60988 LEGO PEOPLE

By Charlie Jones

GENRE: Drama
TIME: 6 minutes
CAST BREAKDOWN: 2 Readers, either gender
THEME: Divorce; Family Communication
SCRIPTURE:Mark 10:1-12; 1 Corinthians 7:26-28
CHURCH YEAR SEASON: Pentecost
SUGGESTED USE: Worship service; youth group meeting; Bible study
PURPOSE: To open a discussion on the effect of divorce on children
SYNOPSIS:
This touching reader's theater examines the effect of divorce on children: "They said they were getting a divorce … I remember seeing my Lego set in the corner of the room … I remember thinking, 'I wish I was a Lego person-they're made to come apart.'" This piece is a good way to open a discussion on divorce and the healing process, for both parents and children.
CHARACTERS:
Reader 1 ~ Male or female
Reader 2 ~ Male or female
PROPS:
1) Three-ring binder for Reader 1
2) A stool for Reader 1
COSTUMES: Contemporary clothing, not distracting
SOUND: Two wireless mikes
LIGHTING: General stage
SETTING: Bare Stage
DIRECTORS NOTES:
This is a reader's theater piece. Reader 1 should use a book (a three-ring binder with the script in it). Reader 2 does not read, but keeps his focus on Reader 1, never looking at the audience. Reader 2 should, therefore, have his lines memorized. The identity of Reader 2 should remain somewhat open to interpretation, implied through staging and dialogue. To some, Reader 2 will be the conscience; to others, the devil; to still others, the "tapes" of our past; to some, a combination of these. Reader 2's demeanor is severe, intolerant and demanding; sometimes sarcastic and biting. Reader 1 is reliving the experience with all its pain and disorientation.

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READER 1 ENTERS and sits on a stool center stage, facing the audience.

READER 1

It was very strange time.

Immediately at the end of READER 1's line, READER 2 ENTERS, speaking, looking at READER 1. READER 2 walks to READER 1's side and stands facing READER 1.

READER 2

I've never known times that weren't strange.

READER 1

They sat us down in the living room.

READER 2

Strange concept: living room.

READER 1

We were all scared.

READER 2

Are the rest of the rooms dying rooms?

READER 1

But we knew what was up.

READER 2

When the deal goes down, you always know what's up.

READER 1

Said they were getting a divorce.

READER 2

Split. Decisive. Less than surgical separation. No anesthetic. Blood and bones everywhere.

READER 1

I remember seeing my Legos set in the corner of the room.

READER 2

This is the living room we're speaking of.

READER 1

The little men with round faces. All smiling. They're related to the Fisher-Price people, ya know.

READER 2

Legos. They are made to come apart.

READER 1

I remember thinking about what those guys must be feeling.

READER 2

The Legos? The round-faced smiley ones?

READER 1

It was their living room, too.

READER 2

And were we ever livin'.

READER 1

How did they feel to have this cloud pass over their world? Would they keep smiling?

TOGETHER

Legos.

READER 1

They know what they are about.

READER 2

They are made to come apart.

READER 1

We are not. Would they forget which pieces fit on which pieces to make the airplane or the boat or the police station?

READER 2

How do the pieces fit together? Who knows which pieces fit on which pieces?

READER 1

I remember thinking, "I wish I was a Lego person. I'll take my chances there."

READER 2

Of course, we are talking about the living room.

READER 1

Mom was crying. Jenny had been crying for a week.

READER 2

When the deal goes down, you always know what's up.

READER 1

Dad looked like a ghost with big dark holes for eyes.

READER 2

Legos. They are made to come apart. But who knows which pieces fit on which pieces?

READER 1

I prayed that I could be a Lego person with painted-on eyes and painted-on smile.

READER 2

Is this the living room we're talking about here?

READER 1

Maybe if I had not played with my Legos so much … maybe then Mom and Dad would stay together.

READER 2

Maybe if you could put just the right pieces on just the right pieces … maybe then … you could make it all right.

READER 1

I could build the police station.

READER 2

Or the airplane or the boat. They will be so happy. They will stay together. You can do it. But it is all up to you.

READER 1

I can do it. I can. I will paint on my smile and paint on my eyes and no one will know the difference.

READER 2

Look at you! Are you related to the Fisher-Price people?

READER 1

Legos are made to come apart. Families are not. But I can make it better.

READER 2

Pieces on top of pieces. (Pauses, then yells) No, not that way. It's all wrong. You call this living?

READER 1

I am a Lego person. Legos know what they are about. Just the right pieces on just the right …

READER 2

It is your fault. Too much fun. Too much Legos. You should have been watching out for the family.

READER 1

We're all in our places, with bright shiny faces.

READER 2

Your fault. Fix it.

READER 1

Mom, what happened? Dad, can we play?

READER 2

Your fault. Your selfishness.

READER 1

I know. I know. I'll fix it. All the right pieces on top of all the right pieces.

READER 2

Fix it. Fix it.

READER 1

Jenny, stop crying; we can fix it. Jenny, let's be Lego people. I'll help you with your smile if you help me with my eyes. Jenny, stop crying. Look, I can build the police station.

READER 2

(Continues under READER 1's line, measured) … Just the right pieces on just the right pieces. (Repeats in an urgent whisper) Fix it. Fix it. Hurry. (Stops after "Jenny, stop crying.")

READER 2

This is no living room. This is a dying room.

READER 1

They'll be so proud. Remember when we were camping last year? I was good. We were happy. I'll be good again. Watch.

READER 2

You're not smiling enough. You are responsible.

READER 1

Oh, God. Legos are made to come apart.

READER 2

Fix it in the living room. Hurry. Fix it. Hurry.

READER 1

God, Legos are made to come apart.

READER 2

You can do it. You don't need help. You can do it.

READER 1

God, I can't do it. I'm not a Lego.

READER 2

Split. Divorced. All because of you.

READER 1

No. They did it to me, God. Why did they bring this cloud into my world?

READER 2

Is that any way for a Lego person to act? Remember your smile.

READER 1

They did it to me.

READER 2

Shhhh. You don't need help. You can do it. C'mon, let's paint on your smile.

READER 1

I'm not a Lego person. God, I can't fit just the right pieces on just the right pieces.

READER 2

This living room is getting crowded. (Starts to turn away)

READER 1

I give up. I can't make it better.

READER 2

(Turning back to READER 1) You don't know what you are saying. Let me help paint your eyes.

READER 1

I can't fit just the right pieces. I need a real smile and real eyes.

READER 2

Remember, it was your fault. (Turns his back to audience but stays beside READER 1)

READER 1

Real eyes. Real eyes. To see. To really see. Oh, God help me. I give up. Help me.

Lights out.

Copyright © 2001 by Charlie Jones