Artisque

Artisque

A drama about creative and talented students in an art university in London.

First scene

It’s the day of auditions.

Priya

Mum. I’m going out.

Priya’s Mum

Me and your Dad are so proud of you. You will be a great doctor.

Priya

Yeah. I will. Bye Mum.

Priya walks out of the house. Judy walks up to her.

Judy

You ready.

Priya

Yes.

Judy

You have to try this. Hey. You might not get in but at least you can look back on this and say you have no regrets.

Priya

Yeah. You’re right.

Judy

You are the best singer I know. Why would they not want you?

Priya

But my parents. They want me to be a doctor. They have wanted that for me for years.

Judy

You have to stand up to them. It’s your life. We better go. Don’t want to be late. Let’s go.

They go.

Next scene

Scott and York are preparing for their auditions.

York

I can’t believe it’s here. The audition. I’ve been waiting years for this. What if I mess up my lines? What if I don’t get in?

Scott

York. You will. So will I. You are the greatest dancer and actor.

York

Your rap songs are sick. I don’t know, it’s times like this I miss my family.

Scott

Look. It’s your Father’s loss he can’t love you as a homosexual. You don’t need that abusive man in your life.

Scott touches York by the hand.

Scott

I’m here for you. My whole family is and you will get through this. Don’t you ever for a second get to thinking you did something wrong. Your Dad is an abusive freak and a homophobe. You don’t need him. You got me. You get me.

Scott kisses York.

Scott

I love you.

York

I love you too.

Scott

Anyway. Look at this drawing I did of you to go in my portfolio.

Scott shows York the picture.

Next scene

Brody is on a bus. His Mother calls him.

Brody

Hey Mum.

Brody’s Mum

Are you there yet?

Brody

Nearly there.

Brody’s Mum

Baby. You know how much me and the family love you. Whatever happens. Whether you get in or don’t. We love you no matter what. Regardless of blood. You are a talented, smart, kind soul.

Brody

Thanks Mum. I love you. I better go. Bye.

Next scene

Priya and Judy enter the school.

Priya

Oh my gosh. This place is so beautiful.

Judy

It is. I want this so bad.

A girl approaches Judy.

Cressida

Don’t I know you from somewhere?

Judy

No. You don’t.

Cressida

Oh. I do. You’re that girl who sold her story on that footballer Xavier Esmerelda.

Judy

Yes. It’s me. So what. I’m here for my talent and not my personal life.

Priya

You don’t need to justify yourself to her. You were asked to audition. They know you are talented anyway. You wouldn’t have got this far. Come on Judy let’s go.

Cressida sarcastically screams.

Cressida

Good luck.

Next scene

Auditions are held by Mr Eachan, Ms Magnolia, Mrs Duff, Ms Napoleon and Mr Rafferty.

Caleb (a singer) auditions singing Elton John’s Something About the Way You Look Tonight.

Kendrick (a dancer) dances to ballet and street dance.

Brody (a writer) reads poetry and a snippet of a script he wrote.

Scott (an artist and rapper) showcases his portfolio and auditions to the rap song Runaway Love by Ludacris and Mary J Blige.

Judy (a dancer) dances to ballet. Judy stops and then speaks to the teachers.

Judy

Please. Whatever you think please judge me on my talent. I’ve been a dancer since I was a kid.

Mrs Duff

Don’t worry Judy. Just relax and show us your talent. What you can do best.

Edith (a dancer) does a choreographed dance created by herself.

Yinka (an artist and actor) showcases a painting and performs an original script.

Malik (an actor) acts out a classic scene from EastEnders.

Cinderella’s Daughter / Vanessa (a rapper and actress) auditions with an original song and Bodak Yellow by Cardi B.

Otis (a designer) showcases his portfolio and displays his designs in the setting of an art gallery.

Gemma (a dancer and actress) auditions with an original script.

York (an actor and dancer) reacts a scene from Much Ado About Nothing. York gets a bit afraid and messes up his lines.

Mr Rafferty

York relax. Take a deep breath.

York then starts again.

Cressida (a singer and dancer) auditions with A Moment Like This by Leona Lewis and stops.

Ms Magnolia

What’s wrong Cressida?

Cressida

I can’t hit the high notes. I think I have a cold. Can I re-audition in a fortnight?

The teachers talk among themselves.

Ms Magnolia

Yes you can. But on a cold you were still impressive.

Priya (a singer) auditions with Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston.

Mrs Duff talks with Ms Magnolia.

Mrs Duff

This girl has a really, really great voice. A huge talent.

Ms Magnolia

I haven’t seen talent like this in years.

Mrs Duff

Well done Priya.

Next scene

Cressida comes back and auditions with Rolling in the Deep by Adele.

Ms Magnolia

Beautiful Cressida. A really great talent for your age. You have a lot of potential.

Cressida cries.

Cressida

Thank you.

Cressida walks away and rolls her eyes.

Next scene

All characters get letters sent to them informing them they have been accepted.

Next scene

An assembly in the lecture room is held by the head teacher Mr Mungo.

Mr Mungo

Ladies and Gentlemen. Congratulations. You beat thousands of applicants to get the seat you are sitting on now. What you will go through for the next three years is pure hard work. You will learn how to be an artist. If you want to be a celebrity this is not the place for that. Here you will learn how to be a true artist and we will help you develop on your existing talent. I say to you all to enjoy every single moment and work hard.

Next scene

A dance class is held by Ms Magnolia. Everyone dances but Priya can’t keep up.

Cressida

Can’t get the rhythm?

Priya

I’m not a dancer. A singer.

Cressida

It’s hard. Not many British female singers are Asian.

Priya

What does this have to do with that?

Cressida

Oh. Nothing. Just stating a fact.

Priya

I want to be judged on my voice. Not my race and background.

Cressida

Yeah. But can you name five Asian commercial female singers?

Priya

M.I.A, Charli XCX, ………

Cressida

Exactly my point.

Priya

I’ll prove you wrong. I’ll show you. Anyway. I’m in the building of the greatest art university in Europe. I’ll break tradition. I’ll make history.

Cressida

Nobody likes to break tradition.

Cressida walks away. Priya attempts to follow her but Vanessa stops her.

Priya

That white bitch.

Vanessa

Don’t let that get to you. You know your worth. The teachers and the whole class does. Don’t go down to her level like Katy Perry / Taylor Swift beef. It. I mean her. A sad, sad person. Just toughen up and not go down to the racist’s level. She’s jealous and afraid of your talent.

Next scene

Judy is late for university and is about to enter the building but is approached by a man.

Judy

What do you want?

Xavier

What do you think? You have ruined my life?

Judy

I didn’t ruin anything. You knew exactly what you were doing when you got with me. You had your Wife and kids at home and you still got with me. I did them a favour. You footballers, you think you can have everything; do anything don’t you? Well I’m not your bitch and you should stick to your so called morals.

Xavier grabs Judy and Otis intervenes.

Otis

Hey Judy, are you okay?

Judy

Perfect Otis. Xavier let me go.

Xavier lets her go.

Xavier

This isn’t over Judy.

Xavier walks away.

Otis

What’s his problem?

Judy

Just a greedy, sick excuse of a man. We better go inside. We’re both late.

Judy and Otis go inside.

Next scene

Mrs Duff talks to her students.

Mrs Duff

For the Christmas showcase one of the students from the first year will sing a solo. Each of you has to pick a Christmas song to sing. 50% of the decision is the class vote and the other 50% is mine.

Next scene

Everyone sings and it is shortlisted down to Priya and Cressida.

Priya sings Destiny’s Child’s 8 Days of Christmas.

Cressida sings Kelly Clarkson’s Underneath the Tree.

Mrs Duff

And the person performing at the show is ………….. Priya.

Everybody claps. Cressida watches in anger while Priya smirks at her.

Judy

Priya. You did it. I’m so proud of you.

Next scene

Everyone leaves the classroom and Brody approaches Mrs Duff.

Brody

Mrs Duff. Can I call you Leila?

Mrs Duff

Of course. What’s wrong Brody?

Brody

I’m not a singer but I really want to excel in it and try my hand at song writing. Could you give me extra lessons?

Mrs Duff

Brody. You have the best being taught to you from my lessons and you are a natural. You can sing and you are doing fine. You have nothing to worry about. Advice I could give is to observe Caleb. Your grades in music are okay.

Priya intervenes.

Priya

Hey Brody. Come on. It’s lunch. I’m starving.

Brody

Thanks Leila. I better go.

Brody and Priya go outside.

Priya

You call her Leila.

Next scene

Scott is drawing the cafeteria room and is approached by Cressida.

Cressida

What are you doing?

Scott

Nothing. I’m just killing time. Waiting.

Cressida

Can I see it?

Scott shows Cressida the book of drawings to her.

Cressida

Wow. That’s really great. You’re so talented. You should draw me sometime. I need a portrait done and I’d love to be your muse.

York interrupts.

York

Hey Cressida.

York kisses Scott.

Cressida

I just saw Scott’s drawings. He is so talented isn’t he?

York

He is. My man.

Cressida attempts to leave.

York

Cressida. Stay. Have lunch with us.

Cressida

Nah. I’m good. I don’t want to get in between your lunch. Bye Scott.

Next scene

Judy, Priya and Brody talk.

Priya

My Dad. Especially him. He just won’t understand. He wants me to be a doctor. I don’t know how to tell him this.

Brody

Why don’t you invite him to the Christmas showcase? Let him see you perform and how good you are at it.

Priya

I don’t know. Should I?

Brody/Judy

You should.

Judy

You never guess what happened to me this morning……………..

Next scene

Scott and York talk.

Scott

York. You gotta sing the hook on this song. It needs a male singer and you would be perfect for it. I heard you in the shower. Come on. It’s one minute of your time. You’re gonna hear the song played in the club and everyone will love it. We could be the gay Jay Z and Beyonce.

York

Alright. You’ve pulled my arm.

Next scene

It’s the end of the day. Priya and Brody talk.

Priya

Brody. Can I use your phone? My battery is gone and I need to let my Mum know I will be late home.

Brody

Course. Tonight at the club will be great.

Priya calls her Mother. She then looks at photos and finds loads of Mrs Duff.

Priya

Brody. What is this on your phone?

Brody

It’s not what you think.

Priya

Brody. Tell me what this is. You creep. You’re obsessed with Mrs Duff. I should have known when you started calling her Leila.

Brody stays silent.

Priya

I’m going to tell Mr Mungo.

Brody

Please. Don’t.

Priya

Why?

Brody

She’s my Mother.

Priya

What! Your Mother?

Brody

Yes. She gave me up when she was a teenager. I found out about a year ago. She gave me up for music and the arts. This bullshit is more important than me.

Priya

Oh my god. Brody. Come here.

Priya hugs Brody.

Priya

Brode. You’re doing it all wrong.

Next scene

Otis and Vanessa talk.

Otis

Vanessa your rap is so good. I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me?

Vanessa

I can’t. I really just want to focus on my studies for now. It’s not a no. Just not now.

Next scene

Vanessa goes to a child minder.

Vanessa

Thanks Carmen.

Vanessa carries her baby.

Vanessa

Hey baby, how was your day?

Next scene

Everyone is at the club and Scott & York’s song plays. Everybody dances to it.

York

They love it.

Scott

See. I told you.

Scott kisses York. Cressida watches in jealousy.

Next scene

Judy and Kendrick talk.

Kendrick

I so have a crush on River.

Judy

The guy in the year above.

Kendrick

He’s hot.

Judy

And taken. Her name is Frankie.

Kendrick

If he was gay……..

Next scene

Mr Eachan talks to his class.

Mr Eachan

Hey everyone. Today we won’t be doing an art class today. I’m afraid a student in year three has committed suicide.

Judy

Suicide.

Mr Eachan

Yes.

Scott

Do we know him or her?

Mr Eachan

You might have. His name was Gregory. He was a talented guy. The nicest guy you could ever meet.

Mr Eachan cries.

Priya

Mr Eachan. Are you okay?

Mr Eachan

I will be. It’s just that they don’t prepare you for suicidal students. If I’d have known I could have prevented it. Saved him.

Cressida

There was nothing you could have done. Anyone could be suicidal. Even the strongest person you know.

York

Gregory didn’t just kill himself. He killed the whole community. Everyone who knew him.

Scott holds York.

Otis

His poor Mother.

Vanessa

I think men need to talk through how they feel. He must have been bottling things up. It’s not non-macho to talk. Confide in someone. There is always a way other than suicide.

Malik

When I go home I will hold on tight to my brothers.

Mr Eachan

I have these leaflets for all of you to take with you or to give to a friend in need. If any of you need to talk to the school counsellor please let me know.

Next scene

Everyone is leaving the classroom. Malik speaks to Priya.

Malik

Hey Priya.

Priya

Hi.

Malik

Would you like to go on a date with me? To a restaurant or something? It’s just that today proves life is precious and if I don’t ask you now I never will.

Priya

Malik. That’s sweet but I can’t. I have to help Brody with something and I’m also not in the mood.

Malik

Ok.

Priya walks away.

Next scene

It’s the Christmas showcase. Priya prepares to perform.

Brody

Priya. You can do this.

Priya

I’m so nervous. What if I stammer while singing? And my parents are going to be there.

Judy

You got this. Priya you are the best.

Next scene

Priya’s parents arrive.

Next scene

Mrs Duff speaks to the audience. 

Mrs Duff

Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me introduce you to our year one student Priya.

Priya sings All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. Malik and Otis watch her.

Otis

Wow. She can really sing.

Next scene

Priya hits the whistle note at the end of the song.

Cressida

She can scream. I’ll be damned.

Next scene

Everybody claps giving a standing ovation. Priya’s Dad Waqar walks out and Priya follows him.

Priya

Dad. I didn’t mean to get you here under false pretences.

Waqar

You quit medical school for art.

Priya

Yes. This is what I love. I can do health but my heart is music. Did you hear the standing ovation? See my school reports. They all prove I’m talented and I can make it.

Waqar

You can’t Priya. It’s not for us.

Priya

It is. Times are different now. I’m going to change the world. Make history.

Waqar

Priya. When I was young I wanted to be a footballer but I grew up and got a real job. To provide for my family.

Priya

This course is three years and if I fail I can fall back on health. Please Dad.

Waqar

Three years. You were good and I am proud of you. I just hope this isn’t a broken dream.

A man interrupts.

Jared

Hello Priya. I’m Jared DeMarco. I am an A&R at Calls from Mary Jane.

Priya

Oh my god. I know you. Misty is on that label. I love her music.

Jared

We love you and would love to have you on our record label. Here is my card. Please call me as soon as.

Priya

Okay. Thank you.

Jared walks away.

Priya

Oh my god. Dad. A record label wants me.

Waqar

I was wrong. Your dreams are coming true.

Malik interrupts.

Malik

Priya. Can I talk with you for a minute?

Priya

Yeah. Course.

Malik

Priya. You were amazing. You killed it up there. You own it. Do you want to go on a date with me to celebrate?

Priya

Okay. Why not.

Next scene

Malik and Priya go on various dates together. They kiss.

Next scene

Cressida and Malik talk in a coffee shop

Cressida

Is it working? Has she fallen for you?

Malik

Hell yeah she has. But Cressida is this all worth it?

Cressida

It’s none of your business whether it is. She is a threat to all my fifteen years of hard work. I am going to be the star of the show. She is not getting in the way. Just keep fucking her to distract her mind and I win; defeating her. At Artisque and after. Take your money.

Malik’s phone rings.

Cressida

Answer it.

Priya

Hey Malik. How was your Christmas?

Malik

It’s good. Just chilling and spending time with my folks. It’s all for the kids really.

Priya

You know Gemma. Her sister Sharifa is having a birthday party in a club. Do you wanna go with me?

Cressida taps Malik on the arm.

Malik

Yes. I need a night out and it would be good if it would be with you.

Priya

Great. Just come over to my house.

Malik

See you then.

Malik hangs up on the phone.

Cressida

Perfect. Thank you.

Next scene

Everyone is at the club celebrating Sharifa’s birthday. Cressida stares at Malik and rolls her eyes.

Malik

Priya. Do you want to dance?

Priya

Yes.

Malik and Priya dance. Judy and York talk.

Judy

I’m so happy for Priya. She deserves happiness. And she’s been signed to a record label.

York

I’m so happy for her.

Next scene

Cressida and Scott talk.

Scott

About that drawing. We need to do that sometime.

Cressida

Scott. I also wrote a song and I’d love you to feature a rap on it. What do you say?

Scott

Okay.

Cressida

Oh. Thanks. Do you want to dance with me?

Scott

Yes.

Scott and Cressida dance. Judy watches in disgust.

Judy

York. Your man is dancing with another woman. What are you going to do about it?

York

Nothing. It’s just a dance.

Judy

Not when it involves Cressida.

Next scene

Sharifa approaches Otis.

Otis

Happy birthday birthday girl.

Sharifa

Thanks. So you stage school guys. Are you all gay?

Otis

Me. No. But I can’t speak for everybody else. I like women and the industry is a male one.

Sharifa kisses Otis.

Next scene

Everyone sings Happy Birthday to Sharifa and she blows the candles.

Next scene

Mrs Duff teaches the music lesson and a hungover Priya enters the class late.

Priya

I’m sorry Mrs Duff I had things to attend to last night.

Mrs Duff

It’s fine. Sit down.

Mrs Duff

Everyone the auditions to perform at the BRIT Awards are here.

Next scene

Everyone sings. Mrs Duff shortlists it down to Cressida, Priya and Vanessa (Cinderella’s Daughter).

Mrs Duff

The winner is Cressida.

Cressida

Thank you.

Cressida winks at Malik.

Next scene

Priya knocks on a classroom door.

Priya

Hi Mr Rafferty.

Mr Rafferty

Please come in.

Priya

I’m so grateful you can help me learn my lines and become a better actress. Right. Let’s get down to it.

Next scene

It’s the end of the day and York and Kendrick are leaving to go home.

York

Kendrick. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Kendrick

Bye.

York sees somebody he knows.

York

Dad.

Emmanuel

Hey son.

Next scene

Cressida and Scott are working on music together in the recording studio.

Cressida

Scott. The rap is great but you have to work on the pitch. Great lyrics you wrote.

Scott

Yeah. Maybe when I rap the beat goes faster to make it more dramatic.

Cressida

I’ll try that.

Next scene

York and his Father talk.

York

It’s been three years. What do you want from me? How did you find me?

Emmanuel

Your Twitter.

York

Well that’s going private. Do you accept me for gay now?

Emmanuel

No. We all miss you. I shouldn’t have left it how I did. I’m ashamed I disowned my teenage son. We want you to come back. Scott won’t want you living at his place forever.

York

I miss the family but they all turned on me following your lead.

Emmanuel

Son. I’m asking you to come home.

York

Okay. Do you accept Scott?

Emmanuel

That boy is a danger. Can’t you see what he has done to you? He has groomed you. I have been speaking with this doctor who can make you the good baby boy you once was. I want you to have counselling. Look at this leaflet.

York looks at the leaflet and reads it.

York

You want me to have electroshock treatment?

Emmanuel

Yes.

York

Never. I will never do that.

Emmanuel

Not for your Mum or your brothers?

York

No. If you can’t accept me and Scott then there is nothing more I have to say to you.

Emmanuel

Scott doesn’t love you. He will betray you in the end. Break your heart.

York

He won’t. He loves me and I love him. I never want to speak to you again.

York walks away.

Next scene

Judy calls Priya leaving a message.

Judy

Priya. Where are you? Don’t you remember we were meant to go shopping. Call me when you get this.

Next scene

Mr Rafferty is helping Priya learn her lines.

Mr Rafferty

Before you say that take a deep breath and remember your posture.

Priya’s phone buzzes.

Priya

Oh. I forgot. I have to meet with Judy. We were going to go shopping.

Mr Rafferty

Can’t it wait? What is more important? Shopping or your career? Stay another half an hour.

Next scene

Scott draws Cressida while she poses. Scott shows his artwork to Cressida.

Cressida

Oh my gosh. Scott that is beautiful. You captured me in the right light. I love it.

Cressida kisses Scott.

Scott

What are you doing? I love York. This is meant to be professional.

Cressida

So what. I like you. You like me. What’s wrong with that? Yes Scott I like you. Why are you trying to fight it? York is boring and I am exciting. You know it. We gel together. We click in ways you and York can’t.

Cressida kisses Scott again. He kisses her back.

Next scene

Priya and Mr Rafferty speak.

Priya

Thanks for helping me Mr Rafferty. You are the kindest teacher here.

Mr Rafferty

Thank you. Can we have one more rehearsal? You have the potential to be a great actress.

Priya and Mr Rafferty rehearse and he tries to kiss her.

Priya

What the fuck are you doing? I’m your student.

Mr Rafferty

Come on Priya. You’re not a kid.

Priya

So. We all look up to you. Respect you. You’re in a position of trust. Ooh. You’re old enough to be my Father. You make me sick. Pervert. You’re a disgrace. You disgust me.

Mr Rafferty attempts to touch Priya and she shoves a table at him, slaps him, kicks him in the nuts and runs out of the classroom.

Next scene

Judy is waiting for Priya. A man comes up to her from behind.

Xavier

Hey Judy.

Judy

What do you want now? Can’t you take a hint? I want nothing to do with you.

Xavier

You ruined my life. My career. My reputation. And my family. They left me.

Judy

Is that all you care about? Where are your morals? You are just an overpaid for doing nothing rich boy. I’m glad I did what I did.

Xavier

You were meant to love me. All you were meant to do was love me.

Judy

Well I don’t. You made the choice to betray your family. You ruined your career. You made that choice and only you. They and the world had a right to know. You’re a fraud. I’m nobody’s dirty little secret. Now excuse me I’m going shopping with my friend.

Judy walks away, Xavier grabs her.

Xavier

Otis can’t protect you now.

Judy slaps Xavier and he hits her back knocking her to the floor. Xavier leaves the scene leaving Judy unconscious. 

Next scene

York calls Scott and leaves a message. While he does this Scott and Cressida are kissing.

York

Scott. I’m just calling as my so called Dad asked me to come back home only if I have electroshock treatment. Can you believe that? Please answer the phone Scott as I really need to talk with you. Anyway I’ll see you soon. I love you. All my love. York.

Next scene

Priya hides in another classroom.

Mr Rafferty

Priya. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.

As Priya hides in the classroom she cries silently.

End of episode one.