The November’s People’s Choice Award goes to…

The people have spoken… The November People’s Choice Award goes to Claire Abramovitz for their short play, Mercy as a Mother on a Child, presented as a staged reading live at The Producer’s Club and Simulcast & On-Demand via Vimeo Live on November 27th. Congratulations, Claire!

Courtesy of Claire, we’re pleased to share the first few pages from the award-winning script. Enjoy!

Mercy as a Mother on a Child
by Claire Abramovitz

CHARACTERS

Yishmael: Abraham’s first born son his name means God has heard, 14, Male

Hagar: Abraham’s maidservant, mother of Yishmael, 30s/40s, Female

Though traditionally a mother and son, anyone of any gender can play any role.
Slash “/” indicates an overlap in dialogue

(A mother and son are sat together in the wilderness with
nothing but a skin of water between them. They have
found a sort of rock shelter for the time. The sun is no
longer at its peak. It is on its way towards the horizon
sinking slowly.

The mother, Hagar, is drawing figures in the dirt, trying to
distract her child.)

YISHMAEL
Sheep again.

HAGAR
Sun baked out all my creativity.
(beat)
Your turn.

YISHMAEL
Seriously?

HAGAR
Go on.

YISHMAEL
Alright.

(He scribbles in the sand)

HAGAR
That’s …

YISHMAEL
Whatever you want it to be.

HAGAR
I was going to say a lion.

YISHMAEL
Yeah. Sure. Fine. Great. It’s a lion then.

HAGAR
Alright. Well…
(beat)
I guess it’s my turn.

YISHMAEL
Whatever.

(She draws something in the sand and waits. Yishmael doesn’t look.)

HAGAR
Are you gonna guess?

YISHMAEL
It’s a sheep.

HAGAR
You didn’t even look.

YISHMAEL
But I’m right?

HAGAR
It’s a cloud. Actually.

YISHMAEL
That’s just a sheep without legs.
(beat)
I know what you’re trying to do.

HAGAR
Only passing time.

YISHMAEL
While we wait for what?

HAGAR
Come on now, draw something again.

YISHMAEL
What’s the point?

Join us for our next Monday Night Playground on December 25 completely ONLINE! For more info, click here!