Description
By Joel Zablocki
ISBN: 978-1-84747-781-1
Published: 2008
Pages: 47
Key Themes: script, homosexuality, authority, freedom, morality
Description
The historic psychiatric and legal persecution of homosexuals is all-too-often overlooked by popular culture and the media, and the Tragedy of Kevin Norse serves as a harsh reminder of the reality that many self-identified homosexuals faced. This audio play is a philosophical exploration of the Pre-Stonewall treatment of queer people in North America, and the questions posed are still highly relevant to modern psychiatry. The concepts of free will, morality, self-destruction, and the nature of reality are explored in a thoughtful and engaging way.
Following the murder of his partner, Kevin finds himself at odds with authority figures who have uncovered the very nature of his past relationship. The police offer a choice: face a lengthy prison sentence, or accept an experimental treatment for his alleged disorder. He opts for the latter and experiences a gradual fall into darkness and oppression.
Taking cues from William Shakespeare and George Orwell, this script presents an honest portrayal of the humanity behind madness; it exposes the suffering experienced by people who have been mistreated under the guise of medicine.
About the Author
After much deliberation and multiple first-hand experiences of psychiatry, Joel Zablocki sold his soul to academia in search of a better life. Born on October 30th, 1988, this young author developed an early addiction to writing; his first full-length novel was completed at the age of 15. His writing is drawn from careful reflection on personal experiences and contemplation on the philosophical concepts found therein. Although Joel spent most of his early life in Port Elgin, Ontario, he is currently studying at York University for a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Book Extract
NARRATOR:
This story is 100% fiction, but the prejudice faced by this group of people is shockingly real and can still be observed in society today. The following tragedy takes place in Massachusetts during the 1950s, in the early days of the Cold War, as the American government embarks on a witch hunt to remove any perceived threats. This is the Tragedy of Kevin Norse.
CRICKETS CHIRPING FOR A MOMENT. FOLLOW BY A CLUSTER OF FOOTSTEPS IN A FIELD.
KEVIN: Kim! Get the hell over here, Kim!
A GUNSHOT.
KEVIN: God damn it, Kim!
RUSTLING IN BUSHES.
KEVIN: That stupid bastard. Kim.
PETER: Get a hold of yourself, Kevin! We have a long damn way to go.
KEVIN: We’re the only ones left. We can’t face them alone.
PETER: If we face ‘em, we die! They aren’t gonna catch us.
MORE RUSTLING.
KEVIN: (whispering) Keep your goddamn voice down.
SEVERAL GUNSHOTS SCATTERED ABOUT THE BUSHES.
KEVIN: Agh! Peter, I’m hit.
PETER: Shit.
KEVIN: I should’ve known it was hopeless.
PETER: Shut your goddamn mouth, and keep your head down.
We can still do this.
FOOTSTEPS.
OFFICER: That’s as far as you go, you sick, inhuman bastards.
PETER: (whispering) Remember, Kevin. Remember why we’ve come this far. They can take your life, but they can never claim your mind.
THE LAST WORD PETER SAYS ECHOES. A LOUD, ECHOING GUNSHOT.
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