THE WAITING BY RON DARVIN

The Waiting

By Ron Darvin

Written as a springboard for discussion of how long-term separation impacts the lives of migrant families, this short play was first performed at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada in November 20'1,4. No set is required to stage this-play. The two characters-Isabel, a Filipino woman in her early 40s, and Miguel, her 1S-year old son-face the audience as they recite their monologues.

Isabel: Mabuhay! My name is Isabel and I'm from the archipelago of 7,107 islands, high tide-2108 low tide-the Philippines! I'm 31. I’m just kidding! I'm 41. I just wanted to see if you'll believe me. Because you know, my friends, they ask me "Isabel, what's your secret for looking so young?" And I tell them, "Hay naku, lnday, it's all about moisturizing! That's why I use Dove. You know? 'Because you're more beautiful than you think!"'

There are many Doves, but my favorite is Dove Pomegranate. Ay, it smells so good! You know in Manila I didn't even know what a pomegranate was. The first time I saw one here in Canada I said, Oh my! All those seeds! So hard to eat! That's why I just put it on my face.

So I've been living here in Vancouver for eight years now. First two years as live-in caregiver for the Choi family. After staying with the Chois, I got an open work permit so I opened the door of my life. I told myself, "This is it, Isabel! This is your chance to find new opportunities!" And you know, when I was young, I always said "I want to be on Broadway!" $o I got a job here at Tim Horton's near the train station... on Broadway!

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Reading Selection 9: Waiting - Download