The Play (untitled)
opening part
The therapist is preparing for her arrival. There is a chemistry between them, he is thinking out loud.He moves around the office, is checking the position of the chairs, he moves them in and out, he is testing the position, moves them a little closer, then stands back, takes a look at them, moves around the stage.
Therapist noted by a P, the clients noted by a C, and third party, TP, makes asides to the audience.Other parts can be added.
T
we need to slow the thought process, your child needs head space of a CHILDISH kind, you want your children back don’t you
(alone on the stage)
T
are we too close (to the audience)
Satisfied, he sits in his chair, silent for a few seconds
T
safer
T
WE need clean space to work clearly, the patient client relationship, she used to look at me with suspicion, now she wants to become a client, what are you supposed to think.
He holds up a book….
to the audience
T
a new page in the book of emotions…..
they are in their positions….the therapy in session
C
so what made you take up therapy then
T
who’d believe it, the story of the good Samaritan, we all have gifts, so the books say
C
You mean Jesus
T
Not a bad reputation to have
C
you are not being very helpful
T
You’ve heard of Mrs Carey, well!
C
what’s she got to do with all this
T
Coffee? (as an aside he adds, she asks too many questions)
C
no sugar (she is loud, he is out of view)
T
its when you are ready your at risk (he re enters the stage, two coffees)
C
What
T
its practice not a person (he is getting into his seat again)
practice, just keep that in mind okay
(she looks confused but is flirting slightly, as if to say, your ignoring me)
T
you look confused, sorry
C
ahem
T
parents, those that stick at it, it can’t have been easy for them
C
what’s that got to do with therapy
T
fine, okay, lets try some breathing exercises, I borrowed this from a book by the way
C
you don’t have a copy of it
T
(he ignores the comments)
breath in
He watches her yawn almost
T
head back, and shake your neck a bit, you have to loosen the muscles
T
Hold that for twenty seconds, then breathe out slowly (she does this, inhale exhale)
T
do it again, slower this time
T
your beginning to look an awful lot better, that strain you had is gone, I like to work in a relaxed fashion
He checks his watch, there is also a timer on the table, he smiles, there is a good time done
T
Jesus spent a lot of time in the company of women you know!.
TP at the side…
The doctor patient relationship works when they are comfortable , the more the doctor understands, makes it so much easier, it cuts out the cranks.
C
are you trying to convert me
T
in our previous meetings I made it clear to you, the Holy Presence has the power to cure, or point you in that direction
C
So i’m converted in your opinion
T
Look, ah, the time is nearly up, i’ll get more specific, before the next appointment I want you to practice the breathing exercise, morning and evening, and if you can write what you feel after, okay
A bell rings, he leaves her alone while appearing to let someone in
C
same time next week
TP aside …his first appointment…
Next appointment….