HpN

This is about a ten mintue play in i guess an Absurdist style. I would love to hear any comments!

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The play is set on a bridge over water.

The set has to look somewhat secluded and peaceful – somewhere beautiful (possibly use colours to represent this e.g. yellows, oranges and blue)

The set should be simplistic. There needs to be a ledge that is stable and long enough in width to be walked on, and it has to be high enough to cover the falling character.

The two characters - Denver and Corey, are unisex characters. They will be referred to as men for script purposes.

Corey: Has a scruffy appearance. He looks like he hasn’t slept for a while. He is edgy and confused.

Denver: Looks normal but has a hint of extravagance. He is a constant optimist, and very eccentric. Denver’s laugh is very peculiar. Denver is older then Corey.

Both are dressed for winter. Denver is wearing a long coat and hat. Corey a scarf.

It is late afternoon when the play begins and the lighting will represent the sun going down.

Lights come up with Corey’s back to the audience. Corey is staring down over the edge of the bridge.

To the audience.

Corey: I’m gunna do it!

Corey steps onto the ledge, looking down nervously. Denver enters on the bridge holding a newspaper.

Denver: Good day!

Corey: Don’t try and stop me! I have decided already, I’m going to jump!

Denver: Well it is a good day for it.

Corey: For what?

Denver: For throwing yourself off a bridge, of course! The sun is beaming down, the birds are singing a tune that you can tap your feet to. A perfect day! If it was horrible and raining you might not have come at all. (Pause) Or you may have slipped before jumping and that would be horrible.

Corey: What? (Pause) why?!

Denver: Well you won’t be jumping! If that is how you intend to finish your life, slipping would be a waste!

Corey: Uhh, right!

Denver: Let me introduce myself, my name is Denver. What is yours, my young friend?

Corey: Corey…

Denver: It is wonderful to meet such a nice person.

Corey: Uh…

Denver: Why, if I can ask, did you pick this bridge?

Corey: This bridge?!

Denver: Yes. This Bridge.

Corey: What are you talking about?

Denver: Why did you choose this bridge to jump off? It is just a poor old secluded bridge? Why not something more extravagant? A bridge with style and fame! Somewhere, where many people will see you! Take notice of you and care that you are going to actually kill yourself! You would be going out with a bang!

Corey is a bit bewildered by Denver. There is a long pause.

Corey: People might stop me.

Denver: Yeah, I guess you’re right! And anyway, many people have jumped off all the famous bridges. This will be different in its own right. It will certainly get the local’s attention. It will be something exciting in their small pitiful lives. What’s your full name?

Corey: Corey Lake.

Denver: Ever been suicidal before?

Corey: Pardon?

Denver: Was it something to do with your parents?

Corey: Excuse me?!

Denver: Was it bullies at school? Or your working life? Or a lost love?

Corey: Why the hell are you asking these questions?

Denver: Well, I can go to the newspapers and explain that I was the last person who saw you. I would have to have facts to prove myself… I might get on local TV!

Corey: Excuse me?! You are going to use my death as your 15 minutes of fame? You are one sick freak you know! ONE SICK FREAK! (pause) Leave me alone, so I can kill myself in peace!

Denver: Now, please! There is no need for such name calling and accusations. Your loved ones would like to know why, and I would like to present them with a reason! Have you even written them a letter explaining everything?

(pause)

Corey: No.

Denver: Inconsiderate!

Corey: Excuse me?! Me?! Inconsiderate?! You don’t know what I have been through (pause) and… and, you don’t know how inconsiderate life has been to me!

Denver: Ahh, she is a slag!

Corey: Who are you talking about now?!

Denver:
Life! She is very inconsiderate. She is also a slut. Constantly being with everyone – and then (clap) She drops you so fast! You’re gone! I’m guessing you’re showing her aren’t you?! Taking your own life! She won’t know what to do next.

Corey: Well… no, No! I’m not showing her anything. She wouldn’t care because many have taken their own life before.

Denver: I’m sure she would feel sorry for herself. She wants to control her possessions.

Corey: Isn’t that Fates role?

Denver: If there is a Fate, no one would be proving to Life that she is wrong, because she would have known all along that you were going top yourself. It would all be a part of the plan. Life wouldn’t be disappointed.

(pause)

I still think you should write a note…

Corey: Why?!

Denver: Because… because after you have dissolved into the earth, that is what people will remember you for. Look at the great writer Oscar Wilde! Before he died he said;
“Either that wallpaper goes, or I do!” He is remembered fondly because of those words! That is my one aim in life.

Corey: Sorry, what is it?

Denver: I want to say or write something interesting before death. To be remembered would be wonderful.

Corey: I think my last words would be “ARGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!” For some strange unrelated reason…

Denver looks over the edge and takes off his hat, it seems to be pulled by the wind. Corey then looks perplexed and takes off his scarf but it stays limp.

Corey: Hrmmm….

Denver: You could say whoopee! But no one would hear you. (pause) Unless you get someone to be a witness to your suicide.

Denver puts on his hat. Corey puts on the scarf – like it is a noose.

Denver: I guess you’re not a person of God.

Corey: I once believed there was something. I never wanted to be alone, I wanted something to comfort me – but even now I am deserted by the loving voice who apparently could guide me.

Denver: What do you think of the Adam and Eve situation?

Corey laughs

Corey: Did not Adam sayeth to God – ‘Please, don’t kick us out of paradise for this one mistake. We can learn.’ And did not God replyeth to Adam

Laughs a bit more insanely

‘Sorry man of my creation, you have disappointed me! I knowest the future and that ye shall be tempted by the consumer good! Eve will venture into the world of plastic bags and boxes and you my dear Adam, will be influenced by thou buxom wench!’

Corey laughs a bit more, as Denver watches on amused, but in thought. There is a pause, and then Denver declares. This shocks Corey into a sober like state.

Denver: We are all inbred!

Corey: Well (confused pause) uh?! Inbred?

Denver: And that was stating the obvious! Yes! Inbred! If we came from one woman and one man. Inbred! If we came from one cell. Inbred! The human race is dirty young Corey. Very, Very, Dirty! No chemical will be able to remove the stain, because no matter what happens, even if we are all erased by an explosion or meteorite – cockroaches will feast on our carcasses and they will be feasting on the flesh of a dirty race.

Corey sits down and Denver moves back as if in fright. Denver stares at Corey, causing Corey to look away uncomfortably. After a pause Corey turns back. Denver is still staring. Corey stares back and attempts to keep Denver’s stare.

Denver continues to stare and slowly moves up his hand to point at Corey. Somewhat invading Corey’s personal space, never losing focus or eye contact. Corey still stares, but is still visibly uncomfortable. Freeze of Corey and Denver’s position this is held for a little while.

Corey breaks the freeze with a swift movement of his arm and he takes a swipe at Denver’s hat and successfully grabs it.

Denver looks angry and moves towards Corey. Denver grabs Corey by his shoulders and pushes Corey back leaning Corey off the ledge. Corey screams and attempts to hold on. Denver starts laughing hysterically and pulls Corey back to a sitting and lets go. Corey looks bewildered and shocked and Denver continues laughing. Corey keeps possession of the hat.

Corey: What did you do that for?!

Denver continues laughing, getting more hysterical then before. Corey gets frustrated and stands on the Bridge.

Corey: I asked why you did that?! You could have killed me!

Denver now on the falls to the ground because of the laughter.

Denver: Well… (laughter) today you would have… (laughter) planned to be dead… anyway.

Denver laughs more, and Corey watches. Corey starts to giggle, and than laughs with Denver and with as much passion. Corey sits on the floor next to Denver and continues laughing.

This continues for a while and the pace starts to slow – perhaps when the audience starts to react – either by laughing, or uncomfortable silence. Denver and Corey pat each other on the back, gasping for air, and finally stopping.

They breathe for a while, in till they both start up again. Roaring, and kicking their feet, once again this continues for a while – until they both stop at the same time abruptly.

Denver: The world is a funny place.

Corey: I could laugh at its misfortunes and pleasures forever.

Denver: No one has that long.

Corey: But what if we can convince ourselves to keep on laughing! Who knows? We could be rolling around while the maggots eat out smiles away from our face. I think I might just write – HA-Ha-Hahahaahaa, Hehe he Hahhaa ho ho, Ha Ho! As my last statement to the world.

Denver: I believe it would be better if you accompanied that statement with a tune.

Corey: What about?

(Tune is to Disney’s, Snow White – Hi Ho)

Ha- He, Ha-He, He- He, He-He, Ha- Ho. He –He-He, He—He, He-He-He, He. Ha- He, Ha-ho, ho, ho , ho!

Denver: Yes, yes! Exactly like that! And I believe that if you have nothing to believe you should believe in song!

Denver stands up, and does a little twirl, thus falling over Corey.

Denver: Whoops!

Corey gets up, and then helps Denver up. Corey puts the hat on Denver’s head and climbs back on the ledge.

Corey: Believe in the song. I like it!

Denver: Well unlike something that you can not see, music will always be there. Even the city, the country – everything that has a life force has its own song. And it will never leave you alone, because there is always a tune in your head!

They both contemplate for a moment. Denver taps his foot, and Corey starts stamping along the ledge making a beat. They both start humming.

Denver: What song are you humming?

As if ashamed.

Corey: Uhh… no song… what about with you?

Denver: No, no song…. (long pause)

So why?

Corey sits to think.

Corey: We live to die!

Denver: Well my young friend, you are just jumping for the chance to prove that right… ahaha

Corey: Pardon?

Denver: Your future suicide… you want to prove what people have known for many, many years.

Pause to show realisation of the misunderstanding.

Corey: Oh no, that is not why I am committing suicide. No, No, No! I thought you were asking the meaning of life.

Denver: Then why suicide?

Corey: Well, when I was younger, I used to walk my rat.
Then as I grew, I then walked my Dog.
And at this stage of life, I’m walking myself.
And soon, I will be walked by somebody else.

Denver: Well at least you are going to continue to walk! Even with a bit of help.

Corey: I knew it! You did want to stop me! You are trying to make me feel nice, make me feel happy – make me feel positive! I’m onto you!

Stands up.

Corey: Well, I’m not going to not do it! I will! I have to, I promised myself!

Denver is dreamily distracted.

Denver: Have you ever broken a promise to yourself before?

Corey: That doesn’t matter!

Denver: It’s a nice day for it.

Corey: For what?

Denver: For taking one’s life. Although, it is starting to get a bit chilly.

Corey: Ahh, the day is ending.

Denver: As life does.

Denver sits down and spreads the news paper, throughout this monologue Denver makes a paper plane or butterfly.

Corey:
When I first came of age, I was happy. I used to dance all day, and take on the night because I was brighter then the flame. But as I grew, life grew greyer. The people (pause) the people seemed louder and more alive, while I was dwindling in the future. I took breaths, but they were not deep. My mouth filled with the taste of arrogance and foam. We take on the world, so it can keep on living after us. We fit ourselves with a social standard that changes constantly. I don’t want to live, and I don’t want to die, I have had enough of taking my chances and swatting at flies. I want to allow this world to eat its own shit. The shit that we call the human race. Because everything is just more bitter, when we try and swallow how insignificant it all is. Taking a friend’s hand and drinking poison is the same for me. I have something to believe in! But when life is over, it will all be done, and something will get to me. Any trace of me will be forgotten. For when I walk past any monkey’s cage, I think to myself – that all the steaming rage that life is just that, and it is a kind of a bore! I want nothing else to do with this chicken coupe. It’s old and flawed. Give this to me, my daily bread, because I know that maybe tomorrow – they will find me dead. All alone, except for the things that eat me up. I will take the arsenic and acid in one golden goblet. When I take tomorrow away, no matter what – reality experiences another day.

Denver throws paper over the edge

Denver: As life does.

Corey gets off the ledge and during this section the two are talking to each other while circling each other. The lines get faster and louder.

Corey: When life finishes…

Denver: They say life just begins.

Corey: They say we go to a heaven or hell.

Denver: Our spirits are free…

Corey: Our bodies become slaves to the mud.

Denver: When the morning chicken crows…

Corey: And the clowns take off their make up.

Denver: We see why we are here.

Corey: We see why we are here.

Denver: Be gone into the circles of hell.

Corey: Take on heavens will, as well.

Denver: Because after life.

Corey: We just float.

Denver: Wondering when our beer is coming!

Corey: And asking what is on the dessert menu.

Denver: Forgetting our devotion

Corey: Because the cricket match is over.

Denver: And when all is well…

Corey: Something is wrong.

Denver: Three strikes and you're out.

Corey: Out of the game.

Denver: Into jail.

Increase in intensity. Start to get louder.

Corey/Denver: Into our own personal hell! We take a step forwards, to only fall backwards. Making us all unaware – that we are with other people, who sketch out life, and cut it quickly. Is it all what we need? A life or one day. Forget our problems because that is what the leaders say!

They both stare at each other, then look behind them, then do a full turn to see if anybody saw and both resume their positions.

Denver on the Bridge and Corey sitting on the Ledge.

Long Pause

Corey takes of his scarf and it seems to be blowing in the wind. Denver takes of his hat but it flops with gravity.

Denver: Mmmm…

Long Pause

Well, my friend I should get going. My TV programs are going to start soon – and I can’t miss them. Have a wonderful time jumping.

Corey: Oh yeah (pause) jumping…

Denver: Are you scared?

Corey: A little! (pause) I was thinking – before I came here today - that things would get better if I jumped. (pause) What happens if death isn’t a new beginning? It could be just nothing!

Denver: Maybe! But it might not be.

Denver climbs up, using Corey’s shoulder as a boost. The light during the performance has shown that the sun has been setting and is now darker. Denver looks out- back to the audience.

Denver: It is beautiful.

Corey turns and smiles. He looks like he has found purpose in life.

Corey: It is…

Denver: But you know what the Romans used to say; when the sun sets there is always a rising star (pause) or something like that.

Corey: I don’t think it would be worth it if I jump.

Denver places the hat on the ledge of the bridge.

Denver: Pity, it is a good day for it. Well young Corey, Farewell.

Absent-mindedly

Corey: Yeah (pause) Goodbye Denver (pause) Thank you!

Denver has been admiring the sunset. There is a content smile on Denver’s face.

Denver: Life is wonderful!

Denver purposely steps off the Bridge. Disappearing out of the audience’s sight. Corey turns to see Denver fall and moves catch Denver - but with no luck. Corey stares down past the ledge and then looks to the audience shocked. Corey grabs Denver’s hat and holds it close.

Corey: But…

Looks into the hat.

Corey: But, why…?

Corey turns the hat around in his hands.

Corey: But why this bridge?

Corey looks down past the ledge and then throws the hat into the river.

Black out.

amonkie

An interesting way to evolve a discussion about perhaps the ultimate issue to humans. Thanks for sharing!

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Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

HpN

I never thought of it that way!

Thank you for reading and commenting! =)