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Now there is a set built,
identical to the JACOB's
living room set. As CAST
THREE exits after this final
line they are still speaking
to each other. The lights
come up on the living room
set and the remaining
members of CAST TWO are
sitting leisurely. They are
sad. They all have water.
This is a continuation of
the play they had partly
performed earlier.
JACOB
Steven, how are you doing?
STEVEN
Fine. You guys?
CAROL
I'm good.
JACOB
Do you need some more water?
STEVEN
No thanks. I'm fine.
CAROL
So, you've been pretty busy?
STEVEN
Yes. Been working a few twelve hour days.
JACOB
What did you do today?
STEVEN
I just sat around the house. Relaxed.
CAROL
You been seeing anybody?
STEVEN
Oh.. no, no.
CAROL
So how do you occupy your time?
STEVEN
Mostly with work. It's busy times, you know?
JACOB
If you ever get lonely, we're here.
STEVEN
Really, I'm fine though. I kind of like it.
CAROL
Mark said you were busy.
STEVEN
He did?
JACOB
Yeah.
STEVEN
When did you talk to him? I haven't seen him in a few
days.
JACOB
The other night. After you left.
STEVEN
Oh.
(Pause)
Carol, what happened?
(Indicating a bruise on her face)
CAROL
Nothing. I'm just clumsy.
STEVEN
Do you think Mark will be over tonight?
CAROL and JACOB exchange
glances.
JACOB
Probably not.
STEVEN
Why? What are you talking about?
CAROL
He really freaked out the other night.
JACOB
After you left.
CAROL
That's what we wanted to talk to you about.
STEVEN
Why? What do I have to do with this?
JACOB
You are his friend.
STEVEN
We are all friends.
JACOB
Yeah! Exactly! That's what I'm talking about.
STEVEN
What's wrong?
CAROL
Do you think there is something going on with Mark that
we don't know about?
STEVEN
No. It sounds to me like there is something going on
with you.
JACOB
No. We, myself and Carol, have just been talking alot
lately and we are concerned.
STEVEN
Oh, no. Is this like that last thing?
JACOB
We think they might be related.
STEVEN
Because Mark said that last thing was a joke. He said it
never really happened.
CAROL
What else did he say, Steven?
STEVEN
Why?
JACOB
We're worried about him.
STEVEN
No, but I believed him. I trust Mark.
CAROL
Sure. Of course you do.
JACOB
We just... want to make sure. Don't you trust us?
STEVEN
Mark told be to be careful.
CAROL
Of what. We haven't done anything to you.
STEVEN
To be careful of this. Of you. I didn't believe him.
CAROL
We think he may be going through some tough times.
STEVEN
I'm beginning to see what he meant. You are acting very
strange.
JACOB
Be patient. Hear us out.
STEVEN
What's going on? Why are you looking at me with those
eyes?
JACOB
Just take a breath. You are over-reacting.
CAROL
Reacting is over-reacting. It's nothing.
STEVEN
What the hell? I didn't believe him. Really. I've known
Mark forever but you guys seem so real.
(He stands)
I'm going to go home, okay?
CAROL
Why? Why the hostility?
JACOB
Just listen to us.
STEVEN
Look. This is crazy. I don't like it. It's not normal.
I'm just going to go home. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
JACOB
(Getting angry)
Just listen to us. Sit down!
STEVEN
Whoa, Jacob...
CAROL
Do as he says.
STEVEN
I am leaving.
He starts to the door but
JACOB rushes to him and
tackles him. STEVEN
struggles but JACOB
overpowers him. CAROL stands
and goes to them. She begins
talking to STEVEN in a
hypnotic, calming voice that
finally quiets him to
silence.
Blackout of scene.
There is applause. Another
set should be built on the
other side of the stage now.
CAST ONE goes to the other
stage and prepares (in the
dark.) The trio of CAST TWO
emerges again. When they are
done talking, their set
should be gone.
STEVEN
How long is this going to be?
CAROL
Not too long I bet. We'll eat afterwards.
JACOB
Who's in it?
STEVEN
I don't know but they supposedly have a lot of promise.
CAROL
They definitely know the right people.
STEVEN
Yeah, I think there's already a movie deal in the works.
JACOB
(Laughs)
That's pathetic. Why don't they just make the movie
then?
CAROL
Lots of good plays are turned into movies.
JACOB
Just for money.
CAROL
Whatever you say, chief.
STEVEN
You'd just rather watch T.V.
CAROL
Shut up.
He does. CAST THREE and CAST
TWO are now in their
audience positions. The
lights all go down then they
go up on the CAST ONE stage.
Upstage sits FATHER and
MOTHER. Downstage is
DAUGHTER. She is the
narrator. They are dressed
for the thirties or forties.
This segment is
unnecessarily fast. It is as
if a whole play were being
seen in a minute. They rush.
Title: "Death of an Artist"
DAUGHTER
At age eleven our young actor-hero was cast in the lead
of the school play, which was dominated by older
students. His parents wholly supported his passionate
endeavors.
DAUGHTER exits and SON
enters as a younger boy. He
performs for his parents a
little dance.
SON
(Takes a moment)
Now I'll be a great king.
"Bring me the head of the most fierce dragon!"
Now the knight.
"Yes sire, I'll do what you ask, but only if I can marry
your beautiful daughter."
"She is yours for the head!"
Then everyone in the court cheers for me and the jester
comes out.
"Ho ho ho!!"
FATHER
You can't play every role in the play now can you?
MOTHER
Don't be greedy dear.
DAUGHTER re-assumes the role
of narrator. Other cast
members exit.
DAUGHTER
As he grew older his interest in the theatre grew. By
the age of 21 he had established himself as the most
acclaimed actor in all of northern Connecticut and he
landed his first role on Broadway. Soon enough he had
taken New York City by storm.
DAUGHTER exits. SON enters
as a man in his twenties.
FATHER and MOTHER are now
also of his age. They are
sitting. SON is standing.
SON
I'm sorry I'm late.
FATHER
That's okay Mr. Jordan. We have some business to talk
about.
SON
What is it? What did I do?
MOTHER
Please, have a seat.
SON sits.
SON
What?
FATHER
We're very impressed with your work.
SON
Thank you.
MOTHER
We're here from California.
FATHER
Have you ever acted for film?
SON
You want me for a movie. I'll do it!
DAUGHTER enters. The rest
leave.
DAUGHTER
His first film, "Long Day at the Office", won him his
first Academy Award nomination. Two years later he won
the Oscar for "In the Name of the People." His return to
Broadway at the age of 42 was very well received.
DAUGHTER exits. SON, FATHER
and MOTHER come on in
period-wear.
FATHER
So what shalt I do, master?
SON
Go forth, young soldier, and may evil not lay shadow
upon your doorstep.
FATHER exits.
My love, prettier than an angel sent from high heaven.
Let us be joined.
They kiss. DAUGHTER re-
enters. The rest exit.
DAUGHTER
A role model, an artist, a national treasure. His last
performance was his most tragic when on a film set a
simple special effect backfired.
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