(2007) Staged reading: Yale Whitney Humanities Center, with Kathleen Chalfant, directed by Evan Yionoulis, 2011. Readings: Theatre Row, New York, with Kathleen Chalfant, directed by Ian Morgan, 2009; New York Theatre Workshop with Janet Zarish, 2007.

---

[Excerpt]

MADAME TALIB

The dresses are drab and poorly designed.

SAYID

You must forgive my wife’s tongue.

 MADAME TALIB

I prefer the low necklines of the French and the boldness with which their women wear them.

GERTRUDE

I find her opinions fascinating.

MADAME TALIB

And, unfortunately, the British women are very homely.

SAYID

She also speaks this way to her mother-in-law, which is why they do not speak at all.

MADAME TALIB

I do not speak to your mother because she talks to me like a servant. Even your own daughters despise her.

SAYID

They despise her because you have turned them against her.

MADAME TALIB

You can not turn children against their grandmother, unless she is a beast.

(To GERTRUDE)

One’s children are excellent judges of character. Don’t you agree?

GERTRUDE

I wouldn’t know.

 MADAME TALIB

Your children can not recognize a monster?

GERTRUDE

I have no children.

MADAME TALIB

(As if someone has died)

I am sorry.

(A pause)

Why not?

GERTRUDE

In the West, as in the East, it’s customary to first find a husband.

MADAME TALIB

You have no husband either? How sad.

GERTRUDE

It could be sadder. I could be married to a murderer.