Directed by Charles Lewis III

With Puja Mary Rose Tolton, Anne Yumi Kobori & Lisa Drostova

Ava sits alone in her studio before a blank canvas and paint. She examines her elbows.

AVA

Which of you is up for this monumental task?

Leigh enters.

AVA

One of you is rough…the other smooth. Will it be strength or softness?

LEIGH

Why not both?

AVA

I’ve always liked the way you think, Leigh. Welcome!

The hug.

LEIGH

Your hugs are still the best in town. (looks around) You didn’t tell me how fabulous your new studio is. Mind if I take some photos?

AVA

Have at it. Do you want some LSD?

LEIGH

Never while I’m working. (takes photos)

AVA

It’s only a micro dose. Helps me to create sans hallucinations. And it clears my mind.

Ava places a drop of LSD on her tongue.

LEIGH

Where’s the fun in that?

AVA

Art isn’t fun all the time. If it were, everyone would do it.

LEIGH

I’m glad you’re creating again, Ava. You’ve been missed. Everyone’s excited to see your work after all this time.

AVA

Is that why ArtReview’s having you cover my exhibit start to finish?

LEIGH

Absolutely. Of course, the main reason I took this gig is to hang out with you.

AVA

I’m grateful…But I’m afraid it won’t be just the two of us today.

LEIGH

Please don’t tell me Carina’s coming.

AVA

She’ll be here shortly to talk about the show.

LEIGH

Do you know which gallery is more deserving of your art than hers? Any of them. She’s only out for herself and she’ll try to mess with your work. I’ve seen her do it before.

AVA

When I decided to return to art, I reached out to dozens of people. She was first to make an offer. I should at least give her a shot – maybe she’s changed.

LEIGH

The only thing different about Carina is a piggy bank that went from fat to starving. You sure you want me to stick around for this?

AVA

Yes. I trust your judgement. And don’t look so worried. We haven’t finalized the deal so nothing’s set in stone.

Carina enters without them noticing and listens to Leigh’s next remark.

LEIGH

Try to remember that you don’t need to meet Carina’s expectations. Take care of yourself and stay true to your own vision.

CARINA

So long as that vision accommodates your patrons too. (eyeing the blank canvas) Which remains to be seen.

AVA

Hello, Carina. Would you like some LSD?

CARINA

Just the tiniest drop. I’m trying to wean myself off it.

Ava goes to hand Carina the bottle. Carina holds out her tongue instead.

CARINA

Don’t you want a photo of me for ArtReview? You’d be remiss if you didn’t. I am staging Ava’s comeback, after all.

LEIGH

That remains to be seen.

AVA

It’s time for me to reveal the foundation of my exhibit.

CARINA

I’m on pins and needles.

AVA

As you know, I make art with my body. My hair, eyelashes, even my tongue helped create my most effective work.

CARINA

I’ve heard your tongue is very talented.

AVA

More than you’ll ever know. Which brings me to my next point. The body parts I’ve worked with in the past have one thing in common – they can all be sexualized.

LEIGH

Eyelashes even?

AVA

Especially eyelashes. With their flirtatious flutters and butterfly kisses. But I’m moving in a new direction with my art. What’s the least sexual part of the human body, in your opinion?

LEIGH

The large intestine?

AVA

Think externally.

CARINA

Toenails. Especially when they’re long and curled like Fritos.

AVA

Perhaps that’s not sexy to you, but some may disagree. What I have in mind is more mundane. A body part we’re exposed to regularly. One that elicits no sexual response in the average person. Consider…the elbow!

CARINA

The elbow? You’re going to paint an elbow.

AVA

I’m going to paint with my elbow. I just don’t know which one yet.

CARINA

Hmmm … okay. Have you ever painted with either one of your elbows before?

AVA

No, but that’s what excites me most – the challenge of it! Painting is easier when you don’t know what you’re doing.

CARINA

But if you don’t know what you’re doing, how can you tell if it’s any good?

AVA

Art’s not what you see, but what you make others see. The viewer can decide.

CARINA

I’m only interested in what will make me see the most money possible.

LEIGH

You don’t give damn about Ava as an artist, you’re just trying to take advantage of her name.

CARINA

I’m doing this for Ava. I hoped to gain a greater appreciation for her art in the process. But after all this painting with her elbow nonsense –

AVA

You think it’s nonsense, then I’ll find someone who doesn’t. You’re not my only option.

CARINA

Disregard what I said! I don’t know what’s come over me. Maybe the LSD. Your elbow idea is magnificent in its, its…its peculiarity.

LEIGH

She’ll say anything to dig herself out of this hole

AVA

You know, Carina, what I value most when collaborating is trust. It’s not about you sharing my vision, but trusting that others will. Cleary, you don’t. So, it’s best we part ways.

CARINA

Do you know how much I have banking on this? Investors have already provided backing. You can’t pull out now!

AVA

Actually, I can. Because I know what a mistake it would be.

CARINA

Then you’ve ruined me, Ava! Do you know that? I’m financially fucked.

LEIGH

I’m sure you’ll find someone else to exploit. You usually do.

CARINA

I’ll going to do everything in my power to destroy you both!

LEIGH

What power?

AVA

We’re done here, Carina.

CARINA

Fine! It’s your loss! I’ll leave you to your ridiculous elbow painting. It’s probably going to look more like a toddler’s finger painting! Refrigerator art!

LEIGH

Don’t drag toddlers into your petty bullshit.

CARINA

No matter what you say, Ava, elbows can be sexy. In fact, my G spot happens to be right here on this elbow. Jealous? You damn well should be!

Carina storms out.

LEIGH

Whew! Aren’t you relieved that’s over?

AVA

I’m inspired. (dips her left elbow in paint) There’s nothing like conflict to get the creative juices flowing!

LEIGH

Aren’t you right handed?

AVA

Yes, but I seem to be left elbowed.

LEIGH

This is gonna be interesting.

Leigh takes a photo of Ava working as the lights fade.

 

THE END

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