The 52nd Street Project

Playback takes the collaborative spirit of theater to it's extreme: a child writes a play on a weekend retreat, an adult partner then writes an "answer play." After a rehearsal period in the city, the two partners perform their plays together, side-by-side. The weekend away takes place over Columbus Day weekend, the plays (which usually feature five or six adult-child team-ups) are produced in November.

From THE MESSAGE by Mayleen Cancel age 14, for herself and Robert Sean Leonard

SCENE TWO

Time: 3:55 PM
Place: CLOTHING STORE


	(Amanda is behind the counter. Greek Dude walks in wearing his toga.)
		GREEK DUDE
		Hey.
		AMANDA
		(scared) Oh my God.
		GREEK DUDE
		Sorry did I scare you?
		AMANDA
		Ya think? Is today Halloween?
		GREEK DUDE
		Huh?
		AMANDA
		What?
		GREEK DUDE
		I'm confused.
		AMANDA
		Me too, what are you wearing?
		GREEK DUDE
		Um, clothing... oh (hits his head with hand) I forgot, I'm from Ancient Greece.
		AMANDA
		Ancient Greece?
		GREEK DUDE
		Yeah, Ancient Greece, people here wear different clothing.
		AMANDA
		What a loser.
		GREEK DUDE
		Hey, wait, I need your help.
		AMANDA
		You and everyone else.
		GREEK DUDE
		Please, I need to speak with you.
		AMANDA
		You don't even know me.
		GREEK DUDE
		But I do. I know who you are.
		AMANDA
		What the hell are you talking about, I don't have time for this.
		GREEK DUDE
		Look, I just need to speak to you and I'll be on my way back to...back to where I came from.
		AMANDA
		Listen here buddy, what you need to do is get yourself moving out this store before I get fired, ya got it?
		GREEK DUDE
		Yes, I do. But aren't you wondering why I'm wearing what I'm wearing? Where I come from and why you?
		AMANDA
		You took the questions right out of my head, but if they're complicated answers, I don't care, I have enough to worry about.
		GREEK DUDE
		Think about it, I want to help you out - I know things you need to know.
		AMANDA
		Keep talking.
		GREEK DUDE
		Okay, but listen to everything I have to say, no interruptions, then after you can believe and say whatever you like.
	(she nods)
		Okay, well Zeus is your Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Uncle.
		AMANDA
		Why does that...
		GREEK DUDE
		Uh, no interuptions, okay? (pause) Zeus, The Almighty God of all Gods has sent me ahead in time to deliver a very important message to you. A message that couldn't be sent by phone or e-mail, but the old fashion way. Amanda, believe in me, but most important, believe in yourself. You have so much potential, just do it. People can't read minds, communication is the key to life - just open the right door with it. Trust me, if you talk they will listen. If you try, you will succeed.