copyright © 2002 Lee Moyer
Principles
By Lee Moyer
www.leemoyer.com6/12/02
Cast:
Ali:
A smart and thoughtful young woman. Principled and straightforward.Johnson: A slightly sputtery authority figure.
Eric: A cool young man.
[Lights up to 3/4]
Ali: You wanted to see me?
Johnson: Yes Alison, I did. Have you reconsidered my offer?
Ali (stern): Yes Sir, I have.
(Beat)
Johnson: And?
Ali: And I’m afraid I still can’t accept.
Johnson (surprised): …because?
(Slightly Longer Beat)
Ali: Because it’s Fascism Sir, plain and simple. I refuse to be involved with anything so morally bankrupt.
Johnson (in total disbelief): …Morally bankrupt? …Fascism? I’m not sure I
Ali (interrupting): Don’t patronize me Sir. You know perfectly well what I’m talking about. (begins to rant). Fascism is extreme right-wing ideology that celebrates conformity to a mythical standard of "normalcy". It cuts through all other notions of what is right or natural. It attempts to lull us into a false sense that there is no death or decay, just your perfect - and perfectly artificial - status quo. Any natural tendencies toward variety or individualism threaten your perfect organic community and must be crushed beneath your jack-booted feet.
Johnson (getting a word in): Now look here, I don’t even wear boots and you know
Ali (ignores him, continues ranting): Your sort of Fascism promotes the idea of (counting them off on her hands) class superiority, hybrid inferiority and the persecution, territorialism, expansion, and - of course — (her sixth finger raised is a forefinger that she points accusatorily at Johnson) genocide that always follows. Oh, it wears the face of a socially acceptable, politically correct movement. Of course it claims a noble pedigree, but please! It’s a Procrustean hotbed of senseless conformity that flies in the face of science and nature. It’s a violent and elitist tradition that has traditionally be the province of pampered young men. You feel that I’m lucky to even be offered this job, because I’m a girl — a woman, but the truth is no one is lucky to have this job. This job- this working for the man, for the Fascist pig dog- this job sucks!
I pity you Sir. I really do.
Good day. (Ali turns and walks to the door.)
(Eric enters as Ali exits. She gives him a dirty look)
(Beat)
Johnson
(turns to Eric and sighs): Well… your sister still won’t mow the lawn. I guess I’ll need to raise the price after all…Eric: A cool 20, minimum. Ya big Fascist.
(Eric Smirks)
[Quick Fade to Black.]
"Principles" IS COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL AND MAY NOT BE DOWNLOADED, TRANSMITTED, PRINTED OR PERFORMED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR
"Principles" debuted June 28, 2002, performed by Bremen Donovan, Todd Ristau and Brandon Allison.
Library]
