Act II — The Writer's Burden

Criminal Minds

by Ed Napier

FBI profilers Gideon and Hotch interrogate a delusional and medicated suspect, Eddy Mays, regarding the disappearance of a young boy. Despite their pressure, Eddy remains in a dissociative state, unable to recall the violent crimes he is accused of committing.

Wonka

by Simon Farnaby, Paul King

Willy Wonka reveals himself to his former lover, Eveliegh, and proposes a lavish life together to escape her current marriage. The scene reaches a breaking point when Eveliegh must choose between Wonka's eccentric fantasy and the reality of her family, leading to a devastating confession about her true feelings.

Love and Money

by Dennis Kelly

Debbie, an office worker, calmly recounts a series of increasingly violent and unhinged acts of sabotage against her workplace and boss. The monologue juxtaposes her mundane delivery with the disturbing nature of her actions, ending on a poignant childhood aspiration.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

by Bertolt Brecht

Lavrenti attempts to convince his sister Grusha to enter into a marriage of convenience with a dying peasant to provide legal legitimacy for the child she is protecting. Grusha reluctantly agrees to the arrangement for the sake of the child's safety, despite her commitment to another man.

Bugonia

by Will Tracy

A corporate executive delivers a hollow, PR-managed apology to a young man whose mother has been left comatose and physically buoyant by a failed product. While Michelle attempts to use corporate buzzwords to mitigate legal damage, Teddy struggles to physically hold his floating mother down to earth.