Title: “The best example”.
Author: Silvina Carrasco
7 Characters:
- Adriana: A woman of about 38 years old. Her dream has always been to be an actress, but she has had to put it aside because of her responsibilities as a mother and wife, at an early age.
- Esteban: Adriana’s husband.
- Sole: 20 years old, she is Adriana and Esteban’s eldest daughter.
- Julieta: 18-year-old daughter of Adriana and Esteban. She dreams of becoming a model. She is the one who will make Adriana rethink her life.
- Claudio: Young man in his 20’s, he is Julieta’s boyfriend.
- Susana: Neighbor of the family and Adriana’s lifelong friend.
- Voice-over: (Simulates coming from the TV) She is the one who promotes the search for actresses on TV.
ACT I
Characters that intervene in this act: Adriana, Julieta, Claudio, Sole, Voice-over and Susana.
Scenario: Living-dining room of a family house. In it: a television, armchairs, a table, chairs and a library.
Julieta and Claudio are studying at the table. Sole watches TV. Adriana cleans the library.
Voice-over: Are you a professional actress, are you an amateur actress and want to make yourself known to the general public? This is your big chance!
(Adriana instantly stops what she is doing and stares at the TV as if hypnotized).
-Voice Off: Show up on Saturday the 27th at 8:00 pm at Santa Ana 1830 and you’ll be able to cast to perform with the number one acts!
(Enter Susana very excited)
-Susana: (Almost shouting) Adri, are you watching TV?!
(Adriana gets embarrassed and pretends to be sorting some books)
-Adriana: No, what happened?
-Susana: They’re looking for actresses for the new novela. I heard it the other time on the afternoon show, they’re already promoting it! They’re looking for someone with your profile!
-Sole: With my profile?
-Susana: Yes, your mother! you were THE actress of the school. In elementary school, in high school… we had to act and they called you… and how your eyes sparkled when you did it; we were convinced that we would see you succeed on TV.
-Adriana: (embarrassed and a little nervous) Then I got pregnant and that was the end of the story. That was a long time ago Susy…..
-So because of me you didn’t follow your dream of being an actress?
-Adriana: Nobody’s fault…but with your arrival my responsibilities changed. Then Juli arrived and I couldn’t dedicate myself to anything but taking care of you two and your father. And also with pleasure because you are the most important thing for me.
-Claudio: Of course, that’s what a woman with a family has to do.
-Susana: But you loved acting.
-Adriana: (Nervous) I did what I had to do Susy, try to be a good mother and a good wife. (Wanting to change the subject) I’m going to finish cooking.
ACT II
Characters involved in this act: Adriana, Esteban, Sole and Julieta.
Scenario: Dining room of the family house.
(Adriana perfectly arranges the food and utensils for breakfast on the table. Sole enters, grabs a piece of toast and starts eating).
-Sole: (While eating) Mommy, please remember to pick up my books, I don’t have enough time.
-Adriana: Yes, I’ll buy you 3 big notebooks, pens and binders; I’ll stop by the library, pick up your books; I’ll go to school, leave you your books and pick you up at Naty’s in the evening.
-Sole: Yes mommy, thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you (She drinks juice and leaves).
-Esteban: (enters the scene and kisses Adriana) Honey, my blue tie?
-Adriana: On the bed, with the rest of your clothes.
-Esteban: Thank you. (Leaves the stage.)
(Enters Julieta.)
-Julieta: Good morning, mom.
-Adriana: Hello my favorite model. The big day is coming! Are you nervous? You’re going to do your first big fashion show!
-Julieta: Mmm… I don’t know mom. I’m just not sure I’m going to do it.
-Adriana: How?
-Julieta: It’s just that Claudio doesn’t like this modeling thing that much. He’s more conservative and it makes him a little jealous.
-Adriana: But my love, you waited so long for an opportunity like this.
-Julieta: Yes mom, but as you say the most important thing is the family, and one day Claudio and I will form a family.
-Adriana: Daughter, but when you love someone you don’t ask them to give up their dreams.
-Juliet: Mom, but you always postpone your desires to take care of daddy… and us.
-Adriana: But… it’s different… because…
(Adriana remains silent. She understands that her daughter is right).
-Juliet: I’m leaving, Mommy, I’m late. (Leaves the scene.)
(Adriana is left alone thinking. After a moment she picks up the phone and dials).
-Adriana: Susy, can you come with me to the acting casting?
ACT III
Characters that intervene in this act: Adriana, Julieta, Esteban and Sole.
Scene: Dining room table.
(The family is having dinner)
-Adriana: Daughters, I have some news to tell you. (She looks at Esteban with complicity) I signed up for the acting casting.
-Sole: Mom, I’m so happy, congratulations!
-Julieta: Yes, mom, that’s great! I’m so happy that you’re doing what makes you happy!
-Esteban: (To Adriana) I told you they would like the news.
-Adriana: It’s just that, now I might not have so much time to take care of things around the house.
-Sole: Don’t worry, we’ll get organized.
-Esteban: Yes, sure, we’ll divide the tasks and everything will be fine.
-Adriana: I’m so happy to hear you! I want to do this so much, but it makes me nervous.
-Juliet: What we want most is for you to be happy and do what you love… What a thrill, I can accompany you to your acting tryouts and you can accompany me to my modeling tryouts.
-Adriana: I thought you weren’t sure about modeling.
-Julieta: I just changed my mind… I’m going to do what makes me happy and those who love me will have to support me.
THE END