30 Seconds - a One Act Play from the other side By: Patrick Frank Nocera CAST OF CHARACTERS - 3 woman, 3 men EMS Man EMS WOMAN BEN POWERS ANGEL JENNIE BENNIE FATHER GRAMPA BENJAMIN Casting Notes: JENNIE and BENJAMIN can be played by the same person if female. BENNIE, FATHER and GRAMPA can be played by the same person. Location: Anywhere Time: Anytime Summary: The play deals with the subject of life and values. It is an emotional piece design to promote identification with the audiance. The illusion of multiple scenes creates a dynamic, challenge for the audiance. Character Profiles: EMS Man - (Male) 25 to 50 years old EMS WOMAN - (Female) 25 to 50 years old BEN POWERS - (Male) Dynamic, observent, 27-45 years old, intelligent, charismatic, gentle, strong at projecting feelings. ANGEL - (Female) 20 to 30 years, Beautiful smile, sensitive, warm, expressive facial features, strong and powerful emotions. JENNIE - (Male/Female) Presumed 10-12 years old, could be an older teen. Must be cute with the ability to wrap the auduance around her fingar. BENNIE - (Male) Young Teenager, Could be an older teen made to appear younger. Witty, dynamic, observant, strong at projecting feelings. FATHER - (Male) Could be Bennie. Must appear 24-30, never older than Ben. Dynamic, intelligent, observant, strong at projecting feelings GRAMPA - (Male) Could be Bennie, Must appear to be 60-80 year old. Never younger than Ben. Must possess the qualities of Ben, except must speak with wisdom and confidence of age. BENJAMIN - (Male/Female) Presumed to be 10-12 years old, could be Jennie dressed as a male. Must have the same Ben qualities, with a little something extra. The play begins with a bright overhead spotlight focused stage right at two EMS technicians. They are attempting to revive Ben Powers who has been involved in an accident. They are attempting to perform CPR on Mr. Powers. As the lights come up slowly, you see the two leaning over the dummy, performing CPR. The Woman EMS Technician is performing Mouth to mouth, and the Man is performing the heart massage. There is an Ox. tank and Electronic resusitation equipment at hand. It is important that they are performing the process correctly, to avoid misrepresenting the proceedure. [ EMS Man ] Come on now. Stops CPR massage, to prepare to induce the shock. [ EMS Woman ] Ready when you are. She states between breathes. [ EMS Man ] Clear. He pauses a moment, then stiffens his arms to suggest trigger of the charge. The woman studies a gage. [ EMS Woman ] He's not responding. Almost yelling, their adrenal is taking over. [ EMS Man ] Clear. He seems angered at the body. The body stiffens again. The Blackout for three or four seconds. Next, the center stage library spotlight is gradually illuminated to 75% on a table with a chair and a bookshelf. One or two seconds later, over the EMS site, a blue spot is slowly illuminated to a 50% level, visible but subdued. The EMS personnel continue to work on the body of Ben, except in very slow motion. Ben has his back to the EMS personnel. [ Ben ] Whoa, that was strange. I thought I was a goner there. He pauses momentarily as if something is wrong, then turns with a horrid expression realizing he is out of his body. Although he is now facing the EMS, he does not see them, nor do they see him. [ Ben ] Where is this? He faces the direction of the EMS personnel, however does not focus on them. I don't feel too good. I must be dreaming. God, I hope I'm dreaming. He begins examining his hands, then himself, trying to find some indication of what's happened. An Angel enters from stage Left. She is noticeably in charge in contrast to Ben who is befuddled. [ Angel ] Ahh Mr. Powers, is everything all right? She reaches down and picks up a clipboard from the table and begins examining it. Ben takes sudden interest, once associating the clipboard to being his, and attempts to look over her shoulder. She looks towards him with an expression suggesting to mind his own business and resumes studying the papers. [ Ben ] No. Everything is not okay. Shaking his head in a side to side bouncy manner and in a sarcastic voice. Why am I here? Where am I? How did I get ... ( he looks around) here? [ Angel ] You died. You're dead and you're dead. Ben looks puzzled for a moment. [ Ben ] No. That can't be. What is this place? She ignores him as she flips through his papers. Although she continues to talk, she is only half paying attention, slow to answer, while she reads and flips pages. [ Angel ] This is where you come when life ends. Your spirit exits your body like an egg slipping through a cracked shell. You'll stay here pondering your life until HE decides where you will go. She motions to a large door flat painted center stage. She is now shaking her head no, a little confused like something is wrong. She focuses more intently on the charts and papers. [ Ben ] HE? Spoken solemnly. She Smiles and nods her head quickly.Then jumps back into the papers. [ Ben ] What does HE have to decide. She looks up momentarily, pondering a thought, the focuses on Ben. [ Angel ] Well that depends now doesn't it. She makes a funny face suggesting his statement was foolish. [ Ben ] Ohhhh! But there's got to be some mistake. I'm not suppose to be here. I have a happy life; I am a good person. [ Angel ] You don't say? Sarcastically Well lets' just look at you chart! She directs Ben's attention to a flip chart. Should look a little like a Ross Pero "Country's broke and we're gonna have to fix it" chart. Not too busy, and large enough to be seen in back rows. Lines shoud be 1/2 inch wide. (see set diagram #1 for possible suggestion) Good ... . ..... ... ..... .... ......./ / \/ \ / \ / \ / \ / ------------------------v--------V------\---/ -------v---------- V Bad 12 25 Now [ Angel ] Okay, here is your age. Pointing to the numbers along the Center line. Okay, here is good. Pointing to the top half of the chart. Okay, here is bad. Pointing to the bottom. Ben turns slowly and faces the audience [ Ben ] Wait a second. If I just died, how did you get that chart so fast? [ Angel ] Are you kidding? It's been here your whole life. She proudly smiles while nodding. Now it seems like you were good through 11, then what's this. She points to a valley. Ben is uncomfortable. [ Ben ] I, ahh. III ahh. IIIII I got into an argument with my brother because ... She raises her head, as if skeptical of his explanation and waiting to hear the truth. No, No No I snuck out of my bedroom and ... She snapped her head to glare at him. Oh, I don't remember. How do you expect me to remember something such a long time ago. She shakes her head side to side, then continues to study the chart. [ Angel ] Listen, you're here to ponder your life. So I suggest you take a seat, and get started. She walks to the bookshelf and removes one of the books. Start with this one! Maybe it'll help you remember a little. She places the book on the end table next to the lamp and exits stage right, as she passes the EMS personnel, she smiles and nods. He walks to the table and chair, and sits down. He is a little displaced, perturbed and put out. [ Ben ] What am I suppose to do? How can I just sit and read. And when exactly does "HE" decide anyway? He pulls the book to him and opens it. As he begins to read the library lights dim while an amber spot follows Bennie chasing Jennie from stage left to the center stage. Tracked by the amber spot light, they sit. The amber spot is dimmed and the library quickly illuminates. Ben looks up almost frighten as he realizes this is an account of his life. He looks at the cover blankly, then examines the inside front cover. He pauses continplating if he should continue then decides to proceed carefully. Looking back at where his finger is, he continues to read. The library lights dim, and the amber spot center stage is warmed. The two young children are seated at the edge of the stage. The boy has a kite string and is pretending to fly the kite well above the audience. Jennie is dressed a little like a doll. She is wearing a sun dress, with patent leather shoes and white socks. She has a cute hat on.She is kneeling, resting her weigth on her back legs, as she plays with her a doll. She is adjusting the clothing of the doll. She pauses, as she remembers something very upsetting and begins sniffling. Bennie takes notice after a moment. [ Bennie ] What's wrong? After a short pause Common' Jennie. Tell me. Jennie starts crying. [ Jennie ] I can't! She cries harder, breathing heavy, she hold the doll over her face.. [Bennie ] Common', you can trust me. She sniffles a little while and then gains a little composure. [ Jennie ] Well. Its Just. She Breaths heavily 2 or 3 times out loud. This morning, She Breaths heavily 2 or 3 times out loud. when I awoke, She Breaths heavily 2 or 3 times out loud. I found that I was wet with blood. She Breaths heavily real fast 2 or 3 times, then slows and eases up. There was blood on my legs, on the sheets, on my pillow. Jennie starts getting teary eyed, she presses her mouth together real tight, and distorts her face. She squints her eyes. Bennie is perplexed. And I don't know where it came from. She says sheepishly I'm afraid! Bennie is serious for a few moments, then gradually develops a devilish look on his face. [ Bennie ] Was there allot of blood? She nods her head "NO", then lowers her face and focus a few feet in front. Bennie shakes his head in understanding, with a small devilish smile. [ Bennie ] I know what it is? Bennie nods slowly sustaining the smile. She look up, and slowly turns to face him Jennie focuses on her older brother in earnestness. Wide Eyed, she contains her sniffling. [ Jennie ] You do? She says curiously He smiles, but doesn't look at her. He just focuses on the kite. [Bennie ] You probably have an alien living inside you. He says in a "matter of fact" tone. She looks at him in horror. Sure! Don't you remember seeing that movie last weekend. The Alien found humans hosts to live inside. Then, after a while, it would tear through their stomach, and attack people. She stands quickly dropping her doll and then clutching her stomach. Ben turns and faces her, he has a "what did I say" expression. She glares at him for several seconds in extreme horror. Screams and exits stage right. Young Bennie is facing the crowd with a heavy frown, and heavily saddened face. Stares to the right several seconds thinking. Jennie! Bennie hollars loudly. He pauses a second, as his face saddens more I'm only ....... Amber spot dims on Bennie and Library spots are illuminated. Ben has a similar heavy frown, and heavily saddened face. He completes the sentence once the lights are on fully. [ Ben ] ....kidding Jennie. He stares to the right another few seconds. Then gently closes the book noticeably upset He tries to regain his composure. Jennie died one month later; I never told her I was sorry. How I cried. The doctors said, "if only they had gotten to her sooner. Library spots are increased. In a disbelieving voice. She believed me. Now almost in incredible disbelief. She thought she was host to aliens. God, I'm so sorry. I want to tell her so bad. She was mmmy sister. I loved her. Short pause then in an angered tone. I hated what I had done and I never told a soul. How could I have been so cruel? It changed my life. In some ways, it ruined it. When Jennie was alive, I felt complete. When she was gone, it was sooo empty. I never kidded like that again, I took people seriously. I wanted to understand their feelings. I tried to be helpful. See when they needed help, even if they didn't ask. Oh I miss you Jennie. He places his head on the table and sob loudly, as the lights dim the sobbing diminishes to a complete stop and Ben remains motionless and asleep. A blue glow appears over t he EMS personnel, who continue to do their slow motion CPR, occasionally facing upward with a stressed facial expression . The Female EMS leans her head back and loudly performs a slow motion emotional yell with noticeable hissing from the throat. The Library Spots are brought up 75% center stage slowly as the Angel enters stage Right. She stops several feet from the sleeping Ben, smiles and slides the book off the table and returns it to shelf. She then walks to the charts places her finger the second highest peak, and walks back to the shelf where she selects and removes a specific volume. She places the book on the table and exits Right. The library spots are increased 100% gradually, for a few moments to provide a transition, finally Ben stirs and sits up. [ Ben ] Boy, that was like a strange dream. Wait, I'm still here; this is like a strange dream. He shifts around again until he suddenly notices the new volume on the table before him. Almost in horror, he glares at the book. He pushes the book away, and turns his back to it. Then after a moment he glances back as if to see if it was still there. Finally, determined, he deliberately turns and pulls the book to him. He places the book square in front of him and cautionary open to an animus page. He begins to read. The library is dimmed and the amber spotlight follows a young man wearing a hospital green gown. He is obviously tired with a white mash hanging from his neck. He has gotten past security and is in the delivery area of the hospital. His wife has just given birth, and he has not seen his new born son. He approaches the forward center stage cautiously and stands at the very edge. With his finger, he systematically begins sequencing top to bottom, left to right over the audience until he sees his son. [ Father ] Powers ... Powers .... Ahhh!! Power! He taps on the imaginary glass, attempting to get the attention of his son. He says with great emotion. Hey there Little Fellow. Look at his big rear! (Chuckles to himself) I guess he got that from me. (Chuckles to himself again) No, HE'S wearing a diaper. He is overwhelmed. He keeps looking over his shoulder. The Angel suddenly appears, unbeknown to him. She glows with jubilance's over his excitement. Then she reaches into a white bag at her side and withdraws a nurse's hat. She places it on her head and a spotlight suddenly illuminates her. [ Angel ] Ahh Hem! [ Father ] Oh I'm so sorry! My wife just gave birth to a baby boy! He fades out and repeats it to himself in admiration. A BOY! There he is! He stands gleaming for another moment then suddenly jerk back to reality. I'm so sorry; I haven't see my son yet; can't I just see him for another few minutes. I promise I'll leave. And I won't wake up or disturb any of the others. Please. Please!! He grips his hands together in a preying manner. [ Angel ] Oh, I suppose for just a moment. Ben turns to the babies again. The angel removes her nurse's cap. The spotlight dims again. She stands there wonderfully entertained. She sighs softly. I just couldn't resist that! The Angel exits to the right. Again, she passes the EMS personnel she pauses and nods her face side to side. She exits. [ Father] Hey there little fellow! Common, say DA DA. You can do it. The amber lights dim center stage, the Father exits. The EMS lights increases to 75 % The EMS technicians continue to attempt to revive Ben in slow motion. After 4 or 5 seconds, the EMS blue light extinguishes and the library lights come up full. Ben is daydreaming, staring into space. His face is aglow as see relives the birth of his son. [ Ben ] What a Wonderful Day that was? God I was proud of that boy. And I still am. It seems like such a long time ago though. Like so much has changed. There is a puzzled look on his face. And what a nice nurse too! The Angel enters from the left. [ Angel ] And my don't you seem to be adjusting. His smile disappears as a frown overshadows his face. [ Ben ] I don't get it. Why am I here? I belong there with my wife, my family, my friends. Not here. Why have I been taken here? [ Angel ] I don't know? When HE decides, HE decides. [ Ben ] But could there have been a mistake? [ Angel ] No. [ Ben ] Then could there be a specific reason I was taken. [ Angel ] Why of course. Just look at the last page of the last volume. She walks to the shelf and removes it from the shelf. Now I have to caution you; this may be confusing! [ Ben ] Why? If it's my life, won't I know it? [ Angel ] Well I don't know exactly; it's just that these books contain the history of your experience. What you read may not be something you have experienced in the body. He looks a little confused. It could be an experience from your soul. He looks more confused In life you experienced the physical. Everything you ever heard, saw, felt, tasted, smelt was recorder here in your library of knowledge or your essence. She motion to the books. Yet more profound to those physical experiences are those things that are coded in to your essence - Family characteristics and genetic traits, instincts, reflexes and emotions. This essence is developed and molded in your physical life. So when Jennie died, you replicated a new quality within you soul. Compassion. Everyone has some compassion, like every one has some artistic talents. Its just yours was raised to an art form compared to everyone else. When your son was born, his soul was shaped by your essence. Your grandson will incorporate part of you essence, part of your sons' and still some from his experiences as well. [ Ben ] But, I don't have a ... The angel holds her finger to his lips and smiles. [ Angel ] Read! As Ben opens the book to the last page, lights slowly dim in the library, as the center amber spotlight focuses on an old man who hobbles on from stage left with a fishing pole. He is accompanied by a young boy. They sit at down at the edge of the stage. [ Grampa ] Oh the old bones don't let me down. Grampa hands the pole to the Benjamin as he tries to bait the hook. [ Benjamin] Do I have any old bones? [ Grampa ] Noooo. All your bones are braaaand new. He continues to fumble with the bait. [ Grampa ] I'm afraid the old eyes don't quite work the same way anymore either. [ Benjamin ] No Grampa. The boy says with big eyes. [ Grampa ] No sir ree bob. [ Benjamin ] My name isn't Bob. [ Grampa ] Oh, that's just an old expression. [ Benjamin ] Ohhh. [ Grampa ] All right, why don't you see if you can catch that big old cat fish. Benjamin takes the line and positions it off the stage. [ Grampa ] That's right. They sit for a few moments of silence. [ Benjamin ] Gram pa [ Grampa ] Yes? [ Benjamin ] Where is my daddy? Grampa is silent for a few seconds. He slides a little closer to Benjamin places his arm around his shoulder and rubs his back while he ponders his answer. [ Grampa ] Well, I guess your daddy is in heaven now with Grandma, Uncle George and Aunt Mary. [ Benjamin ] Is he happy? [ Grampa ] Ohh Yes, I'm sure he's happy. I'll bet your daddy is looking down at us right now. Watching us try to fish that old cat fish. Just like he and I use to do when he was your age. [ Benjamin ] How come can he see us, and we can't see him. [ Grampa ] Well, I don't know exactly.. [ Benjamin] Maybe it's like that old cat fish? [ Grampa ] What do you mean?. [ Benjamin] Maybe even though we can't see that old cat fish, he can look up from the water and see us. He can see us; see our fishing pole; he can see us put bait on the look. So he knows when the bait comes into the water, leave it alone. Grampa turns and looks at Benjamin. Benjamin keeps talking Maybe the old cat fish tries to teach the younger fish to watch out for us, but they don't always pay attention. So we catch the little fish, and the big fish keeps getting bigger and smarter. Grampa's a little flustered by his imagination and his intelligence. [ Grampa ] Maybe if you didn't talk so much you'd catch a fish. Pause Yes, I think your daddy is happy. I'm sure he misses us, just as we miss him. Benjamin gets real serious, puts the pole down a little and face Grampa. [Benjamin] It's just I didn't get to talk with him before ... There was allot I had to tell him, and I didn't get to speak with him. Grampa paused a few seconds, carefully selecting his thoughts. [ Grampa ] You know what? [Benjamin] What? Grampa ] I'll bet if your daddy is looking down right now, he can hear us just like that old cat fish. He pauses thinks to himself a second, nods to him self. Hey, why don't we just talk to him now. Okay? Young Benjamin watches with big eyes. Grampa collects his thoughts. Son, you were the best son a father could have ever asked. You made me real proud. You had integrity, honesty and you were brave. Your mom and I watched you grow, become a man, and start a family. You were there for them, no matter what. Even when time got tough, we pulled together like it should be. Our roots go deep and our trunk tall! [Benjamin] That was real nice Grampa. [ Grampa ] Why thank you! Grampa wipes his eyes. Benjamin collects his thoughts after a moment or two. [Benjamin] Daddy, I love you. And don't worry, tell grandma I'm gonna take real good care of Grampa for you. Benjamin looks to into the water, while lifting the pole. Then he looks at Grampa. Grampa, do you want me to find something you can sit those old bones on? [ Grampa ] Ohh, that's okay! Grampa pulls Benjamin closer as the amber spots dim out. A few seconds lapse as the EMS lights glow again and dim to 50%. Library lights on. [Angel] Your grandson has a very important role to play. You need to be there for him. He will need you; do you understand. [ Ben ] I don't understand, how could I have been old if I've already Ben seems distracted somehow. if I've already ... if Suddenly, Ben freezes in a trance like form caught up in thought, the Angel smiles. [Angel] Ben, I have something else to tell you. He turns to face her. I AM your sister Jennie. [ Ben ] I don't understand, how could ... [ Angel ] I can't explain it to you. I have watched over you all these years. I have heard every time you have spoken to me, every time you have cried, and every time you have laughed. I know your heart, as I know mine. It was like my life continued in yours. I will love you forever. Ben hesitates for a brief moment, then approaches her. They embrace as he buries his face. [ Ben ] I missed you so much He begins to cry quietly. ... and I love you. She pats him on the back as they continue to embrace. [Angel] I know you do and I love you. She is noticeably emotional. A bright spot focuses on Ben's face, as he becomes entranced by the spot light on his face. He pulls away from the Angel. [Angel] Your grandson will need you. You need to be there for him. I will always be watching you. She exits Right. Ben remains in a trance then slowly stands. Turns full face to the audience and approaches the forward most center stage. The brilliant light floods Ben's face, as he seems to absorb its brilliance. Wide eyes, slightly opened mouth in awe. [ Ben ] Yes, I understand! After standing in the light for several seconds, he smiles jubilantly and retreats to the EMS site. As the Spot extinguishes, the lights over the EMS crew assume first 50%, then 75% and finally full intensity. They are now perceived at full speed again. [ EMS Man ] Come ON now. As he continues to perform CPR on the victim. [ EMS Woman ] Ready again. [ EMS Man ] Clear. The body stiffens for a brief instant. [ EMS Woman ] Nothing! Ventilating. [ EMS Man ] Clear. The EMS woman moves away, . The body stiffens again hard this time. After a few seconds. [ EMS Woman ] WAIT! Another second or two pause. I've got a rhythm Both are clearly flushed, as Ben begins to move and stir a bit. He opens his eyes [ EMS Woman ] You've been in an accident, but your gonna be all right now. [ Ben ] Where's my wife? [ EMS Woman ] The police have gone to get her. We'll be going to the hospital, and she'll meet us there. How are you feeling? The Angel enters stage stage right as she approaches the scene. [ Ben ] Oh God Yes, I feel fine. [ EMS Woman ] YES? We lost you for 30 seconds. You were dead. [ Ben ] Really? EMS Woman nods solemnly as she collects things laying about and prepares to move the patient.. [ Ben ] You know now that you've mention it; I had the oddest dream. The EMS Personnel freeze and look at Ben in anxious anticipation. I dreamt that I was the guest host for the Tonight Show. The EMS personnel smile at one another and begin to help him to his feet. The angel turns to face the audience and smiles with a nod. HE is now standing with the EMS person at each side. The Angel turns and watches as they begin to move to the Stage Left Exit. Not the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but the one with Johnny Carson. We had some kind of problems with getting a guest and we ended up with some 50s group singing "Teen Angel." They disappear off stage. Angel, watches their exit for a few seconds longer, turns and winks at the audience. She smiles and the house goes dark. The End