TERRANOVA
by Pamela Monk and Dennis Loiacono
TERRANOVA-Characters
JOSEFINA TERRANOVA- 17 Year old Sicilian beauty, on trial for the stabbing deaths of Concetta and Gaetano Reggio
JOHN PALMIERI- Italian immigrant, former Federal judge, Josefina's defense lawyer
WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST- Bankrolls Josefina's defense. The notorious trial is selling papers
DOROTHY DIX- Reporter hired by Hearst to play up the female angle.
GAETANO REGGIO- Josefina's guardianGUISEPPE TERRANOVA/ALIENIST Josefina's husband/Forensic PsychiatristCARMINE D'ANGELO/ ELY Josefina's maternal uncle/D.A.MARIA D'ANGELO Josefina's maternal aunt ANGELA PULLARE/MATRON Josefina's mother/jailerCONCETTA REGGIO -Josefina's guardian
The TIME is 1906
The PLACE, NY, NY
Central portion of the stage is the courtroom/jail/past, where the main action takes place. To one side is the Office of William Randolph Hearst where conversations between HEARST, DIX, and PALMIERI take place. Characters move freely between the two places as the scenes transition from one to the other.
ACT 1
At rise, PALMIERI and HEARST are in Hearst's office.
HEARST
So Palmieri, how are you planning to plead?
THE REGGIO'S APARTMENT
Carmine and Maria are at the Reggios for dinner.
A telephone rings at the Reggio house. Reggio's wife Concetta answers the phone
CONCETTA
Hello,Si, lui`s qui. Si,
Hangs up the phone and doesn’t say a word. Slowly she hangs up the phone and turns with a scared look on her face.
REGGIO
Rosalia Chi era quello sul telepono?
CONCETTA
Josefina
REGGIO
Josefina? Che cosa lei ha voluto? Che cosa?
CONCETTA
Nenti
REGGIO
Nenti?Then why she call?
CONCETTA
She said to tell you that she's coming over ..
REGGIO
Good we can talk about her honeymoon. (He laughs, the other men join in.)
CONCETTA
You think its something to laugh about. Questa ragazza e a Strega. She `s a Witch Gaetano. You better be careful how you talk
(She crosses herself)
REGGIO
In Sicilia no in America. I don’t believe superstition. Women and farmers think this way
CARMINE
Hey, Gaetano I no believe either, Ma you never know. Why the evil eye no worka in the Bronx? It couldn’t get on the boat out of Napoli?
Come on please.
REGGIO
When I was a boy our well she was a cursed. Everybody, sick from it.
Due bambini sono morto. Morto So call the Priest.
He say a pray, pour Holy water downa the well.
My brother gave the dog water out of the well to drink. To see if it’s safe. No?
Ma, the dog she drop a dead. Then the town witch she come.
The witch she passes the head of the sick and says a women’s tears have fallen into the well. The tears had poisoned it. She leaves a rope on the side of the well to help the spirit in the well climb out. You know, the Priest was the one who sent for her.
REGGIO
The priest should have called a worker to dig a new well.
Knock on the Door Concetta looks at Gaetano. Rosalie opens the door
Josefina walks into the room.
JOSEFINA
Dove sono Reggio?
Josefina steps over to the table where Gaetano is sitting with Concetta standing behind him.
Traditore!
REGGIO
You are an outcast!
Josefina grabs Gaetano by the back of the neck and kisses him.
As she does she pulls a knife out from under her shawl and stabs him.
Concetta reaches to grab Josefina and take the knife. She too is stabbed.
Aunt and uncle fall to the floor. Josefina slowly walks out as if nothing happened.
PALMIERI
The defendant pleads guilty, your honor, by reason of temporary insanity.
In Hearst’s office
HEARST
It’s perfect.
PALMIERI
An odd choice of words, Hearst.
HEARST
Not at all. She’s young, beautiful, guilty and mad. What else could I want?
PALMIERI
Two people are dead.
HEARST
I’m sure they deserved it.
PALMIERI
If everyone who deserved it was murdered, the streets would be running with blood.
HEARST
Well put. I might use that.
PALMIERI
Is this what it means to be American?
HEARST
What are you talking about, Palmieri?
PALMIERI
Your family is rich, you go to the best schools, you have everything. What do you need this poor girl for?
HEARST
To sell papers. What do you need her for?
Josefina is sitting in a chair,praying .
PALMIERI
Josefina, Josefina Terranova.
JOSEFINA
Who are you?
PALMIERI
My name is John Palmieri. I’m a lawyer , Josefina.
JOSEFINA
Lawyer? I asked for a priest I can talk to. Everyone is Irish in here, the police, the jailers even the priests. (Yelling over to the jail matron, then looking back at JP)Sorry signore. I don’t mean to be rude please pardon me. Sit. Palmieri. You’re an Italian, no. From where?
PALMIERI
Napolitano.
JOSEFINA
Why are you helping me, a Sicilian?
PALMIERI
We’re in America, now, Josefina. It doesn’t matter where you’re from.
JOSEFINA
That’s heaven. America is hell.
PALMIERI
Was the old country that much better?
JOSEFINA
Maybe. I don’t remember.
PALMIERI
Do you still have family on the other side?
JOSEFINA
No, my papa is dead.
PALMIERI
Sorry. May God rest his soul
JOSEFINA
Who sent you? I didn’t ask for you.
PALMIERI
Josefina, your story has touched the hearts of the good men and women of this City who are interested in seeing justice served. They would like to offer their support to you during this terrible time.
JOSEFINA
My story? My story? What do you know of my story? These men and women are they the same ones that laugh at me and think they are better then me? I know about these people. If that's who sent you, I`d rather talk to a priest then you, Mr. Palmieri.
PALMIERI
The Priest will be coming soon enough, but since I’m already here, I will speak with you. Now sit down. You have been charged for the murders of Gaetano and Concetta Reggio. You will be tried for the murder of Concetta Reggio first then the court will…
JOSEFINA
I did it Mr. Palmieri. What else do you want to know? I did what the police said. And I would do it again so help me God. (She crosses herself)
PALMIERI
Josefina, may I ask you a question?
JOSEFINA
You’re going to do what you want, whether I say yes or no. That’s how men are.
PALMIERI
What do you think my job as your lawyer is?
JOSEFINA
What do mean?
PALMIERI
Well, do you think my job is to find out if you are innocent or guilty? Or is it to help you walk out of jail a free women?
JOSEFINA
What do I think? I’m not stupid, Mr. Palmieri I know what your job is Mr. big shot lawyer. It's to get paid. Let me tell you what my job is. It’s to live. Every breath I take is my revenge. You don’t understand. No one understands but God.
PALMIERI
The people of the city New York are the ones you need to make understand now, Josefina.
JOSEFINA
What kind of people can’t understand? God himself instructed me to take my vendetta.
PALMIERI
Josefina, have you spoken about this with anyone else since your arrest?
JOSEFINA
A women she come to see me about a week ago. Nice lady.
PALMIERI
What did she want?
JOSEFINA
She said she had heard that I was in jail. She said she wanted to help me. Is she the one who is paying for you?
PALMIERI
What was her name?
JOSEFINA
I don’t remember. An American name.
From now on you are to talk to no one expect me. Capito?
JOSEFINA
So what if I do? Will they put me in jail?
PALMIERI
You don't think it can get worse, child, but it can.
In Hearst’s Office
HEARST
Well, Dorothy, what do you make of her?
DIX
If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you hired her. But any actress that good would be on Broadway.
HEARST
Do you think she’s crazy?
DIX
No. Cool as a cucumber. She knows what she did and she’s glad she did it.
HEARST
A cold blooded killer isn’t what I want.
DIX
Don’t worry. She’s too smart for that.
HEARST
I want you to meet Palmieri- He’s due here shortly.
DIX
The ex-judge? Are you sure you want to be involved with him? I hear he has dangerous friends.
HEARST
Exactly. Danger, beauty, violence, insulted womanhood, I’m counting on you to bring it home, as only a woman could.
DIX
They say she was just acting out her code of honor.
HEARST
No doubt. But that was back where she came from. She's in America now. And here in America. Instead of applauding her, and going on with our business, we make business out of it. Ah, here’s Palmieri. (Enter Palmieri)
PALMIERI
Sorry I’m late.
HEARST
John Palmieri, Dorothy Dix, soon to be one of the most influential woman reporters in America.
DIX
Emphasis on future tense, I’m afraid. Judge Palmieri,
PALMIERI
EX-Judge
DIX
I’ve heard so much about you.
PALMIERI
Too much, thanks to our friend William.
HEARST
Ah, John, that’s what a free press is for.
PALMIERI
Free. And yet makes so much money.
HEARST
Which allows me to pay you well. Dorothy will be covering the trial for the Journal. I thought you’d be happy to grant her exclusive rights to the story.
PALMIERI
How much choice do I have?
HEARST
None, actually.
PALMIERI
In that case, it would be my pleasure.
In the Tombs
PALMIERI
Josefina, today you will join me in court, as I begin the process of selecting the jury.
JOSEFINA
The jury?
PALMIERI
The men who will listen to your story, and the story of others, then decide your fate.
JOSEFINA
My fate- it’s in God’s hands.
PALMIERI
This is true. But God works through men. And these are the men who will be his instrument.
JOSEFINA
Then I am safe.
PALMIERI
What makes you so sure?
JOSEFINA
I only did what God directed. If these men are his instruments, then I am safe.
PALMIERI
Well Josefina, I, too, am an instrument of God, then, and I must do the work he has given me. I must choose twelve men.
JOSEFINA
We.
PALMIERI
We?
JOSEFINA
We must choose.
PALMIERI
What do you know of it?
JOSEFINA
I spent long years with my tormentors. They didn’t allow me to speak in the presence of others. So I listened, and watched and learned. I have no need of words to know who is kind and who is cruel. When the men stand before you, let me look at them. I will tell you who to choose.
PALMIERI
I can’t allow this.
JOSEFINA
Why not? You don’t think I know things? You don’t think I know that you can’t decide what to think in your heart about what I have done. That you don’t like whoever is paying you, and that you wonder if the high place you have in this America is worth what you’ve lost.
PALMIERI
And what have I lost, Josefina?
JOSEFINA
You’ve lost yourself, you aren’t an Italian, because if you were you’d know that I was God’s instrument. And you’re not an American because you wish I was.
PALMIERI
You can tell this from looking at me?
JOSEFINA
I can tell this by seeing into you.
PALMIERI
All right then, Josefina. We will choose the jury. Together.
Hearst’s Office
HEARST
Nice copy. Did he really look to her for approval?
DIX
Every time. You’d have to look carefully, but she signaled. And if she said no, he rejected. Unbelievable.
HEARST
Really. That an experienced a lawyer would let a crazy girl tell him what to do.
DIX
Men are always doing things for crazy women. What’s unbelievable is that she was right.
HEARST
Right? What do you mean, right?
DIX
Women would understand her. Women would know exactly what she did and why, and only envy her for getting out of it. But no women will be judging her. What’s the next bext thing?
HEARST
I don’t know.
DIX
Men with daughters. That’s what. And out of twelve men on the jury, how many of them are the father of girls?
HEARST
Twelve?
DIX
To a man.
In the Courthouse
PALMIERI
Let’s start at the beginning. I call to the stand, Angela Pullare, the mother of the accused.
PULLARE
Signora Reggio, permiso?
CONCETTA
Come in, come in. You want some coffee, sit down, you're freezing.
PULLARE
You're so kind. I can never thank you enough.
CONCETTA
Aren't you family? There's no need to thank.
PULLARE
You don't know what it's been like. And my Josefina, such a good girl. It breaks my heart that I have nothing.
CONCETTA
You have a mother's love. That's the greatest gift. Here is a little something.
PULLARE
No, no. It's not necessary.
CONCETTA
It's from Gaetano, not me. Don't insult him by refusing it.
PULLARE
You and Signore Reggio will be rewarded in heaven, with the angels.
CONCETTA
So where is the girl?
PULLARE
I made her wait in the hall.
CONCETTA
Bene, she knows her place. Call her in.
PULLARE
Josefina, Josefina, get in here. Now!
JOSEFINA
Si, Mamma.
PULLARE
Who gave you that?
JOSEFINA
I don't know.
PULLARE
What do you mean you don't know. Give it to me. Stop that crying. She's really a good girl. I don't know what's got into her.
CONCETTA
Let the girl keep it. What a little angel. Come here, let me see you.
PULLARE
Go, go to your Aunt Concetta. I will leave now. It will be easier that way. (She exits without looking back.)
CONCETTA
You don't worry now, Josefina. Me and your uncle Gaetano, we're gonna take good care of you.
At Hearst’s Office
DIX
What sort of mother gives her child away to a monster like Reggio?
PALMIERI
A poor one, who has no hope for herself. Who thinks that maybe in America even if the streets aren’t paved with gold like they told us, maybe there’s a chance her children won’t starve to death before her eyes.
DIX
Sorry I don’t buy it. You Dagos are worse than the niggers.
PALMIERI
What?
DIX
The slave owners broke up the families. They didn’t do it to themselves.
THE COURTROOM
PALMIERI
My next witness is Maria D’Angelo, the maternal aunt of the accused. Do you swear to tell the true the whole true and nothing but the truth. So help you God?
MARIA
{Yelling at her son off stage} Vincenzo. Basta. Don’t let me tell you again to stop it. That cousin of yours. I can’t take it. He’s going to put me in an early grave.{Yelling again over to him offstage} Then it will be too late to say you’re sorry.Josefina let me make something for you to eat. You must be hungry?
JOSEFINA
No I’m fine.
MARIA
You sure? Nothing?
JOSEFINA
Aunt Maria, may I ask you a question?
MARIA
You want to talk about boys? Well it’s about time. When I was your age I was already married to your Uncle Carmine with one on the way. But it’s no wonder why you waited so long. With Concetta keeping the boys from the neighborhood away. And that Uncle of yours with his friends. No one is good enough as far as that one is concerned.
JOSEFINA
No it’s not that. Uncle Gaetano teases me.
MARIA
Sure. That Gaetano he is a strange one alright.
But he does that because he loves you.
He doesn’t want you to make a mistake with the wrong boy.
JOSEFINA
No Aunt Maria. you don’t understand I want to talk about Aunt Concetta and Uncle Gaetano.
MARIA
What about them?
JOSEFINA
I, [starts to cry}
MARIA
What’s wrong Josephina?
JOSEFINA
Nothing, It’s probably, It’s just. Uncle Gaetano.
MARIA
Oh no Gaetano is sick! Is it Concetta?
JOSEFINA
Uncle Gaetano he, has touched me.
MARIA
What? What are you saying?
JOSEFINA
I know its nothing. I should not even have said anything. It’s nothing. I m sorry.I am wrong for even speaking about such things.
MARIA
Stop! Get back here. How dare you! Do you realize what you are saying? This is your Uncle. How could you do such things? Josefina Be very careful what you are saying to me. I’m going to ask you this question once and only once. Do you understand? Do you understand me?
JOSEFINA
Yes.
MARIA
Good. Now. Did Gaetano disgrace you?
JOSEFINA
Please Aunt Maria. Please promise me you will never repeat what I have told you today. I don’t know what to do. I have nowhere to go. They are my only family Please promise me.
MARIA
Alright, already stop crying. Mia bella I promise. I promise
JOSEFINA
On the grave of your mother.
MARIA
Josefina?
JOSEFINA
Do it. Or I will kill myself
MARIA
Oh Madonna. I swear. I swear.
In Hearst's Office
HEARST
Tell me Palmieri, what is it like? Italy?
PALMIERI
You've been there more than I have.
HEARST
That Italy? It's a facade, designed for the amusement of wealthy tourists. I mean the real Italy, where Josefina comes from.
PALMIERI
You want to know, walk uptown with me to Hell's Kitchen.
HEARST
That's the Irish.
PALMIERI
That's the poor. Irish, Italian, it's no difference.
HEARST
Tell that to the gang bosses.
PALMIERI
They're the same. Violent is violent, poor is poor, ignorant is ignorant. There's no nationality. Just sharing cramped space in the same rotten hovel. You only know the mansion.
HEARST
Palmieri, that's the beauty of this country. You walked out of that hovel, into the clean air.
PALMIERI
Clean?
HEARST
Cleaner for your children, than for you. I will grant you. But back to Josefina. For someone who has been through an ordeal, she's wilder and freer than she has a right to be.
PALMIERI
Has a right to be? She isn't beat down enough?
HEARST
Do you believe she is such an innocent victim?
PALMIERI
She's a child, for the love of God, what else could she be?
HEARST
So you believe her story of abuse?
PALMIERI
I don't have to believe it to defend her.
HEARST
Aha! So you've noticed it as well. Her defiance.
PALMIERI
That defiance is why she's alive, Hearst.
HEARST
And mark my words, it's why she'll continue to live...and well.
In the court
PALMIERI
Signora D'Angelo, what happened after your conversation with Josefina?
MARIA
Buongiorno Concetta.
CONCETTA
Buongiorno Maria, Carmine. Come in please, come.
MARIA
Concetta, I m a sorry for coming over uninvited like this but we wanted to speak with you and Gaetano.
CONCETTA
Is everything alright? Please sit. I will make Coffee. Gaetano, Come down Marie and Carmine are here. I `ll go get him. Please sit. (She leaves the room)
MARIA
Carmine please keep a you big mouth shut and let me talk.
D’ANGELO
So help me Maria, if he says a word I don’t like, I will cutta his head off like the pig that he is. (Showing his knife under his coat) Bastard.
MARIA
I swear if you don’t keep that mouth of yours shut I `ll smack a u face. Let me talk. Listen for once in your life. Listen and learn.
D’ANGELO
Learn she says. When this is made right. Pig!
Enter Reggio and Concetta
REGGIO
Hey, Come esti Carmine. Maria How are you? (Gaetano goes to shake Carmines hand and kiss him and the cheek. Carmine shakes hands but pulls away from the kiss) Please sit. Concetta said you wanted to talk. What’s a wrong? Anyone sick? You want to borrow money again Carmine? (Carmine stands up ready to strike Gaetano. Maria grabs Carmine by the arm and pulls him back down into the chair) So talk. Wants on a you mind?
MARIA
Gaetano, with all due respect, we wanted to talk to you about Josefina.
CONCETTA
Josefina? Che cosa? What has she done?
D’ANGELO
She has done nothing. Niente! It is you two who have disgraced our family.
MARIA
Carmine! (Looks at him to keep still) Josefina she come to visit me last Sunday.She told me, well she said,
D’ANGELO
She said you have put your hands on her. Animale! That’s what a she said O.K.
You understand me now Gaetano! Tell me Gaetano, why, why would the girl say such things?
CONCETTA
Mio Dio (crosses herself) How could she say such things? Mio Dio. Why would she say these lies? I treat this girl like she is my own daughter. No. No. I don’t believe she would say these things. You must a be making them up.
MARIA
I don’t know Concetta. I don’t believe myself. You took this girl in, gave her a good home to live. If not for you she would be on the streets like that mother of hers.God forgive me for talking about my own sister. But that one over there is no help to anyone. She is a...
D’ANGELO
Gaetano, did you touch this girl in a unholy way?
REGGIO
You have no right to talk me this way. I’m the disgraced one by all of these lies. How dare you come into my house and ask me these insulting things?Who do you think you are coming here to question me? You don’t know Carmine what a you do. I demand an apology.
D’ANGELO
I’ll give you apology Gaetano, but first answer my question. Did you touch her? (Demanding an answer) Si or No. (Yelling the second time) SI or NO! (D’ANGELO stands up and moves directly in front of REGGIO)
REGGIO
(Gaetano sees Carmine reaching for the knife under his jacket ) No. No. Of course not. Carmine, Maria.
MARIA
I’m a sorry Concetta. You know these a men; they speak before they think sometimes. But you can understand my concern no?Josefina, she comes to me with this crazy talk and my husband he think these terrible things.
REGGIO
And you Maria? What do you thing? Like this a husband of yours no?I tella you something, I am a going to ask Josefina what a she said to you.You two are the trouble makers. But what are you crazy? I would never do anything to hurt her.
CONCETTA
Maria please, we have said enough today.
ENTER Josefina. Maria turns to Josephina acting like nothing is wrong. Every one else in the room is noticeably upset over the conversation that just took place)
MARIA
Ah Josephina.(She comes over to both Maria and Carmine and kisses them on both cheeks) Me and your Uncle were just leaving. You be a good girl.
JOSEFINA
Why are you looking like that? Did I do something wrong?
REGGIO
Did you do something wrong? I'll tell you what you did. These idiots come here to tell me what you said to them, May God forgive me for saying this. That I have touched you not like a loving uncle but as a rapist!
CONCETTA
Gaetano! Stop this now!
JOSEFINA
What? (Turning to confront Maria) How could you say such ugly words Why?
MARIA
Josefina listen to me. Last week when you come over to my house you said that,
JOSEFINA
Stop it, Stop it. I never said that to you. Never. Why are saying these horrible stories about me? (She starts crying) God will not forgive you for this. I asked you about my mama. You hate her and now you hate me too.
MARIA
Josefina look at me. That’s not all we spoke about. You know You know that.
REGGIO
No more. No more of this. We have nothing else to say. Get out. Leave Now. Get out.
D’ANGELO
Gaetano. You will pay, hey gumbadi Dog!
REGGIO
Ask the Madonna to forgive you for this insult. I will never.
Josephina follows Maria and Carmine to the door. Closes it behind them, waits for a moment by the door. She cowers as Concetta and Reggio approach.
Dix and Josefina at the Tombs
DIX
So, they beat you?
JOSEFINA
Do you think they did, Signora?
DIX
What I think isn't important. What happened is important, Josefina, and you're the only one who can tell us that now.
JOSEFINA
The dead can speak.
DIX
How's that, Josefina.
JOSEFINA
You're a smart lady, but you don't know everything there is.
DIX
So tell me.
JOSEFINA
I can tell you, but it won't matter.
DIX
Please, I want to know.
JOSEFINA
You first swear on the blood of your mother that what I tell you is only for us.
DIX
I can't write it down? But what if it helps set you free?
JOSEFINA
I'm a stupid, poor girl, but even I know that what I have to say would not make me free, either here or back in the old country. If you want to know, then swear.
DIX
All right, Josefina, I swear.
JOSEFINA
Do not swear lightly, Signore, you will be in danger.
DIX
You wouldn't hurt me.
JOSEFINA
I wouldn't have to.
DIX
I swear. Tell my how the dead can speak.
JOSEFINA
At night, in the dark, the dreams come. If you know the right words, make the proper gifts, the dead come to you, and reveal the truth. My aunt and uncle have both been by my side. They know they've done wrong and they beg me to make it right so they can rest.
DIX
You can give them peace?
JOSEFINA
No one else.
DIX
What did they do to you that causes them such misery now?
JOSEFINA
I was everything. Their hopes, their dreams, their true wealth, their promise of happiness. If I had been willing, I would have been like a queen. But I was not willing. So they forced the burden of all that love on me.
DIX
You call that love?
JOSEFINA
They loved me more than life.
DIX
But you hated them.
JOSEFINA
Did I ever say that I hated them?
DIX
But you murdered them.
JOSEFINA
You know nothing.
DIX
If it means I don't know how you can murder what you love, then I know nothing.
JOSEFINA
They loved me like I was a beautiful treasure, a crown of gold, an olive grove, I was youth and happiness. Everything they wanted I had.
DIX
And yet, it wasn't right what they did.
JOSEFINA
It wasn't right because they never asked. They took.
DIX
What difference would that have made?
JOSEFINA
The difference between life and death.
In Hearst’s Office
HEARST
How is the trial progressing, Palmieri?
PALMIERI
Don’t you read your own newspapers?
HEARST
Not if I want to know what’s really going on. Tell me. Do you think she’s crazy?
PALMIERI
By her people’s rules, she not only isn’t crazy, she’s a hero.
HEARST
Her people? Not your people?
PALMIERI
I’m Napolitano. She’s Sicilian
HEARST
I thought you were all Italian.
PALMIERI
To you, we’re the same.
HEARST
You people are like Africans with your tribes.
PALMIERI
And you think you’re not?
HEARST
This is the new world, man, the United States of America. Where a man’s prosperity is limited only by his own talent, not his forbears
PALMIERI
Only from the mouth of the son of a millionaire.
HEARST
My father started with nothing, as did yours. And yet here we sit, as equals, no?
PALMIERI
Equals? When my son can marry your daughter with your blessing.
HEARST
The trial, Palmieri, what’s happening with it?
PALMIERI
The jury listens with sympathy. Which is good. Because there is no fact here except the fact of her killing her aunt and uncle.
HEARST
What do you mean, no fact?
PALMIERI
The girl lived with her aunt and uncle. With her mother’s consent. Yes. They gave her a roof over her head, fed her, clothed her, kept her from poverty. Yes. They made her work hard. Yes. She says her uncle was an animal, that her aunt was his accomplice in their depravity. Maybe.
HEARST
Maybe? You doubt it.
PALMIERI
Whether I doubt it or not isn’t the issue. Will the jury doubt it?
HEARST
Well, you know your job. It doesn’t matter to me, as long as it takes a while. Stretch things out, Palmier, stretch it out. I have bills to pay.
In Court
PALMIERI
I call to the stand, Giuseppe Terranova, Husband of the accused
Josefina and Giuseppe Terranova never spoke to one another until Gaetano gave Terranova his consent to their union. So this is a silent scene in which Giuseppe and Josefina flirt, and romance and fall in love. The background music would be from Puccini, who was wildly popular in the US at that time.
In Hearst's Office
HEARST
Have you ever been to Sicily, Dorothy?
DIX
No, Mr. Hearst, what would a nice girl from Tennesse be doing in those parts?
HEARST
Seriously.
DIX
Seriously, never.
HEARST
Sicily is heaven on earth. The air is liquid silk, the water is aquamarine, the sun is a fierce diamond.
DIX
Then why would so many people leave it for the uncertain hell they find here?
HEARST
I didn't say living there was heaven on earth. The place itself.
DIX
Then it's the same as everywhere.If you have money, you have money, and you can buy yourself some heaven.
HEARST
It's not that simple, but I do agree, money cushions things. How are you coming along with the story of our wronged Sicilian beauty?
DIX
What's the word her aunt called her? A strega.
HEARST
A strega?
DIX
A witch.
HEARST
You aren't falling under a spell are you?
DIX
No of course not. I don't mean it literally. But you spend enough time talking to her, there's a power there. More power than most women can summon.
HEARST
So you sense a kindred spirit?
DIX
You flatter me. I wonder if I would have what it would take to stab two people to death, no matter how much they deserved it.
HEARST
You sound envious.
DIX
I am.
HEARST
That's your story right there. She's been treated like garbage, thrust aside by the dregs of her own society, yet her spirit shines through.
DIX
You don't see more than a story do you?
HEARST
What more is there?
GIUSEPPE and JOSEFINA alone for the first time.
JOSEFINA
So Giuseppe, I make you some supper now?
TERRANOVA
Si.
JOSEFINA
Then tomorrow, I'm gonna clean this place, it will shine.
TERRANOVA
Bene.
JOSEFINA
Tell me Giuseppe, what is that you would like for me to do? I work hard, I know plenty of ways to make a nice home.
TERRANOVA
I know. Your uncle, he tells me.
JOSEFINA
What is it that he tells you?
TERRANOVA
That you'll be a good wife, that you know how to work.
JOSEFINA
So is that why you married me? Because I can work?
TERRANOVA
Maybe. Maybe not.
JOSEFINA
Giuseppe, sposo caro, after I finish my work tomorrow, can I go to see my baby sister?
TERRANOVA
Why? What for?
JOSEFINA
It's been so long.
TERRANOVA
My house is not good enough?
JOSEFINA
No, it's not that. I just miss her, that's all.
TERRANOVA
I say no.
JOSEFINA
No? Never?
TERRANOVA
I will think about it. Maybe she can come here sometime.
JOSEFINA
Grazzi, grazzi, You're too kind.
TERRANOVA
And tomorrow I go to work, you stay here. If you want something, you talk to my sister..
JOSEFINA
Si, si, of course.
TERRANOVA
And now I'm going to bed.
(He leaves abruptly. Josefina sits for a few moments before she follows)
IN HEARST'S OFFICE
HEARST
Palmieri, what are you doing this weekend?
PALMIERI
Visiting my mother in Brooklyn, as I always do.
HEARST
You wops and your mothers. It's something else. Well, you could bring her, too.
PALMIERI
Bring her where?
HEARST
To the Met, Puccini, Caruso...I can have a car sent around to pick her up.
PALMIERI
That's very generous of you.
HEARST
Opera is real life to you people, isn't it?
PALMIERI
Opera is what life should be.
HEARST
Yes. Imagine a world where Puccini wrote the score to every man's life.
PALMIERI
And Caruso was there to sing it to us.
HEARST
We would murder just to hear the music.
PALMIERI
Instead, we have to face the music, like Josefina.
HEARST
With your skill,and Josefina's strange powers, perhaps not.
PALMIERI
Powers? Hardly.
HEARST
She's made quite an impression on Dorothy.
PALMIERI
A woman would be impressed.
HEARST
And you're not compelled by her?
PALMIERI
Compelled? No. She's a child of her upbringing. I know where she comes from. You see it as fierce, I know it's bravado.
HEARST
Ah but see how far it's carried her already.
PALMIERI
But however far she goes, she ends up where she started. She'll have no place on this earth. To the Americans she'll be insane. To the Sicilians, who know just how sane she is, she'll be an outcast just the same.
HEARST
You're an old world pessimist.
PALMIERI
Like Puccini- but who would go see La Boheme if Mimi lived? or Butterfly without her sacrifice?
HEARST
I don't know about your people. But I go, because at the end, Mimi and Butterfly, get up, take bows, and go out for champagne with men like me. Time for you to move to America, Palmieri.
At THE REGGIO'S
Gaetano and Giuseppe sitting at the dinner table with Carmine and Maria. Gaetano is seated at the head of the table. Giuseppe is listening respectfully but becoming angrier as Gaetano continues to talk. Josephine and Concetta are standing behind the table serving the men dinner. Josephine is very nervous as the two men talk and is also becoming uneasy as her husband listens to Gaetano speak.
REGGIO
You and Josephine are liking to be married no?
TERRANOVA
Si.
REGGIO
This wife of yours she know how to be a good wife. I know. My Concetta, she teach her everything. ( The other guests at the table begin to look uneasy and nervous at each other not sure were Gaetanos leading this conversation.) Bella Regazza. Beautiful pretty girl my niece she is ah. All the boys wanted her. They no good enough for her. Understand? What do they give her? A life with a pick and a shovel. No. NO. But I think you are good a Boy. You show respect. That’s a good. You come around here for 4 years and you never disrespect Josephine or my family. You wait. I like a that. Now, you getta what a you want. Ha. You can enjoy like a man. Sure, you deserve her. You know Guiseppe I want to talk to you like you’re my son now.Listen to me when I tella you something. Women is no smart like a men. Understand? Josefina, sometimes you gotta watch the things she do. You gotta make a sure she obey all the time. We train her good for you before you know her. She no give you any problem. If she do, I take care of everything. You let me know. O.K. I hope you no get mad with the way I speaka to you. I think of you as family now.( Gaetano reachs his arm across the table and grabs TERRANOVA’S cheek with his fingers, then slaps his face with his hand.
TERRANOVA
Grazie Gaetano. And I will think of you as my Uncle.
REGGIO
Guiseppe, in Sicilia people believe that girls born on Venerdi Santo, Good a Friday,
You know in English, come sa dice, the day Gesu Cristo was killed by the Jew.
Si? These girl, shes a cursed. They are no good. I don’t know, Josefina she born on Good Friday, so maybe.You gotta watch her. ( Shaking his hand at TERRANOVA’S face) Mala Testa. Sick in the head. (hitting his fingers to the side of his head. Laughing and looking at Josefina)
CONCETTA
Gaetano, but why you have talk about God like a this on Sunday? Please, basta. Enough already. Gaetano.
(Concetta trying to change the subject starts bring food to the table)
Guiseppe, tell me about tui famiglia.What town are you from?
TERRANOVA
Monreale, Senora Reggio.
CONCETTA
Guiseppe, please, in America mio nome is (e) Connie.
No more Senora Concetta Reggio in the Bronx.
(Concetta laughs and looks at her husband for approval, none comes.
Gaetano looks back at her with disgust)
(As Josefina comes to the table she places a dish of food on the table next to Gaetano. Having heard his conversation with her husband she stares at Gaetano with a hateful look then moves back away)
REGGIO
Ah, Monreale. Si, little town by Palmero (As he looks over again to Josefina)
They have pretty girls there, too. Not only in the Bronx. I’ve been there, many times. Oh sure. You know one time before I come to this country my brother Tony go there to buy a donkey. Si, my Papa told him to go. So he went. Into the mountains No?
A farmer, I think his name was Gino had one for sale. You Remember Gino? Dom no? That son of bitch sold him a sick donkey. Son of a Bitch!
Tony didn’t know. He was just a kid at the time maybe 10 years old. I guess he should have looked at it a little closer. Ma, after a few days the donkey she die. My Papa he got so mad. He beat Tony and my mother and told him to get his money back from that thief. So he had to go back to the farmer and tell him that he wanted my Papa’s money back. Gino, he tells him no. No, it’s too bad he bought it and that was that. He said to my brother that someone in our family must have done something to ruin her. He said to my brother she was fine when she worked for him.
I think that pervert Gino may have even done other thinks to that donkey. Ha.
Who knows? Anyway he refused to give him another donkey or a pig or the money back. Then chased Tony off his farm with a gun. This fuckin a bast said he would kill him if he ever see him again. So what could my brother do? He was just a kid.
I tell you what he do. He come back the next night and killed all of that bastard Gino`s chickens. And burned downed his barn.
(Everyone at the table laughs. Gaetano stops laughing. His face turns very serious and looks directly at Giuseppe )
Let me tell you something Pisano,
(He reaches for an apple on the table. Takes a knife off the table and begins to cut the apple.)
If someone did that to me. Ahh. But, in this country it’s different. Everyone is different. What can you do? No?
Josefina looks on in horror. TERRANOVA understands what REGGIO has said to him tonight.
CONCETTA
Gaetano, stop talking such things at the table. You make a yourself sound like a Mafiosi. Please for once can we have a nice a meal on a Sunday?
In Hearst’s Office
DIX
PALMIERI, tell me about the insanity defense
PALMIERI
I’m no alienist.
DIX
Tell me about how it works in court.
PALMIERI
Well, I can give you the general legal theory. Not the specifics of the case.
DIX
Of course not.
PALMIERI
If someone is not in their right mind, doesn’t know right from wrong, then they are not held responsible for their acts.
DIX
So this fit of madness can take over anyone.
PALMIERI
If provoked. A jealous husband catching his wife with his best friend, for example. Or a mother protecting her child.
DIX
But that’s in the heat of the moment. Can it be planned?
PALMIERI
A person can be driven insane in many different ways, Miss Dix. We see it every day.
DIX
So you have to prove that Josefina was driven mad by circumstances, but now she’s fine.
PALMIERI
Fine isn’t the word I’d use. Able to tell right from wrong.
DIX
But if those people did all that to her, excuse me. If someone was tortured and pushed to the brink of despair by a couple of tormentors, wouldn’t it be a rational response to want to kill them?
PALMIERI
It would be rational to want to. But to actually do it? That’s madness.
DIX
Couldn’t she have feigned the whole thing? Or on the other hand, maybe she’s still out of her mind? How can you tell?
PALMIERI
You’re not the only one with that question.
In The Tombs
Josefina, this man is here to talk to you
JOSEFINA
Stay away.
PALMIERI
He's not going to hurt you.
JOSEFINA
I see a look in his eye.
PALMIERI
Be a good girl, Josefina.
JOSEFINA
Hah, that's what Reggio would say .
PALMIERI
This is to help you.
JOSEFINA
What am I going to say? No?
PALMIERI
She'll co-operate. I'll be nearby if you should need me.
Exit Palmieri
JOSEFINA
In nome del padre e figlio ed il fantasma santo. (3x times.)
ALIENIST
Miss Terranova,
JOSEFINA
That’s Senora Terranova.
ALIENIST
Judge Scott has asked that I speak with you.
JOSEFINA
Ah, talk more talk. I don’t talk with no one, except with Palmieri
ALIENIST
Palmieri said to co-operate. We'll talk. But for now I need to ask you a few questions. Now behave yourself like a good girl and maybe I give you a treat.
JOSEFINA
Vaffanculo. (She spits at him in the face. The matron restrains her)
ALIENIST
Guinea Slut. Do you understand the charges that have been brought against you?
JOSEFINA
Yeah. Do you?
ALIENIST
Were you praying just now?
JOSEFINA
Do you know what that is?
ALIENIST
You are a catholic I take it?
JOSEFINA
Yes.you?
ALIENIST
You say you hear voices. Who are these voices?
JOSEFINA
Different voices come to me.
ALIENIST
Who was it spoke to you the night you killed your Auntie?
JOSEFINA
I don’t like you.
ALIENIST
Your family, tells us about them.
JOSEFINA
My family has nothing to do with this.
ALIENIST
Your family has everything to do with this.Your mother sold you to the UncleThen he used you take his darkest desires.
JOSEFINA
No
ALIENIST
When you’re dear dead Uncle Gaetano was finish having you, he married you off, to some dim witted dago. Just like getting ride of an old horse you get tried of riding.
JOSEFINA remains impassive
Is it true God spoke to you?
JOSEFINA
Yes. He told me to take his revenge.
ALIENIST
Does anyone else speak to you.
JOSEFINA
Yes. My Aunt comes to me sometimes as a butterfly and my Uncle has come also. He shows himself to me as a worm.
ALIENIST
What do they say?
JOSEFINA
Sometimes they ask for forgiveness for the great wrongs they have done to me.
ALIENIST
What do you tell them?
JOSEFINA
I tell them they must seek forgiveness from God I as could never forgive them.
ALIENIST
Are you afraid of them?
JOSEFINA
Yes. I am afraid they will come and hurt me in at night.
The Alienist proceeds to test Josefina with physical primitive methods common practice at the time, poking her with needles, dropping heavy weights on her toes.
JOSEFINA
Santa Maria, you are the crazy one here.
When the testing is over, the Alienist steps into Hearst’s office
HEARST
Well, then?
ALIENIST
What can I tell you? She’s mad.
HEARST
But not mad enough to call a mistrial.
ALIENIST
Oh I think so.
HEARST
I didn’t hear what you said.
ALIENIST
I said, the sooner she’s locked away forever, dirty dago murdering bitch
HEARST
I didn’t hear you, could you repeat that.
ALIENIST
Ah, no. The trial must certainly go on.
HEARST
I thought as much.
Alienist steps back into the courtroom.
ALIENIST
Your honor, we find that the defendant is sane enough to stand trial, at this time
HEARST visits JOSEFINA with PALMIERI at the prison after her session with the Alienists.
PALMIERI
Josefina, this is Mr. Hearst.
JOSEFINA
You are the one paying,no?
PALMIERI
Josefina, Mr. Hearst is an important man. You show him respect.
HEARST
That’s quite all right, Palmieri. Child, you look terrible.
JOSEFINA
Those people yesterday are pazzu! Why could they do that to me?
HEARST
It’s the law, Josefina. They want to be sure you are in your right mind.
JOSEFINA
There is nothing wrong with my mind, Mr. But these men, they have problems.
HEARST
Tell me, what can I do for you? Anything?
JOSEFINA
Why? What am I to you?
PALMIERI
Josefina. Rispetto.
HEARST
No, no, Palmieri, it’s a fair question.
JOSEFINA
What is it you want from me,Signore? I’m a poor girl, I got nothing, no husband, my mother no want me, no people.
HEARST
I want nothing.
JOSEFINA
That’s not true.
HEARST
What is it that you think I want, then?
JOSEFINA
You pay that nice lady, too, the one who talks to me?
HEARST
You mean Miss Dix, the reporter.
JOSEFINA
Yes, that lady.
HEARST
She’s a writer, for my newspaper.
JOSEFINA
And she needs something to write about.
HEARST
Yes. People want to know about you, Josefina. Your story has excited people’s sympathies, and they want you vindicated.
PALMIERI
He means people take your part and want you free.
JOSEFINA
People. People don’t care about me. You don’t care about me.I don’t mind though. (Palmieri starts to reprove her)
HEARST
Palmieri, let her speak her mind. Now Josefina, why do you say I don’t care about you, when I’ve made it my business to help you through this?
JOSEFINA
It’s your business, Signore, you need to sell your papers. I know about it. In the prison, the matrons they read to me what’s in the stories. It’s something funny to them, a big joke.
HEARST
I’m not laughing.
JOSEFINA
Signore, you don’t have to laugh. You're rich.
HEARST
I’m curious, Josefina. Let’s say our good friend Mr. Palmieri is able to work a miracle, and you walk out of the courtroom a free woman. Where would you go?
JOSEFINA
I have nowhere to go.
HEARST
Surely you have people.
JOSEFINA
They treated me like a dog. Worse.
HEARST
What about your husband?
JOSEFINA
I'm dead to him.
HEARST
You’re a beautiful girl, you could have a bright future.
JOSEFINA
Without a family, I have nothing.
HEARST
You’re in a new world. You can make a new family.
PALMIERI
Our time is up, William. Josefina, go with matron.
JOSEFINA
Goodbye,Signores. Grazzi
(Exit Josefina)
PALMIERI
You don’t understand her world.
HEARST
What do you mean?
PALMIERI
Josefina is an outcast. If she’s acquitted, no one will take her in. They respect her right to revenge, no one will hold it against her. But they have no reason to shelter her, if she’s not a blood relative.
HEARST
I never heard something so ridiculous.
PALMIERI
Sneer if you want. That’s the reality of what she’s facing.
HEARST
How long have you lived here, Palmieri?
PALMIERI
Since I was a child.
HEARST
Then surely you understand that she has opportunities. She’s young, attractive, intelligent, sympathetic.
PALMIERI
Maybe if she were American.
HEARST
What are you talking about, man?
PALMIERI
I’ve lived here long enough to know that I’ll never be American. How could she?
HEARST
Really, Judge Palmieri?
PALMIERI
Ex- Judge. I was stripped of that distinction, if you remember, by Americans. Josefina doesn’t live in America. Her tragedy is that she’s not in Sicily either.
HEARST
That’s balderdash, man. I’ve seen the women of your Sicily. Their lives are not to be envied.
PALMIERI
At least there she would be free.
HEARST
Free to do what? Live like a pauper? I grant you that for a girl of Josefina’s class, life anywhere is precarious. But here in the US of A, there are options that exist nowhere else. If she’s willing to cut her ties to what you call her people. And after what they’ve done to her, why wouldn’t she?
EXIT HEARST AND PALMIERI
SPOT ON JOSEFINA who performs the pagan gesture of power in her cell. (She is supposed to be holding a wand and a dagger, which she mimes. Wand in left hand, dagger in right. She extends both arms out from her side.(pos1) She then moves the tools down in a circular manner, each tool tracing a separate crescent (Pos 2) .She then brings both tools together, crossed, up above her head.(post3) Then both are brought down together straight in front, (pos 4) and uncross the tools, hands separated (Pos2) Position 4 is the key position, which must touch the object or area being charged. In this case, Josefina is touching the a copy of the NYJournal, Hearst’s newspaper.
END ACT 1
ACT 2
Opens with Giuseppe and Josefina in their apartment
JOSEFINA
Would you like some coffee?
TERRANOVA
No.
JOSEFINA
Will you be working tomorrow?
TERRANOVA
Si. (looking up slowly at her)
JOSEFINA
I will make you something to eat for lunch. I have fresh tomatoes and bread. Will you still be working in the city tomorrow?
TERRANOVA
Josefina! You have lied to me.
JOSEFINA
Lied? No. Never. Giuseppe, what did my Uncle tell you? What stories did he put in your head?
TERRANOVA
You have disgraced me and my family. I have been made a fool of by you and that Uncle of yours.
JOSEFINA
No. No. Gaetano was just taking that’s all. He is a loud mouth who like to make people think evil things. He didn’t mean anything by the stories.
He always tries to impress men with his talk. He enjoys seeing others get upset that’s all. Please forget about him. (She falls to her knees in front of him)
I swear to you if he has insulted you I will never see either one of them again.
(She lays her head on his lap) I swear on the Madonna I would never hurt you or let anyone come between us. Never.
TERRANOVA
Josefina your Uncle told me you have know men before me. He told me that you have been with child before. Is this true? IS IT TRUE??
JOSEFINA
She stands up. She now knows what her Uncle really told her husband. Giuseppe, my uncle and aunt, made me do things when I was a little girl.
They made me do shameful things.
I would pray every night that God would take me away from them.
I would pray for God to take me to heaven while I was asleep so I would not be woken up in the middle of the night by my aunt and taken into his bed.
They made me sleep in his bed and I, I, I’m so ashamed of myself. (she falls on the floor sobbing.He falls on the floor next to her and they both cry embraced on the floor.He pulls away from her, gets up.)
JOSEFINA
Giuseppe, speak. (She is imploring him to look at her, but he cannot.He repulses her physical entreaties.)
TERRANOVA
Puttana.
JOSEFINA
I am innocent. In my heart. I swear it. How could I tell you, Giuseppe? What could I say? He is a monster, my uncle.
TERRANOVA
You would have kept this secret from me.
JOSEFINA
To my grave.
TERRANOVA
Your uncle tells me the truth, you are a liar.
JOSEFINA
I never lied.
TERRANOVA
Everything about you is a lie. Your beauty, your voice, your smell. All lies. You are ugly. Cursed.
JOSEFINA
I am cursed.
TERRANOVA
So you admit you’re a whore.
JOSEFINA
No. I’m cursed because I married a man with the balls of a mouse. Why are you crying like a baby? Why don’t you pick up this knife and kill my uncle. Like a person of honor.
TERRANOVA
Why should I suffer because you deceived me? The policia here would lock me up, and my family would be ruined.
JOSEFINA
What was there to tell? Would you have married me?
TERRANOVA
Never. I would have spit on you.
JOSEFINA
I spit on myself, Giuseppe, every time, every time. But what could I do? What could I do?
TERRANOVA
I don’t know. But you have stained my honor and my family name.We cannot remain man and wife.
JOSEFINA
You are renouncing me?
TERRANOVA
What else is there?
JOSEFINA
You bastard. You’re like him.
TERRANOVA
I will live with my mother and father, and when I come back here, you will be gone. Do you understand?
JOSEFINA
Oh I understand that you’re a cazzata. Faccia de merda.
TERRANOVA
You call me names?
JOSEFINA
I’ll do worse, you cafone. I’ll do worse. You tell me you’re going to throw me out on the street? I’ll kill you first. (She lunges, but he’s strong and smacks her to the floor)
TERRANOVA
I’m already dead inside, Josefina. You are no longer my wife. You must leave this apartment.
(Exit TERRANOVA)
JOSEFINA
(sits stock still for a while, then, clearly coming to a decision, makes the gesture of power, and proceeds to keen and wail)
The voices, the voices. I can’t shut them out. I can’t shut them. Mercy on my, pity on me. Don’t let it keep going on.Don’t let me drown in these voices. Lord please tell me; tell me what your wish is.God help undo this evil. I beg you Lord God help me.
She collapses on the floor crying. I must kill them, I must them kill.
IN THE TOMBS, JOSEFINA IN HER CELL-She makes preparations, and lays down on her cot.
Concetta appears hand in hand with Reggio.She makes her pleas standing, while Reggio approaches the cot as if to reanact their sexual relationship.
CONCETTA
Josefina you don’t understand. I loved you. I would never hurt you. Never. We were your family and you killed me. For what? For you Honor? I always tried to keep you safe. But what were you thinking? Honor? Do you think you have your honor back now that my blood is on your hands forever?Do believe that you will be able to put this behind you.? Just because you have a high priced lawyer sitting by your side you will be safe from me. Never! I loved you and you repay my love like this.I protected you from your Uncle many nights when even I could not stand the things he said he had planned for you. What was I to do?I just wanted to protect you the only way I could. I thought by giving into him he would grow tired and leave you alone. I begged him to allow you to marry to get you out of his evil house. I tried, Please forgive me I tried. Now I must answer to God. He must judge me. Please forgive me. But do you think you can ever ever be free?
REGGIO
Mia Bella, you know I can never leave you. We are one. You were everything. I would have given you everything. How could you not know that I loved you so much?
That I would have given my life? You didn't need to take it. You turned from me in life, you can't turn from me in death. I will be here, by your side, every night, every night until you join me.
JOSEFINA
(wakes up screaming). ABBASTANZA!
In the Court
PALMIERI
I call to the stand Josefina Terranova:
JOSEFINA
Yes.
PALMIERI
State your full name for the court.
JOSEFINA
Josefina Olympia Terranova
PALMIERI
Josephina, I would like to ask you a question if I may?And please answer it with a yes or a no.Did you kill Concetta Reggio?
JOSEFINA
Yes.
PALIMIERI
Thank you Josefina. Josefina at what age did you come to stay with the Reggios?
JOSEFINA
I was 8 years old.
PALMIERI
How did you come to live with them?
JOSEFINA
My mother brought me to them. They kissed me and told me they would make me their daughter and give me a home and an education.
PALMIERI
And did they?
JOSEFINA
At first they were good and kind to me.They sent me to school and Sunday school and church.
PALMIERI
When did you stop going to church?
JOSEFINA
The same time I stopped going to School. I did not go to church for 7 years, until they took me there just before my marriage. My Uncle and Aunt would not let me go. I cried and begged them but they would not let me.
PALMIERI
What about public school? Did you attend?
JOSEFINA
Most of the time my Aunt ordered me to stay home and work.
PALMIERI
What kind of work were you doing?
JOSEFINA
I did everything. The washing, scrubbing, all the work. Sometimes they had 10, 14, 16 boarders at a time. I got up at 4 o’clock in the morning and did not go to bed till midnight. I did all the work up to the time I was married. On the night before the wedding I was scrubbing floors.
PALMIERI
Were you ever hit by you Aunt or Uncle?
JOSEFINA
Yes. My aunt would beat me. She almost broke my jaw once because she heard me speaking English
PALMIERI
Why was that?
JOSEFINA
One of the people that roomed with them was teaching me.
PALMIERI
What happened next?
JOSEFINA
Uncle Gaetano came into the room and dragged me by my hair into his room.
PALMIERI
Did he hit you once he took you out of the room?
JOSEFINA
Yes.He slapped me in the mouth.
PALMIERI
Did you suffer any injuries from her aunt's beating?
JOSEFINA
Yes.
PALMIERI
And you know this because your Aunt Concetta or Uncle took you to see a Doctor?
JOSEFINA
I looked in the mirror.
PALMIERI
Did anyone in the neighborhood ask you how you received your injuries?
JOSEFINA
Yeah. I told them I had fallen out of a tree in the backyard. They believed it.
PALMIERI
Why did you lie?
JOSEFINA
I was scared.
PALMIERI
Did you have enough food to eat at the Reggios house?
JOSEFINA
I got my food after the others had eaten. Whatever was left that they didn’t give to the dogs.
PALMIERI
Were you ever allowed to play with other children?
JOSEFINA
No. They wouldn’t let me. Always watching me.
PALMIERI
Did you ever slam the door in your mother's face?
JOSEFINA
No. I wanted to go to my mother but they wouldn’t let me.
PALMIERI
When did you first begin to hear voices?
JOSEFINA
When I was 14, maybe 13 years old. At first it was a ringing in my ears. It would wake me up in the middle of the night. But then there were some nights when it sounded like someone was trying to speak to me. Whispering in Italian. Talking to me. Sometimes the voices were so loud it would make me fall down to my knees and I would pray for it to stop.
PALMIERI
Did you tell anyone about the voices?
JOSEFINA
I told my aunt Maria. She took me to see an women, Calabrazzi I think. The women said someone had put the malocchio on me. The evil eye. A curse. (Looking over to the jury) She told me to place 2 flower pots filled with lilies next to a statue of Saint Anthony by my window at midnight. She gave me a prayer to St. Anthony to say ever night until the next full moon. I was to listen for a knock on my door, or a man whistling or a dog barking. If I heard any of these if would mean it was God talking to me. If a dark horse passes by or a hearse was seen, then the prayer was refused.The old women said that I should listen and do whatever the voices tell me to do.
PALMIERI
Did your Aunt Maria or anyone take you to a medical doctor?
JOSEFINA
What for? I wasn’t sick. I was blessed. Mr. Palmieri, the spirit of the Lord was talking to me. What did I need a doctor for?
PALMIERI
Yes. Very well then Josefina, Getting back to your Uncle. How did he come to meet Giuseppe Terranova?
JOSEFINA
Guiseppe worked in the Bronx. He did some work for my Uncle from time to time.
PALMIERI
When was the first time you met your husband?
JOSEFINA
Well, I first saw Guiseppe when I was 11 years old. We never spoke until a week before our wedding .
PALMIERI
Why was that?
JOSEFINA
My uncle would not allow it. He didn’t let me speak to any boys. Reggio came to me one day and said that Guiseppe had come to him and wanted to marry me. I said alright. I liked Guiseppe very much. We all had a big dinner together and afterward we were engaged.
PALMIERI
Who is Mrs. Bounaventura Farrollo?
JOSEFINA
She is Giuseppe`s sister. My sister in law.
PALMIERI
Tell us what occurred the day Mrs. Farrollo came to the Reggio’s to take you to Church before your wedding.
JOSEFINA
Guiseppe had asked his sister to take me to talk to the priest before out wedding day. To make my confession so I could receive communion before I became his bride.
PALMIERI
What did your Uncle say about this?
JOSEFINA
He was very mad about this. He told me not to go to the priest. That he would put wrong thing in my head and ask you bad things. He said Don’t go I will be your priest. I will confess you.
PALMIERI
Did you go?
JOSEFINA
Yes . Mrs. Farrollo would not listen to Reggio.
She took out her knife and said if he didn’t get out of her way she would turn him into a stramboli.
PALMIERI
In English?
JOSEFINA
A bull with no balls
PALMIERI
Tell us what happened at the church.
JOSEFINA
I confessed to the priest.
PALMIERI
What did you tell him?
JOSEFINA
I told him that I hadn’t been to mass in over two years. That I sometimes lied and that God had spoke to me and told me that I was a good person.
PALMIERI
What did the priest say?
JOSEFINA
Said said nothing to me. He just looked at me and walked away. He told Mrs. Farrollo that he I could not receive communion and that I did not know who God is.
PALMIERI
What did you Uncle say about this?
JOSEFINA
When I got home he said to me that I looked happy.I told him I was because the priest did not ask me any questions or say any bad things.
PALMIERI
Josefina it was Mrs. DeAngelo testimony that you visited her at her home and spoke to her about your Uncle. Is that true?
JOSEFINA
Yes. I went over to her house to tell her about what my uncle had done to me.
PALMIERI
What did you tell her?
JOSEFINA
Not much. I could see she was not really understand what I was saying. I thought she blaming me.
PALMIERI
Blaming you for what?
JOSEFINA
For, for how he disgraced me.
PALMIERI
How did he disgrace you Josefina?
JOSEFINA
It started after I lived there a little while. He told me that he owned me. Let a dog, chicken or goat. He said we could do anything he wanted. So he did.
PALMIERI
Did your aunt Concetta know what he was doing to you?
JOSEFINA
Did she know? She would bring me to him. Night after night.She stayed in the room while he sinned with me. Sometimes she would lay with us.
I begged them to let me leave. I asked to be sent to my mother but they said no.They just laughed at me.
PALMIERI
Josefina are telling this court that your uncle Gaetano Reggio had carnal relations with you?
JOSEFINA
Yes.
PALMIERI
Did you ever try to escape?
JOSEFINA
How could I? They would say to me that they owned me. They could do with me what they wanted. No one would ever stop them.Gaetano told me he was going to sent me to Tunisia to work in a bordello if I didn’t do as he said. He even threaten to have me killed by the Black Hand if I told anyone about what they made me do.
PALMIERI
And is it also your testimony that while your Uncle Gaetano Reggio had his way with you Conetta Reggio your aunt would participate in your violation?
JOSEFINA
Yes. She took me to his bed the day before my wedding. My wedding
D.A
Your honor this is a clear attempt by the defense to slander two well respected members of our community who cannot defend themselves. The Reggio were upstanding and honorable. The fact is Mr. Reggio had just become a US citizen no more 2 weeks before he was brutally killed by this temptress.
JUDGE
Is this an Objection Mr. Ely?
D.A.
Yes. Yes it is your Honor
JUDGE
Very well then. Over ruled. Your may continue Mr. Palmieri. On what day were you married Josepfina?
JOSEFINA
We were married Dec 24. Christmas eve.
PALMIERI
Were you married in Church?
JOSEFINA
No. We were married in City hall.
PALMIERI
Did you go home with your husband after you were married at City hall?
JOSEFINA
No. I told my aunt I wanted to go back with my husband and be his wife because I loved him. But my aunt said I had to go back with her.
PALMIERI
What happen that night at the Reggios
JOSEFINA
My Uncle treated me the same way as before. He treated me the same way up till my wedding night.
PALMIERI
Did you have a wedding ceremony at your church?
JOSEFINA
Yes. On January 5 we had a priest marry us at church. After which I went home with Guiseppe. At church I heard my aunt pray “please God let them both die. For something may happen tonight.
PALMIERI
And did anything happen?
JOSEFINA
My husband was not happy with me.
PALMIERI
And why was that.
JOSEFINA
Because there was no blood.
PALMIERI
Meaning you were not a virgin?
JOSEFINA
The morning after our marriage night, the women came to check. They told him I was a whore because the sheets were clean, and they couldn't hang them out.
PALMIERI
And then what?
JOSEFINA
He went to my uncle. Who told him that the women were right. I was no good.
PALMIERI
And tell us in your own words, the event of February 24, 1906?
JOSEFINA
(To herself)
What was I supposed to do? There is no place in my world for a woman who knows her own worth. I could have lived with my uncle and my aunt, if I didn't. Accept that I was beneath them, someone to step on, and be grateful for the roof over my head, and the food I got. I put up with it. What choice did I have. I was too young, and God help me I was afraid. I knew that here in this country some women were able to live differently. I saw them, American ladies with smiling faces, and their heads held high. But I could not join them. I didn't know how. So I held my head low, and dreamed of another place that I couldn't find. I put my faith in Giuseppe. He loved me, I knew it, His love was my chance. But he was no different. His love was something he took. I would have given it to him freely, with my heart. But he didn't know how to accept what I didn't know how to offer. When he turned against me, I knew that I had no choice. Everyone I knew, everyone who had some tie or obligation to me had shut the door. I was nothing to them. Dirt. Worse than dirt. When he turned me out, then I saw the road I needed to take to this new land. If it was the old country, I could have cut out Gaetano's heart and eaten it in the piazza, and in their hearts people would have said Bene, well done. But no man would have married me, unless he wanted to sleep to the end of his days with a knife by his side to protect him from the vengeance of Reggio's people. I would be a putana, or a slave. Here if I want to live, I have to be called crazy but I still had some chance to breath. In my heart, I know my own worth. Let these fine gentlemen and ladies listen to my story, and weep or rage. It doesn't matter. The only chance I have now is the one I made for myself. I feel no pity, no remorse, no sorrow, no regret. I am free now, I freed myself. But whatever it cost, it wasn't a price I asked to pay.
Hearst and Palmieri and Dix in the courtroom with Josefina
HEARST
They're back already? It's been less than a half hour.
DIX
What does it mean?
PALMIERI
I...I don't know. Corragio, Josefina.
JOSEFINA
It's in God's hands, He will protect me.
JUDGE
Order, Order. Now before this verdict is given I would caution all spectators n this courtroom that if anyone tries starting a demonstration you will be summarily dealt with. If any of you sitting here doesn’t understand the meaning of my warning well I suggest you ask the more intelligent amongst you to translate in your mother tongue.Mr. Foreman have you reached a verdict sir?
FOREMAN
Yes you’re Honor we have.
JUDGE
Well what say you in the charge of the Murder of Concetta Reggio by the defendant Josephine Terranova?
JURY
We the Jury find the defendant Josefina Terranova, Not Guilty on all charges.
(Josefina falls to her knees and crosses herself) Palmieri jumps to his feet)
PALMIERI
Your Honor the defense moves for the pending charge of the Murder of Gaetano Reggio to be withdrawen by the the State.
JUDGE
You ask too much Mr. Palmieri. The jury in this case has not performed its duty. It will be my recommantion to the court to move forward with the second charge of murder.
D.A.
Your Honor if I may? The state is asking all charges be dropped. The girl has suffered enough.
JUDGE
In that case, the defendant is free to go.
In Hearst's office.
PALMIERI
Josefina, you are a free woman.
HEARST
You did it, Palmieri. Congratulations.
DIX
Josefina, do you realize what this means?
JOSEFINA
Signora, it means I am back where I was when Giuseppe renounced me. Only now I no longer can stay in the jail, where at least I had a roof.
PALMIERI
This is the thanks you give these kind people?
JOSEFINA
I have no thanks for anyone but God.
HEARST
Leave her be, Palmieri, she's right.
DIX
Josefina, if you could, what is it that you would want to do?
JOSEFINA
I would want to have my honor, my family and my home. But these things can not be brought back. They're dead, like Concetta and Gaetano.
HEARST
No, you're wrong. You are a new woman, you can have a new life.
JOSEFINA
In another world.
HEARST
No, in this world, the new world. I have made arrangements for you.
JOSEFINA
Signore, I don't know what you want in return, I have nothing I can give you.
PALMIERI
Hearst, you can't be serious. After all she's been through.
HEARST
Palmieri, I am ruthless, but I am not a degenerate. Give me credit.
PALMIERI
What could you possibly have in mind?
HEARST
Josefina, listen to me. I have made arrangements, if it suits you, for you to start a new life. Not here, but in California, far from here.
JOSEFINA
And how shall I live?
HEARST
You're young, healthy. You can learn a trade, you can marry again. The possibilities are there. You need only take heart.
JOSEFINA
How can I repay you? I tell you I have nothing.
HEARST
There's no need. All I ask is that you be happy.
PALMIERI
California is thousands of miles from here, Josefina. None of your people will be there. You could stay here, we could find work for you to do.
JOSEFINA
Signore Hearst, if I go there, to California, can you promise me that no one will ever hear of me again?
HEARST
I can promise you that I will never do anything more to disturb your life. The rest will be up to you.
JOSEFINA
Grazzi, Signore.
The play ends with Josefina stepping out of Hearst's Office, picking up a satchel with her belongings and
saying a silent good bye to Giuseppe, her Aunt Maria, and the rest of the company as she steps into darkness.
.
