3. This is a sketchbook of characters,
scenes, and stories that are muted or
absented from the movie, At Least
We Look Good. It acknowledges
the labor of populating the truth-in-
fictitious world of UCSD | The Musical
with complex characters, stories and
structures that are always already mis-
understood. To borrow a phrase from
Eve Tuck, nevermades are the “not yet
and not anymore.” LA-based artist Ken
Gonzales-Day, developed the idea of
the nevermade as a play on “Marcel
Duchamp’s now archetypal ready-
mades such as Fountain (1917), a signed
urinal that was initially rejected for its
conceptual illegibility.”
Nevermades are the characters, stories,
memories, and experiences already
rejected for their conceptual illegibility.
4. “Enlightenment”
Zeta (Cynthia): One of UCSD’s top robots. Pre-med, Bio-
Chem major, assists at robot assembly lab. Basically lives at Geisel
Library. Zeta enjoys turning orphans into robots. This distracts her
from remembering her own identity. She changed her name to Zeta
when she became a robot. Her old name is unknown. Zeta’s battery
life is gauged by the height of her pouf.
Billie Jean (Berkeley): An Orphan that has learned to pass as a robot.
Highly intuitive about situations and loves to people watch which assists in passing.
None of the Robots recognize her because she hasn’t been programmed. She can’t
hang out with Orphans for fear of being found out. Convinced that the laboratory
will rob her soul and voice, she still treads dangerously near it to test how well she
can pass. Good student, great grades, but stays silent in her classes so not to reveal
her true nature. She has a habit of thinking very critically about the institution, since
she’s figured out how it works. Undeclared major. Takes different classes entirely for
the experience.
Julian (G): Julián is an AB 540 (undocumented) student.
Very confident, proud, and has a lot of swagger. Can come off as
intimidating, scary, and overall disrespectful, but to close friends
he is funny, goofy, and a sweetheart. He transforms into Julian,
the proper speaking, fresh cut student pictured.
Jacqueline (Rae):Goes by “Jackie.” An artsy robot, which makes
her prone to malfunction and in need of regular maintenance. A bit spacey,
gets good grades, in all the right organizations, planning to become a
researcher. So no one is too concerned. Enjoys painting still-lifes and other
acceptable, wholesome subjects. Oscillates between being baffled by her
own malfunctions, and being blissfully unaware of them.
Coco (Erica): Math major, emphasis in Probability and Statistics. She chose
this major mainly to figure out the probability of her becoming a billionaire so-
cialite. Needless to say, she soon discovered that her odds were very slim. She has
recently settled on more modest dreams, where she hopes own a vineyard, where
all the wines will be named after her. Coco is indecisive because she has trouble
figuring out what she doesn’t want (bc she wants everything). Unfortunately,
because she spends so much time online shopping and practicing red carpet smiles
in the mirror, she does not do well in school. For this reason, she enrolled herself in
Alicia’s study, hoping to increase her GPA and overall productivity.
5. Concept
Alicia’s robot lab has boomed into an assembly line, “UCSD Productions.” She and her
assistant, Billie Jean, produce twice the previous amount. Greater productivity has led
to greater possibility for malfunctions. However, her first four prototypes seem to be
running perfectly. Julian, Zeta, Coco, and Jacqueline are neatly stamped on the nape of
their necks. Alicia is proud, but can’t fully enjoy her achievement until they are properly
examined at their bi-quarterly check-up, the SunGod Festival.
Since their transformation, Julian, Coco, Zeta, and Jacqueline received Provost Honors
and obtained internships. Julian published a thesis as an Undergraduate, receiving
several diversity scholarships and awards. The day of their bi-quarterly check up, Julian,
Coco, Zeta,and Jacqueline wander through Marshall College towards Alicia’s lab. Billie
Jean trails behind them in the bushes, observing quietly. There is a steady rhythm in the
air, a beat that grows in magnitude and momentum. Other students scurry past excit-
edly. Upon hearing the music, Jacqueline begins to talk in poetry. Like an infectious
virus, Julian, Coco, and Zeta also begin to malfunction. Jacqueline convinces the others
to check out where the music is coming from. They almost get swept into the field with
the crowd. “SUNGOD FESTIVAL”, a sign says.
Final Scene:
All the robots are staring hypothetically up towards the stage. Their symptoms are
similar to an LSD trip. Their pupils begin to pulsate and enlarge, starting to scan and
process the florescent green, blue, pink, and purple flashes of color across the stage.
For the first time in their robotic life they see color. The colors and the techno/rap/hip
hop (whatever) music awaken emotions that they never felt before.
A nevermade by G Jaimes, Cynthia Kashiwagi,
Erica Kim, Rae Kumnertsena, Berkeley Bunselmeier
6. “Of Monstrous Matters
A Nevermade
by James Misenas and Neftali Valle
Olivander Oyl
(James Misenas):
Majoring in Critical DADA
(Defense Against the Dark Arts)
Studies. Exists as a student and a
student custodian who resides in
the “Tunnels of UCSD.”
Sean T. Eustace
(Neftali Valle):
New robot, assembled just before
the quarter. Majoring in Human
Development. Particular interests
in the Post-Human Condition, and
Donna Haraway’s “A Manifesto for
Cyborgs.”
Concept
Sean is conducting thesis research in Geisel Library’s basement Arts Collection. When returning
a book to the stacks, he notices Olivander on the other side, looking at a book. Sean recognizes
Olivander not as a student but as a custodian at Price Center, and wonders what he is doing at
the library. Sean decides to approach him. However, by the time Sean walks over, Olivander is
gone. Only the book is left. Sean picks it up, and finds a piece of cardboard in its pages...
7. the physics of Of
Monstrous Matters
1. Sean, as a robot, does not think
that people can inhabit more
than one identity
2. Olivander, as a student custodian,
can disappear/make himself not
visible. Perhaps he becomes the
piece of cardboard.
3. Geisel Library seems to be
connected to Olivander’s home in
the tunnels.
Sean is
flipping
through a
book...
Sean
returns
the
book...
... to find Olivander
on the other side...
Sean wonders
what book he is
reading... only
to find a piece
of cardboard
in between the
pages...
Sean goes to
the other side
to find that
Olivander has
left, leaving
the book that
Olivander was
reading on the
floor...
8. “Britta”
Character Sketch by Nancy Tran
Britta, Student-Athlete
Fabulous.
Robot, involved and friendly member of an
UCSD Athletics team. Spends her free time
reading, studying, or visiting professors’ office
hours. Aspires to become a doctor. Helps
integrate new members into the robotic
athletic community by offering study sessions
at Geisel and encouraging participation for TAC
events.
Sports clothes,
looking fabulously
athletic but not
sweaty
undefined style.
large backpack.
Britta, Awkward Hermit
Chick:
Orphan, spends her time in solitary. Friendly,
but does not (or does not know how to)
interact with people in class. Member of a
student organization, but is disconnected from
the group. Has a small group of friends, but is
hardly seen around with them. Seems studious,
but procrastinates because she prefers not
to read/do the assignments. Instead, watches
movies/shows and read other material that
catches her eye. She is lost.
9. Theory Fabulousness:
is a 2nd year Sociology major at UCSD, and has always felt as if he didn’t belong at the
university because he was not your typical scientist. A “scientist” is a robot, one engulfed
within the sciences, and expected not to venture into any coursework that involves
critically thinking about the world we inhabit.
Concept
This sketch focuses on the particular department of the “social sciences.”
Located at the Northern point of campus, it is seen as the entrance to the
campus, and presupposed to be a part of the university that everyone is
able to access. Geopolitically, the department is not central to the campus.
On a tour of UCSD, you immediately realize that “science” departments
dominate the heart of campus. For example, the Applied Mathematics and
Science Building is located at Muir College, which is often percieved as the
center of campus. The Social Science Building is located in the boondocks
of the campus corner near Eleanor Roosevelt College.
Theory Fabulousness is invisible to the greater campus community
because he isn’t invested in the sciences, or the robotic ideals of working
for corporations that are responsible for multiple investments in the war
on terror, or neoconservative ideals of neo-liberalism. “Orphan” emerges
as a peculiar position within an institution that doesn’t allow one to claim
ownership over one’s body, and renders them as bodies without a place.
“Theory Fabulousness”
A nevermade by James E. Lee
10. “The Deception”
A Nevermade by Christopher Agana & Jose Arias
concept
Joe Daniels forms an underground
organization of robots to rebel against
the system. Joe meets Bobby, who
works at Geisel and claims to know the
location of the robot conversion lab.
Joe trusts him, and formulates a plane
to free the robots. They break in during
the Non-Sexist Dance, and successfully
help several students escape. In the
morning, Bobby betrays the organization.
The escaped students are scorned and
enslaved by the system as monsters.
Bobby knew all along, because he saw
this happen his twin brother last year.
Joe realizes Bobby’s deception, and they
become sworn enemies in the resulting
robot war.
Joe Fabulous
(José Arias):
José Daniels. Outraged robot
made in Mexico, imported to UCSD, which
receives additional funding for foreign
robots. Name changed from José to Joe
after a hardware upgrade allowed him
to speak English and French. Joe uses his
upgrade to organize a movement against
the University.
Bobby Fabulous
(Christopher Agana):
Buboy Ocampo is a foreign robot
from the Phillippines. Introduces himself
as Bobby, embarrassed to pronounce his
name to American friends. Blends in with
the popular crowd by buying new clothes
and latest technology. He wants a high
paying career, and chooses to major in
Biochemistry. Bobby is bilingual, but only
speaks Tagalog with his parents, and only
if he is at home. He believes that turning
students into robots is a necessity, and
despises those that choose not to convert..
11. Joe and Bobby, along with
members of Joe’s undercover
organization, formulate the
plan to enter Geisel library,
sneak into the lab, and
execute the great escape.
They sneak in at night, according
to the plan. The low surveillance
of security due to the Non-Sexist
Dance makes it easier for the
crew to enter. Joe, Bobby, and
the organization successfully help
several students escape the horror
of becoming robots.
The deception came from Bobby, knowing
all along that the mission was going to
fail. Because Bobby believes that turning
students into robots is a necessity, and
despises those that choose not to change,
he wanted to teach Joe the lesson that
having the system turn students into
monsters is worse than having them turn
into robots. The betrayal transforms them
into enemies.
12. Val is the “Unknown” of the cast. No one really knows where she comes from or what her
native tongue is. An Orphan who is looked down upon by the Monsters. Brown hair, brown
eyes, isn’t too tall, a love for literature and the arts.
Tiffany is a Monster who is deep down, truly sensitive. Was once an international student,
not knowing anyone or the English language properly. Hides her background, needs to project
certain image in certain places.
Khalid is an Arab-American student who advocates for Palestinian rights, very involved with
political and peaceful organizations. Falls for Val, senses her humbleness. Interests include
hiking, playing tennis and public speaking.
Scene 1: “Finals Hell”
It’s Finals week. All cast members studying at Geisel; the ultimate Robot palace. Robots,
orphans and monsters huddle together in small, separate groups. Val tries to get some
help from Tiffany, who is in her English class. Val is rejected because of the way she speaks
English: a unique accent, hard to define where she is from or what nationality she is. Tiffany
embarrasses her in front of others. Tensions and stress are both high because of finals. Tiffany
doesn’t want to seem “lame” in helping out another Orphan. Val ends up utterly hurt, and
despising Tiffany. The clock turns 12 and Geisel closes. Everybody scatters and Val is left to
walk alone.
Scene 2: “Party After Finals”
After-finals party, where all student organizations meet up. Khalid is very involved with
this event and hopes to meet new people. Val also goes, hoping that if she interacts with
more “natives” she too will be considered a true “native.” Tiffany goes because her club is
involved. The party starts later than usual. People are playing different alcoholic games. A lot
of socializing and mingling. Val asks for a drink. The bartender looks at her weirdly. He can’t
understand what she is saying. Khalid comes and introduces himself. Confident, unafraid to
speak to her, he enjoys how she doesn’t fit any category or stereotype. They talk about school
activities, classes, overall school life. They click, and soon he gets her number. This moment is a
neutral space in the nevermade-scenes, where with the help of alcohol, these characters come
to realize who they really are.
Scene 3: “Beginning of Next Quarter”
Khalid and Val are soon everywhere, doing everything together: studying, eating, and hanging
out. They are sitting together in open-aired food court. Tiffany approaches and pokes fun
at Khalid and Val’s relationship. She has anger and resentment towards Val, because Val
embodies characteristics that Tiffany denies in herself. Khalid turns and responds, “It’s
enough.” Tiffany continues to poke fun at Val’s clothing, looks, way of speaking, and overall
identity. The scene ends with Val saying, “It’s funny that you point a finger at me, and how I
am, when what you stand for is shallow.”
“The Unscripted, Never-made and Raw: Monsters,
Orphans and Robots”
A Nevermade by Ani Shaboyan
14. “Triton’s Palace”
A Nevermade by Ashley Drake and Stephanie-Ann Calix
Concept
AyeDrake, roaming as always, runs into Marisol in
the Cross Cultural Center. “How have you been,”
conversation. AyeDrake explains how she completely
hates UCSD. Marisol consoles, saying, it will get better.
AyeDrake rants, UCSD is literally a prison that traps.
Marisol attempts to counter with positivity.
AyeDrake gets text from “connect”. Invites Marisol so
they can catch up. They head over to Sixth apartments to
“pick up”. AyeDrake is about to take her escape, but feels
it is impolite to not offer Marisol any. Marisol initially
refuses. Back and forth with “connect” teasing. Marisol
takes the escape.
Taking their escape accentuates AyeDrake’s desire to
escape UCSD completely. They attempt to escape on the
shuttle, spaced out as they are. Shuttle brings them back
to UCSD.
Marisol proposes escaping through the tunnels. Everyone
thinks the tunnels are a myth, but Marisol is persistent
in believing. They attempt, but once again, a circular
journey. The inescapability of UCSD finally becomes real
to Marisol’s sheltered eyes. They look to the horizon,
realizing it’s unattainable.
They come down from their high, crash in a corner, and
submit to being stuck. AyeDrake realizes the only way
to a free spirit, is to drop out or get kicked out. Marisol
realizes that her life was the perfect illusion. That it was
all a hoax, scares her.
Next morning, RSO wakes them. They promise to k.i.t.
Marisol goes back to her fun loving, sorority girl lifestyle.
In a few years, she gains honors. AyeDrake becomes a
ghost. A “loner” who is never really seen or heard from
again. No one really knows if she graduated, got kicked
out, or is one of those lost souls roaming the campus,
looking for a way to escape.
AyeDrake (Ashley Drake):
3rd year student, from Oakland, from the
fast life. Never knew how slow UCSD would
really be. Undeclared, then Anthropology,
Visual Arts, etc. Is called “a bit flaky,” but
she prefers “free spirited”. UCSD inspires
her attitude for not caring. She feels like
an outcast: an African American woman
who doesn’t fit in with the political group,
the academic group, or the arts group. She
is a floater, with deep hate for UCSD. She
cannot can go back home as a failure. Looks
for any means to escape.
Marisol (Stephanie Calix):
AyeDrake’s freshman year roommate.
15. Marisol and AyeDrake take their
escape, and the trip begins.
They attempt to escape via
Shuttle.
They attempt to escape
via tunnel.
They can see their goal,
but also how it is
unreachable.
They experience
crash and
submission.
16. “Ready for the Dance?”
A nevermade by Jessica Olivares
Luna (robot):A perfect robot. Luna feels
entitled to success. Embodies professionalism
with simplicity. UCSD considers Luna part of its
“diversity”. Very sociable, self-confident, a way with
words. Luna convinces orphans to become perfect
little UCSD robots, and aspire to the elegance that
she embodies.
Allen (robot/monster):
An ideal student: good school spirit,
involved in student government, his
fraternity, and local church group. He
studies a lot, with an eye towards the
top law schools. He hopes to start his
own law firm. Allen is from a low-
income family, and is driven by the
dream of a “better life”.
Ariana (orphan/robot/monster):
thinks outside the box, but is an outcast. Mostly, she dons
weirdly dressed outfits. She is very quiet, shy, not confident
and not outgoing. However, she observes and analyzes
everything at UCSD. She’s 1st generation college student
who desires success, but lacks social skills to be a robot.
17. Setting: Dorm before the Non-Sexist Dance
Ariana and Luna are getting ready for Non-Sexist dance. Luna has been trying to get Ariana out
of her shell. It is weird for her to have such an awkward roommate. Ariana would prefer to stay
home and watch movies. Luna, uses her amazing powers to persuade Ariana to go. Ariana asks
to borrow something from Luna’s closet. Luna gladly outfits her. Ariana feels uncomfortable
with the new “look”, and not confident about going the dance. Luna convinces her that she
looks amazing, saying she’s “sorority material”. With that compliment, Ariana decides to stay
with that look.
(Ariana transforms from orphan to monster).
Allen arrives to Luna and Ariana’s suite. Allen and Luna are dating, but not in a relationship. As
Allen waits, he catches a glimpse of Ariana. He is stunned and realizes that he wants her. (Allen
was never fond of socially awkward Ariana). They all head out for the dance.
18. Robot Love Horrors
A Nevermade by Diana Li, Joanna Huang, Thieny Nguyen,
and David Morales
Stephanie Spielberg the
obsessed videographer (Diana
Li)Can’t stop documenting every single moment
of her life, of her multicultural and intersectional
identity. In love with Fiona, who represents what
SS will never be, perfect.
Fiona the overachieving
princess (Joanna Huang)
perfectionist, loves to study and work out. Runs
multiple organizations: AS, sorority, clubs. Can
sing, dance and master anything. BFFs with
Monique. Loves Stephanie, but fed up with her
filming.
Xena the warrior ghost
princess (Thieny Nguyen) haunts
library stairs. Overachieving student in previous
life, who tripped on stairs and fell to her doom.
Sound of her combat boots haunts the stairwell.
She attacks Fiona to warn her against the perils of
an overachieving personality.
Roberto the robot the
intersecting elevator guy
(Davíd Morales) just received his
acceptance letter to UCSD, and can’t wait to
attend. His family and surroundings are plagued
by domestic violence, abusive relationships.
Eager to escape his reality, he goes to UCSD and
pretends that Fall quarter is finally in session.
Synopsis
This is a queer love story in which
Stephanie loses Fiona to the ghost
that haunts Geisel Library’s stairs,
Xena. Fiona goes to the library
to study. Stephanie tags along
videotaping every moment of their
relationship. However, Fiona is
tired of Stephanie filming her 24/7
and they get into an argument in
front of the elevators. Fiona tells
Stephanie to take the elevator
so that she can take the stairs
alone (another reason Fiona takes
the stairs is because she wants
an extra workout). The elevator
opens and Roberto tries to walk
through Stephanie and Fiona’s
quarrel. Stephanie is sadly waiting
for the elevator when she hears
Fiona scream. Stephanie enters the
stairs, still filming, and witnesses
Xena attempting to consume Fiona.
19. Xena haunting Fiona
Fiona and Stephanie's
argument
Roberto trying to get to the elevator
Stephanie
waiting for
the elevator
just as Xena
is about to
attack Fiona.
Stephanie filming Fiona
reacting to Xena
20. A nevermade by Dana
Banh
Social Princess Fabulous / LC
(Dana Banh)
LC is a well-rounded, straight A, epitome of
hardworking model student. Well dressed and well
accessorized. Proudest trait is being popular and
accepted in multiple social circles. Vietnamese-
Chinese but peers call her “whitewashed”. She can
relate to ethnic friends, and still blend in with white
friends. Bubbly, friendly, and always smiling, she can
easily adapt to any social situation. On weekends
she makes her way around her numerous social
circles: “cool” popular Greek friends, and her other
unaffiliated circles. All are envious of her perfect
social life and successful grades.
Exhausted Orphan / Lo
(Dana Banh)
Lo is the daughter of immigrants who came to the U.S
during the Vietnam War. Parents are upper-middle
class. But her father’s company was recently shut
down, reducing her family’s income to less than half
of what it was. Lo works 30 hours/week, to acquire
the newest clothes and technological gadgets, to
maintain a façade for her peers. She works long, often
extremely early or late hours at the rec center. But
she feels the need to go out, meet friends, maintain
circles, and feel included, driven to find social
acceptance and expel her FOMO (fear of missing out).
21. “Fighting for Familia”
A nevermade by Bruno Huizar
Dylan Rodriguez (Bruno
Huizar)is a 1st year, 1st generation,
UC San Diego student. Raised in central Los
Angeles by single mother. He didn’t find
community at his dorm. Instead, he found
family with the trabajador@s who clean dining
and residence halls. He grew up cleaning
houses in the suburbs with his mother, and
working at construction sites with his uncles.
Dylan is a monster at this university, first
because UC San Diego is in a border city where
people like him do not belong. His father was
deported, like many of his family members.
Dylan deals with robot students who ignore
workers who clean their bathrooms, living
areas and dining halls. He is also a monster
in action, arguing with students, demanding
they treat workers with respect. He joins the
workers fight for rights.
.
Synopsis
Workers, with a few students, head to
library walk on the first day of school
to protest mistreatment by university
officials. Then they march to the
Village, where there are newly arrived
robots (transfers), and where most
of the poor treatment by students is
occurring.
22. “Monster to Robot”
A Nevermade by Grant Burger-White and
Adrian Lozano
Jason Villalobos (Adrian Lozano)
4th year Ethnic Studies/ History double major. 3.4
GPA. Keeps to himself. Lately he is struggling with
his identity as a student from a poor neighborhood
in Southeast San Diego. He feels guilt and burden
for the privilege of attending UCSD, for making
it out of the barrio. High school friends are all in
community college and poor paying jobs. Some
are starting families. College friends mostly come
from financial and cultural privilege. They don’t
understand Jason’s roots. Lately he has begun to
socialize less, and just watch a lot of TV on his free
time. His grades are declining and he hasn’t slept
well in a long time. He’s thinking of dropping out.
Concept
Jason is a monster coming from a community and people that were never
meant to have access to the university. As Jason becomes exposed to the
reality of becoming a robot he feels inadequate and incapable. After he has his
interaction with Dr. Roberts outside the university he realizes that this figure he
once saw as a robot had monstrosity hiding under his tailored suites and bow
ties. For Jason to make the connection between robots and monsters made in
his own community liberated him from the orphaning he was experiencing as an
inadequate “robot” feeling like a ward of the university with its strict academic
regulations for under performing or under producing. This is Jason’s realization
when he meets the other side of Dr. Roberts.
Dr. Roberts
(Grant Burger-White)
Professor of Writing at UCSD. From
Southeast San Diego, but does
not disclose his roots to students.
Proud of his academic history/
accomplishments. Huge supporter of
the university. He comes off as very
serious and unapproachable. However,
he is active in his original community.
He often visits his Grandmother, who
raised him and still lives in the same
apartment.
23. Jason is walking through a barrio in Southeast San Diego, on his way to
help his Aunt. He almost misses Dr. Roberts, who is sitting by himself
on a thin stairwell listening to his iPod.
To Jason’s shock, Dr. Roberts grew up in this very apartment, and still
visits his grandmother. Jason decides in a random moment of desperation
to ask about the dilemmas that have been haunting him.
Jason was dumbfounded. It all felt like a crazy dream. Dr. Roberts giving
him advice on privilege in a stairwell in Southeast San Diego.
24. “The Roots Keep Us All Together”
A nevermade by Melissa PErez
Leona, La
Ingeniera
She feels collapsed
to this one identity,
orphaned from her
identities as Chicana,
daughter, sister and
friend. Attire: loose,
baggy clothing,
and a paliacate like
campesin@s wear in
the fields. Connects
the physicality of the
campus with her father
and mother’s labor.
Concept
“Let me know when you are ready to ‘let’ me be an actual member of
this group.” Leona storms out of all male engineering study group.
Walks up Geisel stairs to Hopkins Lane. Her robot boots clang. She
stops at the intersection, and thinks of him, remembering/reliving
how they had their last conversation here, about the heaviness, the
way this university is so heavy to bear. He who understood.
She runs into the forest; fully orphan now. She looks around and
takes in the quiet resistance of the trees’ sturdiness, their roots.
Her walk is quiet now. “The Roots Keep Us All Together” by Jorge
Narvaez is playing.
She embraces the cold, the fog rolling in. She sits on a log, thinking
of how people uprooted, not ‘allowed’ to grow roots on land,
like a deviant/threatening species. The violence of deportation/
immigration, the scars of the border, these borderlands mapped
onto bodies, her body. ‘Pushed out,’ a different type of violence
from deportation, but words to define the violence of existing inside
UCSD.
She sits, absorbing. Holds the paliacate in her hand, its sacredness.
Camera pans out to take in her surroundings. When it zooms back in
on her, she is not there.
Transmission is cut to white “snowy” noise.
25. Sharae Jay (Bijon
Robinson). African
American, loves hip-hop, born
in Los Angeles, and raised
by single mother. She is
aggressive at times. However,
if one could comprehend
the lifestyle she had before
UCSD, one might have a better
understanding of Sharae.
Douglas (Greg
Valdivia).
Privileged, white
student. Majoring in
biology. Grew up in a
small town where all
his neighbors were
white.
Jason Soto (Jason
Soto). Mexican student.
Separated from his family, as a
result of coming to the United
States. Determined to succeed.
Takes advantage of all resources
he can find.
Tyquon London
(Aziza Burnett).
African American, plays
basketball for UCSD, 4.0 GPA.
Both parents are teachers.
“The Lack of Understanding”
A nevermade by Bijon Robinson, Greg Valdivia, and Jason Soto
Beach party
This scene introduces the characters to one another. Ron
assumes Sharae is a gangster. He then talks about Tyquon
as on a basketball scholarship, unaware that UCSD does not
give athletic scholarships. Ron then comes across Jason,
who is very quiet. No one is clear on how Jason got invited
to the party. Ron starts rumors that Jason is plotting to stab
someone. Ron feels threatened by the presence of people of
color at the beach party.
26. “Fallin’ in the Trap”
A nevermade by Alex Vo and Jasmine Williams
Nicki de Saint Phalle-
Minaj (Alex Vo)
Nicki de Saint Phalle-Minaj is a combination
of Nicki Minaj (renown rap superstar)
and Niki de Saint Phalle (French artist
who designed Sun God’s statue). Like
the character Sun God, Nicki is possibly
imagined by Alicia (and is not monster/
orphan/robot).
(Note: Niki de Saint Phalle died from
emphysema, and presumably, smoking).
Alicia was inspired to think of Nicki de Saint
Phalle-Minaj from seeing the fabulous Miss
21 walk at UCSD. ENJOY.
27. Alicia (Jasmine Williams)
TA at UCSD who works with Dr. Roberts.
Assembles robots in a lab. I (Jasmine)
thought it would be odd for Alicia to
be present at the non-sexist dance. So I
brought a pink wig and a fake cigarette,
and imagined myself to be an extra. When
viewing the dailies, I realized that my extra
looked like...Alicia in a pink wig, with a
cigarette, and a zebra print top. Soooo, we
conceptualized a nevermade to explain
why Alicia reappeared as this pseudo-alter-
ego.
Concept
To survive assimilation at UCSD, Alicia develops an addiction to cigarettes. Smoking
symbolizes both acceptance, and the physical residue of oppression upon Alicia. Nicki is
not a monster, but an enabler. She smokes with Alicia, then passes her the wig. However,
with the cigarette and wig, Alicia is positioned as monster in “beez in the trap” club
scene. Although a robot in other scenes, Alicia’s resistance appears as monstrosity.
28. “Poker Face”
A nevermade by Gitanjali Pathak and Katryna Estrada
Maria. 19
year old.
Proud of Mexican
culture. Parents
divorced, lives
with mother.
Aspiring liberal
arts professor.
Rosa- 18
year old.
Youngest
member. Very
intellectual by
upbringing.
Joined MEChA to
learn more about
her culture.
Pedro. 20
year old.
Survived many
gang-related
fights and tough
situations in high
school. Julián
helped him
through those
years. Party
animal.
Jacinta. 21
year old.
Life changed
when cousin
suffered multiple
injuries from
police brutality.
Has sworn her life
to standing up
for culture and
beliefs. President
of MEChA. Aspires
to be like Dolores
Huerta.
Juanita. 20
year old.
Julián’s friend
since grade
school. Secret
crush on Julián.
Feels he changed
dramatically after
Marisol.
29. Concept/ Script:
We wanted a scene to add depth, and to solidify Julián’s character as an immigrant and outsider at
UCSD. Wanted to show Marisol get judged as well.
Julián’s home. Every Friday night, Julián’s friends from MEChA play poker but tonight they get a
text saying he changed his mind and decided to accompany Marisol to Non-sexist Dance.
Maria: Julián is seriously stupid if he ever thinks a girl like Marisol will truly accept him.
Juanita: For reals, do you see the way he dresses now?!?! He’s lost all his culture
Pedro (smirking): EY Man, Marisol’s hot, I would change too
Rosa (throws pillow at Pedro): Pedro, it’s guys like you and Julián that disgrace our culture
Pedro: What the hell are you talking about?
Jacinta: Think about, those white folks think we’re some slum bag orphans because guys like
you want to change into guys like them. If you were really proud of us why would you change?
Pedro: Man you guys are so blind!
Maria: Our parents fought to get us here and look how they treat
us! And you let them! You and Julián!
Juanita: We fight our asses of every single day to get a fourth of
what THOSE monsters have and look at us, we’re sitting here on a
Friday night because we aren’t robotic and perfect “them.”
Rosa: Juanita if you wanted you could be exactly where Julián is
right now
Juanita: I know who I am and where I come from and where I’m not
wanted, Julián will see that soon too.
Julián storms into the room, looking very upset and angry. It looks
as if he’s been crying
Juanita whispers to Pedro: Damn what timing.
Pedro: Hey man I know...
Julián cuts him off: I don’t want to talk about it. I know how you all
feel about it and how you think I’m an idiot!
Maria: We don’t know what you’re talking about we were just
waiting for you to come home so we can start playing a poker game.
Julián sits down
Rosa hugs him: You belong with us.
Julián: This is where I’ll always belong...
All start a game of poker, singing, Its a Hard Knock Life by Jay- Z.
30. “Speaking in Codes”
A nevermade by Hardeep Jandu
Cast
King Triton (similar to Sun God)
Sungod
Julián
Conception
Dr. Roberts
Alicia
Students
1. TRITON STEPS
Scan of Triton Steps at lunchtime. Dr. Roberts talking to Alicia and a Fabulous student. Subtle
focus on a cardboard trashcan, busy movement. Zoom, Sungod and King Triton conversing, and
handing out quarter sheet flyers.
KING TRITON: And this, this is the new UC logo, to show our innovation and relevance.
(hands flyer to Conception, focus shot on UC Logo. Small sound effect, bell chiming)
CONCEPTION: This is the new UC Logo?
TRITON: We redesigned our brand for a modern, more sleek and minimalistic logo.
CONCEPTION: It looks like an aerial view of a toilet. I’m not buyin’ it.
SUNGOD: Well, you probably aren’t buying it. You’re one of those public money students,
right? On financial aid?
CONCEPTION: [Gets visibly annoyed, but ignores question] Either way, the visual fits the form -
public money down the drain.
JULIAN: [finally speaking] Conception, Let’s just make moves. Come on. [Politely nods to King
Triton, Sungod. They move.]
SUNGOD: I swear he looks like Che…
Concept
This scene comes from a question: Why does
Julian falls in love with Marisol. I felt that their
love needed more exploration, and who else to
ask these questions but Conception? I liked to
imagine that Julian and Conception have a close
friendship in which they speak in codes known
only to them, small phrases and captures from
poets, references to some sci-fi films or video
games. But as Julian falls in love with Marisol,
he is unable to speak in codes with Conception
anymore.
31. 2. LIT BUILDING
Julian and Conception, walking. Eventually sit near the UCSD Lit Building,
alongside the flower bushes - flowers don’t grow here, I’m guessing bc of
the radiation.
CONCPETION: What are you studying, Julian?
JULIAN: Sensation and Perception, Cognitive Science 101B.
CONCEPTION: perception. conception. interventions without direction.
JULIAN: Why are you speaking in codes again? You aren’t making sense.
CONCEPTION: And you aren’t, Che? these words mean something to me.
they are sanctuary / so i call sanctuary / my tongue, machete / giving
birth, making love, bare feet on hardwood floors -- gives name to those
ideas which are, until the poem, nameless and formless-about to be
birthed, but already felt.
JULIAN: I can’t understand you anymore, Concepcion.
CONCEPTION: Tell me something, J. You used to speak in codes with me.
Now you stopped.
JULIAN: Y que?
CONCEPTION: Why do you love Marisol?
Cut and shot of Lib. Walk with people, speed up, shot of Lib Walk empty.
JULIAN: I’m not sure. She grounds me. She does something to me.
CONCEPTION: you can’t make homes out of human beings / someone
should have already told you that.
JULIAN: She grounds me.
CONCEPTION: That’s it?
JULIAN: She moves me.
CONCEPTION: She’s pretty.
JULIAN: She grounds me. She’s like a shoreline.
CONCEPTION: I see. You, the sea.
JULIAN: You’re looking more and more like Mz Erykah Badu day by day,
you know that Conception? [smiles]
CONCEPTION: [smiles, adjusts scarf] Thank you. She’s transformation.
[wipes smile] But don’t change the subject. Back to you. You really like
her, don’t you, Julian?
JULIAN: I do.
CONCEPTION: But why?
JULIAN: There would be no Eygpt without the Nile.
CONCEPTION: If she grounds you, love like a farmer.
props/works cited:
1. land, by suheir hammad:
“his approach / to love he
said / was that of a farmer”
2. eanomi: “there would be
no eygpt without the nile”
3. warsan shire: “for women
who are difficult to love.”
