Michael Kras
08-27-2010, 07:53 PM
Hello All!
I'm submitting an original script of mine called Blur to my high school drama festival this year and I want to make it as good as possible... Please take a look over and I REALLY appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you!!!
Characters
The Actor: The main focus of the story, an aspiring performer who finally gets his big break. Things start to go wrong, though, when his life begins to be consumed by his work.
The Wife: Married to The Actor, and holding a loving relationship until things begin to fall apart.
The Director: A mysterious man who we see little of… he’s directing The Actor in his first major role. He’s authoritative and articulate, yet mysterious and creepy in the way he carries himself.
The Press: Two or three people who appear occasionally to report on the success of “The Play” and praise The Actor’s groundbreaking performance. They are used as transition pieces and to clarify certain situations within the play.
Synopsis: An aspiring actor finally gets his big break and obtains the role of a lifetime… however, as he gets further and further into his role, he becomes further and further removed from reality. As such, his character begins to completely consume his life, threatening to destroy him and those around him.
(Throughout the play the stage is divided in half... one half, stage left, features the home of The Actor and The Wife… the other side, stage right, features a literal stage where The Director constantly resides. The Actor moves back and forth from both sides, while The Wife and Director stay on their respective sides. Blackouts define which side is the focus of the scene. However, as the play progresses, the two sides become closer before combining as The Actor’s character becomes his reality and the world becomes his stage)
(Scene opens to a man, The Actor, standing in front of a table with a woman, The Wife, sitting and watching him intently. The Actor is rehearsing a monologue for an audition.)
Actor: And as such, when you may next see me, I will not be me. I cannot be me. I should not be me. A fact that threatens to tear apart the fabric of life at its very seams and destroy us all, reducing us to no more than a pile of threads and patches.
(A brief moment of silence… The Actor breaks character)
Actor: Scene. Well, what do you think? And answer honestly, don’t answer me like a wife.
Wife: Well…
Actor: On second thought, just answer me like a wife.
Wife: (Chuckling) That’s not what I mean. All I mean is… it’s a bit… morbid isn’t it?
Actor: It’s what they asked me to prepare, in fact they GAVE me this monologue to rehearse and use at the audition… apparently it’s the best way for the Director to accurately gauge who fits the role to a tee.
Wife: Well then if it’s what he wants…
Actor: But is it any good?
Wife: Honey, it’s very good! It’s great! I think you’re a shoo-in.
Actor: But we don’t know what I’m up against... This could be huge!
Wife: You have to stop worrying about it so much! Things will turn out just the way they’re meant to.
Actor: But what if that way doesn’t include me, center stage, in the biggest production of all time?
Wife: (Smiling) You stress about things like this too much you know.
Actor: I can’t help it! You know how much I love being on stage. There’s just that rush to it, you know? It’s a rush I couldn’t live without. There’s nothing else like it. Nothing.
Wife: Ahem…?
Actor: You know what I mean! If there are two things in this world I love most, they’d have to be Acting… and You. (Smiles)
Wife: (Playfully) Oh stop it.
Actor: What? Is it suddenly such a huge crime to love my Wife?
Wife: Well in this case you’re going to have to choose… what’s it going to be? Acting, or me?
(The Actor begins to walk behind The Wife and slowly wraps his arms around her in an embrace from behind as he speaks)
Actor: Well my dear, there’s no question of which one I’d choose over the other. So I’m going to have to say I choose… Acting.
(The Wife looks shocked, playfully slaps The Actor away, gets out of her chair and begins to walk away)
Wife: Well I guess I’ll be leaving then, there’s only room for one of us…
Actor: (Laughing) Come here.
(The Actor grabs The Wife’s hand as she jokingly walks away and pulls her gently in. The two embrace, and are immediately blacked out on their side of the stage… simultaneously, the other side illuminates, revealing a man, The Director, standing with a clipboard in hand.)
Director: NEXT!!!!!
(The Actor enters, standing in front of the Director, who current stands far upstage.)
Director: Whenever you’re ready.
(The Actor stands silently, takes a deep breath, and falls into character. He begins a monologue)
Actor: How often does one get to say that he has traveled beyond the limits of… of
Director: NEXT!
Actor: But…
Director: NEXT!
Actor: Could you please just give me another…
Director: This is the theatre, there is NO ROOM for seconds chances. NEXT!
Actor: If you just listen to me…
Director: No, YOU listen to ME. My time is precious, and you are a complete and total waste of it. Now, I’m trying to create the single greatest theatrical production you will ever see in your lifetime, and if you think I’m going to sit here and argue with you, you are SORELY mistaken. NEXT!
(The Actor stands silently, then shows a look of defeat and walks away. This side of the stage blacks out as the other side is illuminated again. It reveals the actor back at his home with his wife)
Wife: He didn’t even hear your full audition?
Actor: I got about three seconds into it before he cut me off. Maybe he just… maybe he already found the perfect guy so he was just trying to get all of the other ones over with.
Wife: Or MAYBE he knew that you’re the one he wanted without even hearing your full audition!
Actor: Ugh, stop thinking so positively! Can’t you just revel in my sadness just once?
Wife: (smiling) I’m just saying… maybe YOU were the best he saw all day.
Actor: There you go, being all positive again! Look, if he actually loved me so much, I wouldn’t be standing around sulking, you wouldn’t be here comforting me, and that phone would be ringing…
(The phone rings… The Actor stops speaking, slowly goes to answer the phone)
Actor: Hello?... Yes, yes it is… Uh, thank you… thank you… Wow, thank you so much!
(The Actor hangs up the phone and looks at his wife, almost dumbfounded. He grabs her, picks her up in an embrace and spins her around. This side of the stage blacks out, and the other side illuminates revealing The Director surrounded by The Press)
Press: We’re now here with the director of this momentous occasion in the world of theatre. A master work, unsurpassed by even the greatest playwrights, will soon be erected here within this very city. Do you have any words of your own?
Director: I can guarantee this production to be everything you’ve said it is and more… we’re breaking the boundaries of traditional theatre to bring a unique experience to the table. We’ve got fresh talent to bring out.
Press: Sources have noted that the production intends on “breaking the fourth wall”… in essence, the production directly and indirectly interacts with the audience.
Director: Yes. Yes, you could say that. All I will say is that this is groundbreaking material, and it WILL change the face of theatre forever.
Press: Well then! We’ll have to wait and see if it lives up to such large claims. Can you give us any details of what this play might be about?
Director: No. Nothing. Not a thing.
Press: Not even...
Director: No. Everything is being held in the strictest secrecy until opening night.
Press: And when can we expect opening night to be?
Director: Opening night will be determined at a later date. Now, If you’ll excuse me, I have a masterpiece awaiting my attention.
(This side of the stage blacks remains lit, The Press exits while the other side illuminates to reveal The Actor, holding a script, pacing and mumbling his lines. The Wife enters, holding two different dresses on hangers)
Director: Enter Wife, holding two dresses in front of her. The Actor stands intently reading from the script.
Wife: Honey, which dress looks better? This one, or this one?
Director: The Actor does not divert his attention from his script, and gives The Wife a passive answer.
Actor: They both look great.
Director: The Wife begins to show signs of frustration.
Wife: Well I can’t wear both…
Actor: (Still not looking up from script) Fine then, the one on the left.
Wife: …Well, you have to look up and see…
Director: The Actor releases a small outburst reflecting his annoyance.
Actor: Listen, I don’t have time for this, okay? Can’t you see I’m busy right now?
Director: The Wife diverts from her anger and frustration and attempts to win The Actor over with a compassionate tone.
Wife: You’ve been doing this all day! Can’t you just look up for one little second…
Actor: I have to be off-book by TONIGHT. I don’t have time for your little dress problems, alright?
Director: The Wife reverts back to her anger.
Wife: Fine… fine, okay, whatever…
Actor: Oh what, you’re MAD at me now? What is it going to take to get through to you? I HAVE to do this.
Wife: You’ve been at this for DAYS, you need a break.
Director: The Actor begins his pivotal monologue. Take it nice and slowly, you’ve built up a lot of emotion and this is your moment to let it all out. Pace it so your words have impact. And… Action!
Actor: There’s no TIME for that, what have I been saying? This is THE most important production ever, okay? EVER. And I’m a part of it! This is a dream come true for me, okay? A dream come true! So either support me and understand what a huge deal this is for us, or stay out of it entirely. Now leave, I need to rehearse. Please.
Wife: A huge deal for US…?
Actor: I said LEAVE!
Director: Exit Wife. The Actor continues to work at memorizing his script. Scene.
(Silence. The Wife quietly exits, leaving The Actor still intently focused on his lines. He finally stops reading his script and drops it to his side, facing forward. He and The Director are far separated from each other on opposite sides of the stage. )
Actor: I can’t do this.
Director: What are you talking about?
Actor: I just can’t do this. I love her too much, I…
Director: But you love acting too right? You love theatre, right?
Actor: Yes, of course.
Director: And isn’t this a dream come true?
Actor: Yes.
Director: Then I really don’t see the problem here. You love acting. I could have chosen any one of thousands… THOUSANDS of actors. But I chose you. Isn’t that a huge honour?
Actor: Is it worth it to lose her? To lose EVERYTHING?
Director: Of course it is! And don’t let yourself be convinced that is isn’t. Is she your ticket to fame, fortune, prestige? Is your everyday, boring, mundane, useless little life?
Actor: Well… no, but…
Director: Then focus on the script. I couldn’t be laying this out in simpler terms for you. You’re an ACTOR. You must be set up for sacrifice.
Actor: Just, please, don’t hurt her.
Director: Continue running your lines, this is of the greatest importance.
(The Director’s side of the stage blacks out, leaving The Actor alone briefly)
Actor: A dream come true.
(This side of the stage blacks out as the other side illuminates again. The Press re-enter and stand alongside The Director.)
Press: It has been weeks since the announcement of your production and we don’t have any details on it yet. At this point in time is there anything you can give us.
Director: I tell you the same thing every time, NO! Not a single detail will be released about this production.
Press: Not even a title?
Director: You’re kidding right?
Press: Well, how are rehearsals going?
Director: Rehearsals have been moving smoothly since the start… our star has really immersed himself in the role and has put in the amount of devotion required for this production.
Press: Ah, and I assume a large amount of devotion would be required for such a role?
Director: Oh, you have no idea. It has required a rigorous, almost endless rehearsal schedule. In fact a rehearsal is being conducted as we speak.
Press: Well shouldn’t you be in rehearsal? Why aren’t you..?
Director: Because you people won’t mind your own ****ing business.
(This side of the stage blacks out and the other illuminates… The Actor and The Wife are sitting at a table, eating off plates with a knife and fork)
Wife: So, how was rehearsal?
(There’s a long silence, the actor entirely ignores his wife and continues eating. He looks a fair bit tired.)
Wife: You haven’t said two words to me since you got home… did it go alright?
Actor: (Sharply, still not looking at Wife) Great. Fantastic.
Wife: You seem a little tired…
Actor: It was a long day, okay?
Wife: But you’re never tired after work, and rehearsal was only…
Actor: I didn’t go to work.
Wife: What? Why? Why wouldn’t you go to work.
Actor: Because. I. Had. Rehearsal. I’m always going to have rehearsal. Okay?
Wife: You rehearsed for 10 hours? Jesus honey, I…
(The Actor slams his cutlery down)
Actor: GODDAMNIT, what could you POSSIBLY know about it, hmm? Who the **** are you to say what’s normal and what’s not?
Wife: How can it be normal if YOU are not being normal?
Actor: Why can’t you just be happy for me? My first big break, it’s already making the news and we aren’t even a few weeks into rehearsal yet! My work has finally paid off and what do you do? You nag. Everything I do you just nag and nag and ***** and ***** and I’m SICK of it okay?
Wife: Can’t I be concerned about my husband? Is that too much for…
Actor: Stop it, I’m a big boy and I can take care of myself.
Wife: I’m just doing it because I LOVE YOU…
Actor: Yeah, okay. I’m going to go run lines.
(Actor gets up from the table and begins to walk off)
Wife: Haven’t you rehearsed enough for one day?
Actor: I’LL TELL YOU WHEN I’VE REHEARSED ENOUGH.
(As the Wife’s line is spoken The Actor turns back around and says his line as he forcefully shoves his plate of food off the table, shattering it. This side of the stage blacks out as the opposite side illuminates. The Director stands alone with his clipboard.)
Director: Excellent, excellent! The sign of a great actor is his ability to feed off his surroundings to enhance his performance and you’ve done just that! I felt true power, real raw emotion, exactly what we need here. Moving on!
(This side of the stage remains lit as the opposite side is also illuminated… the two worlds of theatre and reality are becoming one. The Actor still stands above his table in front of his wife, who looks frightened)
Wife: Honey, please…
Director: Bring it down, you’ve hit your crescendo and you’re going to hit it again soon, give us all a break. A constant amount of impassioned anger will only tire us.
Actor: What? What?!? You can’t even pretend to understand what this is like for me. Don’t you see? This is what makes me happy!
Wife: No… no, I don’t see.
Actor: What?
Wife: You’re not… you’re not happy at all, you’re just…
Director: Bring it back up, slowly…
Actor: Just WHAT?
(The Actor grabs his knife from dinner off the table and holds it in the direction of his heart.)
Wife: Please… please, put that down…
Actor: Why don’t you just take this knife and get rid of me, huh? Because you’re killing me already anyway! You’re killing me!!!
Wife: Stop, you’re scaring me.
Actor: Just do it! Don’t even look at me, just take your hand, put it right here, and PUSH! PLEASE!
(The Actor’s look of anger changes into an expression of desperation and sadness… He begins to whisper to his Wife, and The Director on the other side of the stage begins to show concern.)
Actor: Please... please… please…
Director: That is NOT in the script!
(The Director’s voice startles The Actor, who drops his knife. The Director moves slowly in, approaching The Actor, only to be standing right next to him)
Actor: It’s not in the script…
Wife: What?
Actor: I can’t do it, it’s not in the script, I have to follow the script…
Wife: …Who are you? I… I don’t even know who you are anymore! You’re not the man I married!
(The Director begins feeding The Actor lines… they are spoken simultaneously by both. The Director is standing a few feet behind The Actor, unseen by anyone)
Director/Actor: I guess I won’t be needing this then.
(The Director mimes the actions of removing a ring from his finger and dropping it on a table… The Actor simultaneously replicates these actions, however he legitimately removes his ring and tables it. The Director smiles and exits. The Wife stands in silence for a moment)
Wife: So… so you meant it. You MEANT it when you said you loved acting more than…
Actor: I have to leave now. I have to go rehearse.
(The Actor turns and begins to walk off)
Wife: Rehearse. Right. For how long this time?
(The Actor stops dead in his tracks for a moment. He stands in silence, shaking and fighting back tears. After a few moments he continues walking until he exits. The Wife stands for a moment, placing her hand on the edge of the table next to her… she accidentally knocks The Actor’s wedding ring off. She bends over to pick it up, but instead just collapses and begins to sob. She remains sobbing for a few moments before The Actor, now looking very pale, disheveled, and beaten-up, slowly enters from the opposite side of the stage, carrying a mirror. As he does, The Wife’s side of the stage gets blacked out. The Actor continues to move to center stage, as the blacked-out portion of the stage is cleared of The Wife and all other set piece, leaving and empty stage. The blacked-out portion’s lights rise afterwards, leaving a dimly lit stage as The Actor finally takes his place at center stage. There is nothing left of him, and it shows. He lifts his mirror to his face, and begins to check his face in it… however, he drops it, and it breaks. He slowly looks forward into the audience and begins a monologue.)
Actor: My life. This is my life. And it will never be over… ever. I want to yell, scream, but no. No, I can’t do that… that would be breaking character. I live my character… I’m not sure if it’s even a character anymore. It’s just… me. I’m tired, and I’m finished, but it doesn’t matter. The show must go on.
(The Actor continues to stare blankly into space as The Director enters)
Director: Are you ready?
Actor: No.
Director: What’s that? What did you just say?...
Actor: Yes. Yes, of course. The show must go on.
Director: Aren’t you going to warm up?
Actor: Yes, sir…
(The Director shoves The Actor, who flops weakly onto the floor, still facing forward into space)
Actor: Are we done yet?
Director: What?
Actor: Are we done yet? Can I go?
Director: (Laughs) You’re mine! You will never, never be done. You will always have an audience, they will always watch you. Take your monologue from the top, right now. Right now!
Actor: But I…
Director: Get up! Get up right now.
(The Actor remains on the ground, clearly too weak to lift himself back up again. The Director makes a raising gesture with his hands, at which point the performer, almost puppet-like, limply raises up to a standing position)
Actor: The… the shimmering sun…
Director: Wrong! All wrong. Take it again, from the top.
Actor: (Trying to muster the energy) The shimmering sun, it rises. Rises high above us, high in the sky. It illuminates us, warms us, awakens us. How can we live without the shining sun?
Director: More! Give me more! Take it again, from the top.
Actor: (Desperately) The shimmering sun, it rises! Rises high above us, high in the sky. It illuminates us, warms us, awakens us. How can we live without the shining sun? The sun’s beams, are rays… rays of… of…
Director: Rays of WHAT?
Actor: Hope! Hope! Rays of hope!
(The Director laughs, and shoves his hands downwards in a large gesturing motion. As he does so, The Actor simultaneously falls limply to the ground in defeat)
Director: Rehearsal after rehearsal, you just get worse, and worse, and worse. What does that say about you? What does that say about ME? Is it my fault? Am I a bad director?
Actor: No, no sir… you’re brilliant. This play, it’s brilliant…
Director: Do it right.
Actor: How am I supposed to know what that means?
Director: You’re the actor! You know the role better than anybody, you tell me.
(The Director makes a rotational gesture with his hands… causing The Actor to rotate onto his back on the ground)
Actor: I need you. I need you to direct me. Tell me what to do… like you always do.
Director: Don’t talk to me like I’m stupid! I know my job, I know what I have to do, and I will do it until the day you die!
Actor: Will I ever die?
(The Director laughs, raises his hands causing The Actor to rise back into a standing position)
Director: If you ever finished, what would be different? Hmm? The world is a stage. If I let you go, do you think it will all be over? Do you think anything will change?
(There is a silence, The Actor continues to stare into the distance. The director slowly walks toward him)
Director: Still want to be an actor?
Actor: Why yes, of course… I love acting. I love singing. I love dancing. I love this play. I love you.
Director: You what?
Actor: I love you.
Director: Ah! I almost forgot. Take your dance number from the top, now.
Actor: Right now?
Director: What do you think? You’re going to do the number, and you’re going to do it over, and over, and over, and over, and…
Actor: But… I’m tired.
(There is silence… The Director shoots The Actor an intimidating look… The Performer continues to stare into the distance. The Director, clutching a glass of water, slowly steps closer to The Actor, until he is uncomfortably close. The Director looks down at the glass of water, and begins to lift it toward The Actor’s mouth as if to offer him a drink… The Actor tries to move his lips close to the glass. The Director then proceeds to lift the glass above The Actor and slowly pour the water over The Actor’s head. The Actor’s expression remains the same)
Director: Wake up. And 5, 6, 7, 8…
Actor: Wait, stop, please…
Director: AND, step, kick, step, step, step, kick, turn, leap, turn, shuffle, lunge, turn, leap, slide, heel-turn. Again! Step, kick, step, step…
(As The Director gives these instructions, The Actor, showing determination and defeat, performs the dance steps as instructed in a lanky, puppet-like manner. The Director mimics the actions of these steps, as though once again controlling The Actor. The Director’s instructions come even quicker, causing The Actor to struggle to keep up… eventually, he begins to stumble, and falls over in defeat.)
Director: Did I SAY fall? Hmm?
(The Actor continues to lay limp and does not respond… his face is buried within his arms.)
Director: Get yourself ready. You’re on in five.
(Director exits, leaving The Actor laying on stage. In silence, The Actor slowly and weakly pulls himself up to a sitting position)
Actor: A dream come true. I’m an actor. I’m famous. That’s what everybody wants, right? Everybody wants to be like me. Anybody would kill to be me! Well, do you know what? I would kill to not be. I live my life opening-to-curtain… set-to-strike… scene to scene, to scene, to scene, to scene, to scene, to…
(The Actor, beginning to overwhelm himself, pauses to breathe.)
Actor: People know what they want with their lives… where they want to go. Some go to France to study fine art… some go to Italy to accomplish culinary mastery… Me? I go stage left. I go stage right. And what do I do? I make you laugh. I make you cry. I make
you think. (Gestures to full stage around him) This is my life… this is what I live. Let me entertain you. No… let me go. Just let me go.
(The Actor removes the broken mirror from the stage in front of him, and stares into it in silence for a moment… briefly, he displays a weak half-smile, but it quickly fades away. He touches his scarred face gently with his fingertips)
Actor: I see my face in the mirror. My reflection. But what does it show? What do I see staring back at me? I see a broken man. A man who is always 5 feet higher than everyone else. A man whose face aches and who’s eyes burn from the blinding stage lights. I just want them to close the curtains… I just want them to finally close the curtains. I want my big finish… I want my climax!
(The Actor looks down at the mirror, a new gentle realization apparent in his face. He carefully reaches down, and slowly pulls one of the broken shards of mirror glass free of the frame. He places the rest of the mirror down, and slowly stands to his feet, intently staring at the shimmering shard of glass he holds)
Actor: They always want you to go out with a bang. That’s what you want isn’t it? That’s what you all want! It’s time to take center stage. (Walks to the very front of the stage, at center, staring triumphantly into space, hands below still clutching the broken glass) It’s time to smile, and tell you all what a wonderful audience you’ve been tonight, and that I wouldn’t be here without you. It’s all about style, flair. You’ve got to sell it. Leave the audience wanting more. This is it. This is my big finish. My climax. This is my grand finale!
(The Actor, showing minimal signs of physical pain, slowly cuts his wrist with the shard of glass, holding his wrist up and allowing blood to trickle down his arm.)
Actor: (Weakly) There’s only one thing left to do. Take a bow.
(The Actor slowly droops forward into a bow position… then drops to his knees and curls himself up. After a few moments of silence, The director re-enters)
Director: That was good! Much better… just a little less dramatic next time. You’re milking it, but milk it a little less or else we drift into the realm of the melodramatic and lord knows that’s not where we want to be. Take that whole scene from the top.
Actor: Just, please, let me…
Director: I said TAKE IT FROM THE TOP.
Actor: But, I can’t… I can’t.
Director: You’re right. You can’t. You don’t have to take it from the top.
Actor: I don’t?
Director: No, you don’t. Because you’re about to go on.
(The Actor’s face droops into a glazed expression once again, displaying defeat)
Director: This is the life you chose. The WORLD is your stage.. It’s everything you wanted and more, isn’t it? Isn’t it?
(The Actor, blank-faced, slowly nods his head, staring into the distance)
Director: Break a leg out there. You’re on in 5, 4…
Actor: A…
Director: 3…
Actor: Dream…
Director: 2…
Actor: Come…
Director: 1…
Actor: True.
Director: ACTION!
(The Actor steps to the head of stage, perfectly mimicking his opening monologue from before. He stands in the spotlight just as before.)
Actor: My life. This is my life. And it will never be over… ever. I want to yell, scream, but no. No, I can’t do that… that would be breaking character. I live my character… I’m not sure if it’s even a character anymore. It’s just… me. I’m tired, and I’m finished, but it doesn’t matter. The show must go on.
(Black out)
(Scene)
I'm submitting an original script of mine called Blur to my high school drama festival this year and I want to make it as good as possible... Please take a look over and I REALLY appreciate your comments and feedback. Thank you!!!
Characters
The Actor: The main focus of the story, an aspiring performer who finally gets his big break. Things start to go wrong, though, when his life begins to be consumed by his work.
The Wife: Married to The Actor, and holding a loving relationship until things begin to fall apart.
The Director: A mysterious man who we see little of… he’s directing The Actor in his first major role. He’s authoritative and articulate, yet mysterious and creepy in the way he carries himself.
The Press: Two or three people who appear occasionally to report on the success of “The Play” and praise The Actor’s groundbreaking performance. They are used as transition pieces and to clarify certain situations within the play.
Synopsis: An aspiring actor finally gets his big break and obtains the role of a lifetime… however, as he gets further and further into his role, he becomes further and further removed from reality. As such, his character begins to completely consume his life, threatening to destroy him and those around him.
(Throughout the play the stage is divided in half... one half, stage left, features the home of The Actor and The Wife… the other side, stage right, features a literal stage where The Director constantly resides. The Actor moves back and forth from both sides, while The Wife and Director stay on their respective sides. Blackouts define which side is the focus of the scene. However, as the play progresses, the two sides become closer before combining as The Actor’s character becomes his reality and the world becomes his stage)
(Scene opens to a man, The Actor, standing in front of a table with a woman, The Wife, sitting and watching him intently. The Actor is rehearsing a monologue for an audition.)
Actor: And as such, when you may next see me, I will not be me. I cannot be me. I should not be me. A fact that threatens to tear apart the fabric of life at its very seams and destroy us all, reducing us to no more than a pile of threads and patches.
(A brief moment of silence… The Actor breaks character)
Actor: Scene. Well, what do you think? And answer honestly, don’t answer me like a wife.
Wife: Well…
Actor: On second thought, just answer me like a wife.
Wife: (Chuckling) That’s not what I mean. All I mean is… it’s a bit… morbid isn’t it?
Actor: It’s what they asked me to prepare, in fact they GAVE me this monologue to rehearse and use at the audition… apparently it’s the best way for the Director to accurately gauge who fits the role to a tee.
Wife: Well then if it’s what he wants…
Actor: But is it any good?
Wife: Honey, it’s very good! It’s great! I think you’re a shoo-in.
Actor: But we don’t know what I’m up against... This could be huge!
Wife: You have to stop worrying about it so much! Things will turn out just the way they’re meant to.
Actor: But what if that way doesn’t include me, center stage, in the biggest production of all time?
Wife: (Smiling) You stress about things like this too much you know.
Actor: I can’t help it! You know how much I love being on stage. There’s just that rush to it, you know? It’s a rush I couldn’t live without. There’s nothing else like it. Nothing.
Wife: Ahem…?
Actor: You know what I mean! If there are two things in this world I love most, they’d have to be Acting… and You. (Smiles)
Wife: (Playfully) Oh stop it.
Actor: What? Is it suddenly such a huge crime to love my Wife?
Wife: Well in this case you’re going to have to choose… what’s it going to be? Acting, or me?
(The Actor begins to walk behind The Wife and slowly wraps his arms around her in an embrace from behind as he speaks)
Actor: Well my dear, there’s no question of which one I’d choose over the other. So I’m going to have to say I choose… Acting.
(The Wife looks shocked, playfully slaps The Actor away, gets out of her chair and begins to walk away)
Wife: Well I guess I’ll be leaving then, there’s only room for one of us…
Actor: (Laughing) Come here.
(The Actor grabs The Wife’s hand as she jokingly walks away and pulls her gently in. The two embrace, and are immediately blacked out on their side of the stage… simultaneously, the other side illuminates, revealing a man, The Director, standing with a clipboard in hand.)
Director: NEXT!!!!!
(The Actor enters, standing in front of the Director, who current stands far upstage.)
Director: Whenever you’re ready.
(The Actor stands silently, takes a deep breath, and falls into character. He begins a monologue)
Actor: How often does one get to say that he has traveled beyond the limits of… of
Director: NEXT!
Actor: But…
Director: NEXT!
Actor: Could you please just give me another…
Director: This is the theatre, there is NO ROOM for seconds chances. NEXT!
Actor: If you just listen to me…
Director: No, YOU listen to ME. My time is precious, and you are a complete and total waste of it. Now, I’m trying to create the single greatest theatrical production you will ever see in your lifetime, and if you think I’m going to sit here and argue with you, you are SORELY mistaken. NEXT!
(The Actor stands silently, then shows a look of defeat and walks away. This side of the stage blacks out as the other side is illuminated again. It reveals the actor back at his home with his wife)
Wife: He didn’t even hear your full audition?
Actor: I got about three seconds into it before he cut me off. Maybe he just… maybe he already found the perfect guy so he was just trying to get all of the other ones over with.
Wife: Or MAYBE he knew that you’re the one he wanted without even hearing your full audition!
Actor: Ugh, stop thinking so positively! Can’t you just revel in my sadness just once?
Wife: (smiling) I’m just saying… maybe YOU were the best he saw all day.
Actor: There you go, being all positive again! Look, if he actually loved me so much, I wouldn’t be standing around sulking, you wouldn’t be here comforting me, and that phone would be ringing…
(The phone rings… The Actor stops speaking, slowly goes to answer the phone)
Actor: Hello?... Yes, yes it is… Uh, thank you… thank you… Wow, thank you so much!
(The Actor hangs up the phone and looks at his wife, almost dumbfounded. He grabs her, picks her up in an embrace and spins her around. This side of the stage blacks out, and the other side illuminates revealing The Director surrounded by The Press)
Press: We’re now here with the director of this momentous occasion in the world of theatre. A master work, unsurpassed by even the greatest playwrights, will soon be erected here within this very city. Do you have any words of your own?
Director: I can guarantee this production to be everything you’ve said it is and more… we’re breaking the boundaries of traditional theatre to bring a unique experience to the table. We’ve got fresh talent to bring out.
Press: Sources have noted that the production intends on “breaking the fourth wall”… in essence, the production directly and indirectly interacts with the audience.
Director: Yes. Yes, you could say that. All I will say is that this is groundbreaking material, and it WILL change the face of theatre forever.
Press: Well then! We’ll have to wait and see if it lives up to such large claims. Can you give us any details of what this play might be about?
Director: No. Nothing. Not a thing.
Press: Not even...
Director: No. Everything is being held in the strictest secrecy until opening night.
Press: And when can we expect opening night to be?
Director: Opening night will be determined at a later date. Now, If you’ll excuse me, I have a masterpiece awaiting my attention.
(This side of the stage blacks remains lit, The Press exits while the other side illuminates to reveal The Actor, holding a script, pacing and mumbling his lines. The Wife enters, holding two different dresses on hangers)
Director: Enter Wife, holding two dresses in front of her. The Actor stands intently reading from the script.
Wife: Honey, which dress looks better? This one, or this one?
Director: The Actor does not divert his attention from his script, and gives The Wife a passive answer.
Actor: They both look great.
Director: The Wife begins to show signs of frustration.
Wife: Well I can’t wear both…
Actor: (Still not looking up from script) Fine then, the one on the left.
Wife: …Well, you have to look up and see…
Director: The Actor releases a small outburst reflecting his annoyance.
Actor: Listen, I don’t have time for this, okay? Can’t you see I’m busy right now?
Director: The Wife diverts from her anger and frustration and attempts to win The Actor over with a compassionate tone.
Wife: You’ve been doing this all day! Can’t you just look up for one little second…
Actor: I have to be off-book by TONIGHT. I don’t have time for your little dress problems, alright?
Director: The Wife reverts back to her anger.
Wife: Fine… fine, okay, whatever…
Actor: Oh what, you’re MAD at me now? What is it going to take to get through to you? I HAVE to do this.
Wife: You’ve been at this for DAYS, you need a break.
Director: The Actor begins his pivotal monologue. Take it nice and slowly, you’ve built up a lot of emotion and this is your moment to let it all out. Pace it so your words have impact. And… Action!
Actor: There’s no TIME for that, what have I been saying? This is THE most important production ever, okay? EVER. And I’m a part of it! This is a dream come true for me, okay? A dream come true! So either support me and understand what a huge deal this is for us, or stay out of it entirely. Now leave, I need to rehearse. Please.
Wife: A huge deal for US…?
Actor: I said LEAVE!
Director: Exit Wife. The Actor continues to work at memorizing his script. Scene.
(Silence. The Wife quietly exits, leaving The Actor still intently focused on his lines. He finally stops reading his script and drops it to his side, facing forward. He and The Director are far separated from each other on opposite sides of the stage. )
Actor: I can’t do this.
Director: What are you talking about?
Actor: I just can’t do this. I love her too much, I…
Director: But you love acting too right? You love theatre, right?
Actor: Yes, of course.
Director: And isn’t this a dream come true?
Actor: Yes.
Director: Then I really don’t see the problem here. You love acting. I could have chosen any one of thousands… THOUSANDS of actors. But I chose you. Isn’t that a huge honour?
Actor: Is it worth it to lose her? To lose EVERYTHING?
Director: Of course it is! And don’t let yourself be convinced that is isn’t. Is she your ticket to fame, fortune, prestige? Is your everyday, boring, mundane, useless little life?
Actor: Well… no, but…
Director: Then focus on the script. I couldn’t be laying this out in simpler terms for you. You’re an ACTOR. You must be set up for sacrifice.
Actor: Just, please, don’t hurt her.
Director: Continue running your lines, this is of the greatest importance.
(The Director’s side of the stage blacks out, leaving The Actor alone briefly)
Actor: A dream come true.
(This side of the stage blacks out as the other side illuminates again. The Press re-enter and stand alongside The Director.)
Press: It has been weeks since the announcement of your production and we don’t have any details on it yet. At this point in time is there anything you can give us.
Director: I tell you the same thing every time, NO! Not a single detail will be released about this production.
Press: Not even a title?
Director: You’re kidding right?
Press: Well, how are rehearsals going?
Director: Rehearsals have been moving smoothly since the start… our star has really immersed himself in the role and has put in the amount of devotion required for this production.
Press: Ah, and I assume a large amount of devotion would be required for such a role?
Director: Oh, you have no idea. It has required a rigorous, almost endless rehearsal schedule. In fact a rehearsal is being conducted as we speak.
Press: Well shouldn’t you be in rehearsal? Why aren’t you..?
Director: Because you people won’t mind your own ****ing business.
(This side of the stage blacks out and the other illuminates… The Actor and The Wife are sitting at a table, eating off plates with a knife and fork)
Wife: So, how was rehearsal?
(There’s a long silence, the actor entirely ignores his wife and continues eating. He looks a fair bit tired.)
Wife: You haven’t said two words to me since you got home… did it go alright?
Actor: (Sharply, still not looking at Wife) Great. Fantastic.
Wife: You seem a little tired…
Actor: It was a long day, okay?
Wife: But you’re never tired after work, and rehearsal was only…
Actor: I didn’t go to work.
Wife: What? Why? Why wouldn’t you go to work.
Actor: Because. I. Had. Rehearsal. I’m always going to have rehearsal. Okay?
Wife: You rehearsed for 10 hours? Jesus honey, I…
(The Actor slams his cutlery down)
Actor: GODDAMNIT, what could you POSSIBLY know about it, hmm? Who the **** are you to say what’s normal and what’s not?
Wife: How can it be normal if YOU are not being normal?
Actor: Why can’t you just be happy for me? My first big break, it’s already making the news and we aren’t even a few weeks into rehearsal yet! My work has finally paid off and what do you do? You nag. Everything I do you just nag and nag and ***** and ***** and I’m SICK of it okay?
Wife: Can’t I be concerned about my husband? Is that too much for…
Actor: Stop it, I’m a big boy and I can take care of myself.
Wife: I’m just doing it because I LOVE YOU…
Actor: Yeah, okay. I’m going to go run lines.
(Actor gets up from the table and begins to walk off)
Wife: Haven’t you rehearsed enough for one day?
Actor: I’LL TELL YOU WHEN I’VE REHEARSED ENOUGH.
(As the Wife’s line is spoken The Actor turns back around and says his line as he forcefully shoves his plate of food off the table, shattering it. This side of the stage blacks out as the opposite side illuminates. The Director stands alone with his clipboard.)
Director: Excellent, excellent! The sign of a great actor is his ability to feed off his surroundings to enhance his performance and you’ve done just that! I felt true power, real raw emotion, exactly what we need here. Moving on!
(This side of the stage remains lit as the opposite side is also illuminated… the two worlds of theatre and reality are becoming one. The Actor still stands above his table in front of his wife, who looks frightened)
Wife: Honey, please…
Director: Bring it down, you’ve hit your crescendo and you’re going to hit it again soon, give us all a break. A constant amount of impassioned anger will only tire us.
Actor: What? What?!? You can’t even pretend to understand what this is like for me. Don’t you see? This is what makes me happy!
Wife: No… no, I don’t see.
Actor: What?
Wife: You’re not… you’re not happy at all, you’re just…
Director: Bring it back up, slowly…
Actor: Just WHAT?
(The Actor grabs his knife from dinner off the table and holds it in the direction of his heart.)
Wife: Please… please, put that down…
Actor: Why don’t you just take this knife and get rid of me, huh? Because you’re killing me already anyway! You’re killing me!!!
Wife: Stop, you’re scaring me.
Actor: Just do it! Don’t even look at me, just take your hand, put it right here, and PUSH! PLEASE!
(The Actor’s look of anger changes into an expression of desperation and sadness… He begins to whisper to his Wife, and The Director on the other side of the stage begins to show concern.)
Actor: Please... please… please…
Director: That is NOT in the script!
(The Director’s voice startles The Actor, who drops his knife. The Director moves slowly in, approaching The Actor, only to be standing right next to him)
Actor: It’s not in the script…
Wife: What?
Actor: I can’t do it, it’s not in the script, I have to follow the script…
Wife: …Who are you? I… I don’t even know who you are anymore! You’re not the man I married!
(The Director begins feeding The Actor lines… they are spoken simultaneously by both. The Director is standing a few feet behind The Actor, unseen by anyone)
Director/Actor: I guess I won’t be needing this then.
(The Director mimes the actions of removing a ring from his finger and dropping it on a table… The Actor simultaneously replicates these actions, however he legitimately removes his ring and tables it. The Director smiles and exits. The Wife stands in silence for a moment)
Wife: So… so you meant it. You MEANT it when you said you loved acting more than…
Actor: I have to leave now. I have to go rehearse.
(The Actor turns and begins to walk off)
Wife: Rehearse. Right. For how long this time?
(The Actor stops dead in his tracks for a moment. He stands in silence, shaking and fighting back tears. After a few moments he continues walking until he exits. The Wife stands for a moment, placing her hand on the edge of the table next to her… she accidentally knocks The Actor’s wedding ring off. She bends over to pick it up, but instead just collapses and begins to sob. She remains sobbing for a few moments before The Actor, now looking very pale, disheveled, and beaten-up, slowly enters from the opposite side of the stage, carrying a mirror. As he does, The Wife’s side of the stage gets blacked out. The Actor continues to move to center stage, as the blacked-out portion of the stage is cleared of The Wife and all other set piece, leaving and empty stage. The blacked-out portion’s lights rise afterwards, leaving a dimly lit stage as The Actor finally takes his place at center stage. There is nothing left of him, and it shows. He lifts his mirror to his face, and begins to check his face in it… however, he drops it, and it breaks. He slowly looks forward into the audience and begins a monologue.)
Actor: My life. This is my life. And it will never be over… ever. I want to yell, scream, but no. No, I can’t do that… that would be breaking character. I live my character… I’m not sure if it’s even a character anymore. It’s just… me. I’m tired, and I’m finished, but it doesn’t matter. The show must go on.
(The Actor continues to stare blankly into space as The Director enters)
Director: Are you ready?
Actor: No.
Director: What’s that? What did you just say?...
Actor: Yes. Yes, of course. The show must go on.
Director: Aren’t you going to warm up?
Actor: Yes, sir…
(The Director shoves The Actor, who flops weakly onto the floor, still facing forward into space)
Actor: Are we done yet?
Director: What?
Actor: Are we done yet? Can I go?
Director: (Laughs) You’re mine! You will never, never be done. You will always have an audience, they will always watch you. Take your monologue from the top, right now. Right now!
Actor: But I…
Director: Get up! Get up right now.
(The Actor remains on the ground, clearly too weak to lift himself back up again. The Director makes a raising gesture with his hands, at which point the performer, almost puppet-like, limply raises up to a standing position)
Actor: The… the shimmering sun…
Director: Wrong! All wrong. Take it again, from the top.
Actor: (Trying to muster the energy) The shimmering sun, it rises. Rises high above us, high in the sky. It illuminates us, warms us, awakens us. How can we live without the shining sun?
Director: More! Give me more! Take it again, from the top.
Actor: (Desperately) The shimmering sun, it rises! Rises high above us, high in the sky. It illuminates us, warms us, awakens us. How can we live without the shining sun? The sun’s beams, are rays… rays of… of…
Director: Rays of WHAT?
Actor: Hope! Hope! Rays of hope!
(The Director laughs, and shoves his hands downwards in a large gesturing motion. As he does so, The Actor simultaneously falls limply to the ground in defeat)
Director: Rehearsal after rehearsal, you just get worse, and worse, and worse. What does that say about you? What does that say about ME? Is it my fault? Am I a bad director?
Actor: No, no sir… you’re brilliant. This play, it’s brilliant…
Director: Do it right.
Actor: How am I supposed to know what that means?
Director: You’re the actor! You know the role better than anybody, you tell me.
(The Director makes a rotational gesture with his hands… causing The Actor to rotate onto his back on the ground)
Actor: I need you. I need you to direct me. Tell me what to do… like you always do.
Director: Don’t talk to me like I’m stupid! I know my job, I know what I have to do, and I will do it until the day you die!
Actor: Will I ever die?
(The Director laughs, raises his hands causing The Actor to rise back into a standing position)
Director: If you ever finished, what would be different? Hmm? The world is a stage. If I let you go, do you think it will all be over? Do you think anything will change?
(There is a silence, The Actor continues to stare into the distance. The director slowly walks toward him)
Director: Still want to be an actor?
Actor: Why yes, of course… I love acting. I love singing. I love dancing. I love this play. I love you.
Director: You what?
Actor: I love you.
Director: Ah! I almost forgot. Take your dance number from the top, now.
Actor: Right now?
Director: What do you think? You’re going to do the number, and you’re going to do it over, and over, and over, and over, and…
Actor: But… I’m tired.
(There is silence… The Director shoots The Actor an intimidating look… The Performer continues to stare into the distance. The Director, clutching a glass of water, slowly steps closer to The Actor, until he is uncomfortably close. The Director looks down at the glass of water, and begins to lift it toward The Actor’s mouth as if to offer him a drink… The Actor tries to move his lips close to the glass. The Director then proceeds to lift the glass above The Actor and slowly pour the water over The Actor’s head. The Actor’s expression remains the same)
Director: Wake up. And 5, 6, 7, 8…
Actor: Wait, stop, please…
Director: AND, step, kick, step, step, step, kick, turn, leap, turn, shuffle, lunge, turn, leap, slide, heel-turn. Again! Step, kick, step, step…
(As The Director gives these instructions, The Actor, showing determination and defeat, performs the dance steps as instructed in a lanky, puppet-like manner. The Director mimics the actions of these steps, as though once again controlling The Actor. The Director’s instructions come even quicker, causing The Actor to struggle to keep up… eventually, he begins to stumble, and falls over in defeat.)
Director: Did I SAY fall? Hmm?
(The Actor continues to lay limp and does not respond… his face is buried within his arms.)
Director: Get yourself ready. You’re on in five.
(Director exits, leaving The Actor laying on stage. In silence, The Actor slowly and weakly pulls himself up to a sitting position)
Actor: A dream come true. I’m an actor. I’m famous. That’s what everybody wants, right? Everybody wants to be like me. Anybody would kill to be me! Well, do you know what? I would kill to not be. I live my life opening-to-curtain… set-to-strike… scene to scene, to scene, to scene, to scene, to scene, to…
(The Actor, beginning to overwhelm himself, pauses to breathe.)
Actor: People know what they want with their lives… where they want to go. Some go to France to study fine art… some go to Italy to accomplish culinary mastery… Me? I go stage left. I go stage right. And what do I do? I make you laugh. I make you cry. I make
you think. (Gestures to full stage around him) This is my life… this is what I live. Let me entertain you. No… let me go. Just let me go.
(The Actor removes the broken mirror from the stage in front of him, and stares into it in silence for a moment… briefly, he displays a weak half-smile, but it quickly fades away. He touches his scarred face gently with his fingertips)
Actor: I see my face in the mirror. My reflection. But what does it show? What do I see staring back at me? I see a broken man. A man who is always 5 feet higher than everyone else. A man whose face aches and who’s eyes burn from the blinding stage lights. I just want them to close the curtains… I just want them to finally close the curtains. I want my big finish… I want my climax!
(The Actor looks down at the mirror, a new gentle realization apparent in his face. He carefully reaches down, and slowly pulls one of the broken shards of mirror glass free of the frame. He places the rest of the mirror down, and slowly stands to his feet, intently staring at the shimmering shard of glass he holds)
Actor: They always want you to go out with a bang. That’s what you want isn’t it? That’s what you all want! It’s time to take center stage. (Walks to the very front of the stage, at center, staring triumphantly into space, hands below still clutching the broken glass) It’s time to smile, and tell you all what a wonderful audience you’ve been tonight, and that I wouldn’t be here without you. It’s all about style, flair. You’ve got to sell it. Leave the audience wanting more. This is it. This is my big finish. My climax. This is my grand finale!
(The Actor, showing minimal signs of physical pain, slowly cuts his wrist with the shard of glass, holding his wrist up and allowing blood to trickle down his arm.)
Actor: (Weakly) There’s only one thing left to do. Take a bow.
(The Actor slowly droops forward into a bow position… then drops to his knees and curls himself up. After a few moments of silence, The director re-enters)
Director: That was good! Much better… just a little less dramatic next time. You’re milking it, but milk it a little less or else we drift into the realm of the melodramatic and lord knows that’s not where we want to be. Take that whole scene from the top.
Actor: Just, please, let me…
Director: I said TAKE IT FROM THE TOP.
Actor: But, I can’t… I can’t.
Director: You’re right. You can’t. You don’t have to take it from the top.
Actor: I don’t?
Director: No, you don’t. Because you’re about to go on.
(The Actor’s face droops into a glazed expression once again, displaying defeat)
Director: This is the life you chose. The WORLD is your stage.. It’s everything you wanted and more, isn’t it? Isn’t it?
(The Actor, blank-faced, slowly nods his head, staring into the distance)
Director: Break a leg out there. You’re on in 5, 4…
Actor: A…
Director: 3…
Actor: Dream…
Director: 2…
Actor: Come…
Director: 1…
Actor: True.
Director: ACTION!
(The Actor steps to the head of stage, perfectly mimicking his opening monologue from before. He stands in the spotlight just as before.)
Actor: My life. This is my life. And it will never be over… ever. I want to yell, scream, but no. No, I can’t do that… that would be breaking character. I live my character… I’m not sure if it’s even a character anymore. It’s just… me. I’m tired, and I’m finished, but it doesn’t matter. The show must go on.
(Black out)
(Scene)