Statue of Limitations
July 5th, 2020
Starring: Shira (female, college), Beverly (female, 50’s)
Shira and Beverly stand at a large full body window, looking into the front yard of the house.
SHIRA
You bought it?
BEVERLY
Yeah. From Aimee.
SHIRA
Who?
BEVERLY
My friend from temple. She does the art on the side?
SHIRA
Oh
Right
BEVERLY
It’s made of bronze and obsidian. Aimee said it’s supposed to get weathered over time, adapt to the elements.
SHIRA
So it has to be out there?
BEVERLY
Yeah, in the elements.
SHIRA
Why not the backyard?
BEVERLY
I thought it would look better out there.
...
You look like I’m causing you pain.
Am I causing you pain?
SHIRA
No
I mean, I just don’t fully get what it means
BEVERLY
Aimee said it’s whatever you want it to mean.
SHIRA
Ok but people are going to assume it stands for something if it’s in our yard.
BEVERLY
People can think whatever they want.
SHIRA
I’m just afraid that people will get the wrong idea. That we’re like, supporting something we’re not.
BEVERLY
But we’re not. I think it says the opposite.
SHIRA
Yeah but Mom you can’t blame people for taking different meaning away from it.
It’s vague. That’s why people put signs in their lawn, not statues.
BEVERLY
It’s sculpture.
SHIRA
Okay but what if someone thought this was in support of keeping statues up? Or anti-immigration? Or the degradation of people of color?
BEVERLY
Then they can think that. They can assume we’re bigots all they want, but we’re not.
SHIRA
I know, Mom. I know that. But I don’t want to be thought of as a bigot. I don’t want there to even be a remote chance that I’m even thought of as a bigot. So if there's even a tiny possibility of that crossing someone’s mind, why risk that? Like did it even cross your mind?
BEVERLY
I mean
Aimee’s husband is from Africa. He’s Sephardic.
SHIRA
Ok...
So that automatically means we’re supporting the cause?
BEVERLY
I’m saying it’s certainly not against it!
SHIRA
Mom but based on what we look like and what we stand for, maybe it says something different being in our yard. You know?
BEVERLY
Sure.
I do think I’m showing support though.
SHIRA
I know you are and I’m saying you’re not. I just think there are more direct ways of showing support than that.
Maybe like protesting or donating or—
BEVERLY
Mhm. Mhm.
…
I thought Aimee could use the money, so I was supporting her.
SHIRA
Again, I wasn’t saying you weren’t.
There are just better ways.
I think
…
BEVERLY
I’m keeping it up for now.
I’m sorry if that frustrates you.
SHIRA
It’s ok.
...
It’s just sometimes you’re like the least woke woke person I’ve ever met.
BEVERLY
Yeah, well...you’re gonna have to take me in all my imperfections. Or not.
…
...
You ready for dinner?