaleh:

Its true. If you want to play for time, you have that option.

Dr. Katz:

Thank you, counselor.

Emunaleh:

On the other hand, as a senior physician, you have the authority to

authorize individual cases of disconnection without involving other
parties.
55

Dr. Katz:

(To Emunaleh) Why are you helping her? Do you understand the
implications of this help?

Emunaleh:

Im just helping her exercise her legal rights. A doctor is charged with
serving the patient in accordance with that patients wishes,
understanding, and worldview.

Talia:

Exactly! (Claps her hands)

Dr. Katz:

(Turns to Talia) You probably feel very good about yourself, and
think this is a very noble, very Shakespearean decision. But the truth is
its a very, very foolish decision.

Talia:

Is that what you think?

Dr. Katz:

I dont understand why youre in such a hurry to die. Unless you

believe there are 72 male virgins awaiting your arrival in Heaven.

Talia:

72 male virgins isnt Heaven, its Hell.

Amalia:

(From the doorway) Dr. Katz!

Dr. Katz:

Coming. (To Talia) Chemotherapy isnt your enemy.

Talia:

Chemotherapy isnt going to cure me.

Dr. Katz:

Itll buy you time.

Talia:

How much time?

Dr. Katz:

Could be years.

Talia:

Years? How many years? Ten?

Dr. Katz:

Ten might be a bit optimistic.

Talia:

Five?

Dr. Katz:

With a lot of luck.

Talia:

So closer to four, lets say?

Dr. Katz:

Lets say.

Talia:

And how long have I got without treatment?

Dr. Katz:

Maybe a year at best.

Talia:

A year.

Dr. Katz:

Thats three years difference. Its a lot. More than a thousand days.

Talia:

A thousand days.

Talia:

A thousand long days that Ill spend either here, hooked up to the IV,
or in Surgical Ward B, in ugly pajamas, or at home throwing up, or in
front of the mirror, bald, with sores, emaciated, weak, needy,
dependent, the whole world will shrink into my anus and the
56

consistency of my bowel movements, I wont be able to think of

anything else, only what I ate today, what I drank yesterday, whats
this pain? Whens the next checkup? Form 17, prescriptions, drugs and
drugs to counter the drugs and drugs to counter the counter drugs, truly
a thousand days of euphoria.
Dr. Katz:

If thats how you choose to see things

Talia:

What youre suggesting isnt to prolong life. Its to prolong death.

(Silence. Dr. Katz looks at the floor)

Dr. Katz:

Sorry, Im in the business of saving lives.

Talia:

Under any circumstances?

Dr. Katz:

Any circumstances. That, by the way, is what most normal people

want.

Talia:

Do you think I want to die? These were supposed to be the best ten
years of my life. My parents are dead, the children have left home, Im
a free person. Was. For a minute. But the fact is I was dealt a new hand
and thats what I have to play with. I wont let the cancer dictate how I
live or my relationship with my kids wholl have to become parents to
their mother. I wont sell my soul to the cancer.

Dr. Katz:

And you think if you refuse treatment youll have a happy end?

Talia:

If I manage to die right, then yes, that would be a happy end as far as
Im concerned.

Dr. Katz:

(Disdainfully) And whats to die right?

Talia:

To prepare for death as if I were preparing for the role of my life.

Dr. Katz:

Youre living in a movie.

Talia:

Get to know my co-star, look it in the eye, laugh with it

Dr. Katz:

Maybe I should call for the psychologist after all?

Talia:

Dying is an art just like any other. Knowing when to exit the stage,
leaving a taste of more, and not of more-than-enough. Thats to die
right. To enjoy the months left to me, say my goodbyes to everyone,
maybe manage to play one more good part, what theatre director is
going to say no to a cancer patient? Maybe Ill even have time to fall in
love. Some people prefer short-term relationships (Looks him
straight in the eye)

57

(Dr. Katz looks at the women accusingly; they respond with a look of feigned
innocence)
Talia:

I want to meet death when Im at my best, not full of holes, cut up

To die without slowly killing those who will remember. Thats to die
right.

(Silence)
Dr. Katz:

(Clapping) Wow, what a monologue.

Talia:

Nothing gets through to you. What kind of doctor are you? Youre
damaged goods, all of you.

Dr. Katz:

Gets through to me? Gets through to you! This isnt a play, this is your
life!

Talia:

No! Its my death! And with all due respect for it being foreseen, I still
have the freedom to get there in my own way.

(Silence. Dr. Katz looks at Talia. Filling up with hope, she directs a small smile to
him)
Dr. Katz:

Then allow me to describe to you exactly what your happy end is

going to be like. One day youll start experiencing weakness, loss of
appetite, blockages in your stomach and intestines, extreme
emaciation. The metabolism process grinds to a halt, blood vessels
erode and bleed, your liver will stop functioning, youll become
jaundiced, develop infections, muscle flaccidity, abscesses on your
lungs, increasingly low blood pressure, renal failure, stroke,
myocardial infarction, and to top everything off, congestive heart
failure, and asphyxiation.

Talia:

Youre so romantic.

Dr. Katz:

Thats what they all say.

Talia:

You cant scare me. Nowadays even animals arent allowed to suffer.
When the time comes youll hook me up to the morphine, they say its
one of the superior drugs, right Miki?

Miki:

The best.

Talia:

And well part as friends. If we can be called friends.

Dr. Katz:

You probably feel really brave talking about death like this.

Talia:

Im not fishing for compliments.

58

Dr. Katz:

But you didnt have the courage to tell your children. Yes, Ive done a
little investigating myself.

Talia:

Ill tell them.

Dr. Katz:

When? Before the morphine, or after? (Starts to leave) Talk to your

children, Madam Shakespeare. Consult with them, theyve got every
right to know what their mother is deciding to do. (Almost at the
door)

Talia:

My daughters getting married in two weeks.

(Dr. Katz stops, his back to her)

(The three women groan)
Talia:

(Speaking to Dr. Katzs back) Shes in seventh heaven. Floating from

fitting sessions to tasting sessions, delving into books of poetry in
search of the perfect poem to accurately express her feelings,
chirruping surreal words of love on the phone, Id have to be a
particularly bad mother to dump reality onto her right now. That was
the only thought going through my mind when the doctor gave me the
news. That, OK, Ill do what he tells me to do, but Im not going to let
the cancer touch the wedding. You remember your wedding for the rest
of your life, and so long as Ive got anything to do with it, shell
remember how happy she was. How many moments like that do we get
in a lifetime? The cancer can wait until she comes back from her
honeymoon. A time to mourn and a time to dance. And now is a time
to dance.

(Dr. Katz turns to face her)

Talia:

I thought, Im not going to let cancer prevent me from dancing at the

wedding, but now I realize that whats going to stop me dancing isnt
the cancer, its the treatment.

(Dr. Katz looks at her, inclined to be persuaded. Talia becomes hopeful)

Talia:

(Tenderly) All you have to do is say yes.

(Dr. Katz starts walking toward her)

Dr. Katz:

Sorry, Ive got to go.

Talia:

(Grabs his arm, not letting him go) No! Dont go!

Dr. Katz:

With all due respect, Ive got an emergency here.

Talia:

But what about me?

59

Dr. Katz:

Ill get back to you with an answer.

Talia:

When?

Dr. Katz:

Youll have to let go of my hand sometime, or someones going to die.

Talia:

When will you be back?

Dr. Katz:

Ill check, Ill consult, and Ill get back to you. (Talia doesnt let go of
his arm) Soon.

Talia:

(Letting go of his arm) Every moment that thing drips is an eternity

for me.

Dr. Katz:

Lets not get melodramatic. (Starts to leave) I told you, Im not a

theatre lover.

(Exit Dr. Katz)

(Talia leans back disheartened)
Talia:

He wont come back.

Miki:

He will, he has to.

Talia:

Alls bad that ends bad.

Hayaleh:

Nothing will happen if you finish one treatment.

Miki:

Worst case youll live a bit longer.

Emunaleh:

With Gods help youll dance at your daughters wedding and

everything will be for the best.

Hayaleh:

With Gods help and with the help of the steroids.

Miki:

Dancing With Steroids. Thats a good title for a movie.

Emunaleh:

In a few hours youll be home and you can

Talia:

No! Listen, I realize my insistence on stopping the treatment in the

middle might seem foolish, or petty, what difference are these two or
three hours going to make? Why is she making such a fuss? But for
me, the very act, that physical act of disconnecting, will restore my

Emunaleh:

Dignity?

Talia:

My self which has lost its way a bit lately. And I need it now more
than ever.

(Silence)
Emunaleh:

You can simply close the IV clamps.

Talia:

What?

Miki:

Emunaleh!

Hayaleh:

What are you doing?

60

Talia:

What clamps?

Miki:

Emunaleh!

Hayaleh:

The prudent doth keep silence in such a time!

Emunaleh:

On the IV tube, there are two small clamps. You can close them, itll
stop the dripping. Until he comes back.

Talia:

Are you serious? Where? (Looks down her shirt) The blue ones?

Emunaleh:

Yes.

Talia:

How do you close them? How?

Emunaleh:

You press the

Hayaleh:

(To Miki) Call Amalia!

Talia:

Press what? What?

Emunaleh:

Are you sure you want to do this?

Talia:

Emuna! (Puts her hand down her shirt and fumbles with the
clamps)

Hayaleh:

Emuna!

Emunaleh:

Just kidding, I didnt say anything. I just wanted to see if youre really
serious.

Talia:

I dont understand.

Emunaleh:

I was sure that at the moment of truth

Talia:

Id change my mind?

Emunaleh:

Yes.

Talia:

So you were just saying all that?

Emunaleh:

Yes. Sorry.

Talia:

So, do these clamps stop the dripping or dont they?

(Emunaleh doesnt respond)

Talia:

They do.

(Emunaleh doesnt respond)

(Talia fumbles with the clamps under her shirt)
(Enter Amalia)
Amalia:

Who called for me?

Hayaleh:

Oh! Thank God!

Amalia:

(To Talia) What are you doing?

Talia:

Nothing.

Amalia:

Were you trying to close the clamps?

61

Talia:

Just until he comes back.

Amalia:

Well, you cant do that, sweetie, OK?

Talia:

Whats going to stop me doing it?

Amalia:

I will if necessary.

Talia:

How?

Amalia:

I cant sit here and watch you; Ive got a million patients out there

Talia:

Exactly.

Amalia:

Promise me you

Talia:

Im not making any promises Im not sure Ill keep. And theres
nothing you can do.

Amalia:

There are lots of things I can do, my dear, but I dont want to. Im
asking you not to put me in that position.

Talia:

What can you do?

Amalia:

Restrain you, for one.

Talia:

You really want me to live that much?

Amalia:

Dr. Katz promised to come back soon with an answer.

Talia:

He wont come back, he hates me.

Amalia:

Youre wrong.

Miki:

I actually think hes in love with you. Dont you think so, Amalia?
You know him. Have you ever seen him so exposed? Hes in love with
her, reluctantly of course, thats what makes it so sexy.

Amalia:

I dont know about in love, and I dont have time for sex, but of one
thing I am sure he respects you.

Talia:

Me? Respect? Him?

Amalia:

Yes, yes, and yes.

Talia:

What do you base this on?

Amalia:

On hearsay.

Talia:

He talked about me?

Amalia:

Uhuh.

Talia:

What did he say?

Amalia:

That youve got balls.

(Silence. Talia is surprised)

Hayaleh:

Then hes in love.

Miki:

I told you. I know all about love.

62

Emunaleh:

The Song of Songs.

Talia:

What exactly did he say?

Amalia:

The ladys got balls.

(Silence)
Talia:

Restrain me.

Amalia:

What?

Talia:

Restrain me.

Amalia:

God forbid.

Talia:

Im asking you to restrain me.

Amalia:

Why?

Talia:

Ive got to crack his wall. Talking wont do any good anymore. Maybe
if he sees me restrained itll do something to him. Its my last chance.
Please restrain me.

Amalia:

Hell kill me!

Talia:

Ill sign to say I asked you to. Youve got three witnesses here. Come
on, let me make one last attempt, and thats it. After that Ill give in. I
promise. Please, I know youre a good person. Restrain me.

(Amalia looks at her, not knowing what to do. She looks at the women at a loss.
They signal her to grant her request. Amalia ties Talias arms to the armrests of
her chair)
Amalia:

I cant believe Im doing this.

Hayaleh:

Now its getting interesting.

Miki:

A flavor of sadomasochism.

Emunaleh:

Sado what?

Miki:

Masochism.

Talia:

Tighter. Tighter.

Amalia:

Come on, enough.

(Amalia finishes restraining Talia)

Talia:

Thank you, Amalia. Ill never forget this.

Amalia:

(While texting on her cell phone) This Id rather you did forget.

Talia:

Amalia?

Amalia:

(While texting on her cell phone) What?

Talia:

Why did you come to work here?

Amalia:

Why did I come to work here?

63

Talia:

Why this department? Why not maternity or something, where theres

more joy.

Amalia:

(Looks at Talia) And wholl work here?

(Talia nods. She looks at Amalia in admiration)

(Enter Dr. Katz)
Dr. Katz:

Im back, Im back. (To Amalia) Whats so urgent that you sent me

thirty text messages?

(Dr. Katz looks at Talia. She waves a small hello with her restrained hand)
Dr. Katz:

(Shocked, to Amalia) What have you done? Are you crazy?

Amalia:

She tried to close the clamps.

(He looks at Talia. She shrugs as if to say thats the way it is)
Amalia:

I didnt have any other choice.

Dr. Katz:

So you restrained her?

Amalia:

I cant sit here and hold her hands; Ive got a hundred and thirty
patients too.

(Dr. Katz looks at Talia. She responds with a defiant look. For a long time
neither of them takes their eyes off one another)
Hayaleh:

(Hisses slowly and quietly) The walls of Jericho are tumbling down.

(Miki and Emunaleh shush her)

(Dr. Katz goes over to Talia, sits on a chair facing her, and starts to untie the
restraints on her arms)
Dr. Katz:

Promise me you wont do anything.

Talia:

I cant give you that kind of promise.

(Dr. Katz unties the restraints. Talia immediately reaches for the clamps. He
grabs both her hands in his, and holds them tight. They look at one another)
Dr. Katz:

Why are you so stubborn?

Talia:

Im fighting for my life. Why are you so stubborn? Why do you care
about me? Let me go home and youll never see me again.

(They look at one another for a long moment. A battle of stares)

Dr. Katz:

(To Amalia) Prepare some gloves for me.

Talia:

What?

Dr. Katz:

Im going to disconnect you.

Talia:

Really? This isnt some kind of trick, is it, because I havent got the
strength for any more games
64

Dr. Katz:

No more games.

(Dr. Katz slowly lets go of Talias hands. She doesnt move. He stands up, and
goes to Amalia)
Amalia:

Are you serious?

Dr. Katz:

Yes.

Amalia:

I can disconnect her.

Dr. Katz:

No. (Holds his hands out to Amalia so she can glove his hands. To
Amalia) I dont want you to be involved in case something bad comes
out of this.

Amalia:

And what about you?

Dr. Katz:

Ill take the risk.

Amalia:

Why? (Puts the gloves on his hands)

Dr. Katz:

(To Amalia, quietly) Because Id do exactly what shes doing. (Turns

and goes to Talia. Sits facing her)

Dr. Katz:

This is your last chance to change your mind.

Talia:

No thanks.

Dr. Katz:

Are you sure?

Talia:

(Looks around, at the room, the IV drips, the women) Surer than
Ive ever been in my entire life.

Dr. Katz:

No ones going to judge you if you decide to change your mind.

Talia:

I know.

Dr. Katz:

I suggest that when Professor Manilevsky returns, you meet with him
and discuss the situation together.

Talia:

No professors; Ill come to you.

(They look at each other)

Dr. Katz:

I only receive patients at the hospital.

Talia:

I know.

Dr. Katz:

Speak to my secretary and shell make an appointment for you.

Talia:

Of course.

Dr. Katz:

Ready?

Talia:

And able.

Dr. Katz:

Move your shirt a little.

(Talia moves her shirt from the IV clamp. Looks into his eyes. He looks into hers.
The women lean toward them spellbound. And suddenly:)

65

Emunaleh:

Me too!

All:

What?

Emunaleh:

I want to be disconnected too.

Hayaleh:

Whats this nonsense?

Miki:

Whats the matter with you? Have you lost your mind?

Emunaleh:

Shes right. Were wasting our time here. This isnt living.

Dr. Katz:

(To Talia) Now look what youve done. Anyone else want to join the
rebellion?

(Hayaleh and Miki look at one another for a long moment as if they are about to
join the rebellion, they look at Dr. Katz, and shake their heads)
Emunaleh:

I want to be disconnected. Im not scared. Dying isnt the end of the

world.

Hayaleh:

Emunaleh! What are you saying?

Emunaleh:

My mother used to wash corpses, and as a little girl I sometimes went

with her.

Hayaleh:

Oh my God! The things you do when you havent got a babysitter.

Emunaleh:

It wasnt scary. I remember the quiet. The tranquility on their faces.

Complete silence.

Dr. Katz:

(To Talia) If I disconnect you, Ill have to disconnect her too if she
insists.

Talia:

Emuna, what are you doing?

Emunaleh:

For the past year I havent been a mother, or a wife, or a daughter, or a

sister, or a friend, I havent observed the commandments, I havent
even been religious. Nothing. Not a human being. Is that how Ill be
remembered? Youre right. Instead of sitting here and vomiting
illusions, I need to start saying my goodbyes, prepare my family, grow
my hair a little, give the children a chance to see me with hair, find a
new spouse for my husband. Someone wholl be a good mother to my
children, train her in properly

Talia:

What sane woman is going to take on a man with six children? What is
this, The Sound of Music?

(Talia stands up, takes the IV drip stand, walks over to Emunaleh, and kneels in
front of her)

66

Talia:

Sweetheart, you cant do this. Youve got young children. Im

fortunate. My kids are all grown up. My only responsibility is to
myself. At my age I can do all kinds of nonsense. But you cant.
Youve got responsibilities. Youve got to fight. Youre young, youre
strong, and youre only Stage 2 for Christs sake. You can recover. Or
at least get a few years of peace, which is also a lot.

(Emunaleh clasps her hands, her eyes downcast. She doesnt respond)
Talia:

Look at me. (Emunaleh looks at her) Youve got so much more to

live for. To see your children grow up, its a huge reward, believe me.
And youre going to become a great rabbinical pleader and help so
many women; its thanks to you that he even listened to me. And do
you know why? Because he respects you. (To Dr. Katz) Right?

Dr. Katz:

Im impressed.

Talia:

Emunaleh, please tell him you dont want to be disconnected.

(Emunaleh doesnt respond)

Hayaleh:

I knew this day would end in tears.

Miki:

I dont know whos against who anymore.

Talia:

Emuna, look at me!

(Everybody looks tensely at Emunaleh. Her eyes are downcast. She doesnt
respond)
Talia:

OK, you win. I give in. Were done. Enough. Im not getting
disconnected. Youre free to go, Doctor.

(She waits for a moment, sees that Emunaleh isnt responding, stands up bowed,
straightens up, and slowly returns to her chair. She doesnt look at anyone. She
arranges the IV drip stand, looks at the huge bag, a third of which is already
empty. She sits down heavily, leans back, closes her eyes, and tries very hard to
hold back the tears. She covers her face with her hands. Dr. Katz looks at her,
then at the silent Emunaleh, then back at Talia, and again at Emunaleh. As he
looks at Emunaleh, he slowly brings one gloved hand to his mouth and with his
teeth grabs the edge of the glove to pull it off. Everyone but Talia watch him
tensely)
Emunaleh:

No! Dont take off the gloves.

(Talia opens her eyes, but doesnt look at Emunaleh)

Emunaleh:

Sorry, it was a moment of spiritual weakness. Just for once I wanted

to see what freedom feels like. Maybe itll happen some day.
Something to aspire to. For the time being Im staying here.

67

Miki:

Give me a kiss. (Kisses her)

Hayaleh:

Either in kisses or in tears. Nothing good.

(Emunalehs phone rings)

Emunaleh:

Im not answering him. He can manage on his own.

Hayaleh:

Now Im going to kiss you.

(Dr. Katz looks at Talia, and she looks at him questioningly)

Dr. Katz:

(Fixes his gloves) Your shirt.

(Talia moves her shirt. He turns the IV clamp on the pipe. It stops dripping)
Talia:

(Looks at the pipe. Excited) Its stopped.

Dr. Katz:

Yes.

Talia:

(A big, relieved smile spreads over her face) Thank you.

Dr. Katz:

Take a deep breath.

(Talia takes a deep breath, he removes the needle, she holds back a scream. He
applies a pad and presses it hard with his finger)
Dr. Katz:

Ill release it in a minute.

Talia:

No rush.

(He presses with his finger to stop the blood. They look into each others eyes.
She smiles at him. He returns a shy half-smile. Music)
Dr. Katz:

Press here for a few seconds.

(The music becomes louder. He guides her hand to the spot she needs to press,
and switches hands with her, letting his hand linger on hers for a long moment,
and slowly draws it away in a kind of caress. She presses the pad. He takes off his
gloves. Talia says goodbye to Amalia, to the women. She goes over to Dr. Katz.
They stand facing one another. The music becomes a little quieter, so they can be
heard)
(Talia and Dr. Katz shake hands)
Talia:

I dont know how to thank you.

Dr. Katz:

Have a fun life!

(The music becomes louder. Talia takes Dr. Katzs stethoscope and places it on
her heart, lets go of it, and turns, her back to everyone. The back curtain opens
to reveal the staircase. Everybody looks at her. She goes up the stairs, bright
white light shining in front of her. She stops at the top of the staircase,
straightens up. She raises her hand in a small wave goodbye with her back to
them. She turns her head with a small smile)
(Darkness)
(Curtain)

68