A reading of the play took place at the Eugene O'Neill theater Center in New London, Connecticut. Spring 2001. A performance is scheduled for the Spring of 2004.
To download a full PDF copy of the script click here: Tango Trabajo
A couple dance a sultry Argentine tango across the stage in spotlight.
Mistrust erupts in the shipping department of Lax Corporation as the day begins. Anna, the ambitious department chief, is accused of failure by her superiors. In turn she suspects sabotage among her staff: Bee and Zeek. Her suspicion and jealousy fall on Bee, who is having problems of her own - her boyfriend has just left her, and robbed her too.
Anna and Zeek Conspiracy Tango
Anna recruits Zeek, the shipping clerk, to spy on Bee. It's obvious, however, that if any one is to blame it is Zeek himself - a conniving slacker, who has been handed a mysterious package when mistaken for some one else on his way to work. When Newman, a new employee, shows up Zeek becomes paranoid - is he there to take his job? Bee finds Newman attractive but out of nervousness she is too demanding.
Bee Tangos with her Philandering Father.
Newman, an eager young puppy, wants to prove himself and keeps trying to work despite Zeek’s insistense that he relax. Accusations fly as Anna is embroiled in the floor sweeping tango. Zeek begins to relax around Newman and take him into his confidence - how he feels about Bee and the job.
Zeek's Ma and Pa in a Military tango
Throughout the day Bee and Newman draw closer as they confront the meaning of work, the oddness of Zeek, and their mutual need. They gradually slide into a romantic, sensual tango. Anna returns again and again demanding updates on her investigation. She begins to show signs of a break-down. Her manner is growing ever more canine as she sniffs and snaps at everyone.
Newman and Bee a Romantic tango
In a bristling, growling confrontation Anna and Bee bare their resentment and Anna takes off, tail between her legs. Feeling Bee's protection Newman begins to change. He is sympathetic when Zeek is devastated by his lottery loss. Newman is growing closer to Zeek, more like him
Suddenly gangsters, guns drawn, come looking for Zeek but Bee points out that they obviously have the wrong Zeek. They find the right package, if not the right man, and depart at the sound of approaching barking.
The day draws in. Newman is now completely evolved into an clone of Zeek. While Zeek briefly fantasies himself as the other dashing, more accomplished Zeek. Anna bounds in totally transformed into a dog, a rose between her teeth. She runs, she sniffs she barks. Zeek plays with her and their movements turn to dance.
Both couples dance to a stirring tango as the lights come down.
The day is over.
Top, Zeek considers the potential of military parents. (Ed Lewis & Anna Mazur)
Above, Zeek (Michael Cuilla) the central character, is confronted by an imaginary gangster's moll (Anna Mazur).
