{"id":2497,"date":"2021-05-19T22:30:16","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T02:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ko-takamine.com\/?p=2497"},"modified":"2021-09-04T22:02:49","modified_gmt":"2021-09-05T02:02:49","slug":"the-metamorphosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ko-takamine.com\/ja\/plays\/the-metamorphosis\/","title":{"rendered":"The Metamorphosis (Play)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cast of Characters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg Sams: Male in his 60\u2019s in an insect-like figure
(Voiceover with a miniature insect figure can be used for a Zoom performance)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Savior: Male or Female in their 60\u2019s, dressed like a hermit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martha Sams: Female in her 50\u2019s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eddi Becker: Male in his 40\u2019s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place and Time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometime in the early 20th<\/sup> century in Germany
Greg\u2019s bedroom and a hallway (The stage is divided with the bedroom door: his bed on Stage Left, a hallway on Stage Right)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synopsis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg Sams is an upper-middle class man who runs a real estate business. He lives with a quiet, submissive wife, Martha. One morning, Greg finds himself transformed into a gigantic insect-like creature. A Savior shows up and offers a chance to restore his body, if Greg can produce just one friend by sunset. After a series of failures, Greg persuades a long-time employee to show up, but is that man a friend indeed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note from Author:    \u201c\u2026\u201d in the script means a short pause<\/p>\n\n\n\n




One morning, GREG awakes as a gigantic insect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the hell is happening? Am I still in my dream?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAVIOR appears in front of GREG in spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes and no, Greg Sams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who\u2026 who are you? How did you get in here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am your Executor, and I can also be your Savior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You mean, you did this to me? If so, can you change me back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, that is up to you, Greg Sams. I\u2019m here to give you a chance to restore your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell me how. I would do anything. Pay anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg Sams. Do you have friends?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I have friends? Yes, of course! I\u2019m a successful business man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, bring me one. Before sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring you a friend, before sunset? That\u2019s all you are asking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, a friend who is willing to help you regardless. \u201cA friend in need, a friend indeed.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I have one here! Martha. My wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I said \u201cfriend,\u201d not a family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why? Well\u2026 yes, that shouldn\u2019t be a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will be around here, watching you. Remember, with no friend before sunset, you will remain the way you are, forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAVIOR fades away in the dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most bizarre dream I\u2019ve ever had\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GREG tries to manage to get out of bed but ends up falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is this shell? So hard to maneuver!
All right. I\u2019ve got to make some calls, but I can\u2019t with these flimsy things. I need\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martha\u2026 Martha! Could you come here? But don\u2019t come in. Stay at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA enters the stage and speaks to GREG through the bedroom door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the matter, dear? Are you unwell?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m fine. No, you\u2019re right. I\u2019m not well, so I\u2019d suggest you stay away from me.
Martha, I\u2019d like you to call Holtzman at his office to see if he\u2019d come over for lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I thought you are unwell and trying to distance from people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ah, that\u2019s not your concern. He will be fine. Tell him I need to see him today. I want to discuss the real estate investment he mentioned a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, if you say so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(As exiting the stage) So typical! (To the audience) He always has to get his way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA exits the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holtzman will do me a favor. Over the years, I\u2019ve been feeding him so many accounts. He wouldn\u2019t say no to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA returns to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg, Holtzman said he has a series of meetings today, so he offered to meet you somewhere tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(To himself) Tonight? That\u2019s too late! I must find someone else\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(To Martha) All right, Martha, forget about Holtzman. Call Mr. Schultheib instead. Tell him I need to see him today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Schultheib? You mean Mr. Schultheib at Schultheib & Schultheib?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, my dear. My lawyer, Mr. Schultheib at Schultheib & Schultheib.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, Greg, you know how difficult it is to make an appointment with him. It usually takes a week or two. Would you still like me to call him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just call him, would you? Tell him I have an urgent matter to discuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA exits the stage, a little frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martha\u2019s right. That\u2019s a long shot. I need another plan\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GREG\u2019s voice is becoming weaker.
MARTHA returns to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg, I called Mr. Schultheib and talked to Mrs. Schultheib. She said he\u2019s out of town and won\u2019t be back until next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ah-ha! That\u2019s not surprising. They\u2019re out of town unless stuck with meetings. Martha, then would you call Dr. Freudenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You mean, to ask him to pay a visit to see you as a patient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Agitatedly) No, not as a patient! Oh, wait a minute. It may work better that way. Yes, tell him I need to see him as I\u2019m \u201cpainfully\u201d unwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA rolls her eyes and exits without a word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, he\u2019s my doctor, we\u2019ve known each other for decades. He\u2019d come as long as he\u2019s available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA returns to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I talked to his wife and she said Dr. Freudenberg is on the way to see a patient in the south and won\u2019t be back until late at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(To himself) Why? Why is there no one I can count on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg, are you all right? Shall I bring something, like some water?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, Martha. I\u2019m fine\u2026 I just need some rest\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA exits the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who else can I call\u2026?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, Becker! He\u2019s been there, working for me for more than half of his life. If I offer a raise, he\u2019d do anything for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martha\u2026 Martha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA returns to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call Becker… Ask him\u2026 to come over\u2026 whenever he can today\u2026 But make sure\u2026 it has to be before sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certainly. Greg, you sound weaker and weaker\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(With irritation) I said I\u2019m fine… Now go call Becker!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA exits the stage frowning.
Soon after she returns to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becker said he has some tenants to visit to collect rent, but he will drop by before returning to his office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good. Now I\u2019ll get some rest\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA exits the stage. GREG tries to rest on the floor. Meanwhile, SAVIOR returns in spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg seems to have found someone to visit him. I hope the visitor is his true friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAVIOR disappears in the dark.
MARTHA returns and knocks on the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg, Becker\u2019s here. Greg?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martha, thank you\u2026 Get him here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA exits the stage.
BECKER enters the stage and knocks on the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Sams, I\u2019m here. Is everything all right, Sir?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, Becker. Thank you for coming. I have some good news for you. Since you impressed me over the Main Street deal, I\u2019m going to give you a raise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are, Mr. Sams? I\u2019m so grateful. Thank you, Sir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re welcome.
Now, I\u2019m having a little trouble here\u2026 Would you help me out?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, if there is something I can do for you, Sir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, this may sound odd but\u2026 I look different since this morning\u2026 but with your help\u2026 I can return to the way I was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not quite following, but I\u2019ll see what I can do, Sir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good. Then, come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BECKER walks into the bedroom. GREG crawls out from behind the bed. BECKER jumps back in surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What, what\u2019s happened to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can\u2019t explain. All I know is\u2026 my body can be restored if I\u2026 meet a condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A condition?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Savior figure who turned me into this said\u2026 if I bring him a friend, he\u2019ll change me back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, where is your friend? I can bring the friend for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, Becker, it\u2019s you. You are the friend. You are here as my friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Me? (Pause) I’m sorry, Mr. Sams. I don\u2019t think that would work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, I\u2019m not your friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are my friend. We\u2019ve known each other for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, we have, but you don\u2019t truly know me, and neither do I. I\u2019ve been just working for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, you are saying a boss cannot be friends with his employee?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not saying that. What I\u2019m saying is\u2026 we are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, there is something missing. Something very important, for two people to have in order to become friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    BECKER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Short pause) Mutual respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BECKER exits the room. GREG crawls after him to the hallway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becker\u2026 Wait\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA calls out to BECKER.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    MARTHA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Off-stage) Becker, are you all right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARTHA enters the stage, finally sees GREG, and starts hysterically screaming and goes faint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martha! No\u2026 You can\u2019t bail on me\u2026 Wake up, Martha! Without you\u2026 I\u2019m finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAVIOR returns in spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg Sams. What will you do now? The sun is still out. Would you like to knock on any neighbors\u2019 doors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, it\u2019s no use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Short pause) I admit\u2026 I don\u2019t have anyone\u2026 that I can call a \u201ctrue\u201d friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well done. It takes strength and courage to admit the truth, and be honest with yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m exhausted… I need to rest peacefully… then, when I awake\u2026 everything is back to normal\u2026 Otherwise\u2026 no need to wake up…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greg Sams. I highly respect a man of honesty. As without it, no friendship can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Short pause) Take some rest. We will see if you remain the way you are, or become restored to your human body. When the sun rises, you will know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

End of Play<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

One morning, GREG awakes as a gigantic insect.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What the hell is happening? Am I still in my dream?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

SAVIOR appears in front of GREG in spotlight.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

                                    SAVIOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yes and no, Greg Sams.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

                                    GREG<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Who\u2026 who are you? How did you get in here?<\/p>\n

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