Colloquy Vol. 9, Fall 2013, pp. 118-138

Silenced Screams: A Play

Marcela Toledo Characters LIBERTAD: Age 39, an honest female police reporter from a renowned publication.

HERMES: Age 30, a young and honest police reporter.

PHOTOGRAPHER's GHOST: A male photographer reporter murdered and chopped into pieces with two other photographers and the girlfriend of one of them. Has a black hood to represent he is dead.

FE's GHOST: A female reporter from a well-respected weekly magazine, beaten and choked to death in her own house. Has a black hood to represent he is dead.

ESPERANZA's GHOST: A female reporter from a daily newspaper, kidnapped and beheaded. Has a black hood to represent he is dead.

CARIDAD's GHOST: A female editor and blogger, kidnapped and beheaded. Has a black hood to represent he is dead.

CARRASCO's GHOST: A male, old editor executed by armed assassins, in his own house when he and his family were sleeping. Has a black hood to represent he is dead.

TELEVISA's HOST GHOST: A male TV reporter kidnapped and executed with his cousin and the driver. Has a black hood to represent he is dead.

CHORUS: Integrated by all JOURNALISTS’ GHOSTS.

CRONUS: In his late 50’s, a wise but corrupt editor that receives money from ALPHA XL. Dresses casual but elegant.

ASSASSIN #1: Age 24, a loner angel of death; kills and hurt others for fun. Dresses in all black with a ski mask.

ASSASSIN #2: Age 27, a disorganized clown; he feels inferior and kills to save money for his family. Dresses in all black with a ski mask.

Silenced Screams 119

ALPHA XL: Age 30-ish. A bloodthirsty murderer, leader of the cruelest criminal organization.

EL CAPO: The richest and most wanted drug dealer in the world. He is only mentioned, not seen in the play. Time Fall 2012. Place The newsroom of a newspaper of some Mexican city. Scene One [Newsroom. Day. One desk with one typewriter, newspapers, and stationary. Two chairs. HERMES enters from the right side, takes one newspaper from the bunch. His face pales when he reads.] HERMES (reads, but we only hear him mumbling): ...Two of them were reported missing the day before. The three men had received death threats since last year. LIBERTAD (enters in a hurry from the right side, fixing her hair and lipstick): Happy World Press Freedom Day, HERMES! HERMES doesn't answer, still looking at the paper. He is trembling. LIBERTAD speaks louder. LIBERTAD (concerned): What’s wrong? You look like a ghost! Are you hung over or still drunk? HERMES (still in shock, looks to the audience, then to her): We are fucked up, babe. We are next, we have to leave! LIBERTAD: Stop it, paranoiac. What are you talking about? Are you high this early? What did you take now?

120 M. Toledo HERMES (takes her by her shoulders and looks at her closely): The ALPHA's butchered three cameramen and a woman yesterday. We are next. Today or tomorrow they will come for us. HERMES (hands her the newspaper): Read!

LIBERTAD (reads and mumbles fast. Her face becomes red and she lowers her voice): Oh my God! It can’t be possible, I just spoke to them not long ago!

[LIBERTAD AND HERMES continue reading the newspaper. Lights goes out on LIBERTAD and HERMES. A pull of red light illuminates the PHOTOGRAPHER’s GHOST.]

PHOTOGRAPHER’s GHOST: They kidnapped two of us when we were walking to our cars in the parking lot at work. Then they picked up Joel and his girlfriend, and took us all to a safe house outside of the city. They tortured all of us together. We could see everything what they did to any of us. We died a thousand times when they cut us piece-by-piece, A-LIVE! They disposed of our bloody puzzles inside trash bags and threw us into the dirty waters of the canal.

[A red pool of light illuminates FE's GHOST in other side of the stage.] FE's GHOST: Four days before that, they broke into my house at night. I was going to take a shower. They got me naked and beat me up as if I was a man. When they were tired of hitting me, they strangled me.

[A red pool of light on the back of stage illuminates ESPERANZA's GHOST, who walks toward the PHOTOGRAPER’s AND FE's GHOSTS. These two are already waiting to meet at the front of the stage.]

ESPERANZA's GHOST (sadly tells to the PHOTOGRAPHER's GHOST): They picked me up coming out of work also. For two days, they inflicted upon me the most dreadful of torments and beheaded me alive. They left my body on a street and my head in the parking lot of another newspaper. CARIDAD's GHOST (appears under a pull of red light and the GHOSTS group): They threw my body semi-naked in a public plaza, and put my head on top of a monument. They hung these (pointing at the keyboard and the computer's

Silenced Screams 121 cables) from my beheaded body because I was writing a blog, alerting the community about the violence. ESPERANZA's GHOST (to CARIDAD's GHOST): A month before me, they massacred my boss and his family. I was investigating about their killing...

[A red pool of light on the back of the stage illuminates CARRASCO's GHOST.]

CARRASCO's GHOST (to ESPERANZA’s GHOST): Oh, ESPERANZA, you should have left the paper, silly woman! [Then to the audience:] An armed squad entered my house when we were sleeping. They killed my wife, my son and me. My poor son, he was a valiant photographer! My other son escaped because he wasn’t at home that night. [Looking at the audience:] Where are you, son?...

[A red pool of light on the back of the stage illuminates TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST.]

TELEVISA's HOST GHOST (walks towards the other GHOSTS): An armed group kidnapped my cousin, the driver and me outside the studio, in Monterrey. They found our bodies in a vacant lot. We had several gunshot wounds and our hands were tied behind our backs. The killers left a graffiti message on the wall. FE’s GHOST (asks TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST): Who was it? The ALPHA’s, or EL CAPO's people? Your executions were by gunshots. If they were ALPHAs, they would have cut your heads off and chopped all of you into pieces. TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST: You're right, at least I don't have to put all my pieces together. Bad joke, I'm sorry. I really don't know. They did not talk to us. They were wearing ski masks and blindfold us. It was a straight shot to our heads: BANG! They just coldly killed us!

[Lights on the GHOSTS go off. From here and until the end, all the JOURNALIST GHOSTS could be in the back of the newsroom and be present all the time. Lights illuminate HERMES and LIBERTAD, who were holding the same position they had before the GHOSTS began talking.]

LIBERTAD: What is all this war against journalists, HERMES? Why?

122 M. Toledo HERMES: I don’t know anymore. Before, a journalist decided to be corrupt or not; but if they didn't receive money, nobody harmed them. Later they were forced to pick silver or lead. Today there is no choice.

[A red pool of light on the back of stage illuminates the six GHOSTS.] TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST: They will kill you. CARRASCO’s GHOST: And kill your family. FE’s GHOST: You could be beaten to death. CARIDAD’s GHOST: Or beheaded. PHOTOGRAPHER’s GHOST: Or end up chopped into pieces in a black plastic bag after being savagely tortured. ALL GHOSTS (echoing): You're not safe anymore. You're not safe anymore. You're not safe anymore. LIBERTAD (to HERMES; they don't see or hear the CHORUS, lights on all the GHOSTS gradually go off): I already had lost the count of how many attacks against media installations have happened until this moment. It's one after another… HERMES (reads from his reporter’s notebook): According to what I investigated, since 2000, 80 journalists have been killed in the country; 14 disappeared since 2003, and 31 were forced to leave their place of residence during the past two years because of threats from organized crime. Since 2011, 172 media facilities have been set on fire, attacked with grenades, armed groups entered and kidnapped, killed or wounded people, damaged the equipment, you name it. They even killed press spokesmen and their families... LIBERTAD (interrupts him): Did you see the pictures of the bloggers hanging from the bridge? She was hanging from her hands and feet; her guts were out, swinging. He was hanging by his hands, but one arm was showing the bone, almost separated from his shoulder…

Silenced Screams 123 HERMES: Stop it, woman, I love tripe tacos. LIBERTAD: This is not a game, idiot! They are killing us! HERMES: I'm sorry. If I don't make it funny, my balls will wrinkle. Those motherfuckers have no remorse! They are merciless killers. LIBERTAD: This is surreal! I don’t know this country anymore. This is living hell! Where is the freedom of expression? Where is the damn justice! HERMES: Justice is not only blind but also deaf and mute. Cartels, the rich, even the military have bought it. In this country justice is a prostitute sold to the highest bidder. Well, that always had happened. LIBERTAD: But now it’s worse! And people don’t complain, or even talk about it! Nobody says anything! HERMES: Don't blame them! They're too afraid. Cartels have eyes everywhere. Anybody could be a Judas. It could be your neighbor, the shoe cleaner, or the woman who sells corn. Your cousin... even your boyfriend! LIBERTAD: Stop it! I know you don't like him! HERMES (trying to laugh): You're sleeping with the enemy, and you don’t even know it, sweetie. Come on, I'm trying to find some humor or I'll go crazy. LIBERTAD: Yeah, right. You’re making me paranoid! Now every time I kiss him I'll be wondering if he's a mercenary psycho! It will turn me off com-ple-tely, dammit! HERMES: Okay, okay, too much information, I don’t wanna hear! LIBERTAD: See? Then don’t start. I know you don’t like Carlos… HERMES (interrupts and gets closer to her, tries to hug her): I'm not gay, I like YOU! LIBERTAD (pushes him back): There you go again… please, it’s not time for…

124 M. Toledo HERMES (interrupts her): You’re right LIBERTAD, it's never the right time. Not today or tomorrow or the day after! Why do you like to make me horny then? LIBERTAD: Please HERMES, you see all this shit and you only think about sex! Why do all men only think about sex? HERMES (eloquent and solemn): Marquis de Sade said, "Sex is as important as eating or drinking, and we ought to allow the one appetite to be satisfied with as little restraint or false modesty as the other." LIBERTAD (flirting): He also said, "It is always by way of pain one arrives at pleasure." I wonder if you will have a boner when they are torturing you. Did you read Justine? HERMES: Yes, but I won't hang myself from the neck just to have an orgasm. LIBERTAD: You should try it. I'll gladly help you. [She laughs.] HERMES: Thank you but I don't trust you, sweetie! LIBERTAD: You're right, don't trust me, that's a big temptation. [She laughs, then she changes to a somber tone.] No seriously, HERMES, people are getting used to this violence. It's getting so normal to find a body here and there, EVERY SINGLE DAY! Do you know how many newspapers do not have a crime section anymore? How many more of us are they going to kill? How many! Oh Lord! Will they ever stop? HERMES: They won’t silence us all. They will not kill us all. LIBERTAD (takes HERMES’ right hand): Be careful. Are you still investigating about the attacks on the media? HERMES (excited, takes her hands): Yes I am, my love! I know how many reporters have been fired because of their articles or comments, how many have left their jobs, even their towns because of death threats, and how many are looking for asylum in other countries! Who gets paid from whom and WHO-ARE-KI-LLING THEM!

Silenced Screams 125 LIBERTAD (crying): Be careful, dear. I heard that CRONUS told you to stop that investigation. Please, don’t continue, I am frightened…

[HERMES hugs LIBERTAD.] HERMES: You should worry about yourself, baby! Yesterday’s article about the corruption in the army was very audacious and inconvenient for very dangerous people. A lot of heads will roll, literally.

[CRONUS enters with a small, silver briefcase and a cup of coffee.] CRONUS: Well, well, well, don’t you think it is too early for that? HERMES (joking): Come on CRONUS, I almost convinced her.

[LIBERTAD dries her tears with a tissue, walking toward CRONUS.] LIBERTAD (in a desperate tone of voice): CRONUS, do you know what happened to… CRONUS (impatient, interrupts her): Yes, yes, I know, I know. HERMES: How did you know? Who told you? CRONUS: Do you forget that I know everything? I’m the editor, dammit! Oh, my! When are you going realize who I am, baby? LIBERTAD: You are right. We forgot that you know EVERYTHING. It doesn't seem to surprise you…or affect you… HERMES: Come on pumpkin, don’t hold it against him. CRONUS: It's not that it doesn’t affect me. It worries me. And I worry about you two. HERMES, I already told you to leave that feature on… HERMES (interrupts him with an ironic tone): I know, CRONUS, I left it alone. No more investigation. Publicity is first, right?

126 M. Toledo [CRONUS gets angry. He lowers his voice and drags his words.]

CRONUS: What did you expect stupid boy! Who do you think pays the bills and your salary! HERMES: Yeah right, for the peanuts you pay me … LIBERTAD (interrupts): Please, this is not the moment, not now HERMES. CRONUS, I want to... CRONUS (interrupts her): For the last time I’m telling you both not to stick your nose where you are not called to, unless you want to end up like those photographers. I do not want to lose my two best reporters. LIBERTAD (ironically): Nobody wants to do this work CRONUS, only us. Why did the other reporters leave not only the job, but also their towns? We have been threatened for investigating the matters you requested of us. Now you don’t want us to continue eh? I bet you already received your cut, son of a… [She mutters and returns to her desk.] CRONUS (yelling at LIBERTAD): What did you say, stupid? LIBERTAD: Who, me? CRONUS: Yes, you, bitch! LIBERTAD (flirting, fixes CRONUS's collar ): Come on, boss darling, you know that you are the best boss ever; so handsome. You've taught me sooo much… CRONUS (embarrassed first, then slaps her on her butt): Tsk, tsk, come on, sweetheart, don’t lose your head. Go to work. I want you to bring me an exclusive first page for tomorrow. LIBERTAD (walking toward HERMES and in a lower voice): Motherfucker. Will this son of a bitch pay for all the bad things he does?

[HERMES takes some newspapers under his armpit and, walking out, winks at her.]

Silenced Screams 127 HERMES (smiling bitterly): He will not pay. He already GOT PAID for what he does and for what he does not do. Better get to work. [He looks at his watch.] I have an interview at 5 p.m., but I have two press conferences; but before that I have to check my beats up first. It’s on the other side of town, so I don't think I am coming back this evening. See you tomorrow, beauty. Call me if you need me.

[LIGHTS FADE DOWN] SCENE TWO [Newsroom. Night. On her desk, under a pool of bluish light, LIBERTAD types fast, concentrated on her typewriter. The ring of the phone makes her jump.] LIBERTAD: Speaking…

[On the left of the stage, facing the audience, a pool of red light illuminates only the chest and the rest of the body of ALPHA XL.]

ALPHA XL: What's up, sweetie. LIBERTAD: Who is this! ALPHA XL: You know who I am… LIBERTAD: No, I don’t know, and I have no time for stupid games!

[The phone rings again. LIBERTAD tries to ignore it but she cannot concentrate on her writing. She looks at the phone, then at her wristwatch and answers, annoyed.]

LIBERTAD: Hello! ALPHA XL: You’d better not hang up on me, stupid, or it will make matters worse for you. LIBERTAD (scared): Who is this! What do you want!

128 M. Toledo ALPHA XL (in a menacing tone): Easy bitch, you are talking with ALPHA XL. Don’t make a fuss. Quiet. LIBERTAD: ALPHA XL! What do you want! I haven't done anything! ALPHA XL (interrupts her, angrily): Don't play stupid! You know what happens to those who insult my intelligence. My people told you not to write that article, and you didn’t care, whore! LIBERTAD: No, I did not… please don't… ALPHA XL (interrupts her) Hell no! It’s too late. Your time has come, fucking reporter.

ALPHA XL: Are you coming, or do you want us to pick you up, stupid...

[A red pool of light on the back of the stage illuminates all six GHOSTS, talking one by one then all together, raising their voices. Sounds of heavy breathing and a loud heart beating.]

[GHOSTS start talking gibberish to each other, first softly then progressively screaming. LIBERTAD starts crying. The GHOSTS become progressively louder.]

CARIDAD’s GHOST: Stop and run! CARRASCO’s GHOST: Leave the article! TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST: Run! FE’s GHOST: You're not ready to die! PHOTOGRAPHER’s GHOST: They will get you. ALL GHOSTS (echoing): You're dead! You're dead! Dead! Dead! Dead!

[LIBERTAD Looks around nervously, looks at the keyboard, and types at her computer.]

Silenced Screams 129 LIBERTAD: Please... I 'm on a deadline! Let me finish my article and … ALPHA XL: Are you stupid or what! Come out or we will come in. Or do you want us to throw a bomb inside...

ALPHA XL: Answer bitch! Wanna come out or want us to come in...

LIBERTAD (crying, soft voice): Please...please...

ALPHA XL: Please what, bitch! You should have thought before publishing what you knew was going to affect you. Tsk, tsk, tsk. You whores never know when to shut the fuck up. I'll tell you what. You choose: do you want us to disembody your mother, your little sister or...YOU! LIBERTAD (cries and speaks loudly, then progressively lowers her voice until it's a whisper): No! My family, no! I didn't do anything; I swear to God! For the Virgin of Guadalupe I swear I didn't, I didn't... It was my editor! It was he! He sent me to investigate! ALPHA XL: Yea right! That asshole wouldn’t do it! We pay him well enough. Now answer, or you want us to butcher YOU and butcher all YOUR FAMILY! LIBERTAD (softly): No please. I beg you, don't touch them. They are innocent, please. ALPHA XL: Are you gonna answer or not, bitch? I am giving you the opportunity to... LIBERTAD ( interrupts him, screaming): No! No! No! ALPHA XL: Enough! Now all your family will pay for you. And tonight we are starting with you. There is no safe place for you to hide. Better start running now, but we will we'll hunt you down, you tramp. LIBERTAD (screams on the phone): Noooooooooo!

[A pool of light on ALPHA XL goes off. Loud sound of the phone line.]

130 M. Toledo [A pool of red light illuminates the CHORUS.]

[GHOSTS start talking gibberish to each other, first softly then progressively screaming louder. LIBERTAD starts crying.]

[BLACKOUT]

SCENE THREE [All of Scene Three is off stage.]

[Sound of a door closing. Sound of high heels walking fast on the pavement. The sound of a phone being dialed is heard in the darkness. Low Ranchero music plays in the back.]

ASSASSIN #1: Yeah. ASSASSIN #2: The bitch is coming.

[The stage is still completely black; we hear a heavy breathing and a heart beating rapidly and loudly. A pool of light rises on the GHOSTS.]

CARRASCO’s GHOST: Oh my God! They’re the same killers! You shouldn’t do it! TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST: Walk fast! FE’s GHOST: I’m so cold! ESPERANZA’s GHOST: Go over there! CARIDAD’s GHOST: No, better over here!

[Sound of tires of two vehicles screeching and stopping suddenly.] ALL GHOSTS (at the same time): They’re getting closer! There they are! Oh my God! Run, run, run!

[The rest of the stage is still black. Loud sound of car doors opening, and sound of boots running on the pavement. Loud inaudible men’s voices.]

Silenced Screams 131 ALL GHOSTS (at the same time): Your time has come.

All will be pain. Endure.

Torture. Resist!

Agony. Survive.

ALL GHOSTS (loudly and then decreasing in volume until it is only a whisper): Resist, resist, resist, resist...

[Sound of high heels running.]

LIBERTAD: Holy mother! ¡No! ¡No, please! Heeelp! ASSASSIN #1: Shut the fuck up bitch, even if they hear you nobody will help you. Everybody knows what could happen to them, ha, ha, ha. [To ASSASSIN #2:] Get her, asshole!

[Loud sound of hollow punches, kicks, and slaps.] LIBERTAD: ¡Uuuggggg! ¡Ouch!

ASSASSIN #1: You are fucked up, whore. Just for being stupid and not keeping your mouth shut!

ASSASSIN #2: For not controlling your pen... Well, your keyboard, stupid! ASSASSINS #1 and #2 (laughing): Ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja... ASSASSIN #1: Get in, you cunt! ASSASSIN #2: Stop fucking her up, bro, you’re messin’ up my car! Seats are all bloody!

ASSASSIN #1: You can buy another. I mean you can STEAL another one. It’s the same, dude, c'mon, be honest!

132 M. Toledo ASSASSIN #2: Honest? I'm honest, bro!

ASSASSINS #1 and #2 (laughing): Ja, ja, ja, ja, ja, ja...

[Strong sound of four car doors closing, and the sound of tires screeching at a high speed, leaving fast. Loud Ranchero music is playing in the background, decreasing until we hear no more.]

[Audience sits in darkness.]

SCENE FOUR [Lights rise. ASSASSINS #1 AND #2 enter the stage dragging LIBERTAD, all beaten up and unconscious. They seat her in an old chair and tie her up. She has grey duct tape on her mouth. ASSASSIN #1 takes his cellphone from the back pocket of his blue jeans, dials a speed number. The phone rings twice with a hollow voice.] ASSASSIN #1: She is ready, boss.

[A click sounds on the other end of the line, then a busy tone.]

ASSASSIN #2 (curious): Is he coming? ASSASSIN #1(laughing): Whatcha think, asshole?

ASSASSIN #2: I dirtied my new shoes!

ASSASSIN #1: (mimicking, moving his arms and with a pitching voice): I dirtied my new shoes… fucken faggot!

[ASSASSINS both laugh. ASSASSIN #1’s cellphone rings once. He answers with a soft voice.]

ASSASSIN #1: Yes, boss! [With an angry voice to Assassins #2:) Let's go, idiot! ASSASSIN #2 (in a nervous tone): Why? What happened, bro? ASSASSIN #1: Let’s go, asshole! [To LIBERTAD:] You made it bitch, at least for

Silenced Screams 133 tonight. [He spits on LIBERTAD's face.]

[ASSASSINS # 1 and #2 walk off of the stage. It's dark and quiet. LIBERTAD moans painfully.]

[Offstage SFX. Sound of tires of two vehicles screeching and rapidly moving away. All GHOSTS surround LIBERTAD, whispering.]

FE’s GHOST: Wake up! Wake up! ESPERANZA’s GHOST: They're gone. CARIDAD’s GHOST: Calm down and think! LIBERTAD: I can’t breathe. CARRASCO’s GHOST: It’s your blood. [Together, softly and increasingly louder:] Heeellpp! Heeellpp! Somebody, please, heeelp!… LIBERTAD (moans and faints again): It's useless. ALL GHOSTS (on their knees, surrounding LIBERTAD, their hands to the sky, in painful sobs and mournful voices, together in chorus): Your time has come.

All will be pain. Endure.

Torture. Resist!

Agony. Survive.

Resist, resist, resist… [Decreasing] [Blackout for six seconds.]

134 M. Toledo [The room is almost completely dark. Offstage, the decreasing sound of boots walking on the pavement. A bluish and reddish pool of light on the GHOSTS.]

CARRASCO’s GHOST: ¡Wake up, they’re coming! TELEVISA’s HOST GHOST: Yes, it’s them! FE’s GHOST: I’m thirsty. ESPERANZA’s GHOST: I'm hungry. CARIDAD’s GHOST: I’m cold.

[Offstage, louder sound of boots on the pavement. ASSASSINS #1 and #2 walk onto the stage in solemn and silence. ASSASSIN #1 and #2 stand one at each side of LIBERTAD, who pretends to be asleep. ALPHA XL walks into the room.]

ALPHA XL (pointing with his index finger to Assassin #1): Wake her up, asshole. ASSASSIN #1: Right away, boss.

[ASSASSIN #2 pulls LIBERTAD’s head by her hair to the back and Assassin #1 slaps her hard twice. LIBERTAD open her eyes, terrified.]

ALPHA XL (Soft voice): I thought you were brave, missy.

[LIBERTAD muffles and moves her head quickly, saying no.] ALPHA XL (to ASSASSIN #1): Remove the tape from her mouth, asshole! Let her defend herself.

[ASSASSIN #1 lavishly but savagely pulls out the tape from LIBERTAD's mouth.]

LIBERTAD: No please! No more…don’t hurt me anymore.

Silenced Screams 135 ALPHA XL : Why did you disobey my orders, then? LIBERTAD (with breathing difficultly): I did not do anything! I didn't even mention you… ALPHA XL: My boys told you to stop your pinches articles… LIBERTAD: I just did my job, sir. My editor asked me to write about the corruption of…

ALPHA XL (giving her a punch straight on her mouth): That bastard won't do anything against us. We pay him too much.

[LIBERTAD’s head bounds back and she faints.]

ALPHA XL (to ASSASSIN #1): Wake her up, asshole! What are you waiting for! ASSASSIN #1 (to ASSASSIN #2): C'mon you moron, you are good for that, awaken her!

[ASSASSIN #2 gets a pair of pliers from the back of his pants and presses LIBERTAD's nose. She screams in pain, but becomes furious. She composes her body and confronts ALPHA XL.]

LIBERTAD (fast and furious): You are worthless! You are the lowest and the most putrid coward of all! Sooner or later you will get killed! EL CAPO is more man than you, fucker. He is going to get you and all your family. The blood of innocent people curses all of you. It will follow you and take you to hell! You will not finish us all. You silenced MY FRIENDS, you can SILENCE ME, but more ethical journalists will come to write about your crimes and your corrupt friends! ALPHA XL: Now you are brave! I like it, I like it! LIBERTAD: You won't silence a country, asshole. There’s still good people in it. You will not silence the voice of people that have suffered looting, theft and harassment for centuries! A fucker like you won’t… [She cannot finish talking because ASSASSIN #1 slaps her.]

136 M. Toledo ALPHA XL (yelling to ASSASSIN #1): Who told you to do that, fucken asshole?

[ASSASSIN #1, surprised and embarrassed, lowers his head and walks backwards to the left side of the stage.]

ASSASSIN #1: Sorry boss. I don’t like anybody to disrespect you. ALPHA XL (yelling to ASSASSIN #1): Okay, pendejo, but don’t do it again unless I tell you, stupid.

ALPHA XL (to LIBERTAD): I like that you have ovaries. You know you are gonna die, bitch, but at least you said what you wanted. I don’t care what you think. EL CAPO can suck it. You will see. Well, you won’t. But your buddies will see who is THE ONE. I’m tired of this shit. [To ASSASSINS #1 and #2;] C'mon assholes, you know what to do.

[ALPHA XL leaves the stage. LIBERTAD faints again.]

ALL GHOSTS (illuminated by reddish light, together and loud): Your time came.

The pain will end. Your family will suffer.

Was it worth it all this affliction, all this exertion,

for freedom of expression? ASSASSIN #1 (to ASSASSIN #2): Wake her up, dummy, otherwise it's no fun! ASSASSIN #2 : Yeah, bro. Want me to set the camera for the YouTube thing? ASSASSIN #1: Sweet! You're learning. It'll get many hits.

[ASSASSIN #2 walks off the stage, brings a camera on a tripod, and sets it in front of LIBERTAD.]

ASSASSIN #1: Cover her mouth! She will scream like a pig...

[ASSASSIN #2 walks toward LIBERTAD and covers her mouth with grey tape.]

Silenced Screams 137 ASSASSIN #1: Let me caress her a little bit more… [ASSASSIN #1 slaps LIBERTAD.] LIBERTAD: Aagghh (softly).

ASSASSIN #1 (to ASSASSIN #2): Bring the ax and the chainsaw, idiot! What are you waiting for?

[LIBERTAD muffles and opens her eyes widely.] ASSASSIN #2 (to ASSASSIN #1): Now, as Jack The Ripper said, let's go for parts.

[Lights off]

SCENE SIX [Newsroom. Night. HERMES is concentrated on typing on the typewriter. CRONUS enters the stage walking fast towards HERMES.]

CRONUS: What are you doing here! Go! Go away!

HERMES: Why? I'm doing my job... CRONUS: That IS the problem. I told you to stop this damn investigation! Run and hide! HERMES (indignant): No! I believe in freedom of expression! Fire me, I will do my part and someone will hear me. The world needs to know what is happening in my country, and how YOUR FRIENDS are killing us! CRONUS (shakes his head and tells to the audience): Poor naive and romantic reporters... This is not a communications crusade. THIS IS A BUSINESS!

[CRONUS walks off of the stage; HERMES continues working. Sound of a typewriter. A single bluish light illuminates HERMES, who reads aloud what he is typing on the typewriter.]

HERMES: “The Alphas, the Sinaloa, Gulf and Juárez Cartels Drug silenced all media, especially newspapers in the north of Mexico. State officials are allegedly responsible for nearly 44 percent of attacks against freedom of

138 M. Toledo expression in 2012. All these phenomena mutilate the freedom of expression, destroying media and leaving the population disarmed, immersed in the bloodiest drug war in Mexico. But the most terrifying element is that people are getting used to all this violence and do not notice how the free-dom of ex-press-ion is being ANNI-HIL-A-TED...

[HERMES stops typing, as if he heard a noise. A red light on the left corner of the stage illuminates the six GHOSTS, but now LIBERTAD’s GHOST is with them. HERMES sits down and continues typing, but he hears the sound of glass breaking. HERMES stands up, looking at the audience, terrified.]

[Lights fade out]