A young couple confronts an annoying noise and their future.
CHARACTERS
CHRIS & ALEX: A young couple.
Please feel free to cast this without a bias towards gender.
Headboard was first performed at the 2010 The Working Theatre Collective’s 20 Erotic Shorts show. Chris was played by Cooper Bombadil, Alex was played by Jason Sample-March, and it was directed by Ashley Hollingshead.
(Chris and Alex sit on a couch reading. Gradually the sound of a headboard banging against the wall grows and grows. Soft, rhythmic moaning can occasionally be heard.)
CHRIS
Please don’t tell me the neighbors are at it again.
ALEX
They’re at it again.
CHRIS
I told you… Oh, sweet, mother of—
ALEX
Wow, it sure sounds like someone knows what they’re doing.
CHRIS
And what do you mean by that?
ALEX
Nothing. Really. I’m just saying. Wow.
CHRIS
You have to go talk to them.
ALEX
They just moved in. And why me?
CHRIS
That’s the third time this week they’ve—
ALEX
Third time today.
CHRIS
No.
ALEX
Yes. Impressed?
CHRIS
You have to go talk to them.
ALEX
Why me? You’re the one it’s bothering.
CHRIS
Because we are both invested in our happiness. And if I’m not happy you’re not happy.
ALEX
Really?
CHRIS
I believe history has proven it to be so.
ALEX
I’ll give them your best.
CHRIS
Thank you.
ALEX
You’re welcome.
(Alex exits. A door opens and closes. Knocking. The headboard falls silent. The sound of muffled voices. A conversation. Laughter. More conversation. Time passes. Finally Alex returns.)
CHRIS
Where have you been?
ALEX
What? I asked them to stop.
CHRIS
Like a half-hour ago.
ALEX
So?
CHRIS
So, did you get a recipe for asa bucho or simply explain Einstein’s theory of relativity to them?
ALEX
Whoa there! Step away from the ledge, Psycho Fabulous. It was none of that. I actually attempted to describe your convoluted feelings of love and appreciation for me.
Headboard was presented as part of The Working Theatre Collective's 2010 20 Erotic Shorts.
Copyright 2010 M Thomas Cooper. All rights reserved.