ACT 2

The scene opens to full company production number DON’T WRITE HIM OFF (View Act 2 , Scene 1) We are six months on from our first introduction to JeanDominique Rumours are circulating Paris and the question is being asked "will Jean-Dominique ever recover?". Elle magazine has appointed his replacement and Jean-Dominique, having mastered the alphabet board, is looking for a way to let the world know that he is still here and that his mind is capable. He decides that the only way is to write a book

In a speech therapy session with Sandrine, he receives a call from his father. Sandrine tells Papinou that Jean-Dominique understands every word and she will hold the phone to his ear and will respond for Jean-Dominique.

WHAT WOULD I SAY?

(View Act 2 , Scene 2) Papinou tells him that he misses him and that his heart is broken that he can’t be there for him.

Jean-Dominique takes advantage of a Sandrine session to put a call in to a publisher that he had a deal to write a book with. She call’s Robert Laffont and convinces him that Jean-Dominique wishes to fulfil his obligation and write a memoir of his experience of Locked-in Syndrome. Robert agrees and tell her that he will send a writer to help. Claude Mendibil reveals her concerns for the assignment as she travels to the hospital, CAN I? (View Act 2 , Scene 3) but her fears are quickly dispelled when on meeting Jean-Dominique for the first time, he blinks the message ‘Don’t be afraid’. Both know at once that destiny has brought them together

They immediately get to work Writing day by day with Claude reading out a letter at a time and Jean-Dominique blinking when the right letter is landed on. Before they know it, they have a prologue The question now is, what next? SLOW DOWN (View Act 2 , Scene 4)

Jean-Dominique begins planning out the entire book in his head. He knows that time is not on his side and doesn’t want to waste a second of Claude’s time. He practises in his head exactly what he wants to say He meticulously plans each chapter of his book as if he back as editor-in-chief at Elle Meanwhile, the people close to him become fearful that he is pushing himself too hard.

It is Father’s Day and Sylvie, Celeste and Théophile have taken Jean-Dominique to the beach for some sea air Celeste is showing off her cartwheels to her father, while Théophile wants to play hangman with him. Sylvie recognising that Jean-Dominique is a little overwhelmed by the energy of the children suggest that they let him rest for a while. Then, alone together she reflects on their broken relationship SHATTERED LIVES (View Act 2 , Scene 5) where she vows to put grief and heartbreak to one side for the sake of their children. As Jean-Dominique listens to her, his heart is filled with love, and he feels forgiven.

Back in room 119, Jean-Dominique enjoys watching his friends struggle to use his alphabet blinking system to communicate. He is visited by several of his friends including close friend Vincent who poses the question, “Why don’t you go to Lourdes?” IN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (View Act 2 , Scene 6) JeanDominique reflects on a trip that he took there some years ago with an ex-love of his. Then meeting Sylvie, he remembers the years of happiness they shared, before the guilt of work began keeping him away from the family more and more.

Beach at Berck-sur-Mer

While working on the final pages of the book, Claude becomes concerned with a cough that Jean-Dominique is struggling with. He doesn’t want her to fuss and refuses medical attention when she suggests it. As she leaves him, to journey back to her hotel, she reflects on the last few months, BRIDGE (View Act 2 , Scene 7) and her admiration for Jean-Dominique’s mind. Their relationship has become so important to her and she is sad that the assignment is almost over.

Weeks later, Jean-Dominique is being transported by ambulance from Paris He has developed pneumonia and is very ill. As he is rushed back, he imagines substitute destinies for himself, ranging from a Tour-de-France long shot to Napoleon’s aid helping him to victory. When he finally settles in the hospital, he acknowledges that his time is running out

LEGACY (View Act 2 , Scene 8) He hopes that through his book, his legacy will be that mind’s will be open to the condition of Locked-in syndrome. He is visited by Claude who tells him that the book has already sold 25,000 copies on its first day. She tells his that he should be so proud of what he has achieved, ON BUTTERFLY'S WINGS and while enjoying the knowledge that he has achieved what he set out to do, passes away.

His body rises from the bed and dances with a freedom, body and mind entwined for the first time since the start of the show. As they leave the stage, a congregation of mourners gather and hold a candle lit vigil While JeanDominique never got to see the full impact of his work, Sylvie tearfully reminds herself that he is now at peace. As the stage empties, Théophile and Celeste light a single candle in his memory.

H E E N D