A PLAY FOR YOU
by
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Dr. Foster: Where is
he! Has anybody seen Timothy! The most important rehearsal and he’s not
here. (Everybody continues to do what
they are doing apparently without too much regard for Dr. Foster’s
concern. Suddenly Timothy enters. As soon as he enters everything gets quiet
for just a split second and then goes back to normal. Timothy approaches Dr. Foster with a look of remorse.) Six pm, six pm, I do believe rehearsal
starts at six pm.
Timothy: I’m sorry sir, but I had a
serious problem, I was trying to decide what would be the right thing to
do (pause) pay my rent or take the money and use it for food. I was torn between the two.
Dr. Foster: So the
question is always right! Is it right
or wrong! (Timothy stares
with fear)
You come to me and ask, should I pay my rent to have a place to stay or
should I take the money so that I may eat and live? (sarcastically) May I ask
you a question, I think you should consider a higher right, yes, is it right to
exist?
Timothy: I don’t
believe it’s (pauses, unsure of
himself) ethical not to pay one’s
bills, but at the same time . . . yes, I agree with you. I should eat. What do you mean by a higher
right?
Dr. Foster: (with
disgust and sarcastic pity) It is wrong
not to pay your bills, but now you have
reached a point, I presume, in the name of preservation, to put aside those
concerns and simply ask yourself, is it better to have food and live or die of
starvation? It’s your choice, decision, DO YOU WANT TO LIVE OR DIE!!
Timothy: (Timothy
is perplexed he does not want to look like a dishonest person, he tries to
decide what would be the right answer, an answer that will satisfy Dr. Foster
as well as his own conscience. In the
name of integrity, and a chance to assure his job he answers) I’D RATHER DIE!!
Dr. Foster: (Dr. Foster
has a confused I cannot believe he said it look) Oh you fool, very well. (Slowly
he pulls out a thirty-eight caliber pistol.
At the sight of the gun everybody runs for dear life, all except the
Assistant Director, “Ralph Conferson”.
Dr.Foster slowly points the gun at Timothy’s heart and fires. Timothy drops to his knees and then falls
over motionless)
Ralph: Oh my God,
you killed him!
Dr. Foster: Nonsense,
get up you fool!! (There is still no
motion from Timothy.)
Ralph: (The
conscience of Ralph “begins to speak”, with trepidation written all over his
face, he thinks, “is it worth it, should I stay grin and bear it so that I may
get paid?”)
Sir . . . I should call the ambulance, maybe he has
a chance to live.
Dr. Foster: Nonsense,
this gun is full of blanks. (Dr. Foster
points the gun at his own head, Ralph faints)
I can’t believe this is happening.
(Dr. Foster is always ready for any and all situations, he pulls out the
smelling-salts from his sport-jacket and he begins to minister. Ralph regains consciousness) In the name of God, get up and yes call the
ambulance for this poor soul! (Ralph
decides to take the vital signs.) Well,
I can see that tonight has turned out to be a complete tragedy. I’m going home. Send word to everybody that we will resume this session bright
and early. Everybody to be here
tomorrow morning no later than six, goodnight!
Ralph: Sir
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Throughout the play the concept of, “being
responsible for yourself”, is the existential tenet that the author
highlights. This play moves swiftly, as
the first scene literally starts out with a bang. The main character, Dr. Foster, is director/writer of plays; an
eccentric. As a consequence of his
behavior, he is summoned to a court hearing.
As the play progresses, Orlin Scott satirically develops the theme,
“being responsible for yourself”; use of the motif is used for the purpose.
A minor theme is the mind-body problem. Uniquely, a different approach is explored
that spurs the interested reader to consider a perspective which does encourage
research in this area of philosophy.
The subject matter is handled with intrigue and simplicity. This play has shown an appeal to both the
young and older populations. The
phrase, “food for thought”, fits this play well; keeps the mind captivated and
involved as the reader will surely gain insight . . . this play has something
to say about self-preservation as it teaches, counsels and inspires . . .
timely; appropriate for the chaotic, unsettling present age that we live in . .
. an admirable delight.
The Writer
& Theater Group
New
York, New York
About the Author
Orlin Scott was educated at the University of South
Florida and awarded the graduate degree in counseling. Currently holding the honorary retired
status in the profession, he devotes much of his time to writing. His experiences as counselor were rich with
respect to listening to people’s concerns.
These experiences coupled with his interest in philosophy have strongly
influenced his style. Orlin Scott cleverly
presents the subject matter in a manner that is both thought provoking and entertaining
“. . . it was refreshing to have had a
chance to read this five act play; a must for students, simply, a must for the
enjoyer of good fiction. This work most
certainly is, A Play For You”.
Paul Campbell, D.Min.
Literatures In Review
Ft. Lauderdale, FL