[Dark stage. A dim light falls on the stage that partially silhouettes the actor.]1
Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?2
Never, in my innocence did I know what darkness meant. After all, I lived amidst the bright lights of life. My father being a renowned neurosurgeon was able to provide every necessity of life, and more than that. My father was a stylish gentleman with exquisite taste and he loved to add hints of luxury to our lives. He would buy mother the loveliest of gowns and jewelry and shower me with Barbie dolls, chocolates and other presents which would bring me much happiness and delight. We lived in a beautiful duplex apartment amidst the hustle-bustle of the busy city life. It was as if our lives were perfect, but they say, “Nothing lasts forever,” and their prediction turned out to be correct. Our perfect lifestyle didn’t last forever…3
[Flicker of red and blue lights on the stage along with the sound of an ambulance. All of a sudden the sound stops, and a red spotlight illuminates the actor.]4
My father could not survive a sudden cardiac arrest. It is ironical that he being a doctor talked to patients about strength, but he gave up on his strength, so much so that he let go of life. I was fourteen years old; old enough to understand that father had left us, old enough not to be soothed by mother’s constant words that God wanted father in heaven, old enough to understand the meaning of darkness, old enough, yet scared and insecure. I didn’t know how to display my feelings. I did not shed a single tear. I did not utter a single syllable. Why! I did not bother to go to father’s funeral. I sat in one corner of my room, and scribbled furiously on a sheet of paper and poured out the most beautiful and heart felt words that described my pain. On, father’s death day, I looked at my words and smiled. Father would have been proud…5
[A dim blue glow on the stage, silhouettes the actor partially.]6
Days led to weeks, and weeks led to months, and then sooner than we knew it, it was almost a year. We stayed in the same apartment, but no laughter rang through the walls and life became dull. Mother occupied herself in social work, and I drew myself to my own private world of words. Few words were spoken at home. Mother would sometimes say that I would grow up to be a doctor like father. I would try to avoid it as much as possible. A serene atmosphere hung around us at all times. A shade of black filled our lives. My words became hope, happiness, wisdom, joy, glory and beauty. Gradually, darkness faded away from my life and I knew I would never permit its entry to my life again. But life is a cruel game…7
[The lights go out. The actor screams.]8
Let me out! Please let me out!9
[Thuds. Sound of glass breaking. The actor moans. Absolute silence for five seconds. A dim red spotlight illuminates the actor and brightens slowly. The actor sits on a chair, electrodes attached to her body. Hands clamped. Laughs.]10
This is the Electroconvulsive therapy, or what you call the electric shock treatment that I am given, whenever I recall my past. Certain visions make me frantic, yes. It’s dark in here, yes. I am scared, no. I am terrified. 11
[Laughs.]12
This is a mental asylum. They think I am crazy. I still remember that day…13
…My mother smiled again, after a long time. It was going to be my first day in medical school. I wanted to pursue my career with my words, but I agreed on attending medical school just to see mother smile, just for her happiness. Supposedly the medical students feel pride swelling within them when they enter through the gates. I was certainly an exception. All I felt was an uneasy, deep pit settling down in my stomach. Throughout the day, I avoided the seniors as much as possible, since they found pleasure in harassing the freshmen. But how long could I avoid them? Soon, I was given a dare to enter a laboratory. As soon as I entered, one of the seniors bolted the door behind me. It was dark inside, and I felt claustrophobic. My head started spinning with nausea, and a pungent odor seemed to have smothered me. As my eyes accustomed to the darkness, I clearly saw dead bodies that medical students operated on lying on the tables. I screamed, shouted, and pounded my fists on the door, but all I heard was laughter and all I saw was the dark. I could no more breathe properly. My eyes widened, and my face grew ashen. I held on to a table, gulping for breath. I felt as if my insides were being murdered. I tried to move, but in my efforts, a beaker fell down and smashed to pieces. I lost my strength like my father did. I remember smiling for my defeat in the war that darkness challenged me. I fell down, and lost consciousness.14
One joke cost me my life…15
[Laughs.]16
…And they think I am crazy. I will always remember that day…17
[The lights go out. The actor screams.]18
Let me out! Please let me out!19
[Thuds. Sound of glass breaking. The actor moans. Absolute silence for five seconds.]20
Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?21
Author notes
I am writing a group of monologues, titled "Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?" starting and ending with the same line, emphasising on darkness, and the different ways it can be interpreted in. I will posting all the monologues out here, but it may take time...keep reading...and do comment.
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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This part, I think you probably should leave. "I will always remember that day." I just here it will sound good.
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That certainly does help, but I am not making any changes now. I have to put this on stage first and then observe how the actor enacts it, and then make changes. But thanks for the critique, I'll think of better lines, or a better way to potray it.
Thanks
Ankita -
"This is the Electroconvulsive therapy, or what you call the electric shock treatment that I am given, whenever I recall my past. Certain visions make me frantic, yes. It’s dark in here, yes. I am scared, no. I am terrified." That part was a part I thought was low, I believe. Then 10 out of 10 was this part. "Days led to weeks, and weeks led to months, and then sooner than we knew it, it was almost a year. We stayed in the same apartment, but no laughter rang through the walls and life became dull. Mother occupied herself in social work, and I drew myself to my own private world of words. Few words were spoken at home. Mother would sometimes say that I would grow up to be a doctor like father. I would try to avoid it as much as possible." Then 5 out of 10 was here. "A serene atmosphere hung around us at all times. A shade of black filled our lives. My words became hope, happiness, wisdom, joy, glory and beauty. Gradually, darkness faded away from my life and I knew I would never permit its entry to my life again. But life is a cruel game…" Hope that helps to understand my comment. Bye
Here is where 4 out of 10 was"…And they think I am crazy. I will always remember that day…
[The lights go out. The actor screams.]
Let me out! Please let me out!
[Thuds. Sound of glass breaking. The actor moans. Absolute silence for five seconds.]
Did I ever tell you I am afraid of the dark?"
Edited on Jan 26 because 'for got a part'. -
Well, yes, what you said is more or less true. The thing is I am trying to make something different; it's a monologue-based-play, not a play-based-monologue. Well, thanks for the comments. I would like to know when it was lowest (4/10) and when it was highest (10/10).
Thanks
Ankita -
I meant for my comment... if it were for an actual play, that has been professionally published. If that makes sense to you.
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heh, heh... I'm going to be honest. It wasn't good. But that would be if it were actually a monologue for a play. Well... I would give it a 5 out of 10 for the beginning, but then it got better, so 7 out of 10, then 4 out of 10, then 8 out of ten... at one point it was 10 out of 10. So over all, 7 out of ten.
It went down a slope, and it went up a slope, then down, then up. -
Vividly descriptive
The impression of this monologe unfolds, slowly at first, but when it stirs and involves with the reader, it brings a rapt attention. The stage directions taken in conjunction with the dialogue, makes you almost visualize what is being described.
This is very impressive and has a kind of dramatic impact. -
Well, i am inspired. Have been dabbling in poetry since long, but short stories i am not too good at. This piece is amazing. I love the theatre and you alive a beautiful play through this write. Keep writing!
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Thank You. I will try to keep it up!
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wow, simply breathtaking. This was amazing, powerful. I'm very impressed. Keep up the talent, creativity, and work.
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It is really a great journey of the true sentiments of the poet .The thoughts are very touchy and very deeply bringing the bitter truths of the life.The quality of the screenplay is very strongly taking its pace through and through. The structure of the overall presentation is very heartfelt too. The flow of the write is very impressive and very slick too. I really appreciate this work.prabhudayal khattar
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Thank you for the comment, and thanks a ton for the luck. I need it when I write some more of these monologues, and when I finally decide to stage it.
Ankita -
::::shivers:::: wow, this was powerful. I can't wait to read more of your monologues. This is captivating. I can even picture myself sitting in a dark theater watching the actor performing this monologue. Good luck to you!
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Porchi,
Thanks for your comments. Directing and writing screenplay are my passion and thus it explains these inputs of monologues.
Ankita
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Nice write..you are good at monologues..really..Monologue is not something I can master..lol..wht is a conversation without 2 people?Anyway..you have written wonderfully well with apt words and vocabulary..
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Thanks for your compliments, Rick. I feel I have to change a few words here and there (i kinda read it once again). Anyways, I am glad you liked it.
Love
Ankita
Edited on Nov 27, 11:29 p.m. because ''. -
awesome
ann...i have no words...absolutely no words...magnificent...i think you have done it...you have arrived...i should be jealous, but i am too much in awe to be jealous... -
very good
This was an interesting read. The first time I have read anything like this and I am glad I did. Your story is very good and you paint the pictures well with your words. The effects do enhance the visions. I am going to have to read more of your work in the future! -
Wow... I like that... I act so I'm constantly searching for new and interesting monologues. I absolutely loved yours, one of the best (not to mention creative) ones I've read in a long time. Keep writing them I look foreward to more of them!
Best of wishes...
Tiffany
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