2. COPYRIGHT
TO
INESSA
W
ONG,MIKE
AZMAINE
&
SHO
SUZUKI
ACT I
Curtains part to a DARK STAGE.
We hear a grumble and moans of pain from a man.
GENTLY, a spotlight DIMLY shines, revealing ALAN, face down
on the ground. He struggles to stand.
He opens his eyes and sees only DARKNESS.
ALAN
Where am I? ... is anyone there?
SAM
I'm here.
ALAN
Who?
A spotlight FULLY shines on an EMPTY SPOT on stage.
ALAN
Who's there?
Slowly, Sam walks into the spotlight, revealing his SCYTHE!
Alan loses his footing.
Sam walks to Alan and stops in front of him and holds back a
LAUGH.
SAM
Look at yourself.
LIGHTS ON.
Alan realizes that his shirt is covered in blood.
SAM
Calm down, relax, let's have a
seat.
He walks off towards the table and two chairs. Alan follows.
And they both take a seat.
ALAN
Where am I? Who are you?
SAM
This is Limbo, where all souls
arrive when they have unfinished
business. I'm Sam and by now you
probably know what I do.
ALAN
... I'm dead?
SAM looks to his SCYTHE, then back to ALAN.
3. COPYRIGHT
TO
INESSA
W
ONG,MIKE
AZMAINE
&
SHO
SUZUKI
SAM
Now it's my turn to ask the
questions. First of all, how's your
head feeling?
ALAN
I feel fine.
SAM
So what's your name?
ALAN struggles to remember.
SAM
Tough, huh? When you're here,
you'll have a hard time remembering
anything: your age, your job, your
ex-lovers. So tell me, what's your
name?
ALAN
I don't know. You just told me I'd
have a hard time remembering.
SAM
You're dense. Just focus on the
question: what is your name?
ALAN
My name is Alan.
Sam applauds slowly.
SAM
Well done. See what happens when
you follow my instructions, I'd
make a great life coach.
Alan nods in agreement.
SAM
Now, how did you get here?
ALAN
... I was in my car.
SAM
Where were you coming from?
ALAN
The hospital.
SAM
Where were you going?
ALAN
To... Curve?
2.
4. COPYRIGHT
TO
INESSA
W
ONG,MIKE
AZMAINE
&
SHO
SUZUKI
SAM
You were at a curve?
ALAN
No. A place called The Curve. It's
a mall.
SAM
Another fucking mall. Why were you
there?
ALAN
To pick up... something?
SAM
What thing?
ALAN
A cake.
SAM
How sweet. What's the occasion?
Alan is slightly offended but continues to remember.
ALAN
It's for...
SAM
For whom? Who was the cake for?
ALAN
Just shut up and give me a minute.
(uncertain)
For a... for something...
important.
Suddenly, Alan looks at Sam with shock and fear.
ALAN CONT'D
Ya Allah, Adam!!
SAM
You're not..
Alan ignores Sam and starts to run around, searching for an
exit.
ALAN
I NEED TO GET OUT! Where's the way
out?!!
SAM
If you had let me finish, you would
know that there is no way out.
3.
5. COPYRIGHT
TO
INESSA
W
ONG,MIKE
AZMAINE
&
SHO
SUZUKI
ALAN
I NEED TO SEE MY SON!! IT'S HIS
BIRTHDAY!!
SAM
Sorry but you'll be missing all of
his birthdays from here on.
Alan grabs Sam by his collar, pulling him up and closer.
ALAN
WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN?
Alan grabs Sam by his collar, pulling him up and closer.
SAM
Dude, you're dead.
SOUNDS OF SCREECHING TIRES AND TWISTED METAL.
SAM
There are rules, Alan. In life as
you know and, here as well: what is
dead, stays dead.
ALAN
I can't... I made a promise. My
wife, she's going to be...
SAM
A widow.
Alan cries louder; Sam chuckles.
ALAN
Please, let me see my family.
SAM
How many times must I repeat
myself, you're dead. Not deaf.
ALAN
But I made a promise. To be a
better husband. To be a better
father. I was... I was so selfish.
SAM
And you asking to go back is pretty
selfish.
ALAN
Of course you'd think so. How would
a being that take lives, understand
anything about life?!
SAM
Oh. I was human too. Was.
4.
6. COPYRIGHT
TO
INESSA
W
ONG,MIKE
AZMAINE
&
SHO
SUZUKI
ALAN
What?
SAM
You heard me. You still playing
deaf?
ALAN
How did you...
SAM
Become this? I was a criminal
lawyer. My job was sending
murderers, rapists and thugs back
on the street. And you know what
they say about playing with fire,
you get--BURNT.
ALAN
So why--
SAM
The scythe? Death and I are great
friends. He gave me a second
chance: a job, as a way to pay for
my sins. I have to help 50 souls to
pass on. And guess what number you
are?
Alan shakes his head.
SAM
The lucky number 50.
ALAN
So you didn't have to move on?
SAM
I can't. Not till my purgatory is
over.
ALAN
So, I can stay here?
SAM
Sure, if you wanna get stuck here.
Forever.
ALAN
(beat)
Okay. I'll wait.
SAM
Your family won't be here. You can
wait, and wait... and guess what--
wait! And they'll never be here.
5.
7. COPYRIGHT
TO
INESSA
W
ONG,MIKE
AZMAINE
&
SHO
SUZUKI
ALAN
Alright. You win.
SAM
Now that's what I, like to hear.
ALAN
(pauses)
Please, let me just say goodbye to
my family one last time.
SAM
Sorry we don't accept cash or
credit here.
Alan leans closer.
SAM
Or cheques. No cheques...
Alan remains silent.
SAM
Oh, you're a tough nut to crack.
Fine, nevermind. Here you go.
Sam reaches into his jacket, pulling out a mobile phone and
passes it to Alan.
Alan takes the phone, dials, puts the device to his ear and
listens. Sam laughs slowly; his laughter grows louder.
LIGHTS OUT
6.
