By Derek Wenmoth
To accompany theme of apathy
Scene: Lights black - single figure walks to centre stage, stands with head bowed...
Lights up - figure raises head and addresses the audience...
ACTOR:
(said with enthusiasm and an air of expectation)
Ladies and gentlemen... every Sunday evening it is our privilege and pleasure to perform for you a drama as a part of our evening service.
We have used the dramatic medium to communicate with you on issues of social concern, and private dilemma. We have explored the depths of the human condition and unravelled the very bowels of our egos and alter egos. We have used humour and hyperbole, mime and melodrama. No topic has escaped the craft of the script- writers pen. Indeed, the preparation of these dramas begins many weeks before they are performed. The topic is chosen, a script is selected - or written, the characters cast. Then begins the interminable process of rehearsals - evening after evening, line after line the dramas are developed and refined. Finally, Sunday evening - it all happens - the actors take their positions, the lights come up and for a few brief minutes you are held transfixed as a slice of life is enacted before your very eyes. (pauses for effect)
Ladies and gentlemen (pause) tonight is Sunday night. Tonight it is time again for another drama (pause - then with effect) Tonight .... (deep sigh) Tonight.... (looks slowly left to right - then to centre, shrugs shoulders) Tonight we couldn't be bothered... we just... didn't feel like it (turns and walks slowly off stage speaking to self) we just sort of... ran out of steam.(lights begin to fade) It's not like we planned it that way - it just sort of happened... we just.... couldn't be bothered.... (departs fully - lights black)
© Derek Wenmoth 1997
All rights reserved
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged.
In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed.
He may be contacted at: dwenmoth@xtra.co.nz