Write one of
more characters that are d/Deaf and/or disabled. Not “just” a character that
could be played by an actor who is d/Deaf and/or disabled—but a character that
is.
Like, the
subject should come up.
Some issues
should come up. Heck, they could derail the play entirely… perhaps in a joyful
way. Perhaps not.
But all my
characters could be played by anyone!
Maybe.
Also.
It’s a bit of
white washing if somehow magically in the world of your play (unlike the real
world) there are no issues or problems for a person who is d/Deaf and/or
disabled. Just be aware of what issues are “important” enough to make it
into your plays and what issues aren’t.
Bonus if you
also work in one or more persons of color. Same rules apply.
While we’re
all worthy and important individuals with unlimited capacities… the world is
not set up to allow everyone to live to their full potential. Almost
everyone will have a disability before they die. The subject is universal.
************
Another challenge I want
to take on, but later.
Right now, I'm still
trying to fill in the blanks on material for the first draft of this love
potion play. So, another scene -
************
Everyone has gathered for the antidote.
AUGGIE is still hanging on to MICAH's hand.
SARAH has the vial with the antidote.
JEFFREY and DUNCAN are there to see if it works.
SARAH
OK,
this is just gonna be weird.
Obviously
it would have been better if we could have done this at home, or at least
neutral territory.
AUGGIE
But
I didn't want to leave Micah so -
SARAH
So
we're doing it here. At your place.
MICAH
So
we're all just gonna have to roll with it.
JEFFREY
If
it doesn't work, we'll get right back to work on the next attempt.
DUNCAN
And
if it does -
AUGGIE
Then
I'll leave with you and the baby.
SARAH
That's
the plan.
MICAH
So
we should probably say goodbye.
AUGGIE
I
don't think I want to.
DUNCAN
Nobody's
dying.
SARAH
But
this is ending. If not now, then on the
second attempt or the third or whatever.
JEFFREY
We're
not sure how you're going to feel immediately after. It's probably going to be disorienting.
AUGGIE
So
if I want a proper goodbye -
DUNCAN
Now's
your shot.
AUGGIE
Is
it wrong that I'm scared?
MICAH
No,
I'm scared, too.
SARAH
We're
all scared.
DUNCAN
Look,
if we're doing this -
AUGGIE
Right. OK.
I
want to kiss you.
SARAH
Because
of course you do.
MICAH
You
really shouldn't.
We
really -
SARAH
I'll
turn my back.
But
I'm not leaving the room.
DUNCAN
Same.
JEFFREY
Yeah.
SARAH, DUNCAN, and JEFFREY look away.
AUGGIE
Whatever
happens -
MICAH
Yeah.
AUGGIE
Do
you not want me to?
MICAH
I'm
not sure whether you kissing me is gonna make it easier or more difficult but -
if you feel like you need to -
AUGGIE nods.
MICAH nods back.
AUGGIE kisses MICAH.
It's not dirty, but it's deliberate and a little
desperate. He lays claim to him. By the time AUGGIE's done, MICAH's wrecked.
MICAH tries to compose himself, clears his throat.
MICAH (cont'd)
OK. Done.
SARAH takes a deep breath and turns around.
So do JEFFREY and DUNCAN.
SARAH presents AUGGIE with the antidote.
SARAH
Here
you go.
AUGGIE takes the vial, hesitates.
JEFFREY
Bottoms
up.
Oh. Wow.
Sorry. Word choice.
MICAH looks at AUGGIE.
MICAH
I'm
sorry.
MICAH looks at SARAH.
MICAH (cont'd)
I'm
sorry.
SARAH
If
this works, we're just gonna leave.
MICAH
Understood.
AUGGIE
(to MICAH)
I
love you.
MICAH
I
love you, too.
AUGGIE
Goodbye.
AUGGIE takes the antidote.
Everybody waits.
JEFFREY
How
long - ?
MICAH
When
it took hold, it was pretty quick so -
SARAH
Auggie?
AUGGIE
I'm
feeling a little wobbly.
DUNCAN
Take
a couple of deep breaths.
JEFFREY
We're
all right here.
AUGGIE looks at SARAH.
AUGGIE
Sarah.
SARAH
I'm
right here.
AUGGIE takes a couple of halting steps toward her.
AUGGIE
The
baby.
SARAH
Baby's
right here, too. Give or take six months.
AUGGIE walks up to SARAH, touches her face.
Then he puts a hand on her belly.
There's a pause.
AUGGIE
We
should probably go home.
SARAH
Yeah. OK.
You
don't need to do anything else here?
AUGGIE looks around at JEFFREY, DUNCAN,
and MICAH.
AUGGIE
No.
MICAH puts on an encouraging smile.
MICAH
You
go on. Everything's fine.
DUNCAN
Well
-
JEFFREY
Under
the circumstances.
DUNCAN
OK.
SARAH
We'll
all talk again.
Later.
Auggie
and I will talk.
Then
we'll all talk.
I'll
let you know.
AUGGIE clings to SARAH just a little.
SARAH (cont'd)
Could
one of you get the door?
DUNCAN
Sure.
He does.
They stand aside as SARAH and AUGGIE head out the
door.
SARAH
(to DUNCAN)
Thanks
for the assistance.
(to JEFFREY)
Thanks
for helping fix the mess you made.
She doesn't have anything to say to, or turn back
to, MICAH.
SARAH and AUGGIE are gone.
JEFFREY
(to MICAH)
You
gonna be OK?
MICAH
That's
a question I don't really have an answer for yet, but you should go.
I'll
be OK. In general terms. Don't worry.
JEFFREY
I'm
sorry.
MICAH
Things
are back to normal. -ish.
And
I'm the dumbass who used the love potion.
You don't have anything to be sorry for.
DUNCAN
That's
generous of you -
JEFFREY
But
not entirely accurate.
MICAH
I
did this to myself. And Auggie. And Sarah.
No one to blame but myself for what just happened.
But
thank you, for trying to help shoulder the bunder a little with me. You're a good friend. Better than I've been to you.
JEFFREY
That's
not true.
MICAH
(to JEFFREY)
So,
Duncan?
JEFFREY
(a little sheepish)
Yeah.
DUNCAN
(not at all sheepish)
Yeah.
JEFFREY is relieved when DUNCAN puts an arm around
him.
MICAH
Good
for you.
JEFFREY
Yeah.
I
need a little assistance with the magic stuff.
Clearly.
And,
you know -
MICAH
Yeah,
I know. Go on, you two, get out of here.
I'm
good. I'll be good. You know, eventually.
JEFFREY
See
you. Soon.
MICAH
When
Sarah convenes us all again.
JEFFREY
Call
if you need to. Before, or after.
MICAH
I've
got your number. Go, already. Please.
DUNCAN
See
you soon.
MICAH
I'll
be getting a full report on you, sir.
DUNCAN
I
don't doubt it.
JEFFREY
Bye.
MICAH
Bye.
DUNCAN and JEFFREY go.
MICAH is alone.
The room feels very empty.
He stands, not knowing what to do.
Or think.
Or feel.
(to
be continued)
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