Death and the Maiden by Reese Limketkai Chua

Act 1, Scene 1

reeselimketkaichua — 2024-08-15 02:06:32 UTC

Introduces the audience to Paulina Salas, who upon hearing a disturbance outside, immediately retrieves a weapon in preparation. Her agitation disappears when she sees her husband Gerardo come out of a vehicle and questions him on who he was with. They then argue for a while before he makes an announcement that he has been offered a place on a committee by the president. Paulina suspects he has already accepted the offer before asking her. He admits and the scene ends.

Act 1, Scene 2

reeselimketkaichua — 2024-08-19 00:36:48 UTC

An unknown visitor arrives, Gerardo opens the door and it's the good samaritan Roberto Miranda. They have small talk whilst Paulina edges closer to eavesdrop on the men. They debate about the ethics of justice and whether or not retribution for criminals should be served. Gerardo convinces Roberto to stay the night and Paulina retreats to the bedroom pretending to be asleep.

Act 1, Scene 3

reeselimketkaichua — 2024-08-19 00:40:42 UTC

In the middle of the night, Paulina retrieves her weapon and enters Roberto's bedroom. She drags something from the room that resembles a body. She hoists the body on a chair and ties it. It is now evident that it is Roberto. She gags him and leaves with his car. A shot of light reveals it is Roberto Miranda incapacitated in the chair.

Act 1, Scene 4

reeselimketkaichua — 2024-08-19 00:47:37 UTC

Roberto wakes up. He desperately attempts to free himself in vain. Paulina monologues about her history as if they are past acquaintances. She talks about how she cannot listen to a certain type of music without getting sick. Gerardo wakes up and sees Roberto gagged and tied to the chair. A shocked Gerardo pleads with Paulina to let him go and that the entire ordeal is a misunderstanding. Paulina tells Gerardo that Roberto is the man who raped her. Gerardo tells her she's unwell. They debate more about the situation until Paulina fires the gun at an empty space. They argue more until the scene ends.

Act 2, Scene 1

reeselimketkaichua — 2024-08-20 03:23:14 UTC

Continues upon Paulina's monologue to Roberto regarding how her life was affected by the incident. Gerardo interrupts Paulina to debate with her about the morality and ethics of what she's doing. Roberto denies the accusations against him and continues to plead his innocence in the matter. Gerardo and Paulina continue to argue about the legality of the ordeal and the consequences for them afterward. Gerardo then takes Paulina aside and they argue in private. They come to the conclusion that Gerardo needs to convince Roberto to confess as the only way she will let him go free.