Every Breath

18 year-old Sonny believes strongly that medical research involving animals is wrong. He is an active, gentle young man, much loved by everyone who knows him. Anita, 21, his sister, is a scientist. She is confident, vivacious and smart. She is also completely convinced that research involving animals is justified. Their mother Lina doesn’t know what to think; to her children’s continued annoyance she can see both sides of the argument. Frankly, she’s much more interested in how her relationship with Raz is going to play out, especially when he meets her kids.

Raz is a quirky kind hearted ageing ex-punk. He is a breath of fresh air for Lina, who has struggled on her own for years to bring up her two kids, and who has a tendency to take life too seriously. Raz has recently discovered Buddhism. Although not fully converted, he is interested in the teachings of Buddha and is able to take a spiritual view on animal testing. Which is that all life is connected, human and animal, and we should try not to kill or harm other living beings.

An early scene in the play takes place at a family meal where Raz is introduced. Although things go quite well at first, the meal breaks down when Sonny and Anita have a blazing row about animal research. Sonny cannot see why scientists persist in using animal experimentation when, as far as he’s concerned, the experiments don’t help, and can in fact hinder medical progress. Lina despairs. The meal is totally disrupted however, when Sonny has an enormous asthma attack. He has not been taking his asthma medication because it is tested on animals. He’s rushed to hospital.

In hospital, Sonny undergoes tests to find out what triggered his attack. The doctors think it is the cats he has recently been handling as a volunteer at the local Cat Rescue centre. The attack leaves Sonny feeling depressed.

He still doesn’t want to take his medication and his Mum and Anita are very angry with him. Lina is in a martyred panic. She finishes her relationship with Raz. She feels that starting a relationship when Sonny is ill is wrong. Anita is horrified. Sonny is stupid and he gets on her nerves, but she doesn’t want him to get ill and die! She tries to explain to him exactly what happens when asthma products are researched and tested on animals, but Sonny won’t listen.

Lina pleads with Sonny but no use. Sonny sees in the suffering of animals, a parallel with his own suffering. He won’t budge. Raz, never one to give up easily, will not let Lina end their relationship. He has built up quite a good connection with Sonny and insists on seeing him. Maybe, despite Raz’ own beliefs, he can persuade Sonny to take his medication? They talk about spirituality, about what death means, what suffering means, to both animals and humans. Sonny is calmed and reassured.

When Sonny comes out of hospital, he challenges Anita about some of her views. She has said there is no alternative to animal testing, but Sonny finds out that alternatives are being researched and developed. The doctors have found out he isn’t allergic to cats. Sonny decides to go back to taking his asthma medication, but only so he can continue to protest about animal research and testing.

Anita says that she may never agree with Sonny, but she’d rather see him leafleting outside her Lab than lying in a hospital bed. At the end of the play an uneasy truce is established between brother and sister. Lina, free from worry (for the time being!), is able to re-establish her relationship with Raz.

Anita
21 years old, a chemistry graduate about to do a PhD. Anita has always been very bright (she was often referred to as ‘the little madam’ as a child). She is confident, vivacious and smart. She has a very sharp tongue though, and often falls back on sarcasm when she’s feeling nervous. She does not suffer fools gladly.

Sony
Anita’s brother, age 18. He’s just finished his A levels. Sonny is a (non-violent) activist. From a young age he has been concerned about the environment and animal rights. He is an active, gentle young man, much loved by everyone who knows him. He is very close to his mother, with whom he has a good, humorous rapport.

Lina
Sonny and Anita’s Mum. 43. Works at a garden centre. Lina has been a single mother since her partner died 10 years ago. She is very dedicated to her children, some might even say over protective. She certainly neglects herself in favour of the kids. She has a tendency to take life too seriously, but she does have a wry sense of humour which comes out especially with Sonny.

Raz
Raz is 37 and is a painter and decorator. Trying to have a relationship with Lina. Raz is a quirky, kind hearted ex-punk. Originally from quite a rough background, he shook off his past and ended up travelling the world for many years, doing odd jobs, taking in life. He is a breath of fresh air for Lina, and is currently thinking about becoming a Buddhist.