Title of the work: “SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS”.
Author: Leslye Rivera Casanoba
6 CHARACTERS:
- PERSON 1
- PERSON 2
- PERSON 3
- PERSON 4
- PERSON 5
- PERSON 6
STAGE: The stage has no elements. Each character has something that characterizes him/her (color of clothes, objects, hats, etc.) Everyone walks around the stage pretending to go shopping. Some walk slowly looking at stores, others in a hurry looking at the clock. Everyone is mumbling and talking to themselves. Christmas music plays in the background. After a few seconds, the music stops and the characters stand still.
ACT I
PERSON 1: (Walks to the center of the stage at the same pace as at the beginning. (Thoughtful) Mmmm… It could be a purse, clothes, shoes… Mmmm… A ring! Or a necklace?… or a perfume maybe… (Undecided) How difficult! (Continues walking, looking at stores and joins the group).
They all move around the stage again performing the same actions as before. They murmur. They perform this action for a few seconds until the second character moves to the center of the stage.
PERSON 2: (Walks to the center of the stage in a hurry looking at the clock). Always the same… December 24 at 7 o’clock in the evening buying everything. Let’s see… (Counting on fingers) Mom, Dad, Ceci, Pablo, Roberto, Grandpa, Grandma, Carlitos, Emilia and the newborn. 10. Perfect. (Looking at the audience) Everybody likes chocolates, don’t they? (He keeps walking around looking around doing his thing and joins the group).
Again. They all walk around the stage doing the same actions as always. They mumble. They do this action for a few seconds until the third character walks to the center of the stage.
PERSON 3: (Walks to the center of the stage with quite a few gift bags). I have everything ready. I love this month because I can buy so many things… some very inexpensive, others not so much, but beautiful! (Looks inside his bags) Three gifts for each one will be enough… (Thoughtful) or maybe… if I also give them candy and socks… (Decided) Sure! I’ll keep buying… (Walks and leaves the stage).
ALL: They keep walking and muttering. They begin to walk faster and gradually raise the volume of their voices. When the voices are loud, they all run to the edge of the stage and shout in chorus: CHRISTMAS IS NOT CONSUMERISM!
Everyone walks back to the stage in different moods. The person who left the bags joins the group. Some are sad, angry or stressed. Others are anxious, worried or tired. Christmas music plays in the background. After a few seconds, the music stops and the characters stand still.
PERSON 4: (Walks to the center of the stage in a sad state of mind) I feel so lonely… Christmas comes and I automatically go into depression… I don’t know why… it’s the lights, the people, the weather… I feel sorry… Nothing makes sense. It’s depressing. I definitely don’t like Christmas… (He continues to walk slowly, sadly and joins the group).
They all move around the stage again in the same emotional state. They mumble. They do this action for a few seconds until the fifth character walks to the center of the stage.
PERSON 5: (Walks to center stage angrily.) I hate Christmas! I really do. I say this from my deepest honesty I loathe it! Stupid songs everywhere, lots of people walking around, running around, spending money they don’t have, all dressed up ridiculously as Santa, reindeer and elves… No. From the bottom of my soul… I hate Christmas. (He keeps walking around looking doing his thing and joins the group).
Again. They all walk around the stage in the same emotional state. They mumble. They do this action for a few seconds until the sixth character walks to the center of the stage.
PERSON 6: (Walks to center stage anxiously). I have to… go buy the 20 gifts I’m missing. (He touches his head) I have to get a haircut… I’m very messed up. I have to buy food and refreshments for Christmas Eve. I have to set the alarm early to get everything done. I have to send the cards by certified mail today. Otherwise they won’t get there. I have to pick up my mom at 8 pm and send ten emails. I have to call my friends to organize the New Year’s event. I have to… I have to… (He keeps walking in his anxious state repeating the last two words. He joins the group).
ALL: They continue walking and muttering. They begin to walk faster and gradually raise the volume of their voices. When the voices are loud, they all run to the edge of the stage and shout in chorus: CHRISTMAS IS NOT ABOUT FEELING BAD! IT’S NOT ABOUT FEELING…
PERSON 1: Tired.
PERSON 2: Angry.
PERSON 3: Stressed.
PERSON 4: Sad.
PERSON 5: Worried.
PERSON 6: Desperate.
Everyone sits on the edge of the stage freely. It is not necessary to follow a line or row. It can be cross-legged or stretched out. As each person says his or her final dialogue, an overhead light shines on him or her.
PERSON 1: For me Christmas is family. Being with the people we love. Sharing with your family even if it’s only two people.
PERSON 2: For me Christmas is joy, happiness, singing, dancing, laughing and joking… it is the purest and truest happiness.
PERSON 3: Christmas means meeting. Union. Connection. Closeness with your loved ones. Christmas is integration.
PERSON 4: Christmas is to stop worrying about yourself and think about the other. A perfect occasion to leave selfishness and self-centeredness behind.
PERSON 5: For me Christmas is Skin. Caresses, handshakes, kisses and hugs. Showing the affection, affection and love we feel without shame. Without fear.
PERSON 6: Let’s make this Christmas different. Unique. Let’s leave behind bad habits, bad traditions and bad feelings. Let’s live a Christmas with a heart full of love and happiness. That is our message.
All stand up and come forward.
ALL: (Loudly) LET’S RECOVER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!
Lights off. Background music. Curtain closes.
THE END