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ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE
Aunt Kathy is a shortened version of a 10-minute monologue called Farsighted. The play is about a woman on a mission to get NASA to make a big change. The character, Lena, celebrates Katherine Johnson, a pioneer working behind the scenes of the space program in its heyday. The full script was produced at Go Solo, ANDTheatre Company, Chain Theatre, New York, NY, October 10-12, 2023, performed by Elle White, directed by Judy Tucker. A video of a separate reading is available on YouTube: The Pocketfull Project, Haywire Theatre, North Wales, UK, August 11, 2023, performed by Caroline G. Pleasant, directed by Lisa Jayne.
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EXCERPT FROM AUNT KATHY
~ Excerpt published by permission, all rights held by the playwright.
LENA
I remember the thrill the whole planet felt in July 1969. My Aunt Kathy worked for you folks. She told me, “This is just the start, Lena. One day, we’ll vacation on the moon. If it’s not too crowded.”
I asked, “Will they beam us up, like Lieutenant Uhura?”
She chuckled. “You know Star Trek isn’t real.”
I said, “Spaceships are. I’m gonna be a fleet commander!” A ten-year-old has mighty big dreams. But no concept of practicality. I’ve ended up in aeronautical engineering. Still, you inspired me then, NASA. Now, it’s my turn to inspire you.Let’s get your mojo back. Revive what Aunt Kathy called “that old Apollo program spirit.” The time’s ripe. The world’s counting down the days till the satellite sends its first images. I love the fact that even the experts don’t have a clue what we’ll see. Only one thing’s for sure. The universe is gonna blow our minds.