E. Salvador Chapman » live and let die

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Script Type: One Scene – 5-7 minutes

Editing

Synopsis:

A young man, locked in a safe room, needs to decide whether to stay safe in the room or look after his friend.

Setting:

A safe room in an underground bunker after an apocalyptic event

Themes:

The power of isolation
The fear of the unknown

Cast of Characters: 1 Male

Gabe – Any Age – Any Race – Gabe is a survivor who lived through an apocalyptic event with other survivors. After a while the group dwindled until it was just Gabe and Julie. Gabe is struggling with what life has become.

Inspiration:

This was an original idea created from a writing prompt about the importance of inanimate objects in a script.

Excerpt:

LIGHTS UP.
GABE is sitting in a small confined room in the center of the stage. To the stage left of GABE is an open trunk. In front of GABE is a lantern that is on. To the stage right of GABE sits a large stuffed Sloth, if possible 3-4 foot tall. In front of GABE spread out is a sleeping bag with snack wrappers spread around the room. An emergency radio, one that cranks, sits next to the trunk. On one side of the stage is a door with a beam resting across the door frame. It is a barrier keeping the door closed.
The ambient sounds that are heard are the sounds of water dripping and slight moaning coming from beyond the door. GABE is sitting with his knees up to his chest rocking back and forth. A large thumb is heard at the door followed by the sound of something sliding along the door. A second thump and sliding sound is heard.
GABE
(looking at the sloth)
I know … I know.
(looking away)
You don’t have to keep telling me.
(a beat)
Over and over and over again. You’re repeating yourself. The same thing every day … you say the same thing every day. Your voice is so grating. 

GABE starts pacing around the room. GABE acts like there is a noise bothering him. The sound of water dripping starts getting faster and then slows down. Eventually GABE screams out loud.
GABE
(holding his head)
ARGHHHHHHHHH!!!
(falling to his knees)
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip! *WHERE THE HELL IS THAT WATER COMING FROM!*
(putting his hands on the floor and breathing heavy)
*Stop looking at me*!
(calming down, sitting back up)
Where is she? She said she just wanted to look for supplies.
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