The

Tower

Of

Babble

“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”

--C.G. Jung

Act I

Preset

            (Dim light on an empty, unmarked stretch of stage.  Laying center, either dead or sleeping, is VIEL.  She is a young woman.  Her  face sparkles with both passion and innocence.  Her body is sprawled out somewhat dramatically, eyes are closed peacefully, and yet there is no clear indication that she is indeed breathing.  Time passes.)

            (Three events happen simultaneously:  A CHAIR flies through the air across the stage, light bump to black, Vial bolts upright and screams.)

Scene

(Lights up, and the world has grown even darker.  A small  pool of light illuminates the center of the stage but quickly fades off to leave stage left, right, and upstage in complete darkness.  The stage floor is now covered with non-specific scattered minutia – bits of paper, leaves, paper clips, and nondescript pieces of trash.  All of these objects are small and nondescript – none should exude any kind of definite identity or even be readily identifiable.  It is as though an ocean had receded years ago and left all this behind as tidal debris.)

 (Sitting on the center of the stage is a very prominent, very identifiable STONE, about the size of a grapefruit.  It is the only object on stage that has any amount of personality.)

(VIEL is now standing center stage.  She looks fairly disoriented, somewhat concerned but not at all panicked – as a dreamer might look when first witnessing the oddity of a dream scenario.  After a moment she turns around in a little circle, taking in her surroundings, and finding them completely nondescript.  She walks to the edge of the stage and peers into the darkness.  Her hand absently reaches into her purse and pulls out a cigarette and lighter.  She attempts to light the cigarette, but the can’t get the light to work.  Frustrated, she crosses back into the light, obsessively striking  her lighter.  No luck.  She throws the lighter to the ground.)

(Suddenly Viel notices the STONE.  She stares at it for a moment, and then reaches into her purse to pull out a compact mirror and lipstick.  She turns away and quietly makes herself up, glancing in the STONE’s direction now and again.  Sufficiently beautified, she approaches the stone with a coy earnestness.)

VIEL:  Hello little stone. 

(She stares at the Stone.  After a moment she crosses in and kneels beside it, then picks it up and stares)

VIEL:  Hello little stone.  It’s funny when you’ve lost everything.  Because.  Because then you can laugh at anything.  I spend most of my time trying to get there.  You see, until it is all gone, you can still pretend that something matters.  But nothing really matters.  Love is all we need.  That’s a line from a Madonna song.  Madonna is brilliant.  I wish I were Madonna.  Where am I?

(She realizes the question after she’s said it, and looks around.  She then turns back to the stone)

VIEL:  Stone, where did YOU come from.  I don’t recognize this place at all.  How did I get here?

(No response.  Brief moment of panic.  She shakes the stone violently)

VIEL:  HOW DID I GET HERE?

(She HURLS the Stone to the ground with rage, and then gets up and walks offstage.  Spotlight up on the stone.  The stone looks lonely.  Spotlight down.  After a moment the Viel RUSHES back onto stage, looking for Stone.)

VIEL:  STONE?

(She rushes over to the stone and picks it up, cradling it in her arms.)

VIEL:  I’m sorry I threw you, little Stone.  Oh, stone, it’s so dark back there, I don’t like it.  I’m never going back there again.  Where is here, stone?  Stone?  STONE!?

(Now somewhat concerned, she puts the stone down and examines her surroundings.  She peeks offstage into the darkness)

VIEL:  Stone?

(She walks to the stone and picks it up)

VIEL:  I have a plan, stone.  I am going to send you off to explore the dark area over there.  Okay Stone?

(No Response)

VIEL: GOD DAMN IT!

(She throws the stone offstage.)

VIEL:  Now I am all alone.  I miss the stone.  But I mustn’t go get it, oh no, mustn’t go get it, it’s too dark, and I may fall and burst my head upon the stone.  My head is a pomegranate, my stone is a stone.

(She takes a seat on the ground.  She looks lonely.)

VIEL:  I wonder how the stone is doing?

(Pause.  Loud chanting ensues from seemingly nowhere.  The VIEL rushes around looking for the source.  She cannot find it.  She stares about in confusion for a second, and then gives up and begins to listen to the beat.  After a moment she inadvertently begins counting the beats. Suddenly she breaks out into a dance.  A moment later, the music abruptly stops.  Viel finds herself dancing without Music.  Moment of elevated consciousness.)

VIEL:  WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? 

(She runs to the wing)

VIEL:  STONE!  Stone, come back, come back stone.  I’m sorry Stone, I’m so sorry.  STONE?  STONE?

(She meanders backward holding herself and gently collapses center stage))

VIEL:  Stone, stone, stone, stone, stone, stone, stone.

(Pause.  Moment of elevated consciousness.)

VIEL:  Well this is pointless.  I am getting absolutely nowhere.  I don’t even know where I am.  How did I get here?

(Pause)

VIEL:  Who am I talking to?

(She suddenly shuts up, feeling silly at talking to herself. Again she takes in her surroundings and becomes concerned.  After a moment, she kneels)

VIEL:  Dear God.  God?  Are you there God, it’s me stone.  I mean it’s me Margaret.  I mean – you know what I mean.  I’m PREGNANT God, I’ve SINNED.  What?  No I haven’t.  Why did I say that?  God knows I am chaste.  Why am I saying what God knows when I am talking to God?  God knows everything.  God knows what I’m going to say next better than I do.  Why am I talking at all?  (answering her own question)  Prayer is a personal commitment, silly.  Oh, this is pointless, I wonder if Stone is back.

(She gets up and runs to the side of the stage.  No sign of Stone.  Disappointed, she runs back to her prayer position)

VIEL:  God, I turn to you when I am confused, God.  I am confused, God.  Something is awry.  I don’t recognize this place.  It’s cold and scary, and it’s dark.  This place is too dark.  And if I walk in any direction, it gets even darker.  I can’t move.  I need your help, God..  Deliver me God.  Deliver unto me my salvation.

(She waits for her salvation.  Nothing comes.  She glances over in Stone’s direction, and then back up at God.  She concentrates.  A potted cactus rolls onto the stage via a clear string, from the wing opposite the Stone’s.  Viel stares at the Cactus, distraught.  She then smiles and picks it up)

VIEL:  Hello little cactus.  It’s funny when you’ve lost everything. Because.   Because then you can laugh at anything.  Eventually, you just get to the point where all you feel is a gaping whole in your life.  When it’ all just lack.  And you don’t even remember what it was you lost. You just know something is missing.  I, however, have come up with a solution.  I say, throw everything away.  Lose everything.  Then there’s no more loss.  Then it gets funny.  It’s really funny.  It is.  Really.  This isn’t working.  Cactus, you’re useless.  Cactus’s can’t talk silly.  Don’t talk to a cactus.

(She puts the cactus down, gets up and walks to the wing)

VIEL:  STONE?  Stone, I…

(Moment of elevated consciousness.  She comes back to center and picks up her cigarette and lighter)

VIEL:  I’m getting sick of this.  I don’t understand what’s going on, but I don’t like it.  My instinct is to run away.  I’ll just go back the way I came.

(She exits.)

(The STONE is tossed on stage immediately after Viel’s departure.  The cactus rolls offstage.)

(Enter KITRECK.  A young man, but several years older than Viel.  His face is intense – severe but confident.  He wanders walks at a fast clip but slows to a stop as he reaches center)

KITRECK:  I’ve already been this way…

(He turns around and looks back the way he came)

KITRECK:  God Damn it…

(Spotlight up on the Stone suddenly.  Kitreck snaps his head in that direction, inquisitive and somewhat awed by this new source of light.  A sad, almost mystical melody begins to play, floating through the darkness and extenuating the stone's alienation.  Kitreck cocks his head in tired annoyance.)

KITRECK:  Okay, that’s enough.  Thank you.  That is enough Stimulus.  I don’t need any new information.  I am confused already.  THANK YOU, I DON’T NEED THIS!  I don’t know what this means.  I don’t know where to start.  My Brain is occupied.  I’m still trying to figure out where I AM.  I do NOT need a new light source or strange music to add to my confusion.  God Damn it…

(His annoyance has slowly transformed into curiosity.  Kitreck advances on the stone, intent on discovering it’s significance. He looks at the lit patch of stage, kneels, and then peeks his head in and out of the light, and pulls it back out.  He then peeks in, staring at the stone, and then snaps his head downstage and stares directly  up at the light, He is instantly blinded.  He gives a cry of alarm and falls backward.  Spotlight down.  The music fades)

KITRECK:  Oh Jesus.  I can’t see.  I’m blind.  I’ve been blinded.  Hello?  Is anybody there?  HELLO?  I CAN’T SEE!  Somebody please help me.  I have been incapacitated and I require Aid.  I don’t know where I am, I don’t know how I got here.  I AM HELPLESS AND I REQUIRE AID. HELLO?  Shit.

(He creeps forward and feels for the stone.  Once he has it in his hands, he stares at it, blinking a few times.  Slowly, it becomes clear that the stone is coming into view)

KITRECK:  Oh, that’s better.  I don’t understand.  What’s so damn special about you?  It’s just a rock.  It’s not even aesthetically pleasing.  Where was that light coming from?

(He stands and walks downstage, trying to locate the source of the light)

KITRECK:  This Direction.  And it’s dark now.  Probably wouldn’t help to go out there.  It’s to dark.  I wouldn’t actually be able to find the light source if there’s no light… still, there must be somebody out there turning it on and off….HELLO?  Jesus, where is everybody.  Where am I?

(He kneels)

KITRECK:  Let’s review.  Hard floor.  Inside somewhere.  Crap on the floor.  No walls.  Somewhere big.  Very, very big.  Too dark.  Except it’s light here.  Why is this spot so special?  Where is this light coming from?  I don’t understand.  It’s just coming from somewhere.

(The lights go out)

KITRECK:  What?  Am I blind?  No, light’s out.  Was that intentional?  HELLO?  Excuse me,  I CAN’T SEE!  I CAN’T SEE!  Great.  Now what.  What am I supposed to do.  Now I have no stimulus.  I’m going to panic.  I need light!  I need light!

(The lights come up.  Two giant, man-sized lumps of darkness have positioned themselves on the stage.  Kitreck gasps in horror and backs up.  Lights down)

KITRECK:  OH JESUS CHRIST!  GOD HELP ME!

(Silence.  Lights back up.  The lumps of Darkness are gone.  Kitreck spins in a circle takes a deep breath.)

KITRECK:  Okay.  This is better.

(Moment of Elevated consciousness)

KITRECK:  Not really.  I still don’t know where I am.  Where am I?

(The cactus is rolled on stage.  Beat.)

KITRECK:  What?

(The Cactus is rolled off stage.)

KITRECK:  Come back! 

(He rushes off in the direction the Cactus went.  He sees nothing.  He takes a few steps forward and then, remembering the black lumps, retreats back on stage in panic.)

KITRECK:  God?  God, help.  Help God.  I’m back.  Yes…I understand the irony of my choosing this moment to reach out for you.  I think we’ve both probably noticed that I only really believe in you during times of tragedy – but you and I can work that out later.  Please listen.  Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  God?  Something’s wrong.  SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG.  God?  God?  What am I doing?  I need for you to exist right now.  Where are you?  Is this a punishment thing?  God, I try to be a good, moral person I really do.  Am I in hell, God?  Is that it?  Like that play, that Sartre play?  No Exit.  Self Condemnation.  No Exit.  No exit unless I go through the door. 

(Kitreck suddenly thrusts his gaze to heaven with passionate defiance)

KITRECK:  Well, that’s your mistake, GOD.

(Kitreck RUSHES off stage.  There is the sound of a crash as he falls)

KITRECK:  I CAN’T SEE!!

(He rushes back onto stage.)

KITRECK:  No, no, don’t get ahead of yourself.  Don’t get carried away with irrational dialouges.  This must somehow make sense.  Everything makes sense.  Everything in life can be logically quantified.  Something’s changed, but not all of it.  No, that would be inconceivable.  I just need to gather more evidence.

(The cactus rolls onstage)

KITRECK:  So you’re back, are you?  I’m going to figure you out.  Where do you keep coming from?

(The Cactus rolls off stage.)

KITRECK:  You won’t escape me!

(Kitreck Chases it)

KITRECK:  I’M GOING TO FIGURE YOU OUT!

(Enter Viel, looking sufficiently more worn-out, trying again to light her cigarette.  It lights.  She takes a drag.  She coughs horribly.  She wretches and collapses on the ground.  She puts out her cigarette and stares at it)

VIEL:  Oh Cigarette. It’s funny when you’ve lost everything.  Because.  Because then you can laugh at anything.  That’s why I smoke you.  To diminish things until I can laugh at them.  Ugh, but I can’t even do you right.  You make me ill cigarette, you inundate my brain with nicotine fog.  I can’t think anymore.  I don’t know where I am, and I don’t even care.  But don’t smoke you, oh no, don’t smoke you.

(Pause.  Viel compulsively lights the cigarette and smokes it.  She leaves her lighter on the ground)

VIEL:  I don’t care.  Do you Hear me?  I DON’T CARE.  Are you there God?  Who Cares?  I don’t!

(She jumps up and down, maniacally smoking her cigarette)

VIEL:  Rush it through the veins, rush the head, little cigarette, make it funny, make it funny that I’ve lost everything!  I can say anything and nobody is listening and that’s just great.  I’m all alone and I can say whatever I want because the only one listening is ME and I don’t pretend to know myself well enough to know what’s going to come out of my mouth next, so it’s all so very interesting cigarette, so very interesting.

            (She notices that the Stone is back on stage.  She walks to it and kneels.)

VIEL:  So you’re back, my little friend.  Back from your exciting journey into the unknown.

(She picks up the stone and strokes it, staring off into the wing that Stone has come from)

VIEL:  I sent you on that Journey, Stone.  You have me to thank for your expansion of awareness.  And now you know more than me, don’t you?  You sit there smugly and in silence, knowing what lies in the darkness that surrounds us. You have the upper hand Stone, I admit that.  You owe me an explanation.  You owe me because I gave you the courage to expand.  Please talk to me, little Stone.  PLEASE.  I don’t think I can do this without you.  Listen, we’ll just have a little exchange, I’ll tell you about what I found in that direction, and you tell me what’s over there, okay?  Okay, please tell me, because I’m getting scared and I don’t want to be alone.  Please!  GOD DAMN YOU!

            (She picks up the Stone and violently HURLS it offstage.  Kitreck SCREAMS in agony as the stone hits him.  Viel perk up her ears.)

VIEL:  What was that?  Who is that?  Can somebody hear me?  Anybody?  Can somebody please respond?

            (Chanting ensues from beyond.  Viel, being the witty girl she is, throws herself into her previous dance double-time and finishes in perfect time with the music, with a flourish.  She stares defiantly into the darkness.   The music stops a second later.)

VIEL:  Haha, I’ve got the upper hand on YOU, strange chanting, I know exactly how long you last!  I am adapting to my environment just as the mighty elephant grew wool during the ice age to unsure his survival!  Like a wooly mammoth, I am prepared.  I am autonomous and free.  I have lost everything and achieved bliss.  This is my arrival.  NOW SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN!  I DESERVE SOME MONUMENTAL AFFIRMATION OF MY NEWFOUND ACCOMPLISHMENT!

            (Nothing happens.)

VIEL:  FINE!

            (Viel turns in rage to discover the Cactus rolling back onto the stage.  It rolls to a stop.  The two of them look at each other.  Viel is embarrassed.)

VIEL:  Perhaps you find my behavior strange, my little friend.  Allow me to explain myself.  When I was 14 years old I achieved emotional autonomy from my parents, who could no longer handle me.  Their interference was only making things worse.

(She turns Downstage, lost in recollection)

VIEL:  One morning during Junior high my mother was driving me to school.   I had decided not to comb my hair, because all of my classmates hated me, and I refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing me try to look good.  My mother wouldn’t let me out of the car.  After the bell rang she drove away from the school and pulled into a parking lot.  “You’re making them hate you,” she said.  And then, despite my violent protests, she combed my hair for me. I started to cry.  Later that morning I failed an English exam. 

(Pause.  She is embarrassed for being upset.  The cactus slowly rolls off the stage behind her)

VIEL:  Point being….I had achieved an individual self much sooner than my parents had expected, and their subsequent interference in my life lead me to detach completely, leaving me truly naked in the world at a very young age.  I had no support system, only two individuals who couldn’t separate me from their own tormented consciousnesses.

            (Kitreck enters along the cactus line, disoriented, and is shocked and thrilled to find another human being.  He watches her for a moment)

VIEL:  Is consciousenesses a word?  Consciousnesi, consciousenesses.  Like octopuses.  Octopi.  That’s right.  Like cacti.  Where did the cactus go?

KITRECK: Hello.

            (A spasm runs through Viel’s body as she realizes she is being watched.  She freezes in place and glances over her shoulder.  She turns to face Kitreck.)

VIEL:  Hi.

            (Viel smoothes her hair and attempts to look cool and confident.  They stare at each other like two cats who may be crossing through the others forbidden territory and will promptly have their eyes scratched out.  Kitreck steps toward her.  She backs away.  He stops.  She smiles)

KITRECK:  I’m…really relieved to see somebody else—

VIEL:  Where did you come from?

KITRECK:  What?

VIEL:  Where did you come from?

            (Beat)

KITRECK:  Well, I…don’t really know exactly.  But listen—were you just talking to someone?

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  I saw you talking to someone.  Just a minute ago.

VIEL:  I don’t know what you mean.

KITRECK:  Just now, you were talking—

VIEL:  Quite frankly I don’t see how that’s any of your business.

            (Beat)

KITRECK:  Um.  Okay.  Let me explain why it is indeed my business.--

VIEL:  Yes?

KITRECK:  Yes, I--

VIEL:  Would you like a Cigarette?

KITRECK:  What?

VIEL:  Okay, am I mute?  A cigarette.

KITRECK:  No, I heard you—

VIEL:   Well then, do you want one?

KITRECK:  …Sure.

VIEL:  Well alright then.

            (She lights a cigarette and then holds out another along with her lighter.  He crosses in and takes her offering, somewhat bewildered.  Then he backs away a bit)

KITRECK:  Thank you.  So as I was saying, it’s actually very important to me that I know who you were just talking to because I’m—

VIEL:  You’re not smoking your cigarette.

            (He looks at it, and then at her, helplessly)

KITRECK:  Well…I don’t smoke

VIEL:  Ah, I see, so basically you’re just wasting my Cigarettes.

KITRECK:  I was just trying to break the ice—

VIEL:  And now you’re wasting my time.  Who are you? 

KITRECK:  What? Wasting your time? What are doing that’s so important?

VIEL:  It’s not your business.

KITRECK:  I beg to differ.

            (Pause)

VIEL:  Listen, I’m having some alone time right now, could you maybe come back later?

KITRECK:  No.  I don’t understand what’s going on!

VIEL:  Well, I’m sorry you’re having trouble.

KITRECK:  I’m on the verge of complete and utter panic!

VIEL:  (Panicking)  SHUT UP YOU LITTLE BASTARD!

            (pause)

KITRECK:  I’m sorry.

VIEL:  Fuck off.

KITRECK:  Why are you being so nasty?

VIEL:  I’m just keeping proper social boundaries.

            (Pause)

KITRECK:  You’re very defensive.

VIEL:  Don’t you psychoanalyze me.  Don’t pretend that you can figure me out.  I’m very complex.

KITRECK:   Okay, lets start over.  Do you have a name?

VIEL:  What do you think?

KITRECK:  Help me out here, huh?

VIEL:  What do you want?

KITRECK:  Do you know where we are?

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  Do you know where we are?

VIEL:  What’s your name?

            (pause)

KITRECK:  Kitreck, but—

VIEL:  Nice to meet you, I’m Viel.

KITRECK:  Vile?

VIEL:  Vy-ell.

KITRECK:  Viel.  Do you know where we are?

VIEL:  How old are you?

KITRECK:  Twenty-three.  Do you know where we are?

VIEL:  I’m nineteen.  Tell me about your family.

KITRECK:  Why?

VIEL:  I have three brothers and an older sister.

            (pause)

KITRECK:  What the hell is wrong with you?

VIEL:  Pardon?

KITRECK:  Look around! Look!  Do you recognize this place?  I don’t!  I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire life.  I am freaking out.  I’ve been wandering around here all morning.  I’m lost.  Are you lost?

VIEL:  You’re really very irritating, I hope you realize.  All these questions.  I’m guessing you’re one of those people who need to feel like they’re in control of everything.  That’s ridiculous.  We control very little. Life is change – you can’t always predict the outcome, or expect everything to follow you “rules,”  I don’t even see what you’re so concerned about.  Everything’s fine.

(Pause.  He stares at her in amazement.  She looks away)

VIEL:  Even if I was lost it wouldn’t matter.  Eventually I’d be found.  Wherever you go, there you are.

KITRECK:  And this place is….?

VIEL:  Where we are!

KITRECK:  You’re not the slightest bit concerned.

VIEL:  I’m sorry, I don’t want to talk about this anymore.

KITRECK:  What?

VIEL:  I’ve stated my opinion, and you’ve stated yours.  We’re just going to have to agree to disagree.

            (pause)

KITRECK:  Are you insane?

VIEL:  Wow, I’m really pushing your buttons, aren’t I?

KITRECK:  JUST SHUT UP!

            (pause)

VIEL:  Your social skills need some polish…

            (Kitreck moves away from her in disgust and studies his surroundings again.  Viel watches him, looking very concerned now that his back is turned.  After a moment he glances back at her.  She smiles and quickly looks away.  Kitreck crosses downstage and peers off into the darkness, trying to make something out.  The Stone is thrown back onstage.  Kitreck does not notice, but Viel suddenly becomes very tense.  Viel watches Kitreck long enough to be assured that he is fully preoccupied, and then quickly moves and crouches next to the stone, watching Kitreck the whole time.  The picks up the stone and Cradles it in her arms.  After a moment, she begins to whisper to it frantically)

VIEL:  Where am I stone?  Where am I?

            (Kitreck can clearly hear every word she’s saying, but pauses for a moment to see what he might learn.)

VIEL:  I don’t know where he came from, but we don’t trust him, Stone!

KITRECK:  Who are you talking to?

            (pause)

VIEL:  The Stone.

KITRECK:  The Stone!  That stone talks?

VIEL:  Ask it yourself.  It’s being difficult.

            (She holds out the stone.  Kitreck takes it.  He looks at the stone, and the back at Viel, and then back to the stone.)

KITRECK:   Hello stone.  Can you talk?  Can you tell me where I am?  Hello?

            (He looks at Viel.  She shakes her head sympathetically.  Kitreck drops the stone)

KITRECK:  There was a light coming from this direction before. Maybe that’s the way out.

VIEL:  We’re supposed to find a way out?

KITRECK:  Of course.

VIEL:  How do you know?

KITRECK:  What do you mean—

VIEL:  How do you know what we’re supposed to do? How arrogant!  Maybe this is hell and we’re not supposed to do anything but sit here and suffer.

KITRECK:  That’s ridiculous and impractical.  We can’t just accept this, we have to do something!

VIEL:  Says you.

KITRECK:  Listen, if we’ve been put somewhere and we don’t know where we are, the logical conclusion is that we’re supposed to figure out how to escape.

VIEL:  Says who?

KITRECK:  Common sense.

VIEL:  Maybe your common sense.  Mine says that when you’ve been ripped out of your life there are no supposed-to’s at all—Didn’t I say I don’t want to talk about this?

KITRECK:   Well it’s the only thing that I want to talk about.

VIEL:  Clearly.

KITRECK:  You really don’t care?

VIEL:  Maybe I do and maybe I don’t.  Point being, I don’t see how talking to you about it is going to make things any better for me.

KITRECK:  Well that’s stupid.

VIEL:  Stop being so negative.  I said I don’t want to talk about it!

KITRECK:  But if we communicate--

VIEL:  SHUT UP!

            (Kitreck stares at her for a moment and then gives up.  He sits down on the ground, cradling the stone.)

KITRECK:  My name’s Kitreck.  Did I say that already?

VIEL:  Yes.  I’m Viel.

KITRECK.  What shall we talk about, Viel?

VIEL:  Can’t we just be quiet for a minute?

            (He sighs and turns away.  After a moment, he becomes preoccupied with the stone.)

KITRECK:  Hello again.  I regret doubting your significance the last time we met. Are you lost too?  I hate being lost.  I believe the human mind is capable of overcoming any obstacle.  You just have to try hard enough.  Never admit that you’ve lost, Stone, never admit that you’ve lost everything.

VIEL:  It’s funny when you’ve lost everything.

KITRECK:  How do you figure?

VIEL:  It’s funny when you’ve lost everything because then you can laugh at anything.  And then you can see where you really are, and it’s okay no matter what.

KITRECK:  Viel, what does that mean?  That’s totally abstract and it doesn’t make any sense.  You’re a fatalist.

VIEL:  I am not.

KITRECK:  Yes you are!

VIEL:  Well you’re a moron.  As long as you pretend that you’re in control of the situation, you’ll never see what the problem is.

KITRECK:  That’s the most unintelligent thing you’ve said yet.

VIEL:  You are an intellectual dwarf!

KITRECK:  And you’re a delusional, spiritual twit!

            (Pause)

VIEL:  God, we really don’t get along, do we?

KITRECK:  That’s not my fault.

            (Viel Laughs)

VIEL:  You know, this reminds me of a play I saw in high school once.

KITRECK:  No Exit?

VIEL:  Yeah, that one.  This is just like that.

KITRECK:  That makes me uncomfortable.

VIEL:  You’re sort of threatened by me, aren’t you?

KITRECK:  Apparently.

VIEL:  Wow, I usually don’t have that effect on men.

KITRECK:  I think I just hate you.

VIEL:  You hate me?

KITRECK:  What do you care?

VIEL:  Oh God, I think you’ve got the wrong idea.  I’m a good person.  Really.  I’ve been volunteering at my local homeless shelter since I was fifteen.  I hate violent movies.  I love people.  I don’t even step on insects.  I deserve to be loved.

KITRECK:  All I know about you is that you’re difficult  and in denial about our present situation.

VIEL:  Perhaps I owe you an apology.

KITRECK:  It’s probably too late.

VIEL:  No, listen, this meeting has not been representative of who I am.

KITRECK:  Every experience is representative!

VIEL:  Shhhh!  Shush!  Don’t say that! That makes me feel like I that play about Hell was right.

KITRECK:  Please!  Could you please stop referring to our situation as being like that play!

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  That play is depressing!

VIEL:  Oh.   I understand.

KITRECK:  Oh really?

VIEL:  Because if we were like the characters in that play we really wouldn’t have any control, we’d just be stuck.

            (pause)

KITRECK:  Yes.

VIEL:  Yes, I understand you better now.  I used to think that way.

KITRECK:  When?

VIEL:  Early adolescence.  When I first stopped listening to my parents.  It was all up to me.  I wanted to believe that I could handle anything.  I wanted to be the grand master of fate.  The last thing I wanted to face was how helpless I really was.

KITRECK:  And now you don’t mind being helpless.

VIEL:  I just realized that I’d get a lot farther if I accepted that certain things were not up to me.

KITRECK:  Like what?

VIEL:  Like the weather, financial success, I don’t know.

KITRECK:   That attitude is going to get us nowhere.

VIEL:  There you go again with this “supposed to” business.  Is it so hard for you to just wait and see what comes?

KITRECK:  Yes!  Yes it is!  And besides, what if what comes is very, very bad?

VIEL: Maybe if we just calm down and sit here quietly for a little while everything will start making sense.

            (Beat)

KITRECK:  Okay, fine.

VIEL:  Fine.

KITRECK:  We won’t talk.

VIEL:  No.

KITRECK:  For how long?

VIEL:  Shush!

            (Pause.  A CHAIR flies across the stage.  Sad music and chanting begin to play simultaneously as the Cactus races back and forth across the stage.  The Lights flicker violently..  The spotlight spins about the stage spastically as more chairs fly across the stage.)

KITRECK:  OH THIS IS RIDUCLOUS!

VIEL:  CALM DOWN!

KITRECK:  I will not calm down!  THIS IS INTENTIONALLY CONFUSING!

VIEL:  You are impossible.

            (The Lights go out)

KITRECK:  Yes, thank you, that simplifies things!

VIEL:  Oh God!

KITRECK:  Where are you?

VIEL:  I don’t know!

KITRECK:  Stay where you are!

VIEL:  Ugh!

KITRECK:  Viel?

VIEL:  Don’t Touch me!

KITRECK:  Sorry!

            (The lights come up.  Viel and Kitreck are huddled center stage.  On either side of them, the two man-sized LUMPS of darkness sit placidly.  Kitreck grabs Viel, who is shaking with fear.  Lights down.  Viel SCREAMS.  Music out.)

KITRECK:  Are you alright?

VIEL:  What was that?

KITRECK:  I don’t know.

VIEL:  I HATE THIS!

KITRECK:  I know.

VIEL:  Don’t let go of me.

KITRECK:  I won’t.

(Pause)

VIEL:  The Light isn’t coming back!

KITRECK:  It might never come back.

VIEL:  I hate the dark.  I hate it.  This is it, isn’t it, Kitreck, this is it…

KITRECK:  We’ll just wait.  Don’t let go of me.

VIEL:  But if this is the end, the end…Kitreck…I don’t want to be…

KITRECK:  Mmmmph!

(Pause.  Sound of breathing.  Lights begin to fade up very slowly.  Kitreck and Viel are in each others arms, kissing softly.  After a moment Viel opens her eyes and realizes the lights have returned.  Her body turns rigid as she starts to panic.)

VIEL:  I have to go.

KITRECK:  What?

            (She breaks away from him in a panic and backs away)

VIEL:  I don’t belong here.

KITRECK:  I thought you said wherever you go, there you are!

VIEL:  That only works when you’re alone!  I have to get away from you.

KITRECK:  What are you talking about?

VIEL: Nice meeting you Kitreck.

KITRECK:  Stop!

VIEL:  Goodbye!

KITRECK:  Moron!  Where are you going to go?

VIEL:  Away from you!

KITRECK:  Why?

VIEL:  We hate each other, remember?  I hate you!

KITRECK:  Go to hell!

            (They both fall silent and stare at each other, horrified.)

VIEL:  Don’t say that.

            (Viel then backs slowly into the shadows and disappears.)

KITRECK:  I’m sorry!

            (Kitreck spins around in frustration and looks at the empty stage.  He crosses to center and kicks the stone violently.  He then stops and looks back after Viel.)

KITRECK:  Come Back!  Viel, Come Back.

(Pause.  Kitreck turns downstage, in the direction of the spot, looking annoyed)

KITRECK:  What was that?  I’m sorry, am I supposed to do something with that little interaction?  That was awful.  I feel so empty.  She just came and then she … went, and in the meantime, what?  She didn’t make any sense!  On any level.  What a strange girl.  What did she want….  HELLO, ARE YOU SEEING THAT I  AM HAVING TROUBLE DRAWING ANY CONCLUSIONS ABOUT MY INTERACTION WITH VIEL?

(Pause)

KITRECK:  And speaking of interactions, do you think you could perhaps do me the favor of giving me some form of response, because I’m noticing this creeping feeling of dread and it has something to do with being completely alienated…and alone…

(He waits.  Nothing happens.  Discouraged, Kitreck turns away and stares at the floor)

KITRECK:  It’s funny when you’ve lost everything… because where ever you go…there you are… VIEL?

(He turns back out)

KITRECK:  Oh COME ON, Throw me a bone here, I need something…(he notices the stone) …Significant.

(He rushes to the stone’s side)

KITRECK:  I’m sorry, I forgot about you!  Oh, and I just kicked you too, didn’t I?  I regret kicking you.  Now that that crazy girl is gone, you’re the only friend I’ve got.  Lets establish a relationship, huh?  We’re going to have wild times together, you and I.  So speak up.  Speak up!  Listen, do you have any friends?

            (The Cactus rolls on stage)

KITRECK:  I see.  Hello Cactus.  We meet again.  Do you… have a name?  Not in a talkative mood aye?  But look, as the young lady pointed out, we know that this is a talking stone and it follows by your motive functions that you’re a talking cactus, and that’s what I’ve got to work with.  I’m deeply satisfied with that conclusion.

(Pause)

KITRECK:  OKAY, a little confirmation would be nice!  I’ll make a deal with you.  I’ll ask you a yes or no question.  If the answer is yes, you roll toward me.  If it’s no, you role away.  How do you like that?

            (The cactus trembles)

KITRECK:  Well?  Hello?  I’m trying to make this easier on you.  And in all fairness you should know that after my interaction with Viel I’m losing my tolerance for social dysfunction, little Cactus, if this continues I may develop unfortunate feelings and start making poor choices.  Lets try again.  Can my location be physically quantified?

            (The Cactus trembles)

KITRECK:  Alright FINE, if that’s the way you want to play it!  Get out of here!  Go on!

            (The cactus does not respond)

KITRECK:  YOU GODDAMNED CACTUS!

(Pause)

KITRECK:  This is so, so wrong. Now I’m angry with you, Cactus.  I blame you.  I just thought I should express that.  Okay, Stone.  I’m back.  I’m coming back to you.  Perhaps you can manage some gesture of friendship?  (To Cactus)  Stone won’t leave me, will you Stone?  What?  Leaving me to my own devices?  STONE?  You GODDAMNED STONE!  GO TO HELL!

(He runs to the wing and Hurls the stone offstage. 

There is a violent cry as the stone strikes Viel in the dark)

KITRECK:  What?  Viel?  Viel?  Was that you?  That was a mistake!  I wasn’t aiming for you!  Can you hear me?  Stop this Viel, let me know that you’re alright.  Viel, I’m going to panic if I don’t hear from you soon.

(Pause)

KITRECK:  Oh my God, I’ve killed her!  I’ve killed her!

            (He runs maddly into the dark)

KITRECK:  VIEL?  VIEL?

            (Viel emerges from the darkness, walking backwards, following Kitreck’s path with her eyes.  She has a hand placed on her forehead where a bruise is forming.  She looks a little panicked, not at all wild about the idea of Kitreck Finding her.  She reaches center and stops, rubbing her head and looking around.  Beat.  An Icepack flies onto the stage.  Viel stares at it.  She picks it up, and places it on her forehead, staring off in the direction that it came from.  Moment of elevated consciousness)

KITRECK:  VIEL?  VIEL?

(At the sound of his returning voice she dashes offstage.  Kitreck runs madly back into the light)

KITRECK:  Oh No!  No! Oh Christ.  Oh God.  No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. What have I done?  It only took an instant!  If only I had controlled myself, this would never have happened. My mother always told me I had a vicious temper.  Don’t be so reactive, she said.  I’ve murdered Viel.  If only the stone had been willing to speak to me.  That little bastard!  It’s YOUR FAULT, STONE.  You KILLED HER! 

            (Pause.  Kitreck sits on the ground)

KITRECK:  No.  No.  Stop, that.  STOP IT.  You don’t know.  You don’t know that you killed her.  She’s just gone.  She screamed and now she’s nowhere to be found – doesn’t actually mean a thing.  Don’t really know if it was her I hit.  Don’t really know if she didn’t just run away.  Don’t even know if it was her who screamed.  Maybe I was just hearing things.  Yes, that’s right, everything’s relative, you don’t know, so you can’t conclude.  Veil is… elsewhere….

(He is lost in neurosis)

KITRECK:  But… the possibility.  The possibility.  Of Viel.  And Viel being gone.  And Viel being gone because of something I did.  It’s true that I might never see her again.  Viel…Oh Viel. Oh, she was… really kind of amazing.  I’ve never seen anything like her.  She was beautiful, and spirited…and fairly smart.

(Moment of Elevated consciousness)

KITRECK:  I can’t ever let myself think that I’ve hurt her.  I can’t allow myself to even consider that she died by my hand.  That would destroy me.  Eat me alive.  She was .. what is this I’m feeling… something… she was… Oh my God.  I think this is love.  Yes!  Yes!  I love her.  Like the Yin and Yang, opposing forces attract in a universe predicated on balance!  I…LOVE Viel!  This is love.  This is it.  Viel….Viel is….

(He realizes)

KITRECK:  Viel is Gone…

(pause)

KITRECK:  Okay, God.  Now it’s your turn.  I’m about to have a complete breakdown and I’m sorry but I’m going to have to DEMAND that for once our interaction offers me some kind of all encompassing affirmation of my being and the state of the universe.  PLEASE. 

            (He waits for a moment, and then lowers his head.  He looks at the cactus.)

KITRECK:  I’m going to break down into a smear of insanity, aren’t I?

            (The cactus rolls away from him)

KITRECK:  What?  What was that?  Are you responding to me now?

            (The cactus rolls toward him)

KITRECK:  And when the answer to my question is yes, you roll toward me?

            (The Cactus rolls toward him)

KITRECK:  Oh thank God!  I mean, thank you Cactus.  This means a great deal to me.  You see, I’ve lost the Stone and Viel all in one bloody act of rage.  You’re all I have left.  Will you help me?

            (The Cactus rolls away from him)

KITRECK:  I see.  Well…Can you help me?

            (The Cactus rolls away from him)

KITRECK:  Can I be helped?

            (The Cactus rolls away from him)

KITRECK:  But…well, what does that mean?  Am I in hell?

            (The Cactus rolls toward him)

KITRECK:  Oh no.  That can’t be.  It’s not fair.  It’s a joke.  It’s illogical and impractical -- how could this be hell?  I’ve done nothing wrong.  I don’t believe you, Cactus, do you hear me?  Admit it, Tell me your lying.

            (The cactus rolls away from him.)

KITRECK:  Stop this torment!

            (The Cactus rolls away from him)

KITRECK:  Isn’t there any hope?

            (The Cactus rolls toward him)

KITRECK:  Ah ha!  Thank God.  Thank you.  And that’s because I have you, little cactus, yes?

            (The Cactus rolls away from him)

KITRECK:  I don’t understand.  Don’t you want to bring me hope?

            (The Cactus rolls away from him, getting very close to the wing)

KITRECK:  Aren’t you my friend?

            (The Cactus rolls toward the shadows)

KITRECK:  Oh.  I see.  You’re scared of me because of what happened with Viel.  Please understand.  We may never know what happened to Viel.  But if anything did, it was an accident.  I’d do anything to go back and change it.  You see, I loved Viel.  But it won’t be like that with you Cactus.  I will never allow you to be harmed.  Just tell me that you have love for me.  Do you have love for me, Cactus?

            (Pause.  The Cactus trembles, and then scurries away into the darkness)

KITRECK:  No!  I won’t kill you, I swear!

            (He runs madly into the dark after the Cactus.  After a moment Kitreck lets out a cry, followed by a “thud”)

KITRECK: (offstage) Oh GOD I’ve KILLED you!

            (Pause.  Viel peeks her head out of the opposite wing to see if the coast is clear.  After a moment she dashes into the light and retrieves her lighter off the ground.  Her eyes dart about like those of a cornered animal)

VIEL: (a whisper)  Kitreck?

            (No response)

VIEL:  KITRECK?

            (No response.  Viel straightens up and smiles.  She begins to head back in the direction she came from.  Igniting her lighter and attempting to use it as a torch in the darkness.  Just before she exits, the Stone flies out of the wing and lands on the stage.  Viel turns and regards the stone wearily.)

VIEL:  I’m tired of you.  It’s clear to me now that you can’t talk.  You’re not alive.  You’re nothing.  Just an object.  I’m the only living thing here.

            (The spotlight comes up on the stone.  Sad music plays.  Viel witnesses this in awe)

VIEL:  I don’t understand!

            (She slowly approaches the stone, and then sticks her head into the light, looking up at it’s source.  She is instantly blinded.  She recoils as the spotlight comes down)

VIEL:  Dammit!  Damn you, Stone.   Stupid, inert Stone. You never move, you never answer my questions, and now I’m blind.  And yes I’m still talking to the stone.  Well, okay!  Something is wrong here.  I can admit that now.  Something is very wrong.  DO YOU HEAR ME ADMITING IT?  Well, nobody’s listening, that is very clear.  Fine.  I accept that.  I can figure this out.  I’m “supposed to find a way out” and that’s what I’ll do.  I’ll get out of here.  I need to get the hell out of here.  Okay (holds up her hands in front of her face) Vision intact.  Now--

            (The lights go out)

VIEL:  Dammit!  I Hate the dark!  Who did that? Is this some kind of Sadistic game?  Fine.  We’ve played this game before.  I’ll just sit here and wait for the light to return.

            (Pause.  The lights don’t come back on.  Chanting music ensues)

VIEL:  SHUT UP!  SHUT UP STUPID CHANTING!  WHY AM I BEING TORMENTED?  HELP, I’m HELPLESS!  KITRECK HELP ME!  SOMEBODY TURN THE LIGHT BACK ON!

            (The lights come back up.  The Chanting stops.  Viel is standing center stage looking very frazzled.)

VIEL:  Oh.  Thank you.  THANK YOU.  Unless it’s just random.  Random events.  Random torture.  Random torture --that doesn’t even make sense.

            (The Cactus rolls onstage)

VIEL:  I HATE YOU.  Stop, Viel, stop, it’s just a cactus.  That’s right.  A MAGICAL MOVING CACTUS!  No.  No, that can’t be.  Let’s work this out logically.

(She examines the Cactus)

VIEL:  That’s what Daddy taught me.  Are you Proud, Daddy?  I wish he was here.  Actually, No I don’t.  He would just yell at me for getting into this mess.  I’m SORRY DADDY!  I’m SORRY!  As if he’s even listening.  Why must somebody always be listening.  Why am I still talking out loud?  Goodbye me.

            (She goes silent, and at that moment discovers the string which has been pulling the Cactus across the stage.  She pulls on it and regards it quizzically.  She follows the string to the edge of the light.)

VIEL:  This…this is intentional!  Who’s pulling this?  HELLO?  Who’s out there?  Is that you, Kitreck?  Are you tormenting me?   OH I UNDERSTAND NOW!  THROWING A ROCK AT MY HEAD WASN’T ENOUGH FOR YOU!  This is all your doing, isn’t it? Some sort of Death Trap game, to amuse you – you and your manipulative male chronies.  Watch and see if I play, Kitreck!  Watch and see if I play the part you expect me to play--

            (she has moved away from the cactus, dropping the string, shaking her fists at the dark.  The Cactus, feeling threatened, takes this opportunity to race off the stage)

VIEL:  Oh NO YOU DON’T!

            (She dives for the string and attempts to pull the cactus back onstage, but is instantly tugged toward the opposite wing.  She drops the string and falls badly)

VIEL:  GOD DAMN IT!

            (Defeated, she slumps on the ground and looks ready to cry.  A chair flies across the stage.  The lights flicker.  Moment of elevated consciousness.)

VIEL:   This is hell. 

            (After a moment she pulls out her cigarettes and attempts to take one out.  No use.  The Box is empty.  She pulls out her lighter instead.)

VIEL:  HELLO LITTLE LIGHTER.  I’m talking to you, and now I realize that I’m doing so only to calm myself down because I’d rather talk to a lighter than be left alone with my thoughts.  My thoughts are turning very ugly.  They’ve started to say, “it’s not funny when you’ve lost everything.”  When you’ve lost everything you realize that there is nothing.   There will always be nothing.  And everything that I’ve ever loved was an illusion.  They’re whispering, what if! What if you’re nothing!  What if everything you’ve ever had faith in was a trick of the mind!  And everything you remember before coming here doesn’t matter, because it’s gone.  I’m here.  And this place might as well not exist at all.  Flickering lights and mindless, roaming cacti -- an empty, random mess.  A squirming pile of rotting fallacies –drowning me out.  And I was stupid enough to look for some goodness in it.  Everything in this place is empty.  The stone is dead.  The light is cold.  And Kitreck…

(Pause.  Moment of elevated consciousness)

VIEL:  Kitreck was a little bastard, that’s what he was, an arrogant little bastard.  I HATE Kitreck.  Typically clingy, arrogant man, like every other man in my life, won’t leave me alone and disapproves of everything I say--  What if Kitreck was— God I HATED him.

 (Pause.  Moment of elevated consciousness)

VIEL:  I hated Kitreck.  He was real.   Kitreck frightened me.  He scared me as soon as I heard his voice.  I couldn’t breathe.  I thought he was going to kill me.—  I really hated him, he was really real!  My brain is wrong.  My stupid brain is wrong!  I’m RIGHT, YOU’RE WRONG!.  YOU’RE WRONG YOU LITTLE BASTARD!  WITH KITRECK I STILL HAD SOMETHING LEFT TO LOSE!

            (She bursts into exhilarated laughter, and throws the lighter down to the ground.  She pulls her compact out of her purse and stares at herself in the mirror)

VIEL:  Hello, little Viel.  It’s Funny when you’ve lost everything, because then it’s just me and you, isn’t it? And I can best you, Viel.  I can see you destroyed.  No, sweetheart, the stone isn’t here to protect you anymore.  Did you think you had gotten rid of me?  I’m still here, darling!  Try and tell me I’m not here!  I can play that game!  You’re not here!  You’re the illusion!  I have never been Viel.  I have always been more!  Die Viel, DIE, BURN IN HELL!  DIE VIEL!  I SHALL LIVE BEYOND THAT NAME!

            (The Spotlight comes up on Viel.  She freezes and goes silent, caught like a dear in the headlights)

VIEL:  But then… What is this?  This must be real.  This is intentional.  Somebody is doing this.  Somebody is playing a game with me.  Who?  Who are you?  Why did you bring me here?  What do you want from me?

            (Strange chanting ensues from beyond)

VIEL:  No, I won’t be distracted.  This is orchestrated!  You’re doing this on purpose because I was making progress!  You’re trying to confuse me.  That’s what all of this is!  An attempt at confusion.  And in the meantime, you leave me to my mind, which rambles in presupposed circles that I can’t escape from because they make me Viel!

            (The Cactus races across the stage)

VIEL:  NICE TRY, BASTARD!  I see the game now.  As soon as I see a way out, you distract me with something outside of myself! Everything I do is compulsive, and you intend to keep it that way!  You presume to know every word that comes out of my mouth because you understand me!  Ha!  Follow the Script, Viel!  Do what’s expected!  Play the part you were born to play!  Tell the story you can’t help telling!

            (The lights come down.  Viel is alone with herself under the spotlight)

VIEL:  I understand now; I’m transcending your expectations!  You expect me to follow the script!  Play this part! I’m a character in a play!  Named Viel!  With a nebulous past and mysterious motivations -- and it’s not my place to know myself because THEN, THEN I wouldn’t conform to your expectations!  THEN I would be in control of my actions!  Then…I would be free!  I WANT TO BE FREE, you BASTARD!  I WANT TO BE FREE!  GIVE ME MY FREEDOM!

            (She begins to march toward the light – but now she’s having trouble seeing, due to the glare)

VIEL:  You’re out there somewhere!  If I can just find you, find your light, If I can just GET MY HANDS AROUND YOUR THROAT!

            (Viel crosses the fourth wall.  She is suddenly aware of the space around her, and the bodies in it.  Her face contorts with panic as her eyes dart about her surroundings, “seeing” the audience.  She throws herself back onto stage, and attempts to recover the moment.)

VIEL: No…no, you won’t fool me into going out there.  I’m not stupid: you’ll never let yourself be found.  You’ll just lead me into the dark, so far that I’ll never find my way back.  Alone…in the dark.

            (The spotlight comes down)

VIEL:  No.  No, no, no, no.  Please.  Please turn the lights back on.  I’ll be good.  I’ll be Viel.  Turn them back on so that I can see, that’s all I want.

            (The lights come back up.  Veil breathes a sigh of relief.  She looks into the darkness, pensive about this force that can blind her at any instant.  After a moment she crosses to the stone, stepping cautiously, walking on eggshells.)

VIEL: You know the worst part .. is not that I’m trapped… but that maybe, just now, I was wrong…that if I wanted… I could have found my way out.  Right.  I didn’t think you’d answer.  Nobody ever does.  (Stands over the stone).  You, however… you will never leave me or hurt me because you’re dead.  Stone dead. (she laughs and settles herself on the ground).  But that’s okay.  I’ll do the talking for the both of us….

Act II

Scene

(A mumbling in the darkness.  It is Viel.  Lights slowly begin to fade up, revealing the young woman in the exact same position as she was when we last saw her.  She is intent on the stone – her eyes gleaming with a fiery desperation.  She has obviously been here, talking, for quite some time)

VIEL:  …And then, in fifth grade, I cut off most of my hair and started wearing clip-on earrings.  I had this one pair that looked like real diamonds, which my Mommy bought for me while we were at vacation in the grand canyon.  Fifth grade.  Actually, in fifth grade, I started having social difficulties.  My five best friends formed a club just to keep me out of it – they all had their ears pierced – and so I started my own club--

(Footsteps.  Kitreck suddenly lurches onto the stage—Viel jumps and is thrown off balance.  Kitreck comes to rest on the ground and stares at Viel -- positively feverish)

VIEL:  Kitreck!

KITRECK:  You’re alive!

VIEL:  I’m Alive!

KITRECK:  I thought I’d – no, never mind what I thought.  I’m just so glad to see you!

VIEL:  Stay back.  I don’t trust you.

KITRECK:  Why not?

VIEL:  I don’t know you!  We don’t know each other, why-

KITRECK:  Oh, but I do know you, Viel.  I do!

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  In the dark, it became all the more clear.  I was out there for a long time, with myself, wandering and getting nowhere, out in the cold.  I was so alone.  And I realized—I realized that you were the only thing that mattered.  And that even thought we’d only just met, I knew you fundamentally—better even than I knew myself! Once I’d lost you, I realized exactly what you meant to me.  I look at you and I can maybe see myself from the outside – because you were real!  You were real!  You were a beacon, blazing on a dark ocean blocked from the starlight by storm clouds which were throwing my little vessel about, threatening to toss me over and into the cold, icy abyss—a Beacon!  And I turned about and there my beacon was, a stretch of light in the distance, visible because it was the only thing to see in all this shadow – so I came back, I came back to find you, and there you were, and the light vanished but somehow I could still see you, just you, shaking your fists in rage, about to go, about to leave me.  But you didn’t leave me, Viel.  You came back.  You came back for me.

VIEL:  I did no such thing!  I was only--

KITRECK:  Don’t pretend.  Kiss me, Viel.

VIEL:  NO!

KITRECK:  Don’t you see, we’re in hell, and I’m all you’ve got!

VIEL:  You’re insane!

            (She grabs the Stone and raises it threateningly)

KITRECK:  What are you doing?

VIEL:  Don’t make me hurt you, Kitreck.

KITRECK:  We need each other, it’s logical!

VIEL:  You’re just another distraction!

KITRECK:  But—

VIEL:  Stay back!

            (he stops and stares at her)

KITRECK:  Oh my God, Viel.

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  Your Eyes.

VIEL:  What?  What about my eyes?  What’s wrong with my eyes?

KITRECK:  They have this – Defeat…look in them.

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  Wait, sorry, this defeat—um—

VIEL:  You mean defeated look—

KITRECK:  No, defeat—

VIEL:  Look of Defeat.

KITRECK:  Will you just shut up and let me speak?

VIEL:  Well, you seem to be having trouble expressing yourself!

KITRECK:  So what!?

VIEL:  I was just trying to help you out—

KITRECK:  I don’t need your help—

VIEL:  That’s not what you said five minutes ago when you were rambling about how I’m the sole purpose of your life!  You stalker!

KITRECK:  No, you don’t understand, I was saying—

VIEL:  You were saying how you’d like to rape me, at which point I picked up the stone to protect myself!

KITRECK:  No, no, it’s just that I know where we are, and you’re my only way out!

VIEL:  Well you can’t have me!  I can handle myself just fine!  You’re crazy, I don’t trust you for a second!

KITRECK:   Stop this!  I’ve found our way out, Viel, we can’t afford to push each other away.  I can’t be alone here!  Don’t you see that?

VIEL:  All I see is a screaming maniac asking me to kiss him!

KITRECK: Alright, fine.  I misjudged the situation.  I should have known you wouldn’t reciprocate my feelings.  I’m sorry.  But if I’m going to spend the rest of my life in this hell, I want to know that you’re by my side.

VIEL:  You’re just getting side-tracked.  They knew you would think that, that’s pure Kitreck—

KITRECK:  They?

VIEL:  Yes, they?

KITRECK:  You know who “they” are now?

VIEL:  Whoever’s moving the cactus and taking away our light—

KITRECK:  I killed the Cactus!

VIEL:  No, you didn’t kill the cactus, it just came by – but it’s on a string, somebody is pulling it

KITRECK:  Cactus is alive?  Where is he?

VIEL:  You co-dependant MORON, it’s just a cactus—

KITRECK:  Oh, and I suppose now the stone is just a stone?  You hypocrite.  You’re blind to our present situation, we need all the friends we can get.  We need each other!  We can’t do this alone!  Now is the time to collectivize!  And if it’s even possible that the stone and Cactus can help us – well we need to be open to that help!

VIEL:  IDIOT!  Face the facts, Kitreck!  Somebody is playing with us and we need to find a way out, not just accept the situation and hope that it somehow resolves itself!

KITRECK:  Who are you?  You’re not Viel.  Viel said “wherever you go, there you are”  that was profoundly influential on my present state of mind.  What have you done with her?

VIEL:  I shut her the hell up because she didn’t have a clue—

KITRECK:  Who are you?

VIEL:  I’m new and improved!

KITRECK:  Then why are you still here?

            (Viel pauses and falters)

VIEL:  How should I know--?

KITRECK:  Why are you so scared of me?  You run away from me and yet you think you can handle anything on your own!

VIEL:  I’m not afraid of you!

KITRECK:  Denial!  Denial!  Boy did I get the wrong idea about you!  Your just a pathetic little machine!

VIEL:   GO TO HELL!

KITRECK:  I AM IN HELL!

VIEL:  SO AM I, AND I BLAME YOU!

KITRECK:  OH, That’s HEALTHY!  You NEED me, I’m all you’ve GOT!

VIEL:  I DON’T EVEN KNOW YOU!  You’re just trying to distract me from my transcendence!

KITRECK:  What are you Babbling about?  Transcendence?  What--?

VIEL:  Don’t you see, Kitreck, this is just like a movie - the characters just have to follow the script, they have no choice, because it’s written, and if we don’t think our way through it, if we keep compulsively reacting to each other – if you don’t stop compulsively pawing at me, we’ll just continue on forever and ever—

KITRECK:  You’re babbling!  What is this?  You don’t make any sense!

VIEL:  You’re the one who’s in denial, my friend—

KITRECK:  PLEASE!

VIEL:  Must you negate everything I say!  I have NOTHING to gain from you if you’re just going to sit there and tear down my conclusions you BASTARD!

KITRECK:  Oh, you have PLENTY to gain from me, VIEL, just wait, just wait a few days, a few years, alone by yourself, see if you wont come BEGGING me for my friendship!

VIEL:  I’d rather DIE, and that’s not even the point!  UGH!  I HATE YOU!

KITRECK:  I HATE YOU!

VIEL:  Then why the FUCK are you still here?

KITRECK:  GOOD QUESTION!  Enjoy eternity, VIEL!

            (He grabs the stone out of her hands, turns, and marches toward the darkness)

VIEL:  I hope you and the Cactus are VERY HAPPY TOGETHER!

KITRECK:  GO TO HELL.

VIEL:  I’d say the same, but you’re ALREADY HEADED IN THAT DIRECTION!

KITRECK:  You WISH.

VIEL:  Actually I’m praying for your soul!

KITRECK:  Well, I’m praying for yours!

VIEL:  GOOD!

KITRECK:  FINE!

            (Pause.  They stare at each other)

VIEL:  Kitreck…

KITRECK:  Goodbye.

            (And he’s gone.)

VIEL:…Goodbye.

            (She looks about her, trying to find a new object of focus.  Frustrated, she turns to  her lighter)

VIEL:  I’m going to talk to you now.  You will leave me to my own process.  I appreciate that.  Even if you are dead, at least you’re a good listener.  Better than that bastard, at any rate.  So, let’s see.

(She focuses)

VIEL:  Back on track!  I’m like a character in a movie. And I speak and act and even do weird things without thinking. Or with bad thinking.  I’m on auto-pilot.  It’s a script, called “Viel.”  Or maybe, “Viel is an idiot.” So if I want to get out of this, I need to do what’s unexpected.  I need a new me.  No, that sounds impossible. Everything I’m saying is pure Viel.  So…easy enough… I just need to do something random…okay, um—  Tuna fish supermarket batman trash can lady dead fish automobile cactus stone desk tree sky lake nature love friends neighbors family children dogs cats animals plastic --  No, this was a stupid idea.   This is just total chaos.   Total chaos this is the same thing as compulsion – GOD DAMN IT, STOP EVALUATING EVERYTHING YOU DO– but even that was an evaluation. And so was that.  And that, and this is an evaluation, I can’t stop doing it and OH CHRIST I CAN’T STOP EVALUATING MYSELF!  I can’t escape!  I can’t Escape!  I can’t –

            (Viel raises her head to the sky and SCREAMS)

VIEL:  The fire is sprouting in the garden of Eden, WHERE ARE THE FIREMEN, WHERE ARE THE FIREMEN, and the Angel Gabriel said unto them, there shall be a star, and you shall find unto you the firemen are waiting under the star after a great journey – BUT BY THE TIME WE GET THERE THE GARDEN WILL BE BURNT TO A CRISP!  I need Firemen right now!  The Star has to be right here, above me—I AM GOD ALMIGHTY AND I WILL THE STAR ABOVE ME! – No.  Was that Random?  Because it was still spewed from my mind, and my mind is following the script –NO, no, just go – AND I CAME UNTO GABRIEL AND I SAID I AM VIEL ALMIGHTY AND LO THERE IS A STAR IN HEAVEN ABOVE ME AND LO THERE ARE FIREMEN!

            (The Spotlight comes up on Viel.  She is again struck silent)

VIEL:  And a star came unto her.  But…Am I…God Almighty?  Viel Almighty?  And Lo there is a star and it is a strange light from beyond, and Lo, I did will it to be?  This is amazing.  Amazing.

            (Pause)

VIEL:  Although… this might not be what it seems.  This might just be a mistake on my part.  Or a trick.  A trick to make me think I’ve found a way out.  To make me think I’m in control, when I’m actually not.  How awful.  A trick.

            (The spotlight goes down)

VIEL: I can’t trust my own conclusions.  There’s no point.  I’ll never know if I’m getting somewhere.  Because anything could have been orchestrated.  All of it might be fake.  And Kitreck?  He’s there…but he’s useless.  Just like me.  Everything is useless.

(Viel lays herself down on the ground. And looks up into the darkness.  As she speaks, the two black LUMPS lumber across the stage from opposite sides.  Viel does not notice)

VIEL:  There are no conclusions.  I can’t do this alone.  But I can’t do this with him, because he’s lost in his own little world.  And we’re both going insane.  And that is how this will end.  No way out.   No way out.  I can’t do this anymore.  I give up.  I’m tired. 

            (Suddenly the Stone flies onto the stage, narrowly missing her.  Viel Screams and runs into the darkness.  After a moment, Kitreck peeks onto the stage.)

KITRECK:  Viel?

            (He comes out into the open)

KITRECK:  VIEL?

            (Satisfied, he strolls to the stone and picks it up)

KITRECK:  Indeed my friend, we’ve driven the crazy, antisocial girl away.  This location is ours!  We are victorious.  That was teamwork right there, yes?  Oh how I wish you would end your period of silence and speak to me, Stone.  But I accept that it’s not possible.  I celebrate it in fact.  I have a distinct feeling that you and I are forming a bond that goes beyond words.  We are one in the same.  One Soul grafted atop the other.  We are merging into a higher state of being… one where circumstance cannot harm us….  I’m growing fond of this spot, actually.  The light is nice.  It reminds me of my carefree days as a lad.  I always loved the sun.  Picnics and camping trips in the out of doors.  One, a trip to the river, with my school.  The heat was intoxicating as we stepped out of the bus and into the sunshine.  I remember being dazzled by the brilliance of the trees – the way the heat and the light of the sun entwined their trunks and made their branches… glow.  And the river glistening like gold in the sunshine.  My teacher was saying something, and I think, for the first time in my life, I stopped listening.  I moved away from my classmates, down to the riverbed.  There was a wet lizard sunning himself on a rock.  When I stepped closer, he started doing pushups – an instinctual motion indicating a declaration of the animals territory – So I stopped.  He looked at me and I looked at him, and we were both being baked by the sun, and he was doing pushups…I couldn’t tell where I ended and where the lizard began.  Then my teacher yelled at me and I forgot about the lizard… but now that I think about it… there was something so important about that defensive little lizard basking in the sunlight.  Doing pushups on that stone…

(He looks at the Stone)

KITRECK:  Stone?  Is that what we’ve been calling you all this time?.  Viel gave you that name, didn’t she?  Viel and her logic! You need a name!  Do you have one? (pause)  Right.  Right.   Fine.  I forgive you.  But you’re just going to have to live with the name I’ve given you.  How about…Raul?  Yes, that feels somehow…accurate.  Raul.  Raul and Kitreck.  Kitreck and Raul.  Together to the end.

(Pause.  Kitreck looks about a bit helplessly.)

KITRECK:  Yes… I suppose I was pushing it when I likened this spot to my childhood memories of frolicking in a sunny riverbed.  This isn’t really like that at all.  In fact, all this light does is prove that there’s nothing here.  Whereas out there… at least there might be something in the dark.  No, don’t worry, we’ll stay here.  We’ll stay here, empty or no…. I have to admit Raul, I’m becoming very discouraged.

            (Pause)

KITRECK:  Look, I know you feel the need to keep silent, but could you maybe just put aside your social stigmas for a moment?  Seriously, it would make things so much easier.  Please, talk to me, Raul.  Don’t you see how much we both have to gain by conversation?  Surely you see what Viel couldn’t – that you need other people.  You need, me, Raul, just as I need you.  So speak up. PLEASE!  I’m BEGGING, you Raul, don’t be distant, don’t be like Viel.  I need more.  I deserve more!  GOD DAMN IT, RAUL!   I DEMAND THAT YOU SPEAK!  GOD DAMN YOU!

            (Raul remains silent.  Kitreck drops him and begins to pace)

KITRECK:  The truth is, if he doesn’t speak to me, he might was well be a normal Stone.  There really isn’t any difference, is there?  Raul is dead to me.  So it really is just me an me.  The monotonous sound of my own voice is going to drive me crazy, but somehow I think silence would be even worse.   I wish Viel were here.  Even if she is an idiot.  Perhaps I behaved inappropriately.  I came on too strong.  Why did I expect her to understand me so immediately?  I’m very complex.  Oh, I imposed.  I wish she was here, I'd apologize.

            (He looks at Raul)

KITRECK:  But she’s not here, is she Raul?  And neither are you.  So this is hell.  Hell is: no other people!  Well, alright.  Alright God.  I think we’ve concluded.  I now accept and understand your punishment.  But don’t dupe yourself into thinking that I truly deserve this.  I don’t.  I know that I have done no wrong.  I wont let this place destroy me – I will reshape it with thought!  For years I’ve been refining my method of thinking through academic and experiential study – now it is put to the test! I shall believe in myself despite your judgment otherwise.  Hell!  Ha!  As if such a place could even exist, as if even a lake of fire could never be adjusted to.  You give me Hell, and I shall make it my Heaven.  Perhaps that’s the game.  We make our own salvation, yes?

            (He turns to Raul)

KITRECK:  So I shall master Hell, Raul.  And in time, you will fear me, you will fear me because I will it – no, no, side-tracking.  Raul’s not there, and I’ve driven Viel away.  That’s the whole point.  Fine the, I shall sit and work out my salvation in silence.

            (Kitreck Meditates.  Placidly at first, and then with frustration.  He attempt to recommit to his practice.  It isn’t working.  He stares about in complete indigence for a few moments)

KITRECK:  BUT THERE’S NOTHING HERE!    This isn’t life, this is nothingness, and this, THIS is what I must live through forever?  Not a single object of interest?  Not a single person to mirror my struggle?  I NEED SOMEBODY, SOMETHING!  IS THERE TRULY NOTHING?

(A Screaming Rage from Beyond)

VIEL:  YOU WISH THERE WAS TRULY NOTHING YOU LITTLE BASTARD!

(Before Kitreck can react, Viel dashes madly into the light and dives for the stone, then springs to her feet, Stone raised, a mad gleam in her eye)

KITRECK:  Viel—

VIEL: YOU HOMICIDAL MANIAC!  I HAVE HAD IT WITH YOU!

KITRECK:  Viel, I didn’t—

VIEL:  Didn’t what, Kitreck – Throw the stone at my head TWICE?  I am THROUGH being a victim!  If I’m going to have the life crushed out of me by this place – I’M TAKING YOU WITH ME!

KITRECK:  No, No, this is counter-productive—

VIEL:  Don’t you try to use your “logic” on me!

KITRECK:  I’m not the one you need to fight!

VIEL:  You’re exactly the one I need to fight, Kitreck—

KITRECK:  I LOVE YOU!

VIEL:  You just want to eat me alive! You’ll suck me dry! And I’ll be an empty husk lying on this floor, wrapped in your arms for the rest of time!

KITRECK:  Viel--!

VIEL:  ENOUGH!  GET OUT OF MY LIGHT!

KITRECK:  VIEL!

(She runs screaming at him, he dives out of the way)

KITRECK:  Viel, you’re not capable of hurting me—

VIEL:  I’m at the end of my rope!  I will do whatever it takes to get out of here!

KITRECK:  But we can help—

VIEL:  GET OUT!

(She rushes him again, he dodges.  She spins about and swings at him again and misses.  He frantically crawls to the edge of the light)

KITRECK:  HELP!  SHE’S FINALLY GONE INSANE!  HELP!

(A chair flies out of the Wing and into Kitreck’s hands.  He and Viel stare in amazement.  Then he spins about and holds it over his head)

KITRECK:  Now who’s got the upper hand!

VIEL: GOD DAMNED AUTHOR OF THIS GOD DAMNED MOVIE!

KITRECK:  SHUSH!  Stop talking like that!

VIEL:  You see?  You see?  You don’t even begin to understand the situation – how can you help me?

KITRECK:  Drop the Stone, Viel!

VIEL:  NEVER!

(She Rushes him.  He fends her off with the chair.  After a brief struggle she backs off)

VIEL:  STONE, YOU’RE USELESS!  I need a chair!

(A chair Skitters onto the stage.  Viel Grabs it)

VIEL:  I AM NOT LEAVING THIS SPOT!

KITRECK:  WELL NEITHER AM I!

(She rushes him.  They chair fight. After a few moments of random and ineffective violence, a moment of elevated consciousness ensues.  Out of habit, they clash against each other a few more times.  After a moment, they stop, and simply stare)

KITRECK:  What just happened?

VIEL:  We have chairs.

KITRECK:  Where did they come from?

VIEL:  Was that part of the script?

KITRECK:  What?

VIEL:  He gave us chairs.

KITRECK:  Who?

VIEL:  The Author of this movie.

KITRECK:  Viel, we have chairs!

VIEL:  Yes.

KITRECK:  We didn’t have them before!  Something just changed!

VIEL:  Yes.  No.  No, nothing is changed.  Not really.  I can’t even fight you right.  I thought doing this might…no.  Nevermind.  I’m sorry.  I’ll be going.

(She turns to go)

KITRECK:  You’re going?

VIEL:  Yes.

KITRECK:  You can’t go now!

VIEL:  Um…yes I can.

KITRECK:  No, no, look, we’re on the verge of something.  Something key – I’m not quite understanding it yet--

VIEL:  I don’t trust your conclusions!

KITRECK:  Why not?

VIEL:  Okay, you threw the stone at me!

KITRECK:  I never meant to hit you!  Viel – you might as well have a little faith in me – I mean, given our present situation--

VIEL:  Faith in you?

KITRECK:  Yes, dammit, there’s not much else here—use what you’re given!  Use me!

VIEL:  Kitreck, I am trying desperately to escape from this mess of an existence–  and here you are compulsively trying to pull me into your arms.  Still!  Face it.  Selling my soul to you isn’t going to save it—

(She steps out of the light)

KITRECK:  But running away from me is?

(No response.  He keeps talking, not sure if she’s still there)

KITRECK:  Don’t you see what you’re doing?  You’re marching into hell, Viel.  You’re casting off salvation for independence.  Don’t you see that this place can only be hell if we have no hope, and that hope is predicated on—

(Viel comes marching back in waving her arms frantically, deep in thought.  Kitreck is delighted, and continues pedantically)

VIEL:  Shhhhh!  Shush!

KITRECK:  You came back!

VIEL:  Shhhh!

KITRECK:  You see, you must have had hope that coming back would—

VIEL:  No!  No!  It was scripted that we part!

KITRECK:  It’s a question of external affirmation—

VIEL:  It was compulsive – I’ve been running from you compulsively! It’s not logical!

KITRECK:  It’s the fact that our very hope is exactly makes this hell – it allows us to want what we can’t have – that’s hell – but we can have each other, so—

VIEL:  We’re walking in circles Kitreck – trapped by what we’ve been up until this point, all of our squabbling, it happens automatically—

KITRECK:  So I’ve come to see that you’re my Salvation!

VIEL:  We need to find a solution!

KITRECK:  Salvation!

(They stare at each other.)

VIEL: Alright. I won’t run.

(Kitreck methodically comes forward and tries to kiss her.  She flips out and slaps him.  He backs away.)

VIEL:  No.  That’s just not right!

KITRECK:  But…

(He comes in again to kiss her.  She slaps him, this time harder.  He pulls away, hurt and puzzled.  Then he comes in again.  Viel  slaps him a third time.  He shakes his head in horror.  He steps toward her compulsively.  She raises her hand.  He stops.)

VIEL:  That can’t be right.

KITRECK:  Yes.. you’ve made yourself clear…  It’s just so odd.  I was so sure that if you just stopped running… I don’t know what I was thinking…we could cling to each other in the dark, or something…it’s getting hard to stop myself…

VIEL:  Yes!  You can’t stop following the script!

KITRECK:    What script?

VIEL:  The one that spells out everything you do.

KITRECK: …Are you talking about God?

VIEL:  I’m talking about having no control over your own actions!  I’m talking about running in circles forever!

KITRECK:  We are running in circles…except…

VIEL:  It seems like there’s no way out… but I just keep thinking that maybe…maybe I’ve just been thinking about this the wrong way…

KITRECK:  Yes…!  Ever since the chairs I’ve felt this odd hope --as though I’m forgetting something very important

VIEL:  Well you needed the chair because I was attacking you, and then I felt like I needed one too, and then I got one--

KITRECK:  Do you remember how that felt?

VIEL:  Yes, and that’s just it!  Why would he let us feel that satisfied?

KITRECK:  But if it’s not a question of “he”…

VIEL:  I mean, we’re trapped right?

KITRECK:  Trapped in a script.

VIEL:  Yes.

KITRECK:  But movies end, right?

VIEL:  I think you’re suggesting that we’re not trapped

KITRECK:  Why would “he” possibly want us to suffer for all eternity?  You say, how could he let us, but I say, how can he stop us?  It’s up to you, Viel, you and me!

VIEL:  And I am the master of my own life, and with my satisfied inner child I ride the waves of inner peace--

KITRECK:  But you’re noticing what I’m noticing?

VIEL:  We do Satisfying things and chairs come!

KITRECK:  Satisfaction is guaranteed!

            (Pause)

VIEL:  I don’t know what we’re talking about anymore!

KITRECK:  Our conversation is becoming incomprehensible!

VIEL: We’re communicating on a higher plane!

KITRECK:  Me too! How can we know?

VIEL:  I don’t know.  How can I know? WHO KNOWS?  Who Cares?  I can feel it working!

KITRECK:  This was a good idea, who’s was it?

VIEL:  It doesn’t matter, words have failed us--

KITRECK: Then how do we know?

VIEL:  Quickly!  Lets test our theories!

KITRECK:  Play his game?

VIEL:  No, he doesn’t matter!  Lets not even play the game we think we’re playing!

KITRECK: What will we play?

VIEL: Lets make up a game and play that!

            (They stare at each other for a moment.  Viel’s grin spreads to Kitreck’s face)

KITRECK:  KISS ME VIEL!

            (She hesitates for a moment, as every cell in her body says no.  And then she dashes across the stage and gleefully kisses him on the lips.)

KITRECK:  Oh my God!

VIEL: OH MY GOD!

KITRECK:  VIEL!

VIEL:  KITRECK!

            (Strange chanting ensues. Viel throws herself into her dance.  Kitreck makes circles around her)

VIEL:  We’re not going crazy!

KITRECK:  We’re going Sane!  You look so happy!

VIEL:  I am!  I can’t believe this is working!  This is Obscene!

(Kitreck rushes to her side)

KITRECK:   Viel?

VIEL:  Yes?

KITRECK:  Are you afraid of the dark?

VIEL:  Yes!

            (Kitreck abruptly leads her offstage.  Viel Screams.  After a moment they come prancing back into the light.  Viel is Giggling hysterically, as the couple flies to the other wing.  Viel Screams.  Kitreck Screams.  There is the sound of a “thump.”  Viel runs mischievously across the stage, alone, and into the darkness on the other side.  Kitreck chases after her, into the wing.  After a moment Viel emerges from the same side, backing up to see if he’s following.  She then scampers toward the other wing.  Kitreck flies into her path from the direction she was going.  She screams, and collapses on the ground laughing.  Kitreck joins her.)

VIEL:  But how long can this last?

KITRECK:  Forever!

VIEL:  But—

KITRECK:  Forever, Viel, Forever!

VIEL:  I want to try something…

KITRECK:  Forever!

VIEL:  NOW SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN!

(The Cactus races across the stage)

VIEL:  Get it!

            (They both scramble into the dark after the cactus.  The cactus races across in the other direction, looking terrified.  Viel leaps into the light and grabs the string, trying to tug the cactus back in her direction.  She ends up getting dragged.  Kitreck appears on the other side of the stage.  He jumps forward and grabs the cactus off it’s perch, holding in the air like a great prize,  meanwhile, Viel has pulled the platform back toward her, and steps upon it triumphantly)

VIEL:  I’m the cactus!

KITRECK:  (to the cactus) Do you love me, Cactus?

VIEL:  Yes!

KITRECK:  And will you help me, Cactus?

VIEL:  Yes!  Do you want a cigarette?

KITRECK:  Yes!

            (Viel pulls out her cigarette and then remembers that she’s all out.  For a moment a look of dread crosses her face – then a pack of cigarettes descends onto the stage with a miniature parachute.  Viel giggles and nabs it.)

KITRECK:  Look, look, you did it!

VIEL:  What?

KITRECK:  You manifested cigarettes!

VIEL:  I manifested Cigarettes!  Here, smoke it!

             (She hands him a cigarette.  He lights it, and looks about.  A COUCH is suddenly thrust onto the stage, being pulled by a string.)

KITRECK:  Get it!

            (Kitreck dives for the rope, Viel throws herself onto the couch.  It stops mid-stage.  Viel lounges on the couch, smoking her cigarette.  Kitreck moves toward the couch.)

VIEL:  Stop!

KITRECK:  What?

VIEL:  It’s my couch, I caught it!

KITRECK:  I caught it!

            (He dives onto the couch.  She playfully tries to force him off)

VIEL:  Get your own couch!  I asked for this one, it’s mine!

KITRECK:  You did not, I manifested this couch!

            (He has wrestled her onto the floor)

VIEL:  Prove it!

KITRECK:  Fine!

            (He stands up on the couch)

KITRECK:  LIGHT!

            (The spotlight comes up on him.  He laughs maniacally.  Viel looks defiant)

VIEL:  COUCH!

            (A second couch flies across the stage, into the other wing)

VIEL:  I AM VIEL ALMIGHTY!

KITRECK:  CHAIRS!

            (Multiple Chairs fly onto the stage)

KITRECK:  I KNEW IT!

VIEL:  LIGHT!

            (The spotlight swings to her)

KITRECK:  LIGHT!

            (And the light goes back to him.  Viel jumps up onto the couch)

VIEL:  LIGHT!

KITRECK:  LI—!

VIEL:  LIGHT!

            (The spotlight swings to her, Viel begins to chant.  Kitreck grows defiant)

VIEL:  LIGHT! Light, light, light, light, light, light, light, light, light, light –

KITRECK: DARKNESS!

            (The lights go down abruptly.  Pause.)

VIEL:  Light.

(Out of the dark, the spotlight comes up on the two of them.  The stare at each other for a moment, against the continuing chanting.  And then they turn out and face the light for a long while)

VIEL:  I’ve spent my entire life afraid of the dark.

KITRECK:  And now?

VIEL:  What was I thinking?

KITRECK:  What was I thinking?

            (He pulls her off the couch and begins to cross upstage.  They come to a stop, staring into the darkness, and look at each other for a long while in silence.  A silent agreement is reached, and they turn out)

KITRECK: What do you suppose we’ll find?

VIEL:  Who knows?  Not me.  It’s better that way.

KITRECK:  Yes.

(He turns around and looks at the blackened stage.  She turns with him)

KITRECK:  I can’t believe that worked.

VIEL:  What was I thinking?

            (They turn toward each other.  He stares at her for a moment, and then holds out his arms.  She smiles, full of excitement, full of fear, and takes his hands.  They turn toward the light, for a long while)

KITRECK:  YES?

VIEL:  YES!

            (And with that the fourth wall is broken, and they are thrust off the stage toward the spotlight, dancing their way defiantly into the dark. The spotlight goes off, and they are gone.  After a moment, it comes back up on the stage, illuminating poor Raul, who, forgotten, has been left in painful solitude.  A glimmer of sad music, and the light is gone, plunging the world into darkness…)

CURTAIN