Spokane Public Library’s Writing Education

Specialist Sharma Shields meets and works with area writers at all stages of their literary careers. Here is a small sampling of some of the great work she has read and discussed lately.

A MONOLOGUE FROM PICASSO’S KITCHEN

By Dahveed Bullis

JANET: (Janet speaks to a volunteer at a campsite.)

Geez, you think those people are crazy? You haven’t stayed at the KOA on Barker in the Valley, have you? You wouldn’t believe what I’ve seen done with a pocketknife over there. You asked a while ago what movie made the biggest impact on me and I finally have an answer for you. You remember that movie Free Willy? The one about the whale and the kid? Well, it was the sequel that had this character named Elvis who was tied up in the foster care system… It was honestly really dramatic, but it was the first time I saw myself on screen. Like, someone who would understand what my life was like. I thought life with my parents was hard, but the system was… well, I ran away when I was sixteen for a reason. I started selling scrap metal to eat. I met a man who I thought was my soul. All we did was fight and support his habits. I almost went down with him too…everything turned around when I met Jen. She gave me a job here. I started as a volunteer. She taught me about trauma bonding, and PTSD and how to stop sabotaging a good thing. Thanks to her, I’ve started a program to get my degree. We even found my siblings on Facebook. I’m still too scared to say anything, but there’s a few photos with smiles and kids and seeing that…well, it honestly might be enough for me. I fought through a lot to be here, and so have you. Don’t forget that, okay? Anyways, yeah, that’s the movie. Free Willy Two.

About Dahveed Bullis

Dahveed is a Spokane born professional actor, playwright, and director. He is an alumnus of Eastern Washington University’s Theatre Arts Program who has held leadership positions with the Spokane Theatre Arts Council, West Valley High School, Spokane Falls Community College, and the Company Ballet School. He has won numerous awards for his work, including Outstanding Dramatic Lead Performance and Outstanding Ensemble with Stage Left Theater’s production of Pass Over at the Kaleidoscope Festival, Best Play In The Nation at AACTFest’s National Festival, and Best Monologue Performance at AACTFest’s National Monologue Competition in 2023.

Bullis writes, “I am laser focused on writing stories that originate from Spokane and my experiences within it. This monologue is one in a collection of monologues soon to be published called Picasso’s Kitchen.”