16 Aug 2015

PROMPT:  Think of a question you have about the world. Think of a statement you have about life/people. Write a monologue or scene that takes you from the question to the statement, or vice versa. Use each line as the beginning ad ending of the monologue/scene.

Liz Engleman, dramaturg/educator

Todd, 62, stands before the Oracle of Delphi.  Brenda, 28, stands next to him.
TODD
(mocking)
Oh great Oracle, tell us what becomes of us after we die?
Brenda looks at Todd with surprise and disappointment.
BRENDA
That’s your question?!  What happens to us after we die?!
TODD
(defiant)
Yea.  That’s my question.
BRENDA
I thought you were a deep and spiritual human being!
TODD
I am!  I’m going to be dead a long time!  A lot longer than I’m going to be alive!
BRENDA
So what!  You’re alive now.  Don’t you care about what’s happening right here and right now?!
TODD
Of course, I care.
(trying to sidle up to Brenda in sexy manner)
In fact, all I can really think about is getting you back to the hotel and taking your clothes off, right now.
Brenda pushes Todd away.
BRENDA
My friends warned me...
TODD
About what?!
BRENDA
That if I got involved with an older man, all he would care about is my body.
TODD
I spent thousand of dollars...
BRENDA
So I’m just a whore!
TODD
You’re not a whore.
BRENDA
I thought you cared about me.
TODD
I do care about you.  I have a daughter...
BRENDA
You fuck your daughter!?
TODD
NO!  Of course not!
BRENDA
That’s a relief.
TODD
I’m just saying that your young...
BRENDA
I’ve got an MFA in literature.  I’ve had two books published and am writing my third...
TODD
And you obviously have daddy issues.
Silence.
BRENDA
You really are a selfish son of a bitch.
Silence.
TODD
I guess I am.
BRENDA
And I’m an idiot.
Silence.
Brenda turns and starts to walk away.  She stops and looks around and then walks off.
BRENDA
(muttering as she leaves)
Humans are  so stupid.
End of play.