Tony and His Mother Shirley Share a Last Dinner

Written by David McMillan & Janet Mock for the television series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, this intimate two-character scene captures a quiet dinner between a mother, Shirley, and her adult son, Tony. Communicated entirely through American Sign Language, their conversation shifts naturally from lighthearted banter about Tony's new job to the heavy atmosphere of the spreading AIDS crisis. When Shirley quietly explains how she confronted her church pastor over hateful preaching, she offers her son a powerful and affirming demonstration of maternal acceptance.

Shirley is a grounded, working-class matriarch whose devotion to her faith is tempered by an even fiercer love for her family. Rather than offering empty platitudes, she shows loyalty through practical actions, defying religious dogma to protect and validate her child. Tony is an observant, independent young man who has grown accustomed to anticipating judgment from the world around him. His initial wariness swiftly dissolves into deep, heartfelt relief when he realizes his mother stands firmly on his side.

This scene serves as an extraordinary showcase for non-verbal storytelling, emotional listening, and subtext. Because the dialogue relies on signing, performers must rely on facial nuance, physical pacing, and the weight of shared history to drive the narrative forward. It offers actors a refreshing departure from speech-heavy drama, demonstrating an ability to communicate profound vulnerability and mutual trust in a subdued domestic space.

The piece is particularly suited for Deaf or signing actors seeking material for self-tapes, agent showcases, drama school auditions, and general rehearsal. Casting directors looking for authentic matriarch figures or sensitive, vulnerable dramatic leads will find strong demonstration material here. It also provides rich ground for pairs practicing subtle, grounded relationship work centered on family acceptance and LGBTQ+ themes.

Allow the domestic environment to dictate your physical rhythm, letting the clearing of plates and the flow of the meal feel organic. Pay close attention to Tony's defensive shift when the news is mentioned, followed by the release of tension once Shirley clarifies her stance. Resist the urge to over-dramatize the final exchange of affection, letting the shared sign between mother and son land with understated, earned warmth.