FOREIGN

DRAMA SCRIPT
THE BOOK OF SOULS...
By: Naadir Joseph
Date Published: 2017/06/18
Date Retrieved: 2018/09/14
http://offthewallplays.com
Copyright © June 2017 Naadir Joseph and Off the Wall Play Publishers
Caution: This script is provided for reading purposes only. Professionals and amateurs are
hereby advised that it is subject to royalty. It is fully protected under the laws of the
United States of America, the British Empire, including the Dominion of Canada, South
Africa, Australia, New Zealand and all other countries of the Copyright Union. All rights,
including but not limited to professional, amateur, film, radio, and all other media
(including use on the worldwide web) and the rights of translation into foreign languages
are strictly reserved; and any unauthorized use of the material may subject the user to
any and all applicable civil and criminal penalties. For any information about royalties or
to apply for a performance license please click the following link:
http://offthewallplays.com/royalties-and-licensing-of-plays-sold-by-off-the-wall-plays/
1
Book of Souls
by Naadir Joseph
Characters: Cameron
Jason
Silvia
Life
Mom
Dad
Jenny
2
(The stage is set as a simple background. Cameron, Jason and Silvia are standing at
centre stage.)
Cameron: I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it!
Silvia: Is it true, Cameron? You found it?
Cameron: I have it here in my bag. (Pulls out a large book from his bag.) I’ve been
searching for it for a long time.
Silvia: So, does it do what the internet says it does?
Jason: It doesn’t look like much. It looks like any other book.
Cameron: It’s the Book of Souls. This book brings back to life the person whose name you
write in the book, but you have to have an image of the person’s face in your mind.
Jason: Why don’t you try it out?
Silvia: I don’t think we should. I mean where could this book have come from? If it exists,
imagine how terrifying the owner must be.
Jason: Don’t listen to Silvia over here. We don’t even know if this book does what you think
it does.
Cameron: Okay, so how about a test run? We use it on someone that’s dead, but someone we
don’t know.
Jason: We could bring back someone in history? How about Jesse Owens? I always loved
him.
Silvia: Don’t be silly. Why don’t we bring back someone else like Nikola Tesla?
Cameron: Guys, there’s hundreds of people we could bring back, this is just a test run.
(Writes a name in the book.)
(Rex enters stage right and runs around the stage barking.)
Cameron: Rex! You’re back.
Jason: So, you had the power to bring back anyone in the world, anyone in history and you
bring back a dog?
3
Cameron: I felt it was the safest thing to do. I mean, what if it went wrong? We don’t wat to
see the evil of good people nor do we want to see the hatred of evil people. My dog
was the safest option.
Silvia: It makes sense. But why him?
Cameron: Rex here was my dog when I was small. He died in the car accident. I loved him
and it would have been nice to hug him one last time.
Life: (Appears behind all of them.) I see you’ve found my book!
Jason: Who the hell are you?
Life: I’m the owner of that book you’re holding. You could call me the embodiment of Life.
Cameron: I’ve never heard of you.
Life: (Sighs.) Now that is not exactly my fault, is it? Everyone instead choose to know my
brother. Death, Death, Death! What’s so important about him? Sure, he’s mysterious
and alluring, but so am I. I mean, when will stories be written about me and about
what I can do?
Cameron: Isn’t all you do is grant life?
Life: No. I can grant life to anyone I see fit. Well, I’ll need my book for that.
Silvia: So, this is the Book of Souls?
Life: Yes. It is. I misplaced it a while ago so I had to go through many things just to find it
here with you three.
Cameron: Are you going to take it back?
Life: It is my book. If you kept it now, then I’d have to do something to you three that I
would like to otherwise avoid. Each second is precious. Right now, across the world,
many babies, animals and plants are coming to life and each second you hold that
book, my brother will be more inclined to act. The line between Life and Death is
quite thin.
Jason: What can you do? Give us more life? Like that will change us anyway.
Life: You’ve got jokes, don’t you, Jason?
4
Jason: H-how do you know my name?
Life: I gave you life. I know everyone’s names like Cameron and Silvia here. Do you really
think that’s all I can do? Sure, my brother has the power to take your life. I can make
your life quite painful though. Would you like to try it out? You’re too young to
understand this. But life can be more unfair than death.
Jason: I don’t believe you. I think you’re just all talk.
Silvia: I agree with Jason.
Life: (Raises her hand.) How about I torture your soul?
(Jason suddenly falls to the ground and yells in pain. Life begins to laugh.)
Life: I warned you, didn’t I? Your soul comes from me. I can do whatever I want to do with it
except remove it. That can be left to my silly brother. Do you want more?
Jason: N-no!
Cameron: That’s enough. What do you want?
Life: (Lowers her hand.) Simple. I want my book. And, to show you I’m serious, I’ll take
the dog’s soul now.
(Rex suddenly collapses to the ground.)
Silvia: You just said you can’t take souls.
Life: Yes, that is true to a point. I should have said I can’t take new souls. Souls that once
were are my domain. Will you hand the book over now?
Cameron: (Struggles to hand it over.) I n-need it.
Life: Oh? And what is it you need it for?
Silvia: We all need it. It’s why we came together in the first place. We all lost something and
we…
Life: (Makes crying noises.) You think I care? I’m here for my book and I will have it.
Cameron: You don’t have a heart, do you?
Life: No.
5
Silvia: Do you care for anyone, but yourself?
Life: (Giggles.) Heck to the no. All I do is my job same as everyone else in this nasty world.
My brother does his job. The others do theirs. So, if you don’t mind, the book please?
Jason: Don’t give it to her. We need it.
Life: Foolish boy, don’t you learn?
Silvia: No matter what you do to us, we won’t give it to you.
Cameron: What she said.
Life: Is that it? Is that the defence you’ve manage to muster?
Silvia: Just once? Please? All we’re asking for is one use for each of us and you can take your
book back.
Life: Who is it you all wish to bring back?
Cameron: My mother.
Jason: My dad.
Silvia: My sister.
(Life’s phone rings and she answers.)
Life: Hello? Are you sure? They have? How could they have earned it that quickly? Fine.
(Ends the call.) It seems I have to allow it. Go ahead…
(Jason, Cameron and Silvia each take a turn to write the names. Jason’s Dad enters
stage right followed by Cameron’s Mom and Jenny. They’re all surprised and run to
hug the person they’ve brought back.)
Mom: It’s good to see you again, honey.
Dad: How’s my star doing?
Jenny: Sis, how are you?
Cameron: Why? Why did you let us use the book?
REFERENCE: http://offthewallplays.com/2017/06/18/book-souls-short-teen-play/
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
A CHRISTIAN ONE ACT
By: Mike Whorley
Date Published: 2017/10/27
Date Retrieved: 2018/09/14
Copyright © October 2017 Mike Whorley and Off the Wall Play Publishers
http://offthewallplays.com
This script is provided for reading purposes only Professionals and amateurs are hereby advised
that
it is subject to royalty It is fully protected under the laws of South Africa, the United States of
America, the British Empire including the Dominion of Canada and all other countries of the
Copyright Union. All rights including but not limited to professional amateur film radio and all
other media including use on the worldwide web and the rights of translation into foreign
languages
are strictly reserved and any unauthorized use of the material may subject the user to any and all
applicable civil and criminal penalties. For any information about royalties or to apply for a
performance license please click the following link :
http://offthewallplays.com/royalties-and-licensing-of-plays-sold-by-off-the-wall-plays/
The Most important Thing
by
Michael A. Whorley
Cast: Pg. 1
Audrey- HS Junior, serious, but with a killer dry wit, principled, inadvertent loner, figuring
out how to love the sinner by reflecting back the consequences of sin, and
tackling searching for truth without being a “Thumper”. Wants to be social, but
not at the expense of betraying what is important to her. Carries the “curse” of
intelligence.
Brad- Happy-go-lucky, funny, wise-cracking HS Junior, live and let live, don’t get too
serious about anything. Academically smart, but vested in becoming “something
big”, something special, that his family would be proud of. Deals with serious
issues by redirecting the conversation to something less confrontational as a way
of being an Upper rather than a Downer. Believes that this is the way to navigate
a happy, satisfying life.
Melissa-
Sharon} Two best friends, HS Sophomores, very social butterflies, want to be around
everyone else’s “Events” so they won’t “miss anything”. Content to let life
happen to them rather that having an effect on life themselves. Happy with
doing what their parents did without giving a lot of thought about what is
important beyond “being a part of” all that seems attractive. Silly innocence,
with a dose of serendipity. Inseparable. Complete each other’s sentences.
Simple thinkers, comforted when things are just “black and white”.
Billy- Average guy, good natured, but processes information a little slower that most.
Most subtlety goes over his head, and he can be the “deer in the headlights”, but
his heart is usually in the right place, once he figures out which place he is in.
HS Sophomore.
Steve- Hard edged, sarcastic, tough guy. Dog-Eat-Dog mentality. Life is hard and you
have to be “hard” back, if you’re going to keep it from crushing you. Can be funny
when it’s at someone else’s expense. Defensive when called out for meanness.
“You just don’t get it.” justification. HS Senior, wants to be a construction worker.
Sarah- Shy, sweet, self-deprecating, a little afraid of everything. Needs an invitation to
become something. Would like to rise to the occasion if she could discover the
confidence to do so. HS Sophomore.
Teacher- Voice of Teacher character whenever one is called for.
Page 2
Any additional males and females can be “student body” characters who react to the
speaking characters throughout the play, on cue.
Scene 1
Kids are coming in to Quaker Memorial High School (put in here the name of your
church or high school to personalize the production) from stage left and right.
They greet each other as crowd noise, before entering “Home Room”, from both sides
of the stage. All take their seats as they are accustomed to doing.
Teacher: All right, settle down, settle down, I know who’s here and who’s not…
Steve: Are you SURE about that?
Student Crowd: groan!………………….
Brad: SOME more than OTHERS…….(“others” referencing Steve)
Student Crowd: (snicker laughter, quickly dying off…..)
Brad: Lucky for you Steve, this HS counts “partly” as being here. It’s a money thing.
Student Crowd:(Laughter…all but Billy and Sarah)
Billy: I don’t get it…
Steve: There you go. (gesturing to Billy) My point exactly!
Sarah: I don’t get it either Billy….
Steve: If we keep this up, several here may add up to an entire person……
Teacher: All right, all right! Pipe down! Don’t worry about the “partlies”, Steve, there’s
enough of you to make up the difference for any “partlies”, so put a lid
on it!…OK, During Humanities class, the school is doing a survey project on
the question “What are the things most important to you, and what are you
personally going to do to see to it that those things show up in your life?”
Melissa: Like who will I be in a relationship with?….
Page 3
Sharon: Will I get the classes I want next year?…
Audrey: The REALLY important things might be a LITTLE BIGGER than that…
Steve: Says who?
Brad: Everybody has different things that are important to them. Life sorts out the
different interests, and what you put into it determines how everything
works out.
Billy: What if we haven’t figured out what’s most important yet? I think whatever we
CAN figure out, we should just do the best that we can about it, till we figure
something ELSE out……
Sarah: I think so too, Billy….
Steve: Well, THERE you have it! These two have completed this project all by
themselves….
Brad: Well, let’s see what the big picture looks like when everybody has had their say
before we call this project complete…
Audrey: Are you saying that THIS collection of people HERE is going to determine what
is REALLY important?
Brad: Well,… that IS the assignment, isn’t it? WE don’t know what the outcome is
going to be until WE answer the QUESTION…
Audrey: I’m just not sure we’re going to get at what is most important by making a list of
our personal preferences.
Billy: I don’t get it…..What ARE we talking about?
Sarah: What are the most important things…..
Billy: Isn’t doing the best you can the most important thing?
Page 4
Audrey: Sure it is, Billy, but wouldn’t the best you can be mean so much more if you
knew WHO you were doing it for?
Billy: Now I’m REALLY CONFUSED…
Melissa and Sharon: ME TOO!….
Steve: Nah Billy, you are only partly confused. Team up with your other “partlies” and
THEN you can be COMPLETELY confused…..
Student Crowd: (rebuke response- Back off!….What a jerk!…What do YOU know?!)
Brad: (to Crowd) OK, OK….(to Steve) No need to be mean, Steve…How are YOU going
to answer the question?
Steve: The most important thing?… Taking care of YOURSELF, because NOBODY, no
matter WHAT the intentions are, is gonna do THAT,… FOR you. I’LL take care of
MINE, YOU take care of YOURS.
Audrey: (to Steve) And that’s the MOST important thing?
Steve: Well, it’s ahead of most everything ELSE that THIS world seems to value.
Audrey: But what about the next world?…
Steve: Well you can live in La-La Land if you want to, but I gotta live in THIS world.
Brad: OK, you two…Let’s all go to Humanities Class and see what everybody thinks.
Audrey: (Sigh)…I’m mostly concerned about what “Somebody” thinks.
Billy: Do you mean the Principal?
Audrey: (Smiling) In a way,…I guess I do, Billy… (She gathers her things and heads out
SL)
Billy: (out to the audience) I hope some of you are paying attention out there, ‘cause
I could use some help figuring out what the QUESTION is……….
Page 5
Sarah: It’s OK, Billy….(big inhale and sigh) We’ll be confused together…. (they walk out
together)
(All the rest of the students head out SR and SL doing small talk with who ever is
walking out with them)
Scene 2
(all students come in Stage Right and Stage Left back to the seats they had before,
but which is now Humanities Class for this period)
Teacher: All right Ladies and Gentlemen, our school-wide project involves us thinking
about the two questions that were posed to you during Home Room. You all
have had a study period between then and now. So one at a time, come
forward and give your answers. There are no perfect and complete
answers to anything, but finding the answers TO anything,… HAS to start
somewhere. We will be recording your answers, and compiling them for
research in order to reflect what our students today think are the most
important things. And then, what they intend to do to reflect those things in
their lives. You all drew a number upon entering class to put some order to this
process, so come up and enlighten the rest of us when your number is
called. Number 1……..
Sarah: Hello,… I’m Sarah… I do OK in most of my studies,… but I haven’t found what I
love yet… so that I can give my whole self to it,… be good at it,… and whatever
it is,… make a difference that will inspire those around me to give THEIR best to
it ALSO, …(deep breath in and exhale out)…whatever it is.
Teacher: Number 2…….

REFERENCE: http://offthewallplays.com/2017/10/27/important-thing-christian-play-high-
school/
SURPRISES
A Short One Act Drama
By
Keith Passmore
Date Published: 2015/10/29
Date Retrieved: 2018/09/14
http://offthewallplays.com
This play is subject to Copyright@2015 Keith Passmore All rights reserved
1
Surprises
A Brief Synopsis:
Bryn arrives home with the Christmas shopping which
includes a surprisingly large parcel. Is it a surprise? Who
is it for? The women had agreed not to exchange or buy
Christmas presents, but why has Bryn bought it? It sparks
a somewhat poignant conversation between Bryn and her
companion, Sarah.
Production Notes:
The action takes place in a room in a small apartment.
The staging is simple, consisting of a table, covered with a
cloth, and a chair.
Time: Two weeks before any Christmas.
Both characters, Bryn and Sarah, are in their early
thirties.
This script is provided for reading purposes only. Professionals and amateurs are
hereby advised that it is subject to royalty. It is fully protected under the laws of
the United States of America, the British Empire, including the Dominion of
Canada, and all other countries of the Copyright Union. All rights, including but
not limited to professional, amateur, film, radio, and all other media (including
use on the worldwide web) and the rights of translation into foreign languages
are strictly reserved; and any unauthorized use of the material may subject the
user to any and all applicable civil and criminal penalties. For any information
about royalties or to apply for a performance license please click the following
link:
http://offthewallplays.com/royalties-and-licensing-of-plays-sold-by-off-the-wallplays/
2
Surprises
Characters
Bryn
Sarah
Scene: A room in Bryn and Sarah’s apartment.
A simple set consisting of a table at C covered with a cloth and a
chair behind it. There are exits UL and L and another UR which
leads to the kitchen.
Bryn, a woman in her early thirties and of average height enters UL
struggling with a heavy bag of shopping in one hand and a long,
bulky Christmas wrapped parcel in the other. She places the parcel
against the table L and the bag on the table. She stretches noisily,
clutching her back and wincing. She then begins taking items from
the bag and placing them on the table.
Sarah enters L. She is also in her early thirties, tall and well
groomed. Bryn continues emptying the bag.
Sarah: Oh you’re back, I was about to send out a search party.
Bryn: I’m back alright, and it’s my back that’s killing me.
Sarah: How much have you bought for goodness sake? I told you
not to buy everything at once. There’s plenty of time, another two
weeks yet.
Bryn: Yes I know, but you don’t have to queue up for hours
competing with crowds of once in a blue moon peace on earthers.
She thumps the last package on the table.
Yes, I think that’s about all of it. I’m not buying anymore that’s for
sure.
3
Sarah: I hope there’s some food in that lot.
Bryn replaces most of the packages into the bag and crosses UR
Bryn: The food’s for Christmas. Just remember that.
Bryn exits into the kitchen UR
Sarah notices the parcel leaning against the table and crosses to it
Sarah: (calling) The parcel looks interesting!
Bryn enters UR and crosses to the table.
Bryn: Hands off, please!
Sarah moves away
Sarah: What is it?
Bryn: A present.
Sarah: Well it certainly looks like one, but I thought we agreed not
send presents to each other or to anyone else for that matter.
Bryn: I‘ve changed my mind.
She picks up the rest of the packages and exits into the kitchen UR
Sarah: (calling after her) Should I be flattered?
She approaches the table as Bryn returns
Bryn: (straightening and smoothing the table cloth) What did you
say?
Sarah: (moving away to R) I said should I be flattered?
She points to the parcel
Bryn: Why should you be?
Sarah: I just wish you hadn’t done it.
Bryn: Done what?
Sarah: Bryn, don’t play games. It is a nice gesture and I’m touched.
4
Bryn: By my thoughtfulness?
Sarah: Yes, of course.
Sarah approaches Bryn to embrace her but Bryn moves away to L
Bryn: You don’t know what it is.
Sarah: It looks fascinating.
Bryn: Well it’s for someone special.
Sarah: Of course.
Bryn: I hope it’s appreciated.
Sarah: It will be I’m sure.
Bryn: I just hope the recipient hasn’t already got one.
Sarah: You have a good idea of what I do have
Bryn: Yes, I think I do.
Sarah: It is for me isn’t it?
Bryn: Did I say it was?
Sarah: I naturally assumed… (firmly) apart from me you don’t know
anybody.
Bryn: Is that so?
Bryn throws her a mischievous look
Sarah: Who do you know?
Bryn: (laughs) What d’you mean who do I know? Isn’t it a case of
who I don’t know?
Sarah moves closer to her, but Bryn moves away DL
Sarah: You’ve met someone haven’t you? Who’ve you met?
Bryn: (with her back to Sarah and quietly) A friend.
5
Sarah: (crossing slightly DR) A friend? Where would you meet
anyone?
Bryn: Shopping, at the shops! The only place I ever go without you.
Pause
Sarah: What’s her name?
Bryn: Her? (Scoffs) Why should it be a ‘her’?
Sarah: (interrupting) A man? (She laughs incredulously) You?
(Turning to the front) Our Bryn’s found a man! (Turning to her)
What man would bother with a boring housekeeper whose mind
stops at this week’s special on decaffeinated coffee?
Bryn: Someone who’s interested in decaffeinated coffee I expect.
Sarah: (fiercely) Perks you up does he, your frothy coffee cream
dream?
She crosses slightly UR with and stops with her back to Bryn.
Bryn: (quietly) You’re so unattractive when you’re jealous.
Sarah: Huh! (quietly) I don’t believe you’ve met anyone.
Bryn crosses to the table and picks up the parcel
Sarah: (sharply) What is it for God’s sake?
Bryn: But it’s not for you.
Sarah: So you can tell me then. I don’t know the man. I’ve never
met him and probably never likely to.
Bryn laughs incredulously and leaving the parcel on the table moves
DR
And I don’t think you have either. I know you too well.
Bryn: (sourly) You may not know me at all!
Sarah: (laughing briefly) Oh I do. Well I thought I did.
Pause

REFERENCE: http://offthewallplays.com/2015/10/29/surprises-short-drama-for-two-women/
MATEO FALCONE
A One-Act Play
By: B. K. De Fabris
Date Published: 2016/08/05
Date Retrieved: 2018/09/14
Adapted from the short story by Prosper Merimée
copyright© 2015 B. K. De Fabris
All rights reserved.
MATEO FALCONE
A Play in One Act
by
B. K. De Fabris
Adapted from the short story by Prosper Merimée
Running time: 15 min.
Casting: 6 men, 1 woman, 1 boy
Mateo Falcone is a disturbing and provoking tale of inexorable justice. Some say that
it is the saddest story in the world.
A ten-year boy dishonors his family by committing a treason. The ten year old boy, Fortunato
accepts a silver coin to hide Gianetto, the outlaw in their house. However, when an officer
offers him a gold watch to reveal where he has hidden the outlaw, he takes it as well,
revealing the hiding place of the villain.
The wretched father, a proud Corsican highlander named Mateo Falcone, cannot but do what
seems to him his duty. When Mateo arrives home and finds out what his son has done, he
knows that the family's honour has been destroyed. The only solution he can see to retrieve it
is to kill his only son, after allowing him to say a final prayer for his soul. Fortunato's
distraught mother is not able to do anything to save the boy.
The original story was written by French author Prosper Merimée. It was first published in
1829 and has since been considered as one of the best short stories ever.
2
CHARACTERS:
FORTUNATO, a ten-year old boy
(This part could be played by an actress dressed as a boy.)
GIANETTO, an outlaw
MATEO, a highlander, Fortunato's father
GIUSEPPA, Fortunato's mother
THE ADJUTANT
FIRST SOLDIER
SECOND SOLDIER
Time: Mid-19th century.
Place: Corsica.
The set: A pile of hay and some farming tools.
3
SCENE – A pile of hay close by a stone-wall. Some farming tools are scattered around the
place.
(FORTUNATO is tranquilly stretched out in the sun when the firing of a musket interrupts
his meditations. The boy gets up and turns to that side whence the noise came. Other
shots follow, fired at irregular intervals. The boy instantly grabs a spade and hides
himself behind a bundle of straw.
GIANETTO appears, dragging himself along with difficulty with the support of his gun.
His thigh is bleeding. He stops and looks to the spade that moves above the straw.)
GIANETTO: You are the son of Mateo Falcone?
(FORTUNATO comes out from his weak shelter.)
FORTUNATO: Yes. (He leans on his spade and gazes at the man.)
GIANETTO: I am Gianetto Saupiero. I am followed by the Gendarmes. Hide me, for I can
go no farther.
FORTUNATO: And what will my father say if I hide you without his permission?
GIANETTO: He will say that you have done well.
FORTUNATO: How do you know?
GIANETTO: Hide me quickly; they are coming.
FORTUNATO: Wait till my father gets back.
GIANETTO: How can I wait? Malediction! They will be here in five minutes. Come, hide
me, or I will kill you.
FORTUNATO: (With the utmost coolness.) Your gun is empty, and there are no more
cartridges in your belt.
GIANETTO: I have my stiletto.
FORTUNATO: But can you run as fast as I can? (He gives a leap and put himself out of
reach, leaving the spade next to the haystack.)
GIANETTO: You are not the son of Mateo Falcone! Will you then let me be captured before
your house?
FORTUNATO: (Coming nearer.) What will you give me if I hide you?
(GIANETTO pulls out of his pocket a five-franc piece. FORTUNATO smiles at the sight of
the silver piece and snatches it.)
4
FORTUNATO: Fear nothing.
(He immediately makes a great hole in a pile of hay. GIANETTO crouches down in it and
FORTUNATO covers him. Then the boy again stretches himself out in the sun. A few
moments afterwards an ADJUTANT and two SOLDIERS appear.)
THE ADJUTANT: (Approaching FORTUNATO.) Good day, little cousin, how tall you have
grown. Have you seen a man go past here just now?
FORTUNATO: (With a simple air.) Oh! I am not yet so tall as you, my cousin.
THE ADJUTANT: You soon will be. But haven't you seen a man go by here, tell me?
FORTUNATO: If I have seen a man go by?
THE ADJUTANT: Yes, a man with a pointed hat of black velvet, and a vest embroidered
with red and yellow.
FORTUNATO: A man with a pointed hat, and a vest embroidered with red and yellow?
THE ADJUTANT: Yes, answer quickly, and don't repeat my questions?
FORTUNATO: This morning the priest passed before our door on his horse Piero. He asked
me how papa was, and I answered him.
THE ADJUTANT: Ah, you little scoundrel, you are playing sly! Tell me quickly which way
Gianetto went? We are looking for him, and I am sure he took this path.
FORTUNATO: Who knows?
THE ADJUTANT: Who knows? It is I know that you have seen him.
FORTUNATO: Can any one see who passes when they are asleep?
THE ADJUTANT: You were not asleep, rascal; the shooting woke you up.
FORTUNATO: Then you believe, cousin, that your guns make so much noise? My father's
carbine has the advantage of them.
THE ADJUTANT: The devil take you, you cursed little scapegrace! I am certain that you
have seen Gianetto. Perhaps, even, you have hidden him. Come, comrades, go into the
house and see if our man is there. He could only go on one foot, and the knave has too
much good sense to try to reach the mâquis limping like that. Moreover, the bloody tracks
stop here.
FORTUNATO: (With a sneer.) And what will papa say? What will he say if he knows that
his house has been entered while he was away?
5
THE ADJUTANT: (Taking him by the ear.) You rascal! Do you know that it only remains
for me to make you change your tone? Perhaps you will speak differently after I have
given you twenty blows with the flat of my sword.
FORTUNATO: (Continues to sneer.) My father is Mateo Falcone.
THE ADJUTANT: You little scamp, you know very well that I can carry you off to Corte or
to Bastia. I will make you lie in a dungeon, on straw, with your feet in shackles, and I will
have you guillotined if you don't tell me where Gianetto is.
(FORTUNATO bursts out laughing.)
FORTUNATO: My father is Mateo Falcone.
FIRST SOLDIER: (In a low voice.) Adjutant, let us have no quarrels with Mateo.
THE ADJUTANT: Search the place!
(The FIRST SOLDIER briefly goes offstage. The SECOND SOLDIER approaches the pile
of hay and gives the pile a careless thrust with his bayonet. The boy's face betrays not the
slightest emotion.)
THE ADJUTANT: My little cousin, you are a very wide-awake little fellow. You will get
along. But you are playing a naughty game with me; and if I wasn't afraid of making
trouble for my cousin, Mateo, the devil take me! but I would carry you off with me.
FORTUNATO: Bah!
THE ADJUTANT: But when my cousin comes back I shall tell him about this, and he will
whip you till the blood comes for having told such lies.
FORTUNATO: You don't say so!
THE ADJUTANT: You will see. But hold on!—be a good boy and I will give you
something.
FORTUNATO: Cousin, let me give you some advice: if you wait much longer the knave will
be in the mâquis and it will take a smarter man than you to follow him.
(The ADJUTANT takes from his pocket a silver watch. FORTUNATO'S eyes sparkles at
the sight of it. The ADJUTANT holds the watch by the end of its chain.)
THE ADJUTANT: Rascal! you would like to have such a watch as that hung around your
neck, wouldn't you, and to walk in the streets of Porto-Vecchio proud as a peacock?
People would ask you what time it was, and you would say: 'Look at my watch.'
FORTUNATO: When I am grown up, my uncle, the Caporal, will give me a watch.
THE ADJUTANT: Yes; but your uncle's little boy has one already; not so fine as this either.
But then, he is younger than you.
6
(FORTUNATO sighs.)
THE ADJUTANT: Well! Would you like this watch, little cousin?
FORTUNATO: Why do you make fun of me?
THE ADJUTANT: Good God! I am not making fun of you. Only tell me where Gianetto is
and the watch is yours.
(FORTUNATO smiles incredulously fixing his eyes on those of the ADJUTANT.)
THE ADJUTANT: May I lose my epaulettes if I do not give you the watch on this condition.
These comrades are witnesses; I can not deny it.
(While speaking the ADJUTANT gradually holds the watch nearer till it almost touches
the boy's face.
FORTUNATO finally raises his hand and points over his shoulder with his thumb at the
haystack. The ADJUTANT understands him at once. He drops the end of the chain and
FORTUNATO finds himself the sole possessor of the watch. The SOLDIERS begin at once
to overturn the pile.
REFERENCE: http://offthewallplays.com/2016/08/05/mateo-falcone-classic-story-as-a-one-act-
play/
HOME
A One Act Play
written by: Yael Brunnert
Date Published: 2017/12/06
Date Retrieved: 2018/09/14
Copyright © November 2017 Yael Brennert and Off The Wall Play Publishers
http://offthewallplays.com
This script is provided for reading purposes only Professionals and amateurs are hereby advised
that
it is subject to royalty It is fully protected under the laws of South Africa, the United States of
America, the British Empire including the Dominion of Canada and all other countries of the
Copyright Union. All rights including but not limited to professional amateur film radio and all
other media including use on the worldwide web and the rights of translation into foreign
languages
are strictly reserved and any unauthorized use of the material may subject the user to any and all
applicable civil and criminal penalties. For any information about royalties or to apply for a
performance license please click the following link:
http://offthewallplays.com/royalties-and-licensing-of-plays-sold-by-off-the-wall-plays/
Characters:
Joy (aged 32)
Sam (aged 35)
2
ACT ONE
Scene One
Ext. Lake - Day
Joy (32), petite with very big eyes that seem to see all, and Sam (35), tall with big, comforting
hands that will catch you when you fall, two strangers, are sitting on opposite sides of a bench at
the lake.
Joy. I don´t know.
Sam. But did you feel at home?
Joy. I´ve always wondered what it would feel like to feel at home.
Sam. Do you mean to say you´ve never felt at home?
Beat.
Joy (very matter of fact). No, I don´t think I have. Maybe I felt at home in the womb … I think
there was a man who claimed that he could remember what it was like in his mother´s womb …
He´s probably crazy, though. But at the same time, I envy him. I´m sure, we must have felt
secure
in our mother´s belly. Unless, of course, our mothers were addicts.
Sam. Was your mother an … ?
Joy. No, I don´t think so. Although I was a nervous baby. So I was told anyway. My mother
might
have done a substance of some kind. I don´t know. I never asked her. And now I can´t anymore.
Sam. Oh, I´m sorry.
Joy. She´s not dead. But she could be. I haven´t seen or talked to her in a while … I think it´s ten
years ago today that I spoke with her.
Sam. Do you miss her?
Joy. I don´t know. Maybe sometimes.
Sam. What happened? Sorry, If I may ask. You don´t have to tell me.
Beat.
Joy. I think she got tired of me and I got tired of her.
Sam. I don´t think I´ve ever heard anyone admitting to that.
Joy. Why shouldn´t I?! It is the truth after all. And aren´t we all yearning for truth?
Sam. I suppose that´s true … Although in the end, we almost always wish we hadn´t found it …
Joy. In my case, the truth doesn´t give me much.
3
Silence.
Joy. The lake is quite beautiful. I hadn´t really noticed before. Strange how we sometimes just
don´t
notice things. Why I´m noticing it now, I don´t know. Maybe because I´m here with you.
Beat.
Joy. Do you come here often?
Sam. I used to come here a lot with my big brother. He taught me how to bounce stones on the
water.
Joy. I always wanted to be able to do that. Will you teach me?
He gets up and picks up a few stones. He hands her one.
Joy. I want to watch you do it first.
He makes the stone jump five times.
Joy. I think you´re the man I will marry.
He looks at her questioningly.
Joy. As a little girl, I always wanted to marry the man who could make a stone jump at least five
times.
He smiles.
Joy. Okay, so what´s your secret?
Sam. It´s all in the legs, the arm and in the wrist. You have to kneel down a little and let your
arm
go. Your wrist has to be flexible. If you do all this, you´ll get the speed you need. And it always
helps to envision how many times you want your stone to fly.
Joy. Flying stones … I like that.
Sam. Try it.
She kneels down and relaxes her arm and her wrist. The stone just bounces twice, but her face
lights up. She is over the moon.
Joy. It´s never done that before. Thank you.
She beams at him. He returns a shy smile.
Joy. I want to do it again. Let´s do it together.
They both get in position and throw the stones. His jumps further than hers.
Joy. Again. I have to beat you.
They go again. His still goes further than hers, but her stone is catching up to his.
Joy. Okay, one more time.
This time her stone only jumps twice, like the first time.
Joy. I should have stopped when I was ahead. Oh well …
She checks her watch.
4
Joy. Oh, my. Is it so late already? I need to go … Thank you.
Joy turns to leave.
Sam. Will I see you again?
Beat.
She turns around again.
Joy. I don´t know … think so. I haven´t beaten you, yet.
She leaves and he gazes after her.
The lights go down.
5
Scene Two
Ext. Lake – The Next Day
Sam is sitting on the bench at the lake, waiting. He turns around to look at the path several times
and he keeps checking his watch. Sam is getting restless. He gets up, picks up a few stones and
lets
them jump on the water. But just as the life seems to have gone out of Sam, the life has gone out
of
the stones. They all do not jump very far. Sam sinks to the ground and shakes his head. His gaze
falls on a particularly beautiful stone that is at his feet. Sam picks it up, looks at it and gently
plays
around with it. Sam is lost in thought and mumbles to himself. We can only make out the words
“safe haven”. Sam has not noticed that Joy has come up behind him.
Joy. Who are you talking to?
Sam. Hey, I didn´t hear you coming.
Joy sits down next to him.
Joy. So?
Sam. What? … Oh. No one really. Myself, I guess.
Joy. I do that sometimes. I used to do it a lot when I was younger.
Sam. You came back.
Joy. I told you, I haven´t beaten you, yet.
Sam. I didn´t think you would … come back, I mean.
Joy. Why shouldn´t I?
Sam. People rarely do what they say. Or mean what they say.
Joy. I´m not like that.
Sam. I´ve noticed … and I don´t hate it.
Joy. Lucky me.
They share a smile. But Sam´s smile fades quickly. Joy notices.
Joy. Ready for another round?
Sam. I don´t think so. Sorry.
Joy. What is he like, your brother?
Sam. I´m sorry?
Joy. You told me you used to come here with him.
Sam. Oh, yes … He always was a mystery to me. But he always had my back. I miss that.
Joy. You asked me if I felt at home. Do you?

Reference: http://offthewallplays.com/2017/12/06/home-romantic-drama-play/