TOGETHER [in the rhythm of a train]: Chook-chook-chook- WORK

Chook-chook-chook-WORK

Chook-chook-chook-WORK

chorus: Work-work, work-work-work;

Work-work, work-work-work;

Work-work, work-work-work;

Work-work, work-work-work.

MAMPOMPO [walking across the stage as MADAM]: Oh Florence, late for work again! I really can't have this, you know. You are unreliable – either you are late or you have got some weak excuse for taking days off and then you expect to be paid. I think it best you leave.

MAMBHELE: Madam, I had to take my child to the clinic, the doctor doesn't know what is the matter with her.

MADAM: You must understand that I work as well and I simply can't have someone who is unreliable. Who will be here when my children come home from school? I never know where I am with you, Florence. I’ll give you your money and you must go.

TOGETHER: Chook-chook-chook-WORK

Chook-chook-chook-WORK

Chook-chook-chook-WORK

Lights change.

SDUDLA [as SUPERVISOR]: Listen, sisi, if you want a contract as a cleaner in an office building …

ALL TOGETHER: Work!

SUPERVISOR: … you must be prepared to work the early morning shift.

ALL TOGETHER: Work!

SUPERVISOR: You will have one floor to clean; five toilets.

MAMBHELE: The toilets are so big a family could live in them. Two kitchens bigger than my whole house.

SUPERVISOR: You must start with emptying the dustbins and ashtrays, then dust, even the pictures on the wall.

ALL TOGETHER: Work!

SUPERVISOR: The pay is R70 a week.

ALL TOGETHER: Work!

SUPERVISOR: Do you want the job?

MAMBHELE: What can I say? I need the money. I can't refuse the work.

ALL TOGETHER: Work! Work! Work! Work!

The actors begin to mime various activities in a laundry to a regular rhythmical count of four. SDUDLA is ironing sheets, MAMPOMPO is sorting washing into trolleys and MAMBHELE is working with a heavy pressing machine. All their actions are stylised. They make a sound expelling air to co-ordinate with downward movements. The rhythm continues throughout the sequence.

MAMPOMPO and SDUDLA: Work, work, work, work.

MAMBHELE: I was pleased to get this job at the laundry.

MAMPOMPO and SDUDLA [speeding up the rhythm]: Work, work, work, work.