Unscripted | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Unscripted | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Percell
05/12/22
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Unscripted

Scene One: Childhood
1. Protagonist survives very abusive situation.
2. Protagonist learns of God and finds hope.

Scene Two: Marriage and Children
1. Protagonist finds love.
2. Protagonist raises three children.

Scene Three: Career
1. Protagonist enjoys fulfilling, productive work life.

Scene Four: Retirement (unwritten)

What does that mean, unwritten? I am in the wings, ready for the curtain to raise and I haven't even figured out my costume change. What does one wear on the first day of retirement? I have
been so busy counting the days, making sure I leave everything ready for my replacement, and now suddenly I am done. Everything is finished.

But no one wrote the next scene.

It is easy to stay in character when you are the student, the newlywed, the mother, the assistant. How does one play the retiree? It dawns on me that this role is not a lead. Center stage is filled by the busy
ones, the ones with demanding, active blocking and so many important lines to learn. These are the roles I am used to. Can I become less?

The bit parts, the characters on the periphery of the show stand in the wings and observe, they catch all the laugh lines, and see the drama from a safer distance. These are the characters that can spend so much time watching the main parts rehearse that they become very good at offering cues and assisting with props. These are the roles the older actors play, supportive roles.

This smaller role would suit me very well. There will be time to read and write reviews on the first few scenes. Time to contemplate the last scenes and prepare the set with careful thought to detail. Finally time to focus on roles never played well before, the grandmother, the present and attentive wife, the artist, writer and the willing available servant.

Yes, as I take on this new and exciting role I will also become the playwright. I will include in the story all the things that were only dreams before. That long list that begins with 'when I have time I will.....

Plots run through my mind faster than I can plan them. Will the protagonist write a novel, finally learn to quilt, volunteer at one of a dozen good causes? Maybe she will have foster children or organize a non-profit. She could travel, learn a language, plant huge gardens....

All of these things, and many more could happen. It is only the beginning. But something deep inside is drawn back to 'this role is not a lead'. This is the line that my heart wants to hear. I begin to outline Scene Four as my imagination would have it. Days not ruled by alarm clocks, meetings and deadlines.

Scene Four opens with Retiree drinking coffee and reading. Retiree then writes a letter, flips through a recipe book and chooses a meal for her new neighbor.

Other characters in Scene Four include younger wives and mothers in need of encouragement. Husband of protagonist is returned to center stage. Grandchildren appear often.

Main items on props list will include Bible, stationary and stamps, cooking utensils, teapots and coffee mugs always ready. Costumes will be comfortable, flexible and appropriate to whatever is needed most.

The focus of this scene becomes clear. I know what my character must give her audience. Light, salt and hope must mark this scene, a triumphant parade of all she has learned will bring her confidently to the final curtain. Eagerly I begin to write the golden years, the scene when wisdom and experience and hard won faith set the stage.

Scene Four:

1. Protagonist lives out her days in joyful service to her God.

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