A Self Untitled

“A Self Untitled” is a fictionalized play based upon real-life New England artist, Beatrice Turner. In the summer of 1913, Beatrice is young, beautiful and talented. She is enticed by her art teacher to pursue a career as a professional painter. His encouragement causes havoc in the Turner household as the secret between father and daughter is revealed. The issues are timeless and piercingly resonant even today.

Cast of characters:
Beatrice Turner, 24, is a talented artist. She is loquacious, animated and clever, on the verge of manic.

 

Adele Turner, late 40’s-50’s, her mother. An austere and proper woman. She is mostly concerned with how things look.

 

Andrew Turner, a bit older than his wife Adele. He suffers from kidney disease although he does not know it.

Thomas Patterson, 40’s, the art teacher. He is a distinguished man and artist.

Maitland O’Connor, 28-32, a handsome Lt. Commander of the US Navy.

Julia Hoyt, over 35, an actress and artist’s model.

Note about the paintings: there are no actual paintings or portraits used, only blank canvases & frames, which are many. When Beatrice paints there is no color, although the actors react normally as if there were work to see.

A Self Untitled

by Carmen Lamar Daehler (copyright 2010)

20 pages below:

Act I

PROLOGUE

Lights begin to reveal Beatrice's room. Beatrice Turner, a beautiful young woman, 24, dressed in a full-length dressing robe is seated upstage on a settee. In the dimness we see a man lying down with his head on her lap. She strokes the unseen figure's hair.

In a moment, the figure rises and exits through the bedroom door. It closes and we hear the click of a lock. In the soft amber light of Beatrice's room we also see a full-length mirror, a stool, and a small vanity with a hand held mirror resting on it. More importantly we see canvases and frames carelessly strewn about the floor, on the wall and stacked on top of each other. Beatrice moves to the door to check that it is indeed locked. She stops to admire herself in the mirror. She picks up a brush and starts to paint.

BEATRICE

What so voluptuous a sensation as a thoroughly dried canvas almost finished to be entirely repainted and altered. I have begun a new self-portrait, painted on top of that one of Mama and myself. I placed a jet-black vase on a table and put it in front of the mirror. The mirror reflects my image barely perceptible upon its surface and doubles it again and again within the reflection of the mirror to a vanishing point. Strong stuff. A very entertaining bit of still life.

BLACK OUT.

SCENE - ADELE’S ROOM

One week later. Adele Turner, Beatrice's mother is on a settee in her boudoir holding a book and drinking absinthe from a flask. She is in her late 40's to 50's, very socially elegant. There is a knock at her door.

ADELE

Enter.

Andrew Turner, Beatrice's father, a bit older than his wife, enters carrying a tray with a cup of tea. He is not dressed for bed, but is wearing his work clothes: trousers, shirt, & suspenders. He hands her the cup.

ADELE (CONTINUING)

It's rather late, is it not?

ANDREW

I fell asleep on the chaise. Too much brandy. 

(He pours her tea with slightly trembling hands.)

ADELE

Anxious, Andrew?

ANDREW

I dreamt of him again. This time, I heard his voice, but was once again, powerless to save him. I--

ADELE

(Exasperated.)

These nightmares, honestly, Andrew. Your brother died almost 2 years ago, God-rest-his-soul. You buried him. That's the end of it. Do you really believe he's still trying to claw his way from the grave? You’re paranoid.

ANDREW

Paranoid--?

ADELE

We put the bell on his grave and waited the appropriate amount of time. There was no response. We did our due diligence. It’s finished. I know you. You’re worried about your own death. But no need to, dear. For there will be no need for bells at your grave, because before I bury you, I will make sure you are stone cold.

ANDREW

You'd better, because if you don't, I’ll come back and haunt you. Unless, of course, you die first.

ADELE

Over my dead body! 

(In spite of themselves, they both laugh.)

This is morbid conversation. 

ANDREW

Indeed. 

ADELE

(Change of tone.)

Andrew, it’s summer. In Rhode Island. Don't you think she's been confined long enough? A week?

ANDREW

Yes, a week is sufficient enough time for her understand that her promiscuous behavior will not be tolerated. 

ADELE

The man merely said...How do you expect our daughter to find a husband if you insist upon punishing her every time a man tips his hat in her direction? She's 24. Already well past the age for finding anyone "suitable."

ANDREW

Beatrice is not much older than you were when we were married.

ADELE

Those were extenuating circumstances. There were promises made. I had many other suitors, as you recall, but I waited and kept my word. If you had kept yours, we would have a house on Bellevue Avenue.

ANDREW

Adele, please.

ADELE

All I have now is a churlish daughter who minds me less and less and smears paint. I'm surprised the walls of this house have not collapsed under the weight. Really Andrew, you are far too indulgent to her childish whims. What’s appropriate is for a young woman to be versed in a variety of subjects: music, literature, elocution and poise, and yes, even art, but to focus all her energies on this one thing...where are they leading her? Your encouragement will ultimately be, destructive.

ANDREW

I'm sure you are right. I'm tired.

ADELE

Don't dismiss me! You are responsible for spoiling her, giving her that stubborn brain and making it so that no man could possibly be good enough for her. I suppose since I don't hold you in high enough regard, you have to manipulate Beatrice into thinking that your such a man--

ANDREW

(Warningly.)

Adele.

ADELE

I need to exert more control and influence over Beatrice than I have up until now. I'm guilty of allowing the two of you to maintain your exclusive club where everyone else is denied membership.

ANDREW

We have always made an attempt to include you--

ADELE

With your knowing glances and poetic exchanges. I see the two of you.

ANDREW

What is your point, Adele?

ADELE

As my unmarried daughter, Beatrice will spend more time with me and tend to my needs, which will do her some good. She will also take up additional housework duties, as you refuse to provide me with another servant.

ANDREW

The sizeable expense that an additional maid will incur is out of the question. I've shown you the books.

ADELE

You never cease to amaze me. How humiliating this is for me to manage with merely one personal servant. I can barely hold my head. We are a disgrace to this community. I suppose I'll have to ask father...

ANDREW

For the last time, don't threaten me with your father! 

(Grudgingly.)

I will have someone secured promptly.

(He grabs at his back a little pain in kidneys.)

ADELE

Are you all right, Andrew? You used to love my combative nature.

ANDREW

I've grown weary of it in my old age. 

(Winces again.)

ADELE

You should call Dr. Kennedy.

ANDREW

It's not necessary.

ADELE

Ah, before you retire, the Navy Ball is in a fortnight. As it does not do not to be seen about we will attend and with God's will, this season shall present a husband for Beatrice. If not...well then...that’s it, isn’t it? Good night, Andrew.

Adele puts her head back in her book. Andrew exits. Adele then reaches under her pillow for the flask. She takes a good drink. She sighs and leans back on her pillow. 

LIGHTS OUT.

SCENE - THE TURNER PARLOR

Lights up fully to reveal the tastefully decorated parlor of the Turner household. We see a Victrola, the source of the day's popular music, a small desk off to one side, a sitting area around the fireplace, bookshelves, a piano in the corner and French doors that go out to the hallway where we see stairs leading to the upper floors. Frames & canvases adorn every spare space on the walls. A tea tray with scones has been left on the table. Andrew enters with briefcase in hand. He walks over to his desk, sets his case down, and fumbles through papers. Beatrice soon enters with a fresh cutting of flowers and arranges them in a vase.

ANDREW

Ah, there you are my dear. And how is my beautiful daughter this morning?

BEATRICE

Better, now that I'm finally allowed into the fresh air. However, I'm perfectly content to stay within my room, if that is what you have in store. There are more than enough things to occupy myself which do not require being around people who do not care to be with me. The tea leaves in the bottom of my cup tell me everything I need to know.

ANDREW

It pains me to have my only child cross with me. You must realize that your punishment was for your own good. I'm sure you understand my position on the matter.

BEATRICE

Perfectly. You hate me.

ANDREW

Oh, dear God. I was only guarding your virtue and reputation. That boy had no business speaking to you without my permission and that will be the end of this discussion. I am just as interested in finding you a suitable mate as your mother is. 

(Beatrice grimaces slightly.)

ANDREW

(Pause.)

I wish you would forgive me though my dear.

BEATRICE

Yes, Papa, of course. It is a glorious day, a beautiful morning, don't you agree? What do you say we go for a walk together along the breakers? The sun is marvelous.

ANDREW

Unfortunately, I must leave for Philadelphia on this morning’s train.

BEATRICE

What? Again? Mother is near impossible when you aren't here.

ANDREW

Two days, three at the most. Darling, it's so unbecoming and childish for a beautiful young woman to pout so.

BEATRICE

(Brightly.)

I look forward to my lesson with the Professor today. He is regarded as one of the finest realist painters in America and has lived just about everywhere: New York, London, Paris...

ANDREW

I've had to convince your mother to allow you to continue these lessons. So, although I revel in your exuberance, your mother is not apt to be as generous. Keep your enthusiasm to a minimum. 

BEATRICE

I understand. I never realized how much mathematics played a role in art.  I mean, I understand shapes, but, for example, did you know that a variety of geometric shapes, like an isosceles triangle, can be found in almost every composition?

ANDREW

Fascinating. Remember my dear, your first priority is to tend to your mother. Bring her tea before you charge off to your lesson. You have a museum outing later.

BEATRICE

(Quoting her mother.)

"It does not do not to be seen about."

ANDREW

'Tis true I suppose. 

(They laugh together.)

BEATRICE

More tea?

ANDREW

A bit. 

(Referring to the bills he is reviewing.)

Good lord! Twenty-eight dollars for a display cabinet?

BEATRICE

They say the Vanderbilt's added a new extension to their dining area. It can now seat over 100--

ANDREW

Beatrice, please, if your mother gets hold of that we'll have a wrecking ball in here in no time. What your mother doesn't seem to understand is that the red ink means that we have spent more than we have made.

Adele Turner sweeps into the parlor in her morning robe to retrieve a book.

ADELE

I am very much familiar with red ink, as there's enough in your bankbooks for Beatrice to do a life-size portrait of Cochise.

ANDREW

I didn't expect to see you at such an early hour.

ADELE

I'm full of surprises.

BEATRICE

Good morning, Mama. I was about to make you your tea.

ADELE

Ah yes. Now Andrew...what was I going to say...Ah yes, the Casino Theatre gala is next month. We must respond to the invitation.

ANDREW

I'm unsure of my schedule, but I encourage you and Beatrice to attend regardless.

ADELE

Hmm, so much for the dutiful husband at my side. 'Might as well dress in mourning clothes. Who knew that a cotton broker would be in such demand these days? Goodness gracious, my head is pounding and with so many details to attend to. Beatrice, I will take the tea in my room.

BEATRICE

Yes ma'am.

Adele exits.

ANDREW

Enjoy your day my dear. Your mother will certainly have some extra chores for you in my absence...

BEATRICE

But...

ANDREW 

Please, attend to them without complaint.

BEATRICE

But...

ANDREW

No buts! Perhaps that new parasol may find its way into my bags upon my return.

BEATRICE

Oh, Papa!

She jumps up and hugs him. While in an embrace, Andrew quotes "A White Rose."

ANDREW

"The red rose whispers of passion/And the white rose breathes of love;/Oh the red rose is a falcon ..."

BEATRICE

"...And the white rose a dove." John Boyle O'Reilly.

ANDREW

Perfect.

He holds her close to him until Adele rings her bell. Andrew pulls back and winces in pain.

BEATRICE

Father, what is it?

ANDREW

Nothing. That bell. Too many uncomfortable train seats. I'll be fine. Your mother does like to provoke, but tend to her--

BEATRICE

Without complaint. Travel safely, Father.

Andrew exits. The bell rings.

BEATRICE

Coming, Mama! Lord.

Beatrice casually picks up the tray and exits slowly with a slight smirk on her face while the bell rings incessantly. 

LIGHTS FADE.

SCENE - ADELE’S ROOM 

Adele's boudoir. Adele's "tea" nearby. Beatrice is putting some items away on the vanity for her mother and knocks a hand-held mirror onto the floor.

ADELE

Beatrice, what a clumsy girl you are. Did you break the glass?

BEATRICE

No, it's still intact.

ADELE

Thank goodness. I couldn't endure seven more years of this.

(Adele takes the mirror from Beatrice and puts it away. Beatrice brushes her mother's hair.)

My mother had beautiful hair as well.

(Beatrice brushes silently. Adele puts cream on her elbows and hands.)

I picked out one of my plum colored gowns for you to wear to the Navy Ball. The one with the ruffles on the sleeves. My good pearls would look lovely with that dress, don't you think?  Am I alone in this room?

BEATRICE

That will be very lovely, indeed.

ADELE

Beatrice, you must learn to engage in dialogue, stay focused; don't let your mind wander.

BEATRICE

Yes, ma'am. You wore those pearls in the portrait I painted of the two of us.

ADELE

Yes. Oh I do wish I could order another dress in powder blue from Giobatta, but the dear man has retired and your father doesn't make...well.

BEATRICE

The portrait I will do of us going to the Navy Ball will be even more spectacular!

ADELE

Yes, yes, must everything revert back to painting? Listen to me carefully. The Navy ball is our last chance of this season to find you a husband. It is my only wish for you. 

(Beatrice visibly squirms.)

Beatrice, what makes a woman truly desirable is her virtue and her grace. And, the only way to demonstrate grace in public and hence gain a husband is by playing the piano!

BEATRICE

Ugh, mother, you can't be serious! I do not have the aptitude for playing piano. Look at my hands! They're too small. I can't even reach all the keys.

ADELE

Poppycock! Develop the aptitude with more practice. Concentrate on something useful for a change. Let me see those...

(Beatrice shows her hands.)

Good lord! Orange and green and yellow and these calluses...they look more like talons than hands. I want you to soak your hands in salts and keep them away from those wretched paints. 

(No comment from Beatrice.)

Do you hear me?!

BEATRICE

Father's dead brother can hear you.

ADELE

You will be playing for Mrs. Eppley's daughter in August who will be singing and you can't wear gloves while playing the piano.

BEATRICE

Oh no! Have you heard her sing Mama?

ADELE

Yes. She has a horrible voice. But there's nothing to be done. I expect you to accompany her nonetheless.

BEATRICE

I could save everyone's eardrums by painting her portrait instead. I'll even minimize her cockeye.

ADELE

You will play the piano for her because I'm telling you to do so.

BEATRICE

Yes, ma'am.

ADELE

These art lessons are taking up far too much of your time and should be discontinued.

BEATRICE

Father promised me that I may continue to study...

ADELE

When it comes to your role and responsibilities, I make the decisions from now on, not your father.

BEATRICE

I never hear a complaint when the subject of one of my dabblings is you--

ADELE

(Over her at “dabblings”)

I have agreed that you may continue these lessons if, and only if, you show improvement in other areas of decorum. I am determined you attract a husband by the end of the season.

BEATRICE

How do you propose I do that?

ADELE

Stop being impertinent. It pains me beyond measure to see you slip past the age of finding anyone suitable. You have a dowry so miserable it will be pure luck if we can find any man of substance now. But as long as I have breath I will try.

BEATRICE

Suppose I am not cut out to be anyone's wife? "The only way to demonstrate grace in public and hence gain a husband is by playing the piano." Honestly, mother, really. That will only ensure I attract John Philip Sousa.

ADELE

Yes, you mock, but when you are old and alone, with no husband at your side and no children at your feet, you will remember what your mother has told you. I don’t want you living with regret. We will deal with the prospects as they come. I haven't the energy for dithering about this today.

BEATRICE

I know this may come as a shock to you mother, but there are women today who are not satisfied with relinquishing their independence to serve a husband. The suffragette movement is growing stronger by the day and I say hurray!

ADELE

You are such a nasty little dog. You’re not strong enough to fight the world, so you fight me.  The truth is, you are weak. Foolish and weak. That much you have in common with your father. It's about time you get your mind focused in the proper direction. Is that clear?

BEATRICE

Perfectly, Mama.

ADELE

Mercy. It will take no less than a miracle to find someone now. You’d better pray that whomever marries you will tolerate those horrible hands and your wicked tongue.

BEATRICE

All right, mother. I promise to be charming and demure, especially at the Navy Ball. So as not to embarrass you, I will be sure to practice the piano at every opportunity.

ADELE

You are quite an agreeable girl when you set your mind to it. Now please, put some cream on your hands and stay away from those paints!

BEATRICE

Yes Mama.

ADELE

Please talk to Anna about the tea, it's much too strong. That's why I prefer for you to make it. Don't crinkle the bottom of that dress!  Haven't you learned yet how to lay it out...?

LIGHTS OUT.

SCENE - STUDIO

Lights up on the eclectic art studio of Professor Thomas Patterson, the art teacher. The room looks more like a medical facility than an art class with its two desks & chairs, a model's stool, a machete, and a skeleton. Maitland O'Connor, 30's, is a handsome Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, attending the Naval War College. He and Thomas Patterson are discussing a portrait to be done for his parents. Thomas, a bit of a bohemian, is a very distinguished man with the style and theatrical flair of an artistic man.

THOMAS

Your mother must be very pleased and proud indeed.

MAITLAND

Oh yes, she is at that. She is jubilant about my promotion. It’s rather embarrassing, really. 

THOMAS

Is our sitting schedule suitable for you?

MAITLAND

Perfect. Except for the sitting part.

THOMAS

Yes, you have to sit very still.

MAITLAND

Not to worry, I'm in the Navy, sir, I'm used to standing at attention, but I don't like it much off hours.

THOMAS

Understood. I'd be happy to give you a complimentary lesson. My figure study class is quite exciting.

MAITLAND

I'm sure is it, but my motto is let the painters paint.

THOMAS

Yes, and the Navies...navigate.

Beatrice rushes into Thomas's studio with her artwork in a portfolio. She doesn't notice Maitland as she removes her wrap and gets herself ready.

THOMAS (CONTINUING)

Ah, Miss Turner, so prompt as usual.

BEATRICE

I rushed so quickly I feared I might be late.  Mother was her usual this morning and she didn't want to drink her tea, but no one could really enjoy that tea. I mean, it is awful tasting, made with some kind of muck from the forests of Africa. The man who sold it is probably still laughing. Mother has me running around all day doing errands that take me here and there...Oh I beg your pardon...

(Composing herself quickly upon seeing Maitland.)

I didn't realize...

THOMAS

Lieutenant Commander O'Connor may I introduce my newest student and professional chatterbox, Miss Beatrice Turner.

MAITLAND

Miss Turner.

BEATRICE

I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lt. Comdr.

MAITLAND

(He takes her hand gently.)

The pleasure is all mine. Professor, how is it possible that someone so charming and beautiful remains a "Miss?”

(He kisses her hand and she blushes.)

They must be blind as bats.

THOMAS

They are clearly batty.

BEATRICE

(Recovering.)

Lt. Commander, may I assume you're attending the Naval War College?

MAITLAND

Smart, too! I say, that offer regarding lessons...I believe I've become inspired to paint.

THOMAS

Splendid observation.

BEATRICE

Pardon me?

MAITLAND

Unfortunately, duty calls.  Miss Turner, will you be attending the Navy Ball?

BEATRICE

Yes, of course.  I’ll be there with my parents.

MAITLAND

I look forward with great anticipation to seeing you there.  Perhaps we may share a dance? Good day.

Maitland with a small bow exits. Beatrice looks after him, smitten.

BEATRICE

My, he's certainly self-assured.

THOMAS

Isn't he now? Well, onward and upward. Shall we begin?

BEATRICE

Yes, by all means, Professor.

THOMAS

When will you stop calling me Professor? I'm not your damn English school teacher, for heaven's sake!

BEATRICE

It takes some getting used to, Professor...Thomas. I was taught to respect my elders...

THOMAS

(Speaking over “elders.”)

Ah, ah, ah, ah ah! Don't say it. Now, make yourself comfortable. 

(She sits in his chair.)

Not here...there! 

(She quickly moves to a student's chair that’s facing directly toward the audience.)

Today's lesson, the 21st day of the sixth month of nineteen hundred and thirteen, begins with...Don't write, listen! The brilliant Thomas Eakins, though that hardly describes his legacy, used to borrow from the medical profession to teach art. Only when one knows how the human body works on the inside can one paint the outside. It's not enough to draw a form without knowing its structure: the muscles, the tendons, the bones, the ligaments; they all work together. I was one of Eakins' privileged few, allowed to learn about the human body by dissecting cadavers. Now...

She raises her hand.

THOMAS

Yes!?

BEATRICE

Cadavers?

THOMAS

Yes, the little green things you eat with smoked salmon. A corpse for God's sake, girl.

BEATRICE

I'm familiar with the word's meaning, however the thought of doing such a thing seems so--

THOMAS

Repugnant?

BEATRICE

Stimulating actually.

THOMAS

(He is taken aback.)

Well, agreed. However, since no one in Newport would dare donate their dearly departed for the sake of art, we are forced to use...alternative means. Julia, my dear, you are on!

Julia, an actress and part-time model of an indeterminate age between 30 & 50, glides in carrying herself with sensual confidence. She is not afraid to speak her mind nor is she intimidated by anyone. A series of opposites, she is strong & vulnerable, calm & passionate with an artist’s sensitivity. She is dressed casually in a loose-fitting robe. Her hair flows freely. 

THOMAS (CONTINUING)

Fresh from her world tour of Iowa and Nebraska and now starring in Newport's own Casino Theatre, may I present Miss Julia Hoyt.

Julia makes her way to a low stool and sits. With a bright smile she casually drops her robe over her nude back, the fabric strategically placed.

THOMAS (CONTINUING)

Well, now, you didn't expect to paint fruits all your life did you? Here we are privileged to have a famous actress and amateur model in our midst.

JULIA

Amateur? I've never been an amateur at anything, you old bugger.