Dara Story - Scenes 1-2 TERRI DILLION 22April2024

Dara is a skilled worker at a garment factory. She is admired by her team for her hard work and dedication. The factory wins a contract for women's athletic wear, but there is a challenge with the new fabric. Dara is chosen to learn the new line and teach the rest of the team. The production manager demonstrates the fit of the garments, which are tight and revealing. Dara is nervous but ready to learn. Dara's Story It's Monday morning at the garment factory. The best cut-and-stitch production team in the whole factory arrives early to share stories about their weekends and families. Dara is using her phone to show the team photos of her happy young daughter, Suni. Dara beams, and here's Suni in her first big girl dress. The team huddles around her phone. They all love Dara. To some, Dara is their ambitious younger sister. To others, she's the eldest daughter at the start of a great career. They admire her team spirit, supportiveness, and willingness to learn. She works long hours and puts in the time to master a new skill. But most importantly, to the team, she's an example of what's possible. She spent her entire life within a mile of where they're standing. A good student, she quit school early to help her family and improve their quality of life. She's worked her way up from cleaning the factory floor and workstations to earn one of the most important jobs on the team, cutting table operator. Dara is a master with the electric knife that traces thick cardboard patterns and neatly cuts dozens of layers of fabric into pieces that are ready to be stitched into garments. This job is so important that Dara is coaching an apprentice. She's another slightly younger version of Dara who will soon be able to have a cutting table of her own. Dara has to be completely present for her job, mind and body prepared, brain tracking, eyes watching, feet planted, table hand inside a glove made out of knitted steel. The razor sharp electric knife cuts both ways. She can trim hours off their day with pieces of fabric that fit perfectly and can be assembled in seconds or if she slices a few extra millimeters inside or outside the pattern, nothing stitches together properly and hours, days or worse, the team's reputation for quality are lost and everyone's heard stories of cutting knife operators that lost their focus and some fingers. Everyone is settling into their workstations. The managing director and production manager suddenly rush into their work area. The managing director breathlessly announces, we've just won a contract for an entire line of women's athletic wear. This is our chance to show the world what we can do. You're just the team to learn the line and teach the rest of the team. This is our chance to show the world what we can do. You're just the team to learn the line and teach the rest of the team. This is our chance to show the world what we can do. This is our chance to show the world what we can do. Learn the line and teach the rest of the teams how it's done. The production manager holds up a panel of pictures and says, this line includes everything from exercise and fitness to swimsuits. The team whispers excitedly, Dara's eyes narrow, her head tilts, what's that smell? The production manager explains, they've specified a stretchy, water-resistant fabric that's new to us. It does have a funny smell. The smell goes away once the fabric's been exposed to the air for a bit. It fits tight and pulls sweat off the skin so it will evaporate. All their designs have a tight fit. It has to be tight to support and shape. They're pretty revealing, too. As you can see, I don't think some countries will let these be advertised in magazines. Dara's phone slips from her hand and clatters to the floor. The production manager spreads out the patterns and a new fabric on the cutting table. Dara, we're going to need your magic. These are small patterns for small panels on stretchy material. There's no room for error. Ready to learn? Dara steps back from the table, coughs, tries to clear her throat, and squeaks, yes. The production manager demonstrates the style and fit on some female dress forms. Let's see how these sample garments fit. Watch what happens when I tug on the straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs. The fit across the chest, hips, groin, butt, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The same straps, waistband, and thighs snaps right back. Now on the swimsuit. The other members of Dara's team turn to her apprentice. She looks scared. She covers her eyes and begins to shake. The team begins to gather around, comforting her. The apprentice searches their faces. I had to cut the power. She wasn't wearing her glove. She's done it to me so many times. It took me so long to learn. She usually just laughs and shows me her fingers and says everything's where it's supposed to be. What did I do wrong? Dara's team members begin to glance at each other, then at the exit door. One by one, their eyes open wider, mouths open, but there are no words. An idea is blooming. They slowly begin to share their thinking with each other. What happened to Dara? She's not herself today. She was happy when she came in. She mentioned the funny smell. She dropped her phone, then she started coughing and couldn't speak. She lost her temper when I touched the fabric. That's not like her to leave during a meeting. She wasn't hungry. Dara's always hungry. She didn't sit with us. She seemed dazed and tired. She didn't touch the patterns or fabric. Dara usually can't wait to touch a new fabric. I've never heard her order you around like that. She doesn't really think you're a foolish child. Dara's always been safety first. She rushed out the back door without her things. They begin to recall what the managing director, production manager, and team were saying and doing before each of Dara's actions. The pieces of the puzzle begin to come together. One of the team voices their shared conclusion. They begin to recall what the managing director, production manager, and team were saying and doing before each of Dara's actions. The pieces of the puzzle begin to come together. One of the team voices their shared conclusion. Dara's reacting to something. The swimsuit line is a stressor for Dara. Let's start the support plan. We can't let any more time go by. You know what to do, just like we practiced. Two of Dara's oldest work friends, Akara and Kariya, volunteer to engage her. Opening the exit door, they find Dara sitting outside. Akara kneels in front of Dara and asks, Dara, this is Akara. Do you need a break? Dara stares into the distance. Akara tries again. Dara, this is Akara. I'm on your team. I'm putting my hand on your shoulder. Dara, can you hear me? Nod your head if you can hear me. Dara nods her head but doesn't look at Akara. Akara, relieved. Dara, please look at me. You're outside the factory. You rushed out the back door. You're safe here. Dara looks at Akara's face and she recognizes her friend. Akara smiles. Dara, could you say, I'm safe now? I'm outside the factory? Dara slowly speaks. I'm safe now. I'm outside the factory. Akara. Dara, would you like to go back inside? Dara shakes her head. No. It's clear she's not ready to go back inside. Akara, smiling. I could use a break, too. Let's take a deep breath. Will you take a deep breath with me? Everything can wait for a bit. I'll sit with you. Dara and Akara sit together. Kariya returns to the team inside and reports. She's right outside. She's talking a little with Akara. She doesn't want to come back inside. The team looks somewhat relieved. Another of the team says, I'll find Anang. She'll know what to do next. Anang, the factory's champion, is in her office. Kariya reports the team's conclusion. We think she might have a trauma response. This doesn't appear to be anything ordinary, like a headache or a bad mood. She seemed happy when she came to work. She was talking about her daughter, Suni. Anang asks, where is Dara right now? Kariya responds, she's sitting outside the back door. Akara is with her. Anang, excellent work. Your team has definitely practiced the plan. Let's head that way. I have a few more questions. I'll make some notes as we're walking. Kariya leads Anang through the large and crowded factory. Anang asks Kariya, when Dara spoke about her Suni this morning, what did she say? Kariya responds, she showed us a picture she'd taken this weekend. She said it was Suni's first big girl dress. She seemed happy. Anang asks, what happened next? Kariya summarizes the team's discussion at the cutting table. She's accurate in her recall. She methodically lists Dara's statements and actions, including what the team observed happening at the time of each. There's no judgment in Kariya's voice. She's concerned, but she's in control of her voice and emotions. Anyone standing by would think she was reading a recipe for curry. Anang takes notes. Dara arrived in good spirits. Her change began around the time of the new athletic wear project meeting. She commented about the smell of the fabric, dropped her phone during the stretchy fit conversation, started coughing and couldn't speak during talk of small patterns and stretchy material, used an angry tone with her apprentice, and temporarily stepped away during the sample garment examination. Anang asks Kariya, does anyone know where she went when she stepped away for a few minutes? Kariya says, no, we weren't paying that much attention to Dara at that time. Anang continues to take notes. Did not have lunch or take a break with the team. Appeared to be distracted at the cutting table. Seemed reluctant to touch the patterns or fabric. Used a commanding tone with her apprentice that did not match the situation. Characterized her apprentice as a child. Did not follow tool safety protocol before cutting fabric. Rushed outside without comment or personal items. Akara has engaged her, but she's reluctant to speak and not willing to return to work. Anang reviews her notes. History of the event. Potential indicators of reactivity. Dara's current behavior. Anang formulates her plans for meeting and speaking with Dara. Establish a relationship. Open communication. Determine the location of their conversation. Keep a mental checklist of engagement de-escalation techniques. Clear her mind of clutter. And most importantly, be open to hearing whatever Dara would like to share. Kariya opens the exit door. Anang finds Dara sitting nearby with Akara. Anang quietly thanks Akara for her support of Dara. Akara speaks to Dara. I'll be right inside. And leaves Dara and Anang outside.