DRAMA - PROPER 24, YEAR C
Bible reference: Luke 18:1-8
(20 Pentecost, 21 Oct 2001)
THE PERSISTENT PENSIONER
CHARACTERS: Receptionist, old woman, person 1 and other people in queue
PROPS: Counter covered in forms, sign on it saying INSURANCE CLAIMS, telephone, swivel chair for receptionist, chair in front of counter, bin, forms for woman and people in queue, cheque
(The receptionist is busily talking on the phone, back to a queue of people waiting impatiently at her counter. The old woman is at the front of the queue)
RECEPTION:
|
He said that . . . really? Well, I thought it was a great movie. (Turns around in chair and sees the woman. Can't believe it) Oh no, not you again! (To person on phone) Look,I have to call you back later (Puts phone down) What can we do for you now?
|
WOMAN:
|
(Very annoyed) You haven't done anything for me yet! I've been here six times already this week. Last time you sent me to the Department of Lost Causes.
|
RECEPTION:
|
They should have helped you.
|
WOMAN:
|
Well, they didn't! They just gave me another form to fill out, in triplicate, and sent me back here. (Loudly and angrily) Here's my form, (Thumps it down on counter) now do something! (People in queue applaud)
|
RECEPTION:
|
(Takes form) I'll just file it (Puts it in bin)
|
WOMAN:
|
(Shocked) You just put that in the bin.
|
RECEPTION:
|
No, I didn't . . . (Desperately) NEXT!
|
QUEUE 1:
|
I was wondering . . .
|
WOMAN:
|
(Interrupting) You haven't finished with me yet. I'm not leaving till I get justice!
|
RECEPTION:
|
You can't just stand there!
|
WOMAN:
|
Well, then I'll sit! (Sits)
|
RECEPTION:
|
Look, I've got work to do! (Picks up phone) Are you there, Madge?
|
(To woman, who's listening) Do you mind, this is a private conversation! (Whispers on phone) I've got this woman here again. She won't leave me alone . . . Yes, that's the one. She keeps coming back! . . . Yes, I've tried that . . . and that . . . and that. She's like a blinking boomerang! . . . No, none . . . I've already tried all the usual delaying tactics . . . Give her what she wants? (Can't believe she's hearing this) What do you mean, give her what she wants? But I'm not sure she's eligible . . . Yes, she's driving me crazy! OK, anything to get her off my back. (Hangs up and walks off to get cheque)
WOMAN:
|
(Upset) Hey, where are you going? Come back here, I want justice!
|
RECEPTION:
|
(Through gritted teeth) I'm going to get your cheque!
|
WOMAN:
|
(Doubtfully) I'll believe it when I see it.
|
RECEPTION:
|
(Comes back to counter) There it is. Now leave me alone! (Grabs some headache tablets and takes them. People in queue applaud as woman leaves) Next!
|
QUEUE 1:
|
(Slapping forms down on counter) Here's my forms, and I'm not leaving here till I get justice. (Sits down, looking defiant)
|
RECEPTION:
|
Oh, no! This is going to be one of those days! (Puts head in hands)
|
© Drama Workshop 'Making All Things New' 1992
Permission is given for the owner of this disk to make sufficient copies of this script for their group or congregation, for rehearsal and performance purposes only.
|