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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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