This was an exercise in creating a one-scene “silent etude,” a stage play script in which no words are spoken and everything is communicated via the movements of the characters on stage.
Two chairs sit side-by-side onstage. Matt and Brittany walk around opposite sides, open imaginary doors, and sit down. Matt moves as if to turn the ignition. He begins driving motions with his hands while his feet push imaginary pedals.
Brittany sniffles and wipes her mascara-smeared face as she gazes to the right.
Matt fidgets uncomfortably. He reaches at the center console. Coldplay comes on. He abruptly reaches back and the music stops.
Brittany glances at him hopefully. Matt stares straight ahead, jaw clenched.
Brittany lets out a sob and covers her eyes with her left hand.
Matt begins a rolling motion near his left shin. Brittany begins to shiver and glares at him angrily.
Matt rolls the other way and looks at her, annoyed.
He reaches toward the center console again. The Carpenters. He quickly reaches and the music stops again. He slumps in his seat, props up his left elbow and holds his head up.
Brittany continues to sob. She leans forward with her head in both hands. Matt ignores her.
A sign is lowered onto the stage beside them. Free Choice Medical Clinic. Matt presses his foot to the floor, and pushes an imaginary gearshift into park. Matt moves to his left and stands up. Brittany doesn’t follow. He glares at her until she finally does. She walks behind him off the stage.
benknauff 