Pity the Fool by D. M. Larson from freedrama.net (cast: 2m 2w)
A man, JEORGE, hangs on the wall as a part of a modern art
piece. People walk through the gallery and look at the odd pieces of
modern art. A couple of woman, SAGE and MARY stop at the man.
SAGE
What's this?
MARY
It's called "Pity the Fool."
SAGE
It's amazing. The man looks so lifelike.
Mary
It's like he could walk right out of the painting and talk to
us.
Suddenly Jeorge's eyes pop open and the women are startled.
JEORGE
Do you have any water?
His eyes close again. Sage and Mary look at each other
and then the painting again.
SAGE
You heard that right?
MARY
Yeah.
JEORGE
Water.
SAGE
I'll get some water.
Sage leaves. Mary wants to follow and doesn't want to
be left alone.
JEORGE
Wait. Please.
Mary reluctantly stops. She looks around but is
alone. She cautiously returns.
MARY
What? Uh... who? I mean...
JEORGE
Why am I here?
MARY
Sure... let's ask that question.
JEORGE
This is my self portrait.
MARY
Pity the fool?
JEORGE
Yes.
MARY
Well... it's working. I feel sorry for you.
JEORGE
Everyone does.
MARY
Oh...
Mary looks around nervously hoping Sage will return.
Jeorge climbs down off the background and sits at the edge of the art looking
very hurt and sad. Sage returns with some bottled water.
SAGE
Found some water.
Jeorge takes it from her and gives a weak smile.
JEORGE
Thank you.
Jeorge drinks and lets the water refresh him. Mary and
Sage look at each other and then at Jeorge nervously.
MARY
So uh... this is a self-portrait.
SAGE
You're the artist?
JEORGE
Yes.
SAGE
I have to say I've never seen anything like this.
JEORGE
It's a variation on the living statue idea.
MARY
So not original?
JEORGE
Not really.
They are all quiet a moment.
SAGe
Well, I've never seen anything like it.
JEORGE
Then you haven't been out much.
SAGE
What? Look, we're trying to be nice.
JEORGE
Because you pity me.
MARY
That's what you want isn't it?
JEORGE
How do you know what I want?!
Sage and Mary start to back away. Jeorge curls up at the
bottom of his art.
SAGE
Look. I think you're a little too much of a method
artist.
Jeorge is starting to cry.
MARY
Is he crying?
SAGE
Let's get out of here before he totally flips out.
MARY
But he's so sad.
SAGE
It's some twisted performance art I think.
Mary
You have to admit. It's pretty original.
SAGE
Just because it is different, doesn't mean it's good.
Jeorge looks up sadly at Sage.
JEORGE
You... you don't think it's good?
SAGe
Let's go.
Sage tries to go but Mary doesn't leave.
MARY
I think it's one of the most interesting things I've ever
seen.
JEORGE
You're just saying that to be nice. You don't really
feel that way.
MARY
I do. Really. Art is always so bland and two
dimensional. Your work is so... alive... literally.
Jeorge gives Sage a pouty look.
JEORGE
She hates it though.
Sage gives him a dirty look and Jeorge gets sad and collapses
in to his art.
MARY
Say something nice to him.
SAGE
What? No.
MARY
Do it.
Sage reluctantly goes up to Jeorge. Mary pushes her
closer and Sage slaps her hand away. Sage is next to him.
SAGE
Okay, I have to admit. This is the most unusual...
(Mary pokes her) ...different... most creative piece of art here tonight.
Jeorge says weakly:
Jeorge
Thank you.
Sage turns to Mary and pulls her away.
SAGE
Can we go now?
MARY
You go. I'll catch up in a minute.
SAGE
Whatever.
Sage leaves. Mary goes up to Jeorge and kneels down
next to him.
MARY
What happened to you that inspired this?
Jeorge sits up slowly and looks up at his background.
JEORGE
It's a long story. Everything you see here represents
something that's happen in my life that has brought me to this point.
MARY
The images are stunning. I've never seen a work of art
with so much story to it. I could probably sit here for hours trying to
figure it all out.
JEORGE
Stay then.
MARY
I have to go... how long will you be... on display?
JEORGE
This is the last night. I'll hopefully be showing this
in other galleries though.
Mary gives him a business card.
MARY
I would like to see you... and your work again. Here's my
number. Call me when you're showing this again.
JEORGE
I will.
MARY
I better go. Great work on this. It's very moving.
Jeorge gives a weak smile and waves good-bye as Mary
leaves. He climbs back up in to his original position. Frank enters
and goes up to Jeorge.
FRANK
You got another number didn't you?
JEORGE
Yup.
FRANK
There has to be an easier way to pick up women.
JEORGE
What can I say. I'm a fool.
FRANK
Ain't that the truth.
THE END
The script may be printed and copied for free. There is no charge to use the play.
1. All programs, posters, etc. should have the author's name (D. M. Larson) and something that tells about the Freedrama.net website such as "Produced by special arrangement with www.freedrama.net". When you complete the production, it would be appreciated if you would mail a copy of the program to D. M. Larson, c/o Carol Steele, 21950 County Road 445, Bovey, MN 55709.
2. All videos of the plays must be approved in advance of the performance. The videos must have Freedrama.net in the credits and also a link to freedrama.net in the description if the video is placed online.
NOTE: The play may not be reproduced, redistributed or republished in any form without written permission from the author.
Thank you for selecting my script. Have fun and enjoy the play.
Sincerely,
D. M. Larson
