A living wage instead of a minimum wage is important everywhere - but especially in New York City which is the most expensive city in the United States. If not one of the most expensive cities in the world to try to meet basic needs like shelter and food. It is a constant struggle for almost everyone I know who lives here. Even in cities like London, my friends in their thirties are property owners, and the groceries are significantly cheaper.
So how does a family survive? How does a single parent family survive?
How about single parent families, where the parent doesn't have a college degree?
Here is my living wage short play. Hopefully some day it will be read or produced - but until then, it is here to read.
Living Wage short play.
“Dinner”
Erin Browne
Characters:
Mom, thirties
Ricky, teens, Mom’s son
Norah, teens, Ricky’s girlfriend
1. Mom, Ricky, and Norah sit down to dinner.
MOM
Hello Norah, it’s nice to meet you.
NORAH
It’s nice to meet you too Mrs. Lowry.
RICKY
Thanks for making dinner Mom.
MOM
Of course Ricky, I’m glad I get to meet Norah.
RICKY
I’m trying to go by Rick now Mom.
MOM
Right, sometimes I forget.
NORAH
Rick and I are like really trying to get our families involved in our relationship early on, because you know, we think it’s gonna last, this one, so we want to like do it right.
MOM
That’s very nice Norah, I’m glad.
NORAH
I really love Rick. I want you to know.
MOM
I love him too Norah, should we eat?
RICKY
Yeah Mom.
MOM
Okay, so we have steak tonight. I made steak and some potatoes and some green beans.
RICKY
Mom.
MOM
What Ricky, I mean Rick.
RICKY
Mom.
MOM
What honey?
NORAH
This looks beautiful Mrs. Lowry.
RICKY
You know we don’t have the money for steak.
MOM
We do for tonight Ricky. Tonight is a special night.
NORAH
Thank you Mrs. Lowry.
RICKY
But what about the ConEd bill? It was so high this month. And I might get laid off if no more work comes in. And-
MOM
It’s not every night I get to meet your girlfriend Ricky, it’s okay, we can splurge.
NORAH
Well it looks awesome.
RICKY
But-
MOM
No “buts” kiddo. I’ll make it work.
NORAH
My mom always makes it work too. My mom is an angel. Even though sometimes we don’t get along, you know, like sometimes she likes to tell me how to dress and stuff. Like do you think this skirt is too short Mrs. Lowry?
2. Mom and Ricky are washing dishes. Norah waits in the other room on the couch.
RICKY
Mom, we didn’t have the money for a dinner like that. What are you doing?
MOM
Ricky, we have to have special things every once in a while.
RICKY
But you’re still paying for Nana’s medical bills from the last time she fell, and the rent is coming up in a week.
MOM
(kissing him on the cheek)
You have been such a good son. I’m so glad you’re mine.
RICKY
Aw, mom, stop it.
MOM
But I’m gonna lose you to some girl like that in there.
RICKY
No you won’t Mom. I’m gonna be here.
MOM
She’s a really nice girl.
RICKY
Is she?
MOM
I like her.
RICKY
Good mom, I’m glad.
MOM
But you have to stop worrying all the time baby.
RICKY
I’m not a baby Mom.
MOM
You’re my baby. I’m sorry if I put too many troubles on you.
RICKY
You didn’t Mom.
MOM
You shouldn’t be worried about losing your job like that, it’s not your fault.
RICKY
I just want to help us out Mom. I want us to be able to have steak and not even think about it. Steak with a side of steak.
MOM
I can finish this, you go on out with Norah.
RICKY
Mom?
MOM
Go on.
RICKY
I love you mom.
MOM
(giving him a soapy hug.)
Aw, baby that’s all I need.
RICKY
Aw, mom, stop it.
MOM
Go on. (louder) Norah you should get Ricky, Rick I mean, to take you for a walk down by the river. (softer) You want some money to buy her an ice cream?
RICKY
Naw, Mom, stop.
3. Norah and Ricky on a bench by the river.
NORAH
Your Mom is real nice Rick.
RICKY
Yeah, sometimes.
NORAH
She is.
RICKY
I know.
NORAH
She is a really good cook too.
RICKY
I know.
NORAH
She teach you?
RICKY
Some.
NORAH
I love a man who can cook.
RICKY
Norah.
NORAH
What?
RICKY
Nothing.
NORAH
You shouldn’t have embarrassed her, saying you guys couldn’t afford the steak.
RICKY
I just, you know, I just worry.
NORAH
But she already bought it and made it.
RICKY
I know.
NORAH
She was just trying to impress me. Impress your girlfriend.
RICKY
I know, we just can’t afford it really.
NORAH
I know. Half the time my family can’t even afford enough food for all of us, with three brothers I spent years practically starving until we all got jobs, but you know my mom – she tries so hard – and sometimes she needs, she just needs to feel like a mom. Like she can give us the best. Or something, I don’t know. Sometimes we get so sick of struggling you just want to give up but we got little moments you know, that was your mom’s little moment.
RICKY
I know.
NORAH
When we live together it won’t be like that. We won’t be struggling all the time.
RICKY
When we’re married?
NORAH
Yeah, maybe.
RICKY
Maybe?
NORAH
We could live together first. I think I gotta live with a guy first.
RICKY
Don’t tell my mom that.
NORAH
Don’t tell my mom either.
RICKY
You have such pretty eyes.
NORAH
I like you, Ricky.
RICKY
Aw, don’t call me that. It’s a baby name.
NORAH
I like it.
RICKY
Aw, stop.
NORAH
Kiss me.
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