SCREENPLAY
An Iranian Immigrant escapes her homeland to follow her dream of becoming a Champion Boxer. Travelling from Canada to Detroit under the cover of darkness she is taken under the wing of the dying veteran Trainer Billy ‘Bones’ Foley. But the road to greatness is fraught with danger at every turn.
CHARACTER PROFILES
ATUSA
Age: 17 years
Gender: Female
Profession: Aspiring Boxer - Professional House Maid
Cultural Background: Iranian
Relationship to the Story: Escaped to North America illegally to chase a dream of being something that she would never be allowed to pursue in her homeland.
Illegally crossing from Canada to Detroit under the cover of night, she arrives at Elysium Fields Boxing Club and implores veteran Boxing Trainer Billy Bones Foley to give her a chance.
He agrees, allowing her to sleep in the gym, but only until she has saved enough money for her own place - which she does via her day job as a House Maid at Senator Johnson’s Penthouse Apartment.
This soon turns sour after Atusa rejects the Senator’s advances, after which he spreads lies about her - leaving Atusa suddenly jobless, homeless and without a Trainer.
Now the real fight begins.
BILLY ‘BONES’ FOLEY
Age: 45 years
Gender: Male
Profession: Professional Boxing Coach
Cultural Background: Scots / Irish Detroit Patriot.
Relationship to the Story: Older brother of Senator Johnson - born to different fathers - Billy is at the end of his career. Prematurely aged and sick with various terminal ailments, he still turns up to his gym every day - more out of spite than anything, or so it seems.
That is until Atusa arrives like the “smelly little beacon she is”. Billy is immediately intrigued, yet ready to treat her as he treats himself. But, something tells him to help her. He finds her a job and offers her a place to live.
He is proud of his charge as she is a fast learner and is soon winning fast, but that ends quickly as he is told by Senator Johnson that Atusa has stolen from him.
Billy is angry and heartbroken and ready to throw in the towel, throwing Atusa out in a fit of alcoholic rage.
He regrets it as soon as he acts. Such is life.
AUNT MAE
Age: 70 years
Gender: Female
Profession: House Mistress
Cultural Background: Afro / Caribbean
Relationship to the Story: A Georgia-born House Mistress and private confident of Senator Johnson.
She has seen many a young woman come and go in this place, so is not surprised by anything that occurs.
A mother and grandmother who lives in the ‘decidedly poor’ area of Detroit she feels immediate empathy for Atusa - offering advice freely. But, she is not prepared to offer the type of support Atusa seeks when she reveals she has been sexually assaulted by Senator Johnson.
“Play the game, honey.”
ROSA
Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
Profession: Brothel Manager
Cultural Background: Proud descendent of German ‘Aristocracy’
Relationship to the Story: Owner and Manager of this underground brothel in the wealthy part of the City, she finds it in her heart to open her doors to Atusa after a recommendation by an associate of Aunt Mae.
Seeing some real potential in her, Rosa tells the story of her own background and family’s rise to glory. All in the hope that Atusa will understand that she is in safe hands.
This won’t be so easy as there is a real sense of fear and anger within this young woman that will likely be difficult to handle.
But, if anyone can handle this, Rosa can.