*This piece is used as part of CROWD Theater Company's Production "An Invitation to Breathe." It was originally performed in February 2004 at the Producer's Club Theater, New York, New York*
Original Cast: Captor: Brad Naprixas. Paul: Robert Moreira. Directed by Terry Wilson.
Lights up. Paul Favorites stands on a small plank over a large tub of hot wax. His hands are tied behind his back. The captor struts around the tub and Paul, gloating.
Your upper middle class cocoon of contentment makes me siiiick! You were living in a bubble and I had the calling to burst it. Somewhat randomly, sure. But if it wasn't you it would be one of your self-satisfied 3 car neighbors. You're just the median of the demographic. I even hate your name, Paul Favorites!
Okay, now it makes more sense
What?
No, you answered my question
Okay...
Yeah, thanks
Yes, but now I'm going to lower you into a tub of hot wax.
Okay
What do you mean "okay"? You'll slowly be burned alive in an excrutiating death by no real fault of your own.
Yeah, I know. You told me already. You know, I've done a lot of thinking about it up here, and I'm cool with it
"Cool" with it?
Yeah, Vince. Do kids still say "cool"?
I don't....I guess
Well I guess I'll never know! (chuckles)
yeah...what?
Well you've made it pretty clear what's going on here.
yes, you're being slowly lowered into a tub of scalding hot wax.
Got it, chief. So when do we start this thing?
You're not going to plead for your life?
Uh, naaah.
You're not?
I've had a pretty good run. I'm fine.
Fine?
Yeah. Can you stop repeating me?
Sorry
It's all good.
Aren't you a little old to be saying 'it's all good"?
Let's not quibble about semantics.
I don't think the phrase "quibble about semantics" applies here.
You're doing it again.
Fine, let's drop it
I'm glad we cleared that up
You're sure you don't want to plead?
Listen. I've accomplished everything in my life I wanted to accomplish. I've experienced everything a man can experience. Except intense pain.
WHAT?!
You're making me nervous, friend. Take a chill pill.
Chill pill?!
The repeating?
This is ludicrous!
You know, things are only negative if you want them to be.
What could be positive about being lowered into hot wax...slowly?
Oh, I was talking about your little thing you have going on.
What?!
I was trying to help you out. You know, getting upset, saying "this is ludicrous." That's what the "things don't have to be negative" comment was referring to
This is insane!
You know, you're never going to enjoy life with this temper of yours
You're being lowered into hot wax!
I'm a pretty smart guy, Gene, I know...
My name is Quentin!
Oh.
Ok, I'm going to pull the lever now
Ok, later.
Later?
You should see an ear doctor.
I can't believe it....after all this....!
Do you still talk to your parents?
(pacing) What? No, I....wait. Shut up, shut up, I can't think Wax, affluent suburban guy, I can't...what's wrong here?
Do you want to talk?
No! NO! Oh my god! You don't mind being lowered into wax?
Look, I don't want to repeat myself again...
You think you're so great , huh?
No, I, just-
-you know, I can enjoy life, too. I've got a great life! I can show you how to not sweat things!
Ok.
Yeah?
Alright...
CAPTOR jumps into tub of wax, screaming horribly as the wax sears his skin. He dies.
Did I leave the kitchen light on? I did.
Lights out.