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Scene 1
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An Auditorium at
Dundee & Batcliff. The stage is set with the company logo
"a sparrow", a speaker’s podium and chairs set across
the stage in preparation for the CEO, J. Babcock Saul, to
address an assembly of employees. Sitting in the chairs is
Babcock’s staff - Mr. Boles, Mr. Fight, Ms. Hager, Mrs. Grimshaw,
Mr. Pilasar, Jonathan Warren. Babcock Saul sits in the center
chair, while Jonathan Wrren sits on his right hand side. Gilbert
Samuel, the chief legal council is at the podium as the curtain
rises. There’s an empty chair for him, which he’ll sit in
whenever he is not speaking. There’s a banner across the stage
that reads: "Renewed Leadership will Return Value to
Our Corporation." The playgoing audience is the employee
audience for this scene. There will be questions coming from
either actors or audience volunteers (who are preped and queued
for their lines).
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SAMUEL
Addressing the
group
A new day is dawning
for Dundee & Batcliff. After 175 years of publishing . . .
since the days when Mr. Peter Aloisius Dundee arrived from Scotland
and joined hands with Josiah Batcliff to form what has become
the largest speciality publishing firm in these United States
. . . we stand on the brink, once again, of greatness.
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Great things have been
planned. Great measures have been taken. Now, I know that these
last three years has been pretty hard - and the news has been
pretty bleak. But, now, your shareholders have given great confidence
to a new man - a man of vision and ideas. A man who can return
us to the profitability that this great corporation has become
accustomed to.
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So, it is with great
pleasure I introduce our new Chairman of the Board. A man who
needs no introduction. A man who for four decades has rubbed shoulders
with the captains of industry. The man who helped make the Ulmec
Corporation the household name that it is today. So, fire up your
enthusiasm for the embodiment of leadrship, who will lead the
new charge for renewal at Dundee & Batcliff - Mr. J. Babcock
Saul.
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Everyone stands
and applauds. Samuel urges the audience to get to their feet
and applaud. Babcock Saul acknowledges the accolades and makes
his way to the podium. Samuel sits and the hullabaloo settles
down.
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J.B.
SAUL
I am a captain of industry!
And like all captains lead . . . is it hot in here? Did someone
forget to turn on the air? Am I to do everything myself - I’m
not the janitor you know! I’m the Chairman of the Board!
He looks at the
staff on stage. Mr. Fight gets up and exits, to take care
of the air conditioning. Babcock Saul is pleased and proceeds.
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And like all captains
of industry, I mean to lead this ship to success. Dundee &
Batcliff has been the industry leader for over 175 years, bringing
great stature to the publishing nation. It’s brand means something
to all who see the little "sparrow" logo - it means
quality and trust. But, in recent years, I feel that that little
sparrow has gone astray. I have been empowered to bring her back
to her proper perch.
Applause. Mr. Fight
returns to his seat.
Thank you. Thank you
all. Now, I believe that we have some divisions and department
that may need some pruning - both in titles and lines - and I
also believe that we must look at our assets carefully. The shareholders
of this great enterprise are entitled to a monetary return that
will make us all proud. So, there will be change. There WILL be
change.
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Applause. A little
less. Mr. Samuel signals for more - and there is more.
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Central to these changes
will be a careful look at how our business is run. I believe in
a leadership model that far outweighs the role of the individual.
Teamwork is supreme - and leaders are part of a great corporate
consciousness. This is the blueprint for success! This is the
blueprint for success indeed. And I have been in this business
for 45 years and know it, because I have breathed it. I just didn’t
make it up yesterday and will hope to make it all work. I … I
… I have crafted this method over many years, and it will work.
It WILL work! IT WILL WORK!!!
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Applause - wild
aplause. The staff stands. Mr. Samuel comes to the podium
beside Mr. Saul. He restores order
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SAMUEL
Questions. Questions
for Mr. J. Babcock Saul? There . . . the person over there - yes,
there.
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The three questions
come from either audience members or shill actors in the audience.
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QUESTIONER
1
Yes, Mr. Saul. I’m
Bernard Milker from the Literary division. Will there be any divisions
closed in the near future?
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SAUL
Good question Bernie,
good question.
He doesn’t answer
the question.
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SAMUEL
Thank you Bernard Milker.
Yes, another question, please? There, is that Miss Germania from
accounting?
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QUESTIONER
2
Yes, that’s me. (clears
her throat) Mr. Saul, we appreciate your vision of leadership.
Will this mean we will be following the Ulmec method of evaluating
associate performance.
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SAUL
Another excellent question.
What an astute group. Yes, we will, except where it doesn’t apply.
One last question.
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SAMUEL
There, pass the mike
to Mr. Fischer. Take it Mr. Fischer.
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QUESTIONER
3
Mr. Fischer here, from
the Technical manual division. I have been with the company for
28 years and have seen many changes. Will you be reviewing the
benefit plan and especially the pension funds?
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SAUL
Ah, Mr. Fischer, who
has been here for 28 years. You know, 28 years might just as well
be 1 year to me. Experience in success is a very important factor;
however, when a corporation needs help and is floundering, to
boast of many years with the company is to take responsibility
for its current state. Now, trust me - your point of view is very
well heeded, but you speak from a point of view that holds the
very culture we mean to replace.
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QUESTIONER
3
But, my question was
. . .
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SAUL
. . . Fischer, I know
what your question was and still is. And my answer is, it WILL
be reviewed.
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SAMUEL
Thank you Mr. Fischer
for your question. That’s all we have time for. Everyone, let’s
give another round of applause for Mr. J. Babcock Saul.
Applause. Lights
dim. Scene changes
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Scene 2
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Babcock Saul’s
office. It’s a large office, with a good view from the window
of the city. There’s a large desk, and a table, a sofa and
several potted plants. There’s a large picture of Babcock
Saul on the wall.
Babcock is behind
the desk. With him, overseeing some papers is Jonathan Warren,
his director of special projects. Jonathan is 28, in fine
business attire and keeps placing papers before Babcock Saul
for his review.
Babcock looks up
for a moment from the paperwork.
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SAUL
Well, John my boy!
These are fine digs here, don’t you think - and the old protrait
is in a good light, wouldn’t you say?
He gets up and
proudly inspects his own portrait
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JONATHAN
This is better than
at Ulmec, J.B. The view is spectacular.
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SAUL
Fuck the view! Whether
we’re in the basement or on the top floor, if you’re with me,
you’re at the top of the world.
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JONATHAN
It’s been some journey,
J.B.. But, you need to look at this offer for the Scientific division.
It’s quite a nice deal.
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SAUL
You don’t say. Where’s
Gil Samuel?
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JONATHAN
I told him to be here?
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SAUL
The management of this
company is shit! They just don’t get it! That is they will get
it! The axe if I have my way.
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JONATHAN
J.B. you need Gil Samuel.
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SAUL
I don’t need any fucking
lawyer’s legal council, especially some old fart who justifies
. . . .
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JONATHAN
. . . transition, J.B.,
transition. You need him for now.
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SAUL
You sound like we need
his annointment or something.
Pause
Oh well, I guess you’re
right.
Enter Gilbert
Samuel and Dora End
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. . .ah, well speak
of the devil.
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SAMUEL
Sorry I’m late, Mr.
Saul . . .
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SAUL
Please call be Babcock
- or just, J.B. But never B.S (laughs)
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SAMUEL
Have you met Miss End?
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SAUL
No I haven’t.
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END
Dora End, assistant
legal councillor.
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SAUL
My pleasure. Have a
seat. And you all know Jonathan Warren here - who is my Director
of Special Projects, and currently on mergers and acquisitions.
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JONATHAN
Miss End. Mr. Samuel.
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SAUL
John has been with
me for some time and has come on board from Ulmec. He’s become
a real asset to me. He’s like my own son, eh, John?
Pause
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SAMUEL
It’s great to have
a son in the business. My son worked here for years, but moved
on. I sometimes wished he stayed here to carry on after I retire.
But, you know children. They have their own mind and way.
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SAUL
Well, in that respect
John is better than a son, because if my own children had decided
to follow in my foot-steps, they would need a size eleven - and
John here wears a size eleven. Besides, Gil, retirement doesn’t
always need the continuation of old patterns by our clones - eh,
Miss End?
Pause
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Well, the reason for
this little conclave today is to discuss our most valueable asset
. . .
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SAMUEL
The Scientific division.
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SAUL
Yes, how perceptive.
(to Dora) Tell me about this division, Miss End, why don’t you.
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END
What’s there to tell.
While the rest of the divisions have been either flat or slow
growers, the Scientific has been a wild success.
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SAMUEL
Mostly due to the progressive
management team, I might add, headed by David Preston.
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SAUL
David Preston has certainly
come to our attention, eh John?
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SAMUEL
Good.
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SAUL
Well, he certainly
knows the division - and has certainly been innovative. But, he
is also rather . . . how should I say it . . .
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SAMUEL
Openly Gay.
Jonathan reacts
to this
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SAUL
Well there you have
it! I know it sounds rather elitist, but if you’re a homosexual
in a position of leadership, you should keep it under control.
After all, what kind of role model is that?
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SAMUEL
I must say, J.B., you
surprise me.
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SAUL
No, don’t get me wrong.
I believe in diversity. I love to look around a room and see all
those black and asian faces - and I know we are leveraging the
proper mix of employee talent - and it’s good for business. But,
these Gays don’t really add to that mix, do they?
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SAMUEL
Well, I think David
Preston would disagree.
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SAUL
And do you?
Pause
Eh, do you think I
am wrong to state that anything intrinsically Gay is a proper
business value. This Preston fella must have some strength, but
it’s not because he’s Gay. It’s because he’s got business smarts
and good sense; and there’s my problem - because he is so out
of the closet and in your face - and leads causes and heads committees
and champions things like domestic partnerships and inclusion
of same-sex couples at the Christmas party. I don’t know. What’s
the point?
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SAMUEL
Associates look up
to him.
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SAUL
And THAT’s my point.
He’s part of a mystique - a dangerous, misrepresentation of good
feelings and political correctness. This is not the proper tone
for my blueprint.
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JONATHAN
J.B. - I hope we can
come to some concensus regarding David Preston, because he will
be here to review your plan.
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END
And, what plan is that.
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SAUL
To sell the Scientific
division.
Both Samuel and
Dora are surprised
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Why be surprised. We
need capital. Now, we will lay off a number of associates and
also close down some crappy divisions. But if we want that "sparrow"
to find it’s proper perch, we need some real capital. The shareholders
have me on a very strict timetable. So, look around you folks
- unless we sell the chairs and the plants in the corner, the
only plum, and it’s a real plum, is the Scientific division.
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JONATHAN
(passing out papers)
And we have an offer
already.
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SAMUEL
(reading) This is impressive,
Jonathan. This is real money. I never thought that
the Scientific division would be so . . .
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SAUL
. . . so bankable.
And let’s face it. The division is like tits on a bull (to Dora)
pardon my French. All the other divisions have the same settled
market niche - but the Scientific is special, especially with
the software products. And the only competition is . . .
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END
. . .Linkletter.
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SAMUEL
Hiram Linkletter.
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SAUL
Bingo!
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SAMUEL
Linkletter publishing?
This offer is from Linkletter?
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JONATHAN
It’s preliminary and
contingent on many things, and one of them J.B. is David Preston.
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SAUL
Eh! And speaking of
which, he's supposed to be here.
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JONATHAN
I scheduled him in
after we meet.
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SAUL
Well, anyway, councillors
- please take copies of this away with you and do your lawyerly
duties. I need a clean read and counter offer as soon as possible.
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SAMUEL
(rising) Well, Dora,
let’s get to it. I’ll send Dave Preston in . . . is that ok?
Pause
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SAUL
Eh! Whatever.
(rises as Dora
and Samuel leaves. He goes to his portrait and gazes at it
admiring it)
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Well, John, I’ll see
this . . . what’s his name?
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JONATHAN
David Preston.
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SAUL
Whatever. But, whether
I sell him to Linkletter or not, I want you to be the driving
force. I need for you to help effect any little correction needed
to make this deal work. There are high expectations of me this
time out, and I mean to deliver. I mean to be the man in the painting
here. Meanwhile, I need to piss.
Exits to his private
toilet
Jonathan looks
out the window and admires the view. David Preston enters
hesitating at the door. David is 31, very attractive, dressed
in casual business attire, has an earring and particularly
well styled hair.
He sees Jonathan.
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DAVID
Excuse me, is Mr. Babcock
Saul here? I have an appointment.
Jonathan turns,
sees David and immediately greets him with a handshake. It
is obvious that David captivates Jonathan.
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JONATHAN
Well, hello. J.B. is
indisposed at the moment. I’m Jonathan Warren. You must be David
Preston. Please come in - and sit.
David sits.
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DAVID
Mr. Warren . . .
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JONATHAN
. . . Jonathan . .
.
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DAVID
. . . Jonathan, glad
to make your acquaintance. I read the announcement that you joined
the firm from Ulmec. Welcome to Dundee & Batcliff.
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JONATHAN
Well, I thank you.
And I have heard so much about the Scientific division and it’s
phenomenal growth. Congratulations.
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DAVID
Thank you. We are a
hard working team at the Scientific. And we have lots of ideas
on the drawing board. I have been anxious to talk to Mr. Saul
about them. I am sure he’ll want to continue the division’s growth.
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JONATHAN
I’m sure he’ll be interested.
Sound of a toilet
flushing. Then a sink running. Re-enter Saul
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SAUL
Well, well, this must
be . . .(looking to Jonathan)
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JONATHAN
David Preston, head
of the Scientific division.
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SAUL
Yes, yes. Don’t get
up. It’s not necessary this time.
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DAVID
Thank you for meeting
with me, Mr. Saul.
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SAUL
J.B. call me J.B. -
but never B.S. (laughs) John, get Dave here some coffee. You’d
like some coffee?
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DAVID
Well, if it’s no trouble.
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JONATHAN
No trouble at all.
How do you take it?
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DAVID
Milk and 2 sugars.
Jonathan exits
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SAUL
Well, Dave - I have
heard quite a bit about you and the Scientific division.
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DAVID
Thank you --- J.B.
- Our team has been rather successful and . . .
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SAUL
Don’t mention it. Great
strides in one area over the other only wrecks the overall fibre
of teamwork. I feel strongly that successful managers need to
leverage their successes for the overall greater good.
Re-enter Jonathan
with the coffee.
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DAVID
Thank you. (takes the
cup). But the Scientific division is different than the rest of
the company.
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SAUL
Of really. How so?
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DAVID:
My team has been very
hard working and innovative. Right now we have plans for a new
software line - interactive training on all the major personal
computer platforms. This work will . . .
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SAUL
(hold his hand up)
You need to learn when to keep quiet and when to listen!
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DAVID
Ah! (quite taken aback)
Jonathan is also
a bit shicked.
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SAUL
No, listen and learn.
I am not interested in what plans the Scientific divison has.
It’s irrelevant. I am more interested in the leadership model
and why your talent to lead did not effect good results company
wide.
(pause)
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DAVID
Well, I am looked upon
as a leader by many.
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SAUL
Well, you’re Gay and
I suppose the homosexuals look up to you. And I have looked at
the record and see you have headed up many diversity issues here
at Dundee & Batcliff. But diversity needs to be measurable.
I’ve seen the brochures, the awarness efforts and I don’t mean
to demean your efforts - but they are just words on paper and
guess what happens with them. They wind up in the rubbish bin.
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Long pause
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DAVID
Maybe, I ought to leave.
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SAUL
Maybe you should. But
before you do, there are some important things you need to know.
I’ll send John here over to your office to fill you in. Meanwhile,
just think about what I’ve said. In business we quantify everything.
Awareness programs and future software plans are not where it’s
at if you have leadership values that count. Trust me. I’m not
making this up. I’ve applied it many times over many years with
great success.
He stands and goes
over to the window with his back turned.
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JONATHAN
I’ll be over shortly
to fill you in.
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David is mystified.
He stands, puts his coffee down and leaves. Jonathan looks
after him, then picks the coffee up and follows him.
Light dims. Blackout.
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Scene 3
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David Preston’s
office at the Scientific Division. It’s a small office, with
books and technical manuals, a computer, a desk and a small
window. Barney Harper is waiting at the door to see David.
David enters - followed by Barney.
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DAVID
Did you want to see
me Barney?
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BARNEY
Yes, David. I have
a problem with the . . .
Enter Jonathan,
with the coffee cup.
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Oh, is this a bad time?
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DAVID
Maybe it is Barney.
Ah! Barney Harper, this is Jonathan Warren. He works for the big
boss.
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JONATHAN
No, don’t leave on
my account. (puts the coffee down). Nice to meet you Barney. (to
David) You left your coffee. Go on Barney don’t mind me.
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BARNEY
Ok. This morning we
found a bug in the processing requirements for the GPLC program
and a full 400 records bombed.
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DAVID
Well Fuck me! Did Richards
look at it?
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BARNEY
Yes. Twice. No go.
I was thinking we need Mike Frisco.
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DAIVD
Can’t afford him. (to
Joanthan) He’s a consultant. (to Barney) Have you run the code
yourself?
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BARNEY
Not yet.
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DAVID
Well, do your best.
But if we don’t get this fix today, we’ll be off-schedule - and
we can’t afford that. Let me know.
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Barney leaves.
David plops in his chair.
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Barney, close the door.
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Door closes.
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Shit! Piss and corruption!
This has been one fucking stressful day! Is your boss always like
that?
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JONATHAN
It’s his style.
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DAVID
Well, he really showed
his respect for the hard workers in this company by regarding
teamwork as crap and worthless. And how do you think I feel being
told all my efforts and passion can be tossed in the garbage.
What an asshole!
Realizing he said
these things to Jonathan
Oh. I’m sorry. This
is steam! I know you must think differently.
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JONATHAN
He’s an acquired taste.
Actually, the more he insults you, the more impressed he is with
you.
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DAVID
Impressed! I’m happy
he doesn’t love me to bits - ‘cause he’d probably blow me to bits.
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JONATHAN
You have quite a temper.
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DAVID
Well, I work very long
and hard hours. I’m very proud of the accomplishments of this
division; and when, the Chairmen of the Board minimizes it and
calls it a blight - and our success is the company’s problem -
it fries my ass. I can hardly be contained.
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And what’s all these
comments about me being Gay - What a homphobic prick! How can
I take this?
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JONATHAN
Calm down! Calm down!
When you hear what’s going on, you’ll see things in a different
light.
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DAVID
I will eh?
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JONATHAN
You will, eh!
(pause)
David suddenly
laughs.
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DAVID
OK. Brighten my day,
Jonathan. I defy you. Let’s hear it.
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Pause
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JOANATHAN
Ok. You’re being sold.
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DAVID:
(Standing) Sold!
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JONATHAN
Shhh! Not so loud.
This is a good thing.
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DAVID
For who? Who’s buying
us?
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JONATHAN
Listen to me - calm
down. We got a great offer - but before I can give you the details,
you need to sign this.
(takes a paper
from his breast pocket).
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DAVID
What’s this?
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JONATHAN
A confidentiality agreement.
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DAVID
(reads) Keep going.
I’ll sign it. Keep going.
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JONATHAN
Well, the Scientific
division is different - you’re correct in that. It’s grown and
growing and doesn’t fit the rest of the company’s marketplace.
In order to do what we need to do with the rest of the company,
J.B. needs quick cash. So, the Scientific is a monetized asset.
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DAVID
(signing) And who’s
the prospective buyer?
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JONATHAN
Hiram Linkletter.
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DAVID
Of that’s fine and
dandy. We’re being bought by the competition. They’ll smash us
to hell.
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JONATHAN
You’ll all get smashed
to hell if you’re not sold. Some of those great innovative ideas
and projects will get a willing ear - and I think the division
will merge quite painlessly for all.
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DAVID
You sound a little
like your boss now.
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JONATHAN
Well, it is practical.
And the question is whether you will sold as part of the deal.
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DAVID
Is there any question?
Silence
Oh there is? So, that’s
what all that crap was about me being Gay and all. I get it now/
My ideas are fine, but an openly Gay manager may diminish the
amount of cash value. So, no more dresses at work? Earring is
out! Do I marry the bosses daughter and have a kid. This is piracy.
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JONATHAN
You have to understand
how J.B. thinks. Before he negotiates a deal, he looks at all
aspects. Now, I am very important in this decision. He will listen
to my opinion in this matter. So, over the next few days, I want
to spend some time with your direct reports and some of the other
staff.
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DAVID
Snooping?
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JONATHAN
No, quantifying the
deal. And maybe we can talk about the new programs you plan and
let’s look at the track record.
Pause
You have problems with
someone looking over your shoulder?
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DAVID
Yes I do. It’s not
my style. How would you feel?
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JONATHAN
I will open myself
up to you. I won’t ask any question that I myself wouldn’t answer.
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DAVID
Ok. That’s fair. Are
you married?
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JONATHAN
(laughs) Oh, so you’re
first with the questions?
Pause
Ok, no, I’m not married.
And I went to Columbia University - MA in business. I’m originally
from a small town outside of Pittsburgh. I buy my suits at . .
.
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DAVID
. . . ok, ok, I get
the point. I see you also workout.
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JONATHAN:
New York Sports Club
- and I assume you work out at Gold’s?
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DAVID
(laughs. Drinks coffee).
This is cold. Listen, it’s almost quiting time. Are you humgry?
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JONATHAN
Famished.
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DAVID
I know a great place.
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Scene 4
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The office set
is struck, and the Café la Giraffe scene is rolled
out. There’s a table for two, a nice street level window with
a view of the street. David and Jonathan exit the office set,
and wend their way to the table for two. A waiter takes their
order. Other tables and diners are silhouetted. The waiter
pours some wine. The lights come up.
Jonathan lifts
his glass in a toast
|
|
JONATHAN
To a success in this
venture.
|
|
DAVID
Let’s not drink to
that. It takes me a little bit of time to warm up to things.
|
|
JONATHAN
Well, how about drinking
to good company.
|
|
DAVID
Good company!
(they clink and
drink)
What I don’t understand
is that you’re such a nice guy and you’re working for that . .
. that . . .
|
|
JONATHAN
Prick!
|
|
DAVID
Nicely and aptly put.
|
|
JONATHAN
It has its rewards.
|
|
DAVID
Is all the promotion
and advancement worth working for such an egotisitcal bastard.
|
|
JONATHAN
Well, as I said, J.B.
is an acquired taste. But he has very particular views on leadership
and mangement. In fact, he once told me that the word "manage"
should be taken literally, from its root.
|
|
DAVID
Its root?
|
|
JONATHAN
The French manage
- the walk a horse through its paces.
|
|
DAVID
Nice. Management is
something altogether different than that. There’s a human element
- not an equestrian one.
|
|
JONATHAN
But, it's supposed
to be good for the horse - and the success of the enterprise.
The results are always predictable.
|
|
DAVID:
Predictable? I should
say so. You have a bunch of trained monkeys under stress - and
the manager is under just as much stress. Where’s the spontaneity
and the innovation. Guidance is better than management - and guidance
to a mutually beneficial plan.
|
|
JONATHAN
I believe in that.
That’s why I offer you some guidance through J.B.’s unconventional
ways. I know the man.
|
|
DAVID
Guidance. I think I
know the man also.
|
|
JONATHAN
Just a few adjustments
in style and he’ll be won over. Litle compromises that show him
he’s in control and he’s the boss.
|
|
DAVID
You mean some guidance
in being less Gay at work. Now how could YOU help me there?
The waiter brings
them dinner (salads). He’s gorgeous and both men stare at
him. While Jonathan is staring - David changes his stare to
Jonathan. The waiter exits. Jonathan returns David’s stare.
|
|
JONATHAN
What?
|
|
DAVID
(averts his eyes)
Nothing.
|
|
JONATHAN
(looks at his salad)
Looks pretty fresh.
|
|
DAVID
(looks towards
the waiter)
I guess so. Pretty
fresh indeed.
|
|
JONATHAN
What? Something wrong
with yours?
|
|
DAVID
No. It’s fine.
(pause as they
eat)
Tell me, what do Gay
men from Pittsburgh do in Pittsburgh?
|
|
JONATHAN
(drops his fork
in the salad and stares at David)
Why do you ask me?
|
|
DAVID
I think you know why
I am asking you?
|
|
JONATHAN
(upset) I don’t know
whether I want to continue this line of conversation.
|
|
DAVID
I’m sure you don’t.
But if you are going to presume to give me guidance on how to
survive a homophobic prick at work, I am sure you have a base
of experience to work from - or have you written the book?
|
|
JONATHAN
(turns away) I’m not
sure I want to continue talking about this.
|
|
DAVID
Why hon, don’t be a
hypocrite. Be In the closet or Out - but don’t be In and expect
those who are Out to crawl in with you.
|
|
JONATHAN
(stands) I can’t do
this.
The waiter comes
over thinking that there’s something wrong with the salad.
Jonathan waves to him that it’s ok, then sits again. He is
stressed and starts to cry.
|
|
DAVID
(less aggresive) Oh,
I didn’t mean to cause you such pain. I’m not cruel - but you
shouldn’t be either.
|
|
JONATHAN
I’m not cruel. I’m
just concerned for you. I’ve seen J.B. in action with people he
fears.
|
|
DAVID
Fears?
|
|
JONATHAN
Anyone who has popular
support and is powerful he slaps down and controls them - or moves
them to areas of career oblivion. But, the minute I saw you, I
knew I wanted to know you better and to advise you on how to avert
disaster.
|
|
DAVID
Don’t fret on my account.
I’m not afraid of him - and this is just a job.
|
|
JONATHAN
Bullshit. You’re the
classic Gay over-achiever. I bet you don’t have a boyfriend -
because you’re so wrapped up in your career.
|
|
DAVID
That’s a little probing?
Pause
How can you work for
him knowing that if he found out you’d be shit canned.
|
|
JONATHAN
Find out what?
|
|
DAVID
Ok, if you want to
play this game, I can’t stop you. But if you want to know me better,
I need some honesty here.
|
|
JONATHAN
(taking a large
belt of his drink)
Well, what gave it
away?
|
|
DAVID
Actually, hon I knew
the minute I laid eyes on you - or at least I hoped. And you were
such a dainty little miss to fetch me coffee - I thought you had
to be a family member. But the clincher was the way you stared
at that darling waiter’s butt..
|
|
JONATHAN
He is hot, isn’t he?
|
|
DAVID
So, is that so terrible?
Are you so deep in the closet?
|
|
JONATHAN
Actually, I am not
in the closet - only at work and I am very careful to protect
that. I mean, if J.B. found out I’d be more than shit canned.
He has me dating his daughter. He regards me as the son he never
had. I dine with him and his wife. I listen to their plans for
their daughter - the estate - the wedding they hope for. And it’s
all directed at me. When I leave, I run to the car, close the
window and scream. Then I head for the nearest anonymous sex.
|
|
DAIVD
Not so shy now.
Pause
You haven’t anything
to fear from me. I don’t believe in outing people - no matter
what the circumstance. But let’s strike a bargain.
|
|
JONATHAN
We need to move forward
with this deal.
|
|
DAVID
Yes, but on my terms.
Being Gay is just one part of me. I am also a planner, a designer,
a writer and I paint.
|
|
JONATHAN
Houses or canvas?
|
|
DAVID
Both actually. You
should see my etchings.
|
|
JONATHAN
Now wait, you said
a deal - this sounds like a proposition.
|
|
DAVID
Well, so it does. What
I’m trying to say is, leave the Gay part of me at work alone.
It has thrived at Dundee & Batcliff - and it encourages other
gay folk to perform better - and it’s a great thing for all the
employees, because when us gay folk are allowed to dwell in peace,
all the other denizens of the sea can swim in freedom. Let’s face
it, on the discrimination list, we’re the bottom feeders. So let’s
work through this merger deal, but don’t change me. You’ll like
me less.
|
|
JONATHAN
That’s a deal. But,
it will make me very nervous for you. It will add to my stress.
|
|
DAVID
Well, I’ll throw in
a massage - as opposed to a manage.
|
|
JONATHAN
(laughs) (pause)
And about those etchings?
|
|
DAVID
Well, actually - I
believe the best why to get acquainted with a new friend is to
look at photographs.
|
|
JONATHAN
Friend. I like that.
I don’t have that many friends.
|
|
DAVID
You have what’s her
name? The boss’s daugher?
|
|
JONATHAN
Mira. Don’t remind
me.
(lifts his glass)
To new friendships.
|
|
DAVID
To that and to going
to my apartment to look at photographs.
|
|
JONATHAN
I’d like that. When?
|
|
DAVID
Now.
|
|
JONATHAN
But it’s a school night
(laughs).
|
|
DAVID
It’s either that or
we flip a coin for the waiter.
|
|
JONATHAN
I suppose it’s ok.
|
|
DAVID
(taking Jonathan’s
hand)
Just Ok.
|
|
JONATHAN
Gazing deeply in
David’s eyes.
More than ok. Oh shit!
I think I’m going to be in deep shit.
They both laugh.
They call for the check. Black out.
|
|
Scene 5
|
(the next day)
Babcock Saul’s office. Babcok sits at his desk reading the
Wall Street Journal. The phone rings. He answers it.
|
|
SAUL
Yes, Maggie, who is
it? Oh, good - patch him through.
(pause)
Hiram! Great to hear
from you. It’s been too long. How are things over there at Linkletter?
Yeah. Yeah. Life’s been good here too. Yes, yes. New blood in
the veins of this old dreadnaught will perk things up, don’t you
think?
(pause)
(laughs)
You don’t say. Well,
I received . . .
Yes, I got it. I have
my boy John on it. No, he’s my lieutenant. I said boy figuratively.
I have daughters you know. Well, yes. Yes. They are more expensive.
I agree. Yes. Yes.
|
|
Anyhow, it’s being
reviewed. I must say it is a generous offer. Need to look at some
things ‘though. Well, firstly we’d expect Linkletter to cut back
in some areas of our remaining markets. Oh, I know your feelings
on that. I quite understand. We aren’t talking total withdrawal,
just some entrenchment. After all, our Scientfic division will
leave you clearly in command of the . . yes, yes - I fully expected
that. I’m fine with that - but, my legal gurus are . . .yes, yes.
|
|
As to the intrastructure,
we have a number of key associates at the Scientific division
who have made it all possible - and who will continue to . . .
Yes, yes, I know you’re interested in Preston. He’s very valuable
to us. He’s been told, but we haven’t really discussed it yet.
And frankly, I’m new here - and I’m looking at the track record.
Wouldn’t want to sell you a pig in the poke. I’m meeting with
him today.
Yes, yes. I know you
need that infrastucture - it’s clear. But I’m not sure if Preston’s
the one for you. Let me see how it goes and I’ll call you later,
and . . Yes, Yes.
No shit! Wow. Well
good luck with that. That should be a great find. You might consider
him to lead it. Not sure yet about Preston. I’ll let you know
. . I’ll . . Pressing meeting - well go to it. Yep. That’s it
for now. Bye.
(hangs up).
(presses intercom)
|
|
Maggie - send Jonathan
in.
|
|
I hope he has that
Preston character well in hand. I’m not selling the fruit with
the cereal this time. It’s makes me look like an idiot. Linkletter’s
no fool; and he has the ear of association.
Enter Jonathan
|
|
JONATHAN
You wanted to see me?
|
|
SAUL
Where’ve you been?
|
|
JONATHAN
Sorry, a bit late.
Had a late evening.
|
|
SAUL
Working with this Preston
guy, I hope?
|
|
JONATHAN
You could say that.
He’s here to see you.
|
|
SAUL
Has he recovered from
his passion of yesterday?
|
|
JONATHAN
These things take time,
J.B. Give it some time.
|
|
SAUL
Time is something I
have not! Send him in.
|
|
Exit Jonathan,
returns with David.
|
|
Good Morning Dave.
Sit, sit. I hope we can be friends today. Yesterday was a bit
sour for us both, I’m afraid.
|
|
DAVID
(sitting) I was a little
concerned by some of your remarks.
(Jonathan stands
by the window)
|
|
SAUL
Don’t be concerned.
I like to confront people to see what they’re made of. It’s a
good approach. You must keep on your toes.
|
|
DAVID
It’s a new style for
me.
|
|
SAUL
You’ll get used to
it.
(pause)
Did Jonathan fill you
in on the . . .
|
|
DAVID
Sales of the Scientific.
Yes.
|
|
SAUL
And . . some of my
concerns?
|
|
DAVID
Yes. You think I’m
too gay at work. You want me to be closetted in the workplace.
|
|
SAUL
Well, I wouldn’t use
those exact words. After all, you’re already a known quantity.
It’s just, scaling back your appearance and maybe some of your
mannerism wouldn’t hurt.
|
|
DAVID
So, let me understand
you. In order for me to continue my career at the Scientific divison
as part of this merger, I need to be someone who I am not.
(pause)
|
|
SAUL
Well, since you put
it that way, we are all actors of sorts. I mean, it must make
the straight associates at the Scientific very nervous when you
say something particularly gay.
|
|
DAVID
I can’t believe you
said that. May I be frank?
|
|
SAUL
Speak your mind freely.
(Jonathan turns
away from the window and signals David not to speak his mind
freely. Davis ignores him).
|
|
DAVID
Gay people who need
to be closeted at work are not a very productive lot. We are quite
stiffled in that closet. There are secrets there - and indeed
no air to grow - and no where to go. It’s a terrifying place.
You’re afraid that if people found out, they would cease to like
you. You feel that they won’t want to work with you. You loss
promotability. It’s a terrible place to be.
|
|
It’s like being alone
in the dark. Have you ever been alone in the dark, and unable
to see anyone or anything? Have you ever walked the floors at
night inventing new ways - new lies to protect your secret. Have
you ever been beaten to a pulp for who you are? J.B. - we are
hated for the wrong reasons. We are hated because we are everywhere
and no one wants us anywhere.
|
|
SAUL
I know your are an
activist and I know this line of reasoning. Just because you’ve
read it in your activist literature, doesn't mean it’s true. You
chose this lifestyle - but it must be tempered at work.
|
|
DAVID
Lifestyle? There is
no Gay life style. Is there a straight lifestyle? This isn’t about
what I do - but who I am. The very fiber of my feeling self knows
that I’m gay. The fact that we are everywhere tells me that we
may not be the majority state, but certainly we are a normal state.
|
|
SAUL
Well, I don’t agree,
but I will respect your views. I am glad you have spoken your
conscience. I have all I need to know.
|
|
DAVID
You do?
|
|
SAUL
Yes, I do. I respect
a man for holding to convictions. There’s not much more I can
say about that. I’ll just move forward as we planned.
|
|
DAVID
(looking toward
Jonathan)
Great. Jonathan, we
can continue in my office then?
|
|
JONATHAN
Straight away.
David stands and
starts to leave.
|
|
SAUL
John will be there
shortly. I need to talk things over with him.
Exit David
|
|
Now, John, I want you
to see how Gil Samuel is doing with the merger paperwork. It’s
clear to me that we will not be selling Mr. Preston with this
deal. So, you needn’t continue working with him on this. Make
some excuse.
|
|
JONATHAN
But, JB - isn’t this
kind of rash?
|
|
SAUL
Rash? Hold on here.
Are you saying I should sell my trash to the trade. No sir! I
bury my trash.
|
|
JONATHAN
So, you’re going to
. . .
|
|
SAUL
At tomorrow’s staff
meeting. We’ll invite Mr. Preston. I’ll do the same as with .
. .what’s his name at Ulmec.
|
|
JONATHAN
Joel Fieirstein.
|
|
SAUL
That’s the one.
|
|
JONATHAN
What do I tell Daivd?
We made plans to play racketball tonight.
|
|
SAUL
That’s easy. You’ll
have dinner with me and Helen and maybe spoon with Mira.
|
|
JONATHAN
I don’t think that’s
doable. Let me keep the appointment with David - and some where
along the line, I’ll give you a call.
|
|
SAUL
You’re wasting time
with him. He’s out of the picture. Did you hear that fag bullshit
he was spouting? Did you? Well?
|
|
JONATHAN
(quietly) I did. You
encouraged him.
|
|
SAUL
You bet your ass I
encouraged him. I wanted to see how deeply rooted that crap was.
If I saw any sign of malleability, I would have work things out
with him - through you. But there’s no hope there. A wall of pinko
crap and garbage.
|
|
(Jonathan looks
away. Saul goes to his desk and presses the intercom).
Maggie, get me Hiram
Linkletter on the line.
(to Jonathan) See Gil
Samuel. And I want to see Dora - and without him.
Jonathan slowly
exits - very stressed. The phone rings.
Hello, Hiram. Babcock
here. About this Preston character . . .
(blackout)
|
|
Scene 6:
|
David Preston’s
living room. The apartment is empty, the lights dimmed. It
has a beautiful view of the city from a large window. There’s
a sofa, end tables, a stereo, a TV, a cocktail table, with
books. There’s a telephone with message machine. Door is upstage.
We hear the lock
being opened. Enter David and Jonathan with Chinese food in
containers. They have come from the gym and are in seats.
Joanthan wears a work out jacket. David switches on the light.
|
|
DAVID
Let me check my message
machine. Work may be calling.
They put the food
down. David hits the playback button on the machine.
|
|
JONATHAN
You're so anal. Do
you expect work messages at this hour.
|
|
VOICE
OF BARNEY HARPER ON THE MACHINE
Hello Dave. Barney
Harper here. Just to let you know we finally found the bug and
recovered those records. Now we can breathe free. Also, if you
want to meet us at the Splash Down tonight, me and my new squeeze,
Max are goin’. Just give me a call. Bye now.
|
|
JONATHAN
Barney Harper is Gay?
|
|
DAVID
The Scientific division
has 12 gay associates. So you see, it will be difficult for any
bossman to deflower us at work.
|
|
JONATHAN
We need to talk some
more about that.
|
|
DAVID
We do?
(grabs a container
and starts eating. Jonathan does the same. They sit on the
sofa.
|
|
JONATHAN
We need to talk about
the whole thing.
|
|
DAVID
Why? Did the deal fall
through?
|
|
JONATHAN
No, but you know how
I never came to your office today and I said I spent the rest
of the day with Gil Samuel?
|
|
DAVID
Well, didn’t you?
|
|
JONATHAN
I did - most of it.
But I was directed by J.B. not to see you today.
|
|
DAVID
I don’t follow. I thought
our meeting this morning went well. We agreed to disagree.
|
|
JONATHAN
No. There was no agreement.
He was trying to see how strong your convictions were. And they
were quite immovable. So, you’re out.
|
|
DAVID
Out as in OUT at work
- or OUT as in on my ass.
|
|
JONATHAN
No, OUT of the merger
deal.
|
|
David stands.
|
|
I hate this. I really
do. I was really listening to you today - and I can’t see how
J.B. could be so unfeeling and uncaring. I heard what you said
about how stressful it is to keep up the pretense. It was like
seeing myself in the mirror. I envy you that you can be so comfortable
with it. But the price, David - the price is high.
|
|
DAVID
I guess it is. What
will he do?
|
|
JONATHAN
It’s a pattern. I’ve
seen it. He’ll promote you to a division that’s destined to be
closed. You’ll sign a commission agreement that will make you
responsible for turning the place around - but it is always an
impossible mission. So, you’ll get the stress, and the blame and
the divison will close. And instead of accolades, you’ll get seven
weeks severance and a cessation of many of your benefits.
|
|
(pause)
|
|
DAVID
So, maybe I should
just quit.
|
|
JONATHAN
No - He always does
this sort of thing with a lot of public flare. He’s planning to
do it at tomorrow’s staff meeting.
|
|
DAVID
I was a fool to think
he was going to let me be. I won’t change, Jonathan. I won’t.
You don’t know how sorry I am that you work for him.
|
|
JONATHAN
Well, it’s still not
too late for you. What I suggest is you don’t go in tomorrow.
|
|
DAVID
I’m not a coward.
|
|
JONATHAN
Call in sick. Please.
He’ll be pissed, but it will give me time to talk some sense into
him.
|
|
DAVID
I don’t need you to
fight my battles.
|
|
JONATHAN
I don’t want you hurt.
I pledge to you, that if I can’t do this, I’ll do something else.
|
|
DAVID
Like what?
|
|
JONATHAN
I don’t know. I don’t
. . .
(pause)
Hold me.
|
|
David hugs him
tight and hugs him through the next set of lines.
I feel I need to protect
you. I know you can fight your own battles, but I feel ashamed
that I have let this situation go so far. I should have postponed
your interview today and some how gotten JB to agree without it.
Embrace ends.
|
|
DAVID
I think . . . I think
I have never met anyone so charming and delightful in my life
as you. I think that I want you at my side for any battle I fight.
Jonathan takes
off his jacket and put it around David’s shoulders.
|
|
JONATHAN
Take my mantel - and
my sword and armor too.
They both go to
their knees and embrace. They kiss three times. They start
to weep.
|
|
DAVID
Where have you been,
my soul, my truest heart? Where have you been hidden from my sight?
I have sought you all my life and never would have found you,
least I looked in the enemy’s camp. The fire of life has built
its roasting flame near my spirit in a flash - and we will be
one without doubt or fear.
|
|
JONATHAN
I have been here all
your life, my soul, my heart. I swear I have been but a stone’s
throw for the the abyss of madness - but now I see the sun rise
at midnight and my heart sings its warning to the sky, that Jonathan
loves David . . .
|
|
DAVID
And David loves Jonathan.
And all the Baal of false prophecy cannot break our bonds, our
pledge of love forever. All the Sauls upon the earth cannot make
a difference in our state.
|
|
JOANTHAN
Far or near, we are
always to be near. I weep when we will part - and I will never
let you drift into the well of falsehood. I may be there - and
may find comfort in its security, but it is a dark and cold place,
as you have said. A place where breath freezes and passion cannot
dwell. I am dangerously close to the brink of my desire. Dangerously
close.
|
|
DAVID
Let all know that I
would rescue you from the Dragons of Hell, so naturally matched
are we.
(They embrace and
kiss three times)
David returns to
the sofa and the Chinese food. Jonathan remains on the floor,
but moves near David’s legs
|
|
JONATHAN
So call in sick tomorrow.
|
|
DAVID
If you think it best.
|
|
JONATHAN
You know Gil Samuel
quit today. Retired, he said.
|
|
DAVID
No shit. I liked Gil.
He was an ally.
|
|
JONATHAN
He quit over you. And
since that bitch Dora End has been pushing for his job, J.B. had
no compunction accepting the retirement --- that is resignation.
That’s why I really did not get to your office today. Gil’s resignation
upset me. . . and I . . .I . . .
|
|
DAVID
What did you do?
|
|
JONATHAN
I came out to him.
|
|
DAVID
You came out to him?
|
|
JONATHAN
I did. It was fearful
- but, when he heard about your transfer, he marched into JB’s
office and told him this was a great mistake and he did not want
to be parcel to it. JB had already expected this. He expected
me to tell Gil - and he already had Dora End’s advice and consent.
He never liked Gil Samuel. When I heard about Gil’s resignation,
I was upset and went to him and apologized. He said, "Apologize,
for what?" And I blurted out, "because I am gay and
you spoke up in my defense also."
|
|
He was so kind. He
didn’t reproach me for any cause. He never admonished me for not
being out to JB and for being in the closet at work.
|
|
DAVID
That’s because he understands
people and he understands me. He witnessed how many gay men and
women were stiffled and deprived of simple and common decencies.
He would never be reproachful; and I fully understand and appreciate
why he stood up for me. He stood up for all humanity. Some peope
are bigger than life.
|
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JONATHAN
There’s so much I don’t
understand. There’s so much I don’t know.
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DAVID
But know this - (holds
Jonathan’s hand over the shoulder) - David loves Jonathan.
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JONATHAN
Smitten, eh?
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DAVID
At first sight. Whatever
you decide to do, I’ll be your champion.
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JONATHAN
(kissed Daivd’s
hand)
I knew I was in deep
shit when I met you. You're like a big fucking stone thrown into
my calm, tranquil pond. It’s scary. But, I will certainly love
what comes next.
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DAVID
(kisses Jonathan)
And what may that be
love?
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JONATHAN
The bed or the carpet?
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DAVID
The bed. I just had
the carpet cleaned.
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JONATHAN
Deep shit - I knew
it, deep, deep . . .
(David cuts the
sentence off with a kiss)
Black-out
End Act One
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