Contact Sheet/ Red
In today's world, where violence, brutality, and school shootings seem to dominate the headlines, it becomes difficult to grasp the full weight of the Jonestown massacre in Guyana back in 1978. Though it feels distant now, and the victims were members of a cult, it was a monumental tragedy at the time. Families and children were involved, almost all of them American citizens. The aftermath of that event still echoes today, nearly fifty years later, especially in discussions about cults and group-based religions.
After hearing the news from Guyana. Tara bundles up and heads toward the payphone on the corner. The cold wind freezing her cheeks and numbing her fingers. The nearby Grand River is particularly loud as it rushes by. She inserts two dimes and dials. "I can't make it tonight, Deb," Tara's voice comes out like a sigh. "I won't be there for the contest." She places the receiver down and rests her head on her hands as they still hold the hung-up receiver. Her tears freeze on her cheeks.
The nuns at St. Rose are devastated by the news from Guyana. For weeks, they gather after evening prayers to reflect. Even though Jonestown happened over 3,000 miles away, the mood among the nuns and at the convent of St. Rose feels heavy. The tension is palpable everywhere all the time.
The question of who will become Mother Superior is also a source of concern. The ranking Abbot hasn't decided on a permanent leader. Sister Tabby has been a temporary Reverend Mother for over a year.
In the evening Sister Tara practices her provocative dance moves at home in front of a mirror. Twice a week, she practices climbing and spinning on the stripper poles at Gold Ave. Exercise. Dieting hard, Tara has lost 15 lbs. in a month, just by skipping dinners. She carefully shaves around her pubic triangle, so that the G-string she bought covers her bush. As the weeks pass, Tara is unsure if she will ever muster the courage to dance.
After morning prayers, Sister Evelyn approaches Tara. "How are you holding up, Sister? You've been quiet these past few weeks. I enjoyed your prayer group a couple of weeks back."
"Thank you, Evelyn." Tara places a hand on Evelyn's shoulder. "The other sister's words have been comforting."
Evelyn, getting to the point. "Sister Tabby has been interim Mother Superior for a while. There is talk of other possibilities."
Tara is straight-faced. "I have heard the gossip. Possibly Sister Eugene, Sister Willa, and others including the math teacher Sister Prudence. Most of the nuns think it should be you, Sister Evelyn."
Laughing Evelyn continues. "Oh no not me, I don't want the responsibility. Even though sister Willa would make a great leader, she will never be named Reverend Mother due to the color of her skin. Possibly Eugene or Prudence, are good candidates also. A new name has been brought to the Abbot's attention." Hesitating. "Yours."
