Human

On Stage

Our story begins with a chilly Sunday morning, Grezel, a 23-year-old college student, comfortably lying in her bedroom, surfing the Internet on her Macbook.

"What the hell is this?" - She said as she stumbles across on a random video on Youtube. Grezel clicks on the play button. It was a video about Africans being tortured in horrified and inhumane methods back in the day which disgusted Grezel out. Being an American-African, she feels goosebumps and shivers when imagining she is in their position. Her grandparents, great grandparents, great great grandparents probably have to go through all of this, all the despair and misery. Grezel then remembers the story of her father and mother, where she was told that her father had disappeared when he entered the attic in the house she is staying. Her mother sadly passed away not too long ago after her beloved husband gone missing, left Grezel with her only aunt.

The history of this house is just as interesting. This place was used to be a theatre named Indulis where Caucasians visited to watch actors and actresses performed. Well-known plays such as Death of a Salesman have had its story reenacted several times here, attracted many noble class people. Suddenly, Grezel finds a connection between the house and the mysterious disappearance of her father, it immediately raises her curiosity. An urge to find the key to the house grows inside Grezel. The attic’s door for the first time since her father's entrance will be open once again.

It does not take Grezel long to find the key. It has an old-fashioned look, similar to something that would open a treasure chest. Facing the attic’s door, she holds on to the key tightly as she slowly puts it into the keylock. Grezel's heart pounds rapidly as she gently bites her lower lip.

"Clack"

It is unlocked. Her eyes cannot stop staring at the interminate darkness behind that door which is about to be revealed. The door squeaks as the door knob turns and all Grezel can feel is pure obscurity starting to take over her. Grezel takes her first step, about to encounter the unknown. Holding the flashlight in her hand, leaving the light behind her back, she tipped toed into the darkness.
Suddenly, the door slammed shut and locked itself.

"Hey! Is there anyone outside? Unlock it! There's someone in here!" - Grezel tries to pound away at the door but it seems like the door moves further and further until she can no longer reach or feel it. When directions cannot be determined, she staggers and terrifies before hearing someone murmurs into her ears.

"Be...
prepared...
for...
the...
castigation..."

"What... what do you mean by that?" - Grezel turns around and around in confusion to ascertain the voice's direction, however, it encompasses her from head to toes. As she is filled with dumbfoundedness, Grezel feels like something is approaching her. Raising her hand doubtfully, right at the moment she touches and realizing that it might be a curtain, it unexpectedly drops. Stage lights darts their beams at Grezel, making her cower under the brightness, blinding her for a second.

"No freaking way..." - As Grezel lower her hand, it is a theatre that is packed with top-class people, but there is something very strange. They are definitely not people from this era. Men are dressed in formal big suits and trench coats, women are outfitted in knee-length A-line dresses with puffed shoulders, some wear white button-down blouses and plaid A-line skirts. Grezel recognizes this fashion style from her history classes. Without a doubt, it is from the 40s.

"Oh my Lord... did I actually travel back in time?" - Grezel stands still in silence, all eyes are on her, what is she going to do?

"Betty, my handmaiden, what are you gazing at?" - a silvery voice comes from backstage that is so soothing that makes Grezel, for a split second, forget her current state and slowly gazes to her left.