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A pdf copy of the play can be downloaded for reading purposes only. Please do not distribute or perform without my authority. I trust you. DOWNLOAD
A realistic one act play for two females, two males and one of either sex. Running time about 45 minutes. First presented Stagecraft 1998.
It is a combination picture gallery/coffee lounge. A small table with two chairs one side of the stage, which I refer to as the 'real' side. On the other side two six foot mirror/picture frames 'hung' at floor level with curtains over them. There will also be a corresponding, diametrically opposite, table and chair on the 'mirror' side of the stage. A small stool for Pierre. There is an imaginary mirror down the centre of the stage (at right angles to the audience) and in certain scenes the actions on one side of this mirror are are reflection of actions on the other. The set should be kept simple in line with my minimalist preferences. Stage properties should also be mimed, even the coffee perhaps.
SIDNEY: A gentleman aged about fifty-five. Dressed conservatively in a suit. Cultured.
MADELINE : A woman of matching age. She is an attractive woman who dresses with flair.
SID: Alter ego of Sidney when younger. Appears from behind 'mirror'. Dressed as a Roman Catholic priest ie cassock and dog collar. He would wear vestments for obligatory mass but these can be mimed.
MADDY: Alter ego of Madeline when younger. Appears from behind 'mirror'. Well dressed.
PIERRE: A waiter and Master of Illusion. May be played by a female and if so
call her COLLETTE and change masculine words where necessary.
In a subsequent revision PIERRE/COLLETTE becomes FRANCISCO/FRANCISCA.
1) There should be some physical similarity between SIDNEY/SID and
MADELINE/MADDY even though they dress quite differently and are of different
ages. A good opportunity for parent/sibling casting.
2) RC priests have to do three masses a day. The ones they do without audience I
have termed 'obligatory'.
3) The plot for this play is based on an idea given me by Ann Elliot Smith.
4) This play is the first in a series with the same set and cast (but playing
different characters) designed to be presented together to provide a full
evening's entertainment.
Sidney and Madeline meet at the gallery, a regular meeting which has been going on for 30 years. The exhibition consists of two mirrors covered with curtains which when opened reveal as reflections Sidney and Madeline 30 years younger. These younger characters (who are not acknowledged by the older) act out their first meeting as a Roman Catholic priest and a prostitute and their eventual falling in love. This is presided over by Pierre (Collette) as a waiter/artist/hand of God. Eventually it is realised that they did not consummate their love but have nevertheless still been meeting over the years.
SIDNEY ENTERS AND SITS AT THE COFFEE TABLE. HE HAS A CATALOGUE OF PICTURES IN THE EXHIBITION, WHICH HE READS. PIERRE ENTERS.
PIERRE: Coffee monsieur?
SIDNEY: You're new here aren't you?
PIERRE: Yes monsieur.
SIDNEY: And your name is Pierre?
PIERRE: Yes monsieur.
SIDNEY: And you're not French?
PIERRE: No monsieur. (PAUSE) Would you like coffee? Or tea?
SIDNEY: What's this exhibition all about then? It says here there are only two works, Illusion One and Illusion Two, is that them there?
PIERRE: Yes monsieur.
SIDNEY: Why are they covered with curtains?
PIERRE: There's an explanation in the catalogue. It says that when the viewer opens the curtain he or she will see their own personal illusion which is unique to them and no-one else.
SIDNEY: Avant-garde eh? I prefer it when they hang real paintings.
PIERRE: I don't think the management really care monsieur, the establishment is making more profit as a coffee house than as a galley. Exhibitions are a sideline now.
SIDNEY: Hmm.
PIERRE: Would you like coffee monsieur?
SIDNEY: When Madeline arrives.
PIERRE: Madeline monsieur?
SIDNEY: She's shopping. Madeline and I come to most exhibitions. We have been doing so for almost thirty years. We always come immediately after the opening, at this time of day, when the gallery is quiet. The waiters may change from time to time but they are always called Pierre and they are never French. A management custom I imagine. Madeline has small Greek coffee black. I have a large cafe au lait . We share a small plate of Turkish delight.
PIERRE: Yes monsieur.
SIDNEY: Wait for her to arrive. The next time we come you'll know.
PIERRE: There won't be a next time.
SIDNEY: Really?
PIERRE: I'm only here for the duration of this exhibition.
PIERRE EXITS. SIDNEY GOES TO ONE OF THE EXHIBITS. TENTATIVELY MOVES TO OPEN THE CURTAIN BUT CHANGES HIS MIND. GOES BACK TO HIS SEAT. MADELINE ARRIVES AND SITS. THERE IS NO SIGN OF HER SHOPPING. THESE TWO REACT TOGETHER IN A MANNER THAT MIGHT LEAD THE AUDIENCE TO BELIEVE THEY ARE A COUPLE.
SIDNEY: (IN GOOD HUMOUR) Five minutes late, as usual.
MADELINE: What would it be if I wasn't five minutes late?
SIDNEY: A miracle.
MADELINE : That's your department Sidney. (PAUSE) It's not always easy to get
away from work.