CHARACTERS
Arthur…………………………..man, any age, any ethnicity
Felicity…………………………woman, any age, any ethnicity
Announcement

SETTING
A train stop platform with tracks below

TIME
Present

PRODUCTION NOTES
The Announcement’s italicized dialogue represents robotic word/number inserts: ex. “The train is 1 minute late.” The announcement can be pre-recorded, or played by an actor on a mic offstage.

The set doesn’t need to be complex: only a distinction between above and below is necessary.

PUNCTUATION
— denotes an interruption, either by another character or by a character interrupting themselves

… denotes a trailing off of thought

 

At rise: A train stop platform. There are yellow safety markings near the edge of the tracks, which are below. ARTHUR, the only person waiting, stands on the platform, looking down. He is wearing a sticker that says “VISITOR.”

ANNOUNCEMENT
The 3:35 AM train will arrive in 1 minute.

ARTHUR takes a deep breath.

ANNOUNCEMENT (cont’d)
Repeat, the 3:35 AM train will arrive in 1 minute.

ARTHUR jumps onto the tracks.

ANNOUNCEMENT (cont’d)
For your safety, please stand clear of the yellow line.

ARTHUR faces the direction of the oncoming train. He closes his eyes. A long pause. A longer pause. ARTHUR looks around. He looks at his watch.

ANNOUNCEMENT (cont’d)
The 3:35 AM train has been delayed for 1 minute. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

ARTHUR looks at his watch. Looks at the tracks ahead of him.

ANNOUNCEMENT (cont’d)
The 3:35 AM train has been delayed for an additional 5 minutes. Total wait time is 6 minutes.

ARTHUR
Goddamnit!

ANNOUNCEMENT
We are sorry for the inconvenience.

ARTHUR paces. FELICITY silently enters and sits on the edge of the platform, on the yellow line. She carries a purse. ARTHUR continues to pace; suddenly he notices her and startles.

ARTHUR
Fuck! Where did you come from?

FELICITY
(gently)
That’s a dangerous place to stand. (she reaches out her hand to him) Want a hand up?

ARTHUR
I— Don’t talk to me.

 

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