R O C K S O L I D
 
 
A play
 
 
 
Written by
 
 
Amirali Zare
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 PROLOGUE
The Voices roll a sofa into the middle of the stage
with the Narrator, in an all black suit, sitting on
top, asleep. They use their index fingers to wake him
up, poking him on his shoulder, head, and ear. Voice
#4 mimics his pose on the floor.
VOICE #1
He's not going to wake up.
They all run, hurriedly, off-stage.

VOICE #4 (O.S.)
WAKE UP!!
The Narrator stumbles in his sleep and wakes up.
He adjusts his black bow-tie and unbuttons his coat,
facing the audience without blinking for a second.
NARRATOR
...It's the 1920s. The UK has fallen into a depression and
its people have lost a majority of their income. People
working in lower-class positions have fallen into addiction
and in destitute, living in shelters or off hiding in the
corners of the streets.
VOICE #1 (O.S.)
What medication are you going to prescribe me, doctor?
NARRATOR
Our story begins at the heart of all solutions, at the
psychiatrist's office -- You will attend to them now. Has
seen no busy days until the start of the industrial
revolution -- The working man knows no limits until he
witnesses life in its true sombre form; The smoke you have
consumed, the grey you wear on your white, it will all be
gone at the end-
VOICE #2 (O.S.)
Am I crazy?
NARRATOR
Do you drink, audience?
VOICE #3 (O.S.)
So you're telling me that my condition is not normal??
NARRATOR
How often and long do you take embrace onto the cotton and
the wooden frame? Which tracks does it transport you to?
 2.

VOICE #4 (O.S.)
(low pitch)
If you don't give me my medicine, doctor, I'm going to
unleash these dark battleships against our coast. And one
day, God forbid that comes, the miles that reside alongside
us, will no longer spread as thick and far as we've allowed
for it. My pursuit is eager-
NARRATOR
Do you often find yourself confused, angry, and lashing out
at others for no good reason?
VOICE #1 (O.S.)
Are my troubles going to evaporate into thin air or is it
some probing machine you're hiding behind your desk that
you'll use on my mind? What are you going to do to me?
VOICE #3
And I heard the waves crash against us; one-by-one reminding,
us of our false decision-making. We sailed off in the in-
between. We were in the middle. Forgotten. Our identities
just like any other....pondering did not come easy for the
lack of intelligence, they thought, we stored in our pale
heads. But forced we were to succumb to their ideals. Some
poets sang in my head. Soldiers acted like reporters for the
undeserved, documenting on their tissue paper for their
unrelated siblings. It would all happen again. But stored
meat we'd be in under the decks till we conquered.
NARRATOR
One year after the end of World War 1, shell-shocked soldiers
and exhausted housewives lay afoot and stumbled on-

Voice #4 comes in with a rifle and shoots the air.

BANG. BANG. The Narrator is terrified, he doesn't
raise an arm. He remains still.
VOICE #4
You ought to be miserable of yourself -- not fighting for the
war?! No one can live with themselves knowing that they
haven't fought for their people! How do people live with
rats? I don't understand.
Voice #4 uses the butt of his gun to wack the Narrator
in the head. The Narrator falls to the ground but
quickly stands up again after Voice #4 leaves.
NARRATOR
The criminalizing of opium and cocaine possession. How were
they going to-
VOICE #3
I didn't receive my medicine, doctor. They've banned all the
drugs.
 3.

NARRATOR
What are the withdrawal symptoms, doctor?
VOICE #2
(whimpers)
Please help me.
NARRATOR
Can you tell me about a memory that you're fond of or miss?
VOICE #4 (O.S.)
(low pitch)
Fond?
NARRATOR
Do you have nightmares?
VOICE #1 (O.S.)
This is a nightmare.
NARRATOR
...Ravish the nightingales, doctor; they do not extend beyond
my current beliefs. Have you realized the potential of your
power? The ability to destroy and rebuild the hive of bees
that give flight to our thoughts?
Sounds of breaking rocks apart with pickaxes can be
heard softly in the background.
NARRATOR (CONT'D)
Join our pursuit, doctor. Help them learn. For the
unsolicited advice we give from our previous experiences
could endanger how we live, even while we stand in the light.
The lights go out.
VOICE #1
Are the foundations holding up?
We hear rocks vibrate against each other. Eventually
it comes all crashing down and the mines collapse.
NARRATOR
Economy.
War & Addiction.
Love.
 
Welcome to the Thriller Theatre.
END OF PROLOGUE
 
 4.

ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
The dimly lit office of Dr. Manley, adorned with rich
silk curtains, hangs in the air. A long black sofa
sits against one wall, facing empty black-painted
bookshelves. A white carpet sprawls beneath Dr.
Manley's white armchair, positioned near an old
gramophone. The room is steeped in shadows until Dr.
Manley rises from his armchair, parting the silk
curtains. Sunlight floods through the window, casting
an ethereal glow on the scene.
DR. MANLEY
Damn it. Why does it have to be so sunny today?
He sits back down his armchair, engrossed in reading
his journal. After placing his journal next to a glass
of water on a coffee table next to him, he gets up and
walks over to the gramophone on a table behind his
desk. He selects some classical music to play and then
pours himself a glass of whiskey before settling back
into his armchair.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
(takes a sip)
Ahhh.
MARY (O.S.)
Dr. Manley! Patient One is here to see you. Should I send him
through?
DR. MANLEY
Wait!
Dr. Manley takes the glass of whiskey and hides it in
a drawer under his desk.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
(clears his throat)
Mary! You can send him through.
Dr. Manley picks up a glass of water from the small
coffee table to his right and takes a sip. He puts
down the journal on his lap. Floyd enters.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
Good morning, Mr. Maxwell. How are you doing today?
FLOYD
I'm doing quite alright, Mr. Manley! My name is Floyd
Maxwell! I am 38 years old and I work with the English Mining
Company in Ox... Oxford-
 5.

DR. MANLEY
Oxfordshire?
FLOYD
Yes. I'm from Oxfordshire. I work with the English Mining
Company in Oxfordshire.
DR. MANLEY
Well, please take a seat. Would you like some water?
FLOYD
No. Not really. No.
Floyd fidgets with his fingers. Dr. Manley glances at
him doing it. He smiles.
DR. MANLEY
Mary, bring a jug of water and a glass!
MARY (O.S.)
Right away, Doctor!
DR. MANLEY
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
FLOYD
I didn't want water.
DR. MANLEY
More for me then.
FLOYD
I work at the English Mining Company in Oxfordshire for a
number of reasons.
DR. MANLEY
Yes, you did mention that.
Floyd starts cracking his fingers. Dr. Manley picks up
his journal and pursues the pencil.
FLOYD
Don't pick it up...don't pick it up.
DR. MANLEY
What? You don't want me writing anything during our session?
FLOYD
Please don't. Just don't pick it up. I don't like sharp
things.
Dr. Manley puts down the journal on his lap.
 6.

DR. MANLEY
Very well, Floyd-
FLOYD
Call me Mr. Maxwell.
DR. MANLEY
Okay, Mr. Maxwell. Tell me a little about why you decided to
come here today.
FLOYD
I didn't want to. They made me. Them.
Dr. Manley looks at his back. He sees nothing. Floyd
quickly snatches Dr. Manley's journal and Dr. Manley
looks back to find his journal gone missing. He gets
up.
DR. MANLEY
HEY!
FLOYD
Let me look through this. Let me look through this. Please. I
need to know.
Floyd flips through the pages of Dr. Manley's journal.
DR. MANLEY
I'm sorry, Floyd, but this contains highly classified and
confidential information that I cannot share. Please give me
the journal back.
FLOYD
I can't find it here. It's not here.
Floyd throws the journal on the floor.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
Close the curtains, will you? I'm going through enough misery
as it is with the amount of light you've let through here.
Mary opens the door and takes two steps inside with a
jug of water and a glass.
MARY
Doctor?
DR. MANLEY
I refuse to do that. Mary, please pour Mr. Maxwell a glass of
water.
MARY
Sure thing, Doctor.
 7.

She pours Floyd a glass of water while standing still,

and places the glass on the coffee table, next to Dr.
Manley, and leaves.
FLOYD
I can't stand the bright light, Dr. Manley. It is blinding
me. I tend to wear my sunglasses outside but I had not
managed to bring them with me today. I had to be aware of my
surroundings. Yet, I managed to get through the streets of
London because of the shadows.
Dr. Manley gets up from his armchair and closes the
curtains together. He pursues his journal on his way
back to his armchair.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
STOP! STOP! Please! Don't pick it up!
DR. MANLEY
Okay. Okay.
Dr. Manley sits back down and crosses his legs.
FLOYD
Are you religious, Doctor? Do you believe in God?
DR. MANLEY
As a psychiatrist, I've seen the miracles of science, but
even in the face of such wonders, I cannot deny the presence
of a greater power. A power that both heals and harms, a
power that demands both reverence and fear. For in this world
of light and dark, there are things beyond our understanding,
things that only the Almighty can comprehend. But it is a bit
ironic that-
FLOYD
I have no need for the tricks of medicine and science, for I
place my trust in a higher power. The Almighty works in
mysterious ways, and to tamper with His divine plan is a sin.
Those who put their faith in the hands of mortal men will
only find disappointment and despair. For true healing can
only come from the grace of God -- My chest... Oh the pain.
(gasping for breath)
I can't breathe.
Floyd holds his chest. He stops breathing.
DR. MANLEY
Are you feeling alright -- Mary! Please come in here! Lay
down, Mr. Maxwell.
 8.

There's no response from Mary. Dr. Manley jumps from

his chair and looks through his desk in search for any
useful supplies while Floyd holds his chest and tries
to breathe.
Loud footsteps can be heard coming from the reception.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
MARY!
Dr. Manley pursues the door. Floyd is able to breathe
a bit. He tries to figure out where Dr. Manley is. He
looks behind the sofa.
FLOYD
Don't open that door, Dr. Manley. Don't.
They both look at each other in silence. The sound of
the footsteps stop coming.
DR. MANLEY
Are you feeling okay?
The lights turn off and the room becomes dark. We see
a large silhouette of a large and muscular figure in
the middle of the office.
FLOYD
They are inside.
DR. MANLEY
Who's inside?
FLOYD
They are getting angrier, Dr. Manley. We aren't safe here.
DR. MANLEY
Tell me about them.
FLOYD
(whimpers)
The dust, the constant noise, and the screams! They were all
screaming!
The silhouette starts pounding their chest. A soft
growl is heard and becomes increasingly louder over
time.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
AH! I won't be able to make out of it. They are telling me to
get out. I can't! I won't leave them behind! It's becoming
darker...I can't see anything. Wait-
 9.

DR. MANLEY
Keep going, Mr. Maxwell. What else did you see?
FLOYD
They ran the other way...one hundred miners screamed.
The growling becomes louder. We can't hear anything.
We hear a thud. The silhouette vanishes and the window
unlatches itself open. The light is allowed through
and we see Floyd sitting down on the floor while Dr.
Manley takes notes.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
The light. The light! Stop it. Stop it!
Dr. Manley keeps writing.
DR. MANLEY
Don't go too fast, Floyd-
FLOYD
No! No! No! How many times must my words echo in these
chambers? Why must I scream? Why are you even writing? Who
are you?
Dr. Manley gets up and rushes to the door.
DR. MANLEY
Keep going. It can be difficult to recall-
FLOYD
(to himself)
Gone. Gone. All gone.
Dr. Manley holds onto the knob before he opens the
door.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
They are all gone. She's gone. She's dead. He's dead. They
couldn't make it to the cart. They didn't call for help. I
went further down. I couldn't cry for help. I didn't cry for
help. I just heard them take them one... One by one. She's
dead.
DR. MANLEY
Mr. Maxwell?
FLOYD
(sobs)
Let me go back home. Back home.
Floyd closes his eyes and starts feeling an invisible
head and begins to dig his left hand's fingers into
the head.
 10.

FLOYD (CONT'D)
Kid -- Kids? Oh! Johnny-boy. Floyd is here and he isn't
leaving this time. Stay with me. You don't see it too, did
you?
Floyd quickly lifts his hands and stands up.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
Yes, sir!
DR. MANLEY
Mr. Maxwell...are you hearing things right now, Mr. Maxwell?
Floyd opens his eyes and looks at Dr. Manley. A few
candles turn off by themselves and 4 short cloaked
figures enter. Floyd closes his eyes again.

DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
(muffled)
Are you hearing things right now, Mr. Maxwell...mr. Maxwell?
FLOYD
(deliriously)
Voices?
VOICE #1
Who do you think I am, Floyd? Didn't you hear from me before?
FLOYD
Who are you?
ALL VOICES
Voice, Floyd. I am Voice. I am who you hear. Who you are
wanting to be.
FLOYD
I told you why I went further down, haven't I? You see-
Voice begins to rub Floyd's shoulders. He takes his
hand. One figure starts to search underneath the sofa.
The others just look around in search of something.
VOICE #1
Must you speak with the devil's advocate, Floyd? Who is this
person?
FLOYD
He is help.
VOICE #2
Help? Why do you need help, Floyd?
FLOYD
I do, don't I?
 11.

VOICE #3
You're as pure and innocent as one can be, dear Floyd.
FLOYD
So I don't have to be here?
VOICE #1
Who told you to be here?
FLOYD
Them.
VOICE #1
Ahhh.
All of the figures get up and surround Floyd.
FLOYD
Should I leave?
VOICE #2
Yes! Yes! You should leave right now.
VOICE #4
NO! Why should he leave?
Floyd takes a seat on the sofa. One of the figures
takes a seat on the armchair while the other looks out
the window.
VOICE #3
Where am I? Who are we? What is this?! Whose dungeon do we
share camp with now!? Can we feel ourselves?
Voice #3 starts patting down himself.
VOICE #1 FLOYD
  Yes.
Everybody looks at the figure sitting on Dr. Manley's
armchair. An awkward silence fills the room. The
windows unlatch themselves and the volume of the wind
increases.
VOICE #2
What exactly are you having trouble with, Floyd?
VOICE #3
(looks at the ceiling)
I don't know exactly. I've just been dealing with all of
these...
VOICE #2
Feelings?
 12.

The figure walks up behind Floyd. The sound of the

wind intensifies.
VOICE #3
Kill yourself. Kill yourself. Kill yourself. Kill. Yourself.
Pick it up. Pick it up.
The figure produces a knife and dangles it in front of
Floyd. He remains stills.
VOICE #3 (CONT'D) VOICE #1
(squeamish) Kill yourself. Kill yourself.
I can't keep running with the Kill yourself. Do it. Kill
stalking boulder. It's all so yourself. End it all. Take
overwhelming... it. Take it, Floyd. Kill
yourself. Kill yourself. Just
do it. Look at that shiny
blade. Do it, Floyd. Take it!
VOICE #4
I can't take it!
He flips the coffee table in front of him. The figure
sitting on the armchair starts clicking his pen.
VOICE #3 VOICE #1
You're crazy. Crazy. Crazy... Kill yourself. Kill yourself.
Just crazy. Man up! Man up! Kill yourself. Kill yourself.
Find the light! Repress all Just do it. End it. Nothing
feelings! matters. He doesn't matter!
Floyd gets up from the sofa.
FLOYD
I can't take any of this any more!
VOICE #2
Alas! He is alive! He has seen his destiny! This vicinity is
no longer a stronghold to one's heart no longer! Must we run?
VOICE #1
Excuse me?
VOICE #3
Has he?
The figure sitting on Dr. Manley's armchair gets up,
throws the notepad & pen to the side and takes the
knife and stabs Floyd in the chest.
VOICE #2
I can't take any of this any more!
 13.

Floyd doesn't bleed but rather plummets back to earth.

Voice leaves hurriedly as the four figures run off-
stage one by one. The light returns on stage and the
volume of the wind reduces. Dr. Manley is seen
standing by the door. He opens it and jumps.
DR. MANLEY
MARY! No! Mary! Oh no... Mary. You didn't deserve this.
Dr. Manley cries and leaves hurriedly downstairs.
Floyd takes a long and deep breath.
FLOYD
(softly)
I didn't want to wake up. I was having a much better time
asleep. And that's really sad. It was almost like a reverse
nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you're so
relieved. I woke up into a nightmare, Dr. Manley. I should be
dead shouldn't I?
Floyd takes a seat on Dr. Manley's white armchair. He
picks up Dr. Manley's journal from his side and
imitates Dr. Manley; he crosses his legs and gets
comfortable.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
What voice do I have?
The growling can be heard in the background again.
Floyd freezes and stares off into the distance.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
I can see it now. Clear as day. The rattling of the cart
making its way down the mines, as the wind's screams
intensifies and the heat between wheels and the rails rises,
looking back at the bloodshed they had caused. I can see it
now. I must break out of this. But the screams. The voice.
A figure enters. It's one of the voices. Floyd hears
him and gets up. He looks to his back and watches the
cloaked figure tiptoe his way to Floyd.
VOICE #1
Calm down.
FLOYD
Calm down...calm down?
VOICE #1
Yes, calm down.
FLOYD
Calm down?
 14.

VOICE #2
Man up. Everyone has anxiety, Floyd. If you really didn't
want to live, you wouldn't be alive. Hell only if I knew! You
could be dead right now.
FLOYD
I'm not dead! I'm here aren't I?
VOICE #3
You aren't crazy, Floyd. They just want to see you gone.
Dead! You don't want that. Do you?
FLOYD
Who's they? Who are they? What are you? I didn't do anything.
I swear!
VOICE #3
You came here willingly. Why is that? Are you crazy? Are we
crazy? We may be crazy. Who's crazy?! Don't tell me I'm
crazy, Floyd, because I'm not crazy! You don't need any of
this! Why waste our crap time? We can just go now, Floyd.
This place is going to torture you! TORTURE! TORTURE, FLOYD!
FLOYD
Please just leave. I didn't do anything. I told them!
VOICE #2
You're crazy! I dare you, Floyd. I dare you to pick up that
pen and stab yourself in the chest. Do it, Floyd. Do it!
Prove them wrong, Floyd!
FLOYD
Am I not deserving of forgiveness? Am I not a being as well?
Why is it that most Gods forgive their believers even after
they have committed evil?
VOICE #3
Stop with the philosophy. Who are you to ponder on life's
greatest books? You are just a coal digger. You mine. You
breathe black. You inhale wicked! You're wicked!
Voice walks around Floyd and picks his arms. He pulls
up his sleeves and looks at it for a second.
VOICE #4
Our bones can break, our skin can tear
We bleed, we bruise, we feel pain
Our bodies, through strong, must take great care.
Dissipate young one. Fade into its darkness-
And take grasp of its wrath!
FLOYD
What?
 15.

VOICE #3
You are weak. You breathe in that magic dust every day at
work from four to twelve. You walk back home and on the way
you purchase the strongest alcohol, you can find with your
droopy and lingering eyes, to take your mind off the troubles
at home. Despite your low-income and non-existent savings
while you ill-serve three kids. And you feel immortal at the
end of the day, isn't it? Do you keep forgetting that you're
mortal?
FLOYD
I cannot understand a single thing you're saying!
Voice pushes Floyd aside and sits on Dr. Manley's
armchair.
VOICE #2
You listen here now.
Voice puts his hands around Floyd's neck.
FLOYD
I didn't ask for any of this!
VOICE #1
You have a mission. Don't you understand what it is that you
have to do, Floyd?!
FLOYD
No -- No!
VOICE #1
You get up and meet them at the Tower Bridge.
FLOYD
Who-
VOICE #1
God-damn it! Don't you understand me?!
FLOYD
I don't-
VOICE #2
Or must I remind you of this flesh you keep wrecking and
pounding, with every one of your tightened and elongated
blood vessels. Could you cough for me?
Floyd starts coughing loudly. Voice lets go of him and
he falls on the sofa and stares at Voice.
 16.

VOICE #3
On the walk home, though, you make the conscious decision to
continually cover your brain with the cheapest bubble wrap so
that whenever you run into people, poles, or pubs, you are
reminded of another life gone. Sadly, you will be forgotten
forever in some time. Are these the final few hours you want
to spend with as they search for you? Do you prefer to drink
yourself to death while remembering the past? I have a bottle
right here.
Voice pulls out a glass bottle and throws it at the
ground.
FLOYD
Stop. Stop it! I don't know what you're talking about but I
did not do these things.
VOICE #2
While your children watch you snore on the couch day and
night? What do you really want, Floyd?
FLOYD
What is you going on about? What did you do to them?
VOICE #2
I don't have time for games, Floyd. Go to the Tower Bridge
now or else you'll be put in further danger by the poisonous
venom of the snake. You'll be there by...
Voice searches for a clock but does not seem to find
one.
VOICE #1
Half past eleven. Today. Now. Get up! Don't let anybody stop
you, Floyd. If they told you, tell them that they need to
meet you and that its urgent. It's a matter of life or death.
Do it!
Floyd whimpers and fidgets with his fingers.
FLOYD
Shut up!
The lights shut off. A spotlight is shun on voice.
VOICE #3
They are all gone, Floyd. All of them. And if you see any
coppers, I suggest you dash and make your way to the Tower
Bridge. Got that? Oh and don't tell anybody about our little
conversation or our plan or else you might end up in mere
physical shambles -- all bruised up and torn apart by the
wolves you call while defenceless.
Floyd remains quiet.
 17.

VOICE #4
Do it!
FLOYD
(to himself x2)
Please stop this. Stop this.
The lights turn back on. Dr. Manley and Sergeant Gerry
are seen standing by the door.
DR. MANLEY
This is Floyd Maxwell, Sergeant Gerry.
Floyd has trouble breathing. He gets up starts
searching underneath the table. He doesn't look back
at the Sergeant.
FLOYD
I didn't do anything. What did I do? Who's them? I didn't do
anything.
SERGEANT
...Good morning, Mr. Maxwell!
DR. MANLEY
He's a bit... What can I say, on the other end of the border?
FLOYD
Who's them?! I must get to the Tower Bridge now. I must be
going. Where are they?
DR. MANLEY
Mr. Maxwell.
FLOYD
They must be there!
DR. MANLEY
Who's where, Mr. Maxwell?
FLOYD
Where is it?!
Floyd searches Dr. Manley's desk.
SERGEANT
Mr. Maxwell! May I have your attention?
Floyd stops searching. He slowly raises his head and
he looks at the Sergeant.
FLOYD
Who are you?
 18.

SERGEANT
I'm Sergeant Office Gerry with the London Police. Dr. Manley
here has informed me that some strange occurrence has
happened here. Sarah. No. Mary Watkins is missing and he
believes that you may know something about it.
Floyd looks at the ceiling.
FLOYD
I-I don't know anything about it.
SERGEANT
Alright. If you do happen to come up with anything... You
know who to call.
Everything darkens around the Sergeant and Floyd. We
can only see them. The Sergeant pulls out a revolver
from his holster and aims at Floyd.
SERGEANT (CONT'D)
Hold your bloody hands up! Get up! Turn your back to the
other side and slowly get on your back! I'll shoot your
minging head off your neck! Don't make any sudden moves. If I
see even an inch of movement, I'll take you back to the
darkest hole England has ever seen and I'll make sure you get
gutted in front of your family. Hear me, you nutter?
FLOYD
(to himself)
Just do it. Just do it.
Floyd does as the Sergeant says but before he gets on
his back The Sergeant shoots him. A bright red light
is shun on Floyd as he falls to the ground.
The lights turn on and everything returns to normal.
The Sergeant's revolver never left its holster and
everyone is looking at each other, strangely, while
Floyd lies on the ground.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
What? You just shot-
SERGEANT
Thank you, Doctor. We will be investigating at the soonest.
Dr. Manley opens the door for the Sergeant.
SERGEANT (CONT'D)
(whispers to Dr. Manley)
Make sure he doesn't go anywhere. The minister has been very
strict on this case because of your proposal to let him stay
here. If he were not to recover, you know what will happen to
him.
 19.

DR. MANLEY
Of course.
SERGEANT
I'll get going then, thank you for your time, Mr. Maxwell.
Before the Sergeant leaves, he winks at Floyd and
leaves the office. Dr. Manley closes the door and sits
on his armchair.
DR. MANLEY
At the soonest? My secretary is gone missing. At the soonest?
Dr. Manley looks at Floyd while he fidgets with his
hands.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
Mr. Maxwell?
FLOYD
Y-yes? Oh right.
Floyd gets up and sits on the sofa. Dr. Manley takes a
second to take it all in. He walks up to an empty
frame hanging on a wall and looks at it before turning
his head back to Floyd.
DR. MANLEY
What did you mean by them, Floyd? What did you mean? I need
an answer. If you don't give me one, I'll just tell them that
you did it. We don't want that now, do we?
FLOYD
I thought you were here to help me.
DR. MANLEY
You're very sick, Mr. Maxwell.
FLOYD
I'm not sick. I'm perfectly okay. Please tell them that I'm
okay, Dr. Manley. I can't stay here any more. I can't stay
here any more! Let me get out!
DR. MANLEY
Floyd, you're sick. If I let you leave this office, your life
would be in jeopardy.
FLOYD
I'm not sick! Let me get the hell out of here! Come on!
Floyd gets up and flips the coffee table. He walks
over to the door and stares at Dr. Manley.
 20.

DR. MANLEY
You're sick, Mr. Maxwell. Do you want to end up in a
psychiatric hospital? Where all the 'crazies' are? Do you
think you're crazy? I think you could use a little help, Mr.
Maxwell. Only if you allow me. Or else, you'd be called a
crazy by the masses! Could you cope with being a crazy
person? I won't let you leave.
FLOYD
I'm not crazy! I'm not screwy! I'm feeling fun-gutting-
tastic, Doctor!
DR. MANLEY
One telephone call and you'll end up in looneyville.
FLOYD
You are driving me mad now.
DR. MANLEY
You are supposed to be here, Mr. Maxwell. They want answers.
FLOYD
Who's they?
DR. MANLEY
The people want answers.
FLOYD
To what?
DR. MANLEY
To what happened at the cave, Mr. Maxwell. And I am here to
help uncover what may seem tragic.
FLOYD
I didn't hear anything.
DR. MANLEY
You didn't hear anything?

FLOYD
I didn't do anything! I must go now, Dr. Manley, it's a
matter of life and death. I wouldn't think that you'd get it!
So let me out!
DR. MANLEY
You can't leave. We must unravel, together as partners, your
inner feelings. I know this must be hard for you but we all
have different ways with coping with stress. So if it's okay
by you-
Floyd tries turning the knob but the door won't open.
 21.

FLOYD
When did you lock the door?
DR. MANLEY
You mustn't leave, Mr. Maxwell! I am warning you.
FLOYD
If I need help, then I'll ask for it. You didn't listen to
me. I don't want to hear any of your nonsense any more!
DR. MANLEY
Stay patient with me, Floyd... outside that door, there is an
officer who won't let you go. If you leave now, you risk
getting a worse sentence. Don't go.
FLOYD
If I don't leave, I'll die.
DR. MANLEY
You won't die. You're in a very safe place, now.
The lights turn off. A spotlight is shun on Voice #2
as he enters. He goes to Floyd, who's standing in
front of the door.
VOICE #2
What's going on, bloke? You need me to clean our way out of
here? They are waiting for you... well chop chop, what's
stopping you from leaving that door?
FLOYD
(to voice)
I can't leave.
VOICE #2
Are you that much of a woman? MOVE!
Voice tries to open the door but he can't.
VOICE #2 (CONT'D)
How? Let me put some force into it.
Voice starts to repeatedly kick the door.
VOICE #2 (CONT'D)
It's going to break.
The lights turn off and Voice #2 leaves. The lights
turn back on. Floyd is seen turning the knob without
being able to open the door.
DR. MANLEY
Floyd. Floyd?
 22.

FLOYD
I have to leave.
DR. MANLEY
Please take a seat, Floyd. I urge you to do so.
FLOYD
I just need to leave. I can't stand this place any more.
DR. MANLEY
Please take a seat, Floyd.
FLOYD
I can't! I can't waste any more time here. What time is it?
DR. MANLEY
The time?
FLOYD
Yes. What time is it?
DR. MANLEY
Floyd. Floyd, please take a seat. I know this may be sudden
but I'm here to help you.
FLOYD
Are you a copper?
DR. MANLEY
What? No! I'm your friend who's here to help you. A friend.
FLOYD
You aren't my friend. I don't trust you. I don't know you. I
must be at the Tower Bridge. I must get going. Right now.
Right away. At the soonest possible.
DR. MANLEY
You need help, Floyd!
FLOYD
Stop telling me that I need help! I'm perfectly fine!
Floyd starts to feel his skin. He pinches his arm to
see if he isn't in a dream.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
I'm rock solid. Stable.
DR. MANLEY
You may think that but you aren't. You are very unstable and
I can explain what it is that you're going through. But you
need to calm down, Floyd.
 23.

FLOYD
Stop calling me Floyd!
DR. MANLEY
(clears his throat)
Mr. Maxwell.
VOICE #4 (O.S.)
Do you need help, baby?
FLOYD
Please. Please help me get out of here.
DR. MANLEY
I can help you if you let me. Take a seat.
Dr. Manley sits down on his armchair. The stage turns
dark. A spotlight is shun on 3 figures with white
masks who enter. They surround Dr. Manley.
VOICE #2 VOICE #4
We are waiting, Floyd. Why You should really kill him.
haven't you already left? Why don't you just take this
This man is going to kill knife and stab him in the
you. He's going to use pills, neck. Right here.
Floyd! (points at Dr. Manley's
(acts as if he is being neck)
choked)
A figure takes a bucket of blood and throws it at the
closed window. The glass shatters and the wind blows
the curtains flying as they pivot from the curtain
hanger. The bucket is gone but blood splashes all over
the white curtains and spreads around on the floor.
VOICE #3
Just stab him, Floyd. Take the knife! Pick it up!
The figure produces a fake knife and starts stabbing
Dr. Manley all over his body. Another figure tries to
unlock the door but can't. He repeatedly kicks and
punches the door.
FLOYD
Stop calling me Floyd! Stop this!
VOICE #4 VOICE #1
STAB HIM! LEAVE!
A figure throws himself off the window and Floyd
watches in silence.
FLOYD
OKAY! Okay! I'll go right now.
 24.

VOICE #3
Do this or receive the same kind of pleasure you're about to
feel...
A figure starts choking Dr. Manley. The spotlights
turn off. All of the furniture is pushed aside, off-
stage. The volume of the screaming wind increases. The
figures leave. The lights turn back on. Dr. Manley is
standing in front of Floyd with little space in
between them.
DR. MANLEY
WHERE IS SHE?!
Floyd falls to the ground and gets up. He takes a few
steps back until he grinds to a halt when he bumps his
back into a wall.
FLOYD
WHO? WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!
DR. MANLEY
What are you going on about, son? What things must you
whimper now? Have you seen something?
Floyd starts to pull his hair. He slowly falls to the
ground again.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
Beware the darkness that lurks within, for it shall consume
you whole and never let go.
FLOYD
What are you talking about?! Why are you saying these things?
Just let me go!
Dr. Manley produces a flask, stained with old and dry
blood on it, and takes a shot. Floyd gets up and
hurriedly runs to the door and tries to open the door
but it doesn't budge. He tries to pull the knob but it
comes off. He quickly plummets to the ground.
FLOYD (CONT'D)
DAMN IT!
Dr. Manley throws the flask away, with brute force.
DR. MANLEY
I'm not going to unlock it. Please take a seat.
FLOYD
(to himself)
What's happening? What on earth is going on? Aren't you my
therapist?
 25.

Floyd backs up and walks over to the edge of the

stage.
DR. MANLEY
Do you like music, Mr. Maxwell?
Floyd looks up at Dr. Manley and doesn't reply. Dr.
Manley walks over and faces the wall. He shuffles
through something in the air, picks it out, and places
it very diligently on the air.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
At last. My favourite song.
A very old classical song plays in the background.
FLOYD
Open the door! Please just open it for Christ's sake.
(sobs)
Dr. Manley makes his way to where his armchair once
was. He sits down but falls to the ground. He quickly
fixes himself and crosses his legs.
DR. MANLEY
Tell me what happened to M-Mary and I'll let you go.
FLOYD
I heard what you heard, Doctor. I saw what you saw! I never
left the room! What is it that I could have possibly done to
your secretary?
Silence fills the room. Dr. Manley looks around his
office and walks over to where the bookshelves would
have been.
DR. MANLEY
Oh my bad. How tired can a man be? Ahaha. What I meant to say
was, what happened to Sarah?
FLOYD
She's fine.
(pauses)
She'll be fine... She's doing alright, you know? She kept
herself busy with the kids. And... painting lessons?
DR. MANLEY
Painting lessons? Must be fun. Do you take lessons with her?
FLOYD
What would I paint? I'd paint whole canvases a singular
colour and nothing less. She wouldn't be into it.
 26.

DR. MANLEY
Look, Floyd, the truth of the matter is, is that you need
help and you can't ever leave this place because you need to
be here. Do you not think that you need this?
FLOYD
I just want to go to the Tower Bridge.
DR. MANLEY
And what desperate thing is it that's waiting for you there?
FLOYD
I don't know. I just know that I have to go there. Now.
DR. MANLEY
If you stick with me, you'll get to understand why you feel
confused. Exhausted. Deprived of any hope. Don't you feel
those things?
FLOYD
Feel?
Floyd looks around his empty and barren office.
DR. MANLEY
Do you think she's waiting for you there?
FLOYD
Who?
DR. MANLEY
Do you think she's waiting for you back home?
FLOYD
Who?
DR. MANLEY
Where is she right now?
FLOYD
I don't know who you're talking about.
DR. MANLEY
I'll unlock the door if you can answer my question: Where is
she right now?
FLOYD
She's...at home?
DR. MANLEY
Look, Floyd, my office may be dark. My heart may be system
may be filled with pills. My eyes may look cold... This
journal may look dark and old. But I am here to help you free
yourself of the sorrow you feel today.
 27.

I'll let you wander the earth without having any loose ends.
You'll feel strong. You'll feel new... Let me build you a
house that will never fall victim to nature-
FLOYD
Stop telling me about what I need, what I feel, and what I
may want. You don't know anything! You don't know anything,
at all!
DR. MANLEY
I'm sick and tired of you imbeciles! I've busted my ass my
whole damn life, facing problems head-on and coming up with
solutions! You don't want my help? Then get the hell out of
here and don't let the door hit you on your way back to
wherever the hell you came from!!
Dr. Manley takes a key out of his pocket and throws it
to Floyd. Floyd's hands start to tremble. He drops the
key on the floor and picks it back up. Floyd slowly
walks towards the door. He inserts the key and turns
it. The door opens to a dark reception. Floyd takes a
step closer inside and a shot is fired to his head
from his side. He falls. The lights turn off. The
curtains close.
DR. MANLEY (O.S.) (CONT'D)
What did I tell you? There is no escape.
END OF SCENE ONE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 28.

SCENE TWO
It's dark until Dr. Manley opens the curtains,
allowing for some light to enter, it's the evening. He
starts to race back and forth in his office, nervous
and mumbling random things at a very face paced.
Everything is at it is. His desk is covered in papers
and his books are re-arranged all wrong, messing up
the arrangement of colour. And his door is wrapped in
crime scene stickers.
DR. MANLEY
I can't do it. I really can't do it. Business is so good!
But, it's impossible if I moved on. I can't move on. No
clients. I'm waiting for the impossible. Where is my New
Culture vinyl?
Sandy starts knocking on the door.
SANDY (O.S.)
Dr. Manley?
She opens the door and sticks her head out in the gap.
DR. MANLEY
Yes?
SANDY
You have Patient Two waiting here for you. Should I send him
in?
Dr. Manley pulls out a drawer from under his desk and
takes out a legal pad.
DR. MANLEY
I don't see anybody here on my list, Sandy. What is their
name?
SANDY
I haven't asked for a name, doctor.
DR. MANLEY
Don't send them through then -- They must have a reservation,
Sandy. A reservation. Do you understand what I am saying?
SANDY
Yes, doctor.
DR. MANLEY
Please send him away and close my door.
Sandy closes the door. Dr. Manley starts looking
around for his vinyl record.
 29.

DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
Where could that gosh darnin' thing be now?
He rustles in between some things.
SANDY (O.S.)
Sorry, Dr. Manley!
DR. MANLEY
What?
Patient Two kick opens the door and enters. Dr. Manley
ducks under his desk and takes a peak at whose
entered.
PATIENT TWO
I wants you, mister. The Kitcheners have wept in the face of
violence and the blues for far too long. You've
DR. MANLEY
The what?!
PATIENT TWO
Where's the jelly beans?!
DR. MANLEY
Jelly beans?
PATIENT TWO
The jelly beans, doc. Don't play fool with me. Where's the
minging jelly beans, you heathen!?
DR. MANLEY
We don't have any jelly beans here. Get out! You'd rather
need to send yourself to the sweet shop, mister. You
drunkards are venom to this community! Scour!
Patient Two comes around the desk and takes a gun out
of his back. He points it at Dr. Manley and shoos him
off from the back of his table. He searches the
drawers.
PATIENT TWO
All of yous hide in your offices like we don't know. Don't
want to support the very hands that made you a definition?!
Well we got a load of ourselves hunting for cowardices like
you, hiding behind your fancy plaques, that isn't going to
save you today -- You want to experience a fight?! C'mere-
Patient Two runs towards Dr. Manley.
DR. MANLEY
Of course not-
 30.

Patient Two holds up Dr. Manley to the wall.

PATIENT TWO
You aren't escaping this time. Where are the jelly beans?!
DR. MANLEY
(struggling)
Settle down! There are no jelly beans here, sir. You've done
an awful thing trying to rob me of my notebooks and pens.
There is nothing here for you, sir! Get out before I call the
coppers.
PATIENT TWO
Coppers? You think calling the coppers is going to scare me?
I fought in Somme!
Patient Two repeatedly punches Dr. Manley in the face.
Dr. Manley falls to the ground.
PATIENT TWO (CONT'D)
I'm going to kill you!
Dr. Manley whacks the gun out of his hands. Patient
Two chokes him against the wall until he lets go of
him and Dr. Manley falls to the ground.
DR. MANLEY
(struggling)
Why should I care...
Patient Two doesn't hear this. He continues. Dr.
Manley crawls towards the gun.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
You've been blinded by bullets, patient. Let me heal you-
Dr. Manley points the gun at Patient Two.
PATIENT TWO
You don't know how to use that thing even. What are you going
to do with it?
DR. MANLEY
If you don't get out of my office, I will fire this gun at
you. Sandy!
PATIENT TWO
Fire it! Take a shot! End my life, doctor. You've hid in
white enough. If you can't share it might as well shoot me
then.
Dr. Manley fires the gun and it hits the gramophone.
Patient Two ducks down and hides under the table,
rolled up in a ball.
 31.

DR. MANLEY
I've found a new culture, PTSD! Come here if you can. You
want to see bright light and the end? Come here! You can take
it, can't you? Show me your strength!
Patient Two starts rocking on the floor. Dr. Manley
gets up and walks over to Patient Two. He points the
gun at him.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
Any more requests for jelly beans, son?
Dr. Manley empties the gun and throws it out of the
window. He stands behind the desk.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
You wanted jelly beans, right?
PATIENT TWO
(mumbles)
Yes.
DR. MANLEY
Well, sit up and let's discuss these issues and reactions
you're having. If you want jelly beans then I want
information. Jelly beans are how you cope, right?
PATIENT TWO
Yes.
DR. MANLEY
When did you first have jelly beans in the war, huh?
PATIENT TWO
Cap' gave it to us before we set off for battle.
DR. MANLEY
Right now, you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms. You're
going to be a bit unhinged and uncomfortable with yourself
without those jelly beans. However, if you want to fix
yourself, you're going to listen to me and do as I say.
Otherwise, you'll end up as a nobody.
PATIENT TWO
Bugger off.
Dr. Manley picks up the gun and points it at him, he
cocks it. Patient Two looks at the gun and sits on the
sofa.
PATIENT TWO (CONT'D)
You can take me for dead! I won't give anything. The Queen
will die with me in solidarity if I have to! You hear me?!
 32.

DR. MANLEY
I'm not the Germans.
PATIENT TWO
I've heard about how you slit and throw our bodies in rots
and in the mouths of children. You can shoot it and end it
now! I'm not saying anything!
Dr. Manley throws the gun. The lights turns off. A
spotlight is shown on Patient Two, on his knees with
his hands on his back.
PATIENT TWO (CONT'D)
You aren't taking me anywhere. You can shoot me now! I'll die
with my men! Cholera has taken enough of my dear soldiers.
I'd die with them if I could!
Voice #4 comes in and stands in front of Patient two
with his gun, acting as his hands, pointed at Patient
Two.
VOICE #4
(German accent)
Do you fear me, patient?
PATIENT TWO
I'm not a patient.
VOICE #4
Yet, you reside in a single room of a hospital transcribed as
looney-vile. Do you not agree with this?
PATIENT TWO
I'm in no damn hospital.
Patient Two tries to spit in Voice #4's face but his
mouth is dry. Voice #4 throws him to the ground.
VOICE #4
Look around yourself. You escaped to a doctor's office. But
are you in a hospital?
PATIENT TWO
What do you mean?
VOICE #4
Heh. You're stuck with me and his Emperor, Wilhelm the
second, you prisoner. I don't take kindly to your kind. You
Brits are so full of yourselves. Lack the patience and
technicality we do. Are you ready to face the Emperor's
wrath?
 33.

PATIENT TWO
Bring it on! Do it! C'mon, prickly. Where are your
frankfurters? Don't have enough sauerkraut to feed me? Oh,
wow. It tastes so bad. You're killing me!
Patient Two bursts into laughter before slapping him
in the face.
VOICE #4
I'm aware of my abilities, Mr. Schwein! Compared to your
position, I think I am in much position to make decisions of
my own without any disruption. Bring ihn weg, ich will sein
Gesicht nicht sehen!
All three Voices enter and take away Patient Two.
VOICE #4 (CONT'D)
These savages know not of war criminal etiquette. They'd
rather die than save themselves and enjoy great wealth and
pleasure under the Emperor. We might torture them a little
bit, hang them, leave them out in the cold and die of
hypothermia, hunger, disease...massacre of -- but we intended
on --
The spotlight moves over to Dr. Manley who's sitting
on the chair. Another spotlight is turned to Patient
Two sitting on the sofa.
DR. MANLEY
-- On helping different veteran soldiers recover quickly from
the things they've experienced in the war.
PATIENT TWO
(stumbling)
Ok...ok. I'll do it.
DR. MANLEY
Are you receiving any professional care right now?
PATIENT TWO
No.
DR. MANLEY
Do you have any money?
PATIENT TWO
No.
DR. MANLEY
Then make sure you come back with some money next time,
alright? We bill five pounds an hour so it shouldn't be too
hard to pay. And, where is your place of residence, as of
right now?
 34.

PATIENT TWO
Around town.
DR. MANLEY
Fine.
Dr. Manley takes out a pamphlet from his drawers and
hands it to Patient Two.
DR. MANLEY (CONT'D)
This will take you to a shelter nearby. Unless you do have
happened to earn some money then come back here. Otherwise
don't. I am not under contract by the government to assist
you. Good day now.
PATIENT TWO
Jelly beans?
DR. MANLEY
The jelly-jelly kind? We don't have the jelly beans you're
looking for as of right now. Some chav around the corner
might have the kind of class of jelly beans you're looking
for, however.
PATIENT TWO
Okay.
Patient Two gets up to head out. Dr. Manley takes the
gun out of his drawer.
DR. MANLEY
...And the gun?
PATIENT TWO
Keep it.
Patient Two leaves and closes the door.
DR. MANLEY
Sandy! Where in the blimey hell are you?!
Dr. Manley opens the door.
VOICE #2 (O.S.)
The addiction remains, doctor.
Patient Two elbows Dr. Manley and the lights
immediately cut off. The curtains close.
END OF SCENE TWO
END OF ACT ONE