IN PASSING: a play
A young playwright with eidetic memory begins to suspect that a young man from Swaziland in his playwriting group may be an imposter.
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With America's Next Top Model's Isis King and Kellan Tortora
ACT I
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SCENE ONE
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Even a warm palette fails this converted industrial space. Indulgent chairs from Japan sit opposite a broad desk in Starck surrounds. Oversized theatrical posters hang from immense steel beams.
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SHOSHANA, noticeably younger than her predecessor, sits capstone atop a pyramid of good intent, wearing a few more bangle bracelets than her reputation suggests.
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She is on the phone when Elliot appears in the doorway.
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SHOSHANA
This play is abysmal. But in passing, we'd make enemies.
(to Elliot)
Come in.
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Shoshana resumes on the phone as ELLIOT drifts in with a characteristic Southern evenness.
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SHOSHANA
Send mainstage tickets to her brother the donor and personal note from me.
(continuing on the phone)
You won't remember this—better write it down.
(from notes)
It is only through your continued generous support that the Civic has been able to
represent the invaluable diversity of its supporters. Happy holidays and a good
new year, from me. Leave it in my mail box—I’ll sign it. Thanks.
(she hangs up)
Can I help you?
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ELLIOT
Elliot Low. You asked to see me.
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She stares blankly.
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ELLIOT
(continuing)
From New Playwrights.
SHOSHANA
You’re Elliot Low? Please, have a seat.
How’s it going?
Shoshana reaches for his file.
SHOSHANA
(continuing)
ELLIOT
My play is already turned on its head—I’m excited for the
next draft.
SHOSHANA
Good. Stay open. Are you writing about Africa?
ELLIOT
Africa? You read my submission piece.
SHOSHANA
I don’t read all submissions personally. But I know you were highly recommended
for the program which means the committee saw something very special in your work.
ELLIOT
Third time’s the charm.
She opens his file on her desk.
SHOSHANA
What’s the South Africa connection?
ELLIOT
I lived there—for two years.
SHOSHANA
Habitat for Humanity?
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ELLIOT
No, nothing that selfless. I was dating a South African from
my MFA program. After graduation, I followed him back to Jo’burg.
SHOSHANA
The program committee says—I’m reading the notes here—Mr.
Low’s play is both culturally specific and rich in language, indigenous and otherwise.
Elliot, are you familiar with the Unheard Voices Project?
ELLIOT
It’s been a dream of mine.
SHOSHANA
Because I think Bongani Shezi is an excellent candidate.
(beat)
Why is she telling me this? I know Bongani hasn’t been especially vocal in group.
He of course hasn’t had the opportunities that you and I have had. Confidentially,
I’m concerned he may be feeling overwhelmed.
ELLIOT
I’m sure. I’ve been to Swaziland—it’s not exactly the most
cosmopolitan place.
SHOSHANA
Have you?
ELLIOT
Only briefly — on the way to Mozambique.
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SHOSHANA
Tell me about it.
ELLIOT
Officially, the Kingdom of Swaziland. Capital: Mbabane. One
of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. Only 6,704 square miles
in size, it’s smaller than the state of New Jersey. Reigning King Mswati III currently
has fourteen wives and twenty-three children—
SHOSHANA
Wow. African Studies major?
ELLIOT
No.
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SHOSHANA
That’s a lot of detail.
(beat)
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ELLIOT
Eidetic memory from my mother’s side—a second cousin.
SHOSHANA
Is that right? Photographic?
ELLIOT
Can be. But I have to make an effort to memorize text.
Mostly, I just remember things that people say—even when I don’t want to.
SHOSHANA
Word for word?
Elliot nods.
SHOSHANA
(continuing)
Really? What kinds of things?
ELLIOT
You won’t remember this—better write it down. It is only
through your continued generous support that the Civic has been able to
represent the invaluable diversity of its supporters. Happy holidays and a
good new year, from me. Leave it in my mail box—I’ll sign it. Thanks.
SHOSHANA
That’s incredible.
ELLIOT
Some things just stick. Some things don’t.
SHOSHANA
You seem to remember a lot about Swaziland.
ELLIOT
It’s a unique place.
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SHOSHANA
So you understand how important it is for Bongani to tell his
story?
ELLIOT
Sure. Theatre isn’t exactly one of Swaziland’s great
exports.
SHOSHANA
We can’t find record of a Swazi play ever having been staged
in New York.
ELLIOT
And they say everything’s been done here before.
SHOSHANA (beat)
Where do I fit into this?—he’s thinking.
ELLIOT
Who is?
SHOSHANA
Elliot, I’d like you to help Bongani—to mentor him,
unofficially.
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ELLIOT
Me?
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SHOSHANA
It’s obvious you have talent. I’ve read through all of these
critiques—pages and pages of them.
ELLIOT
Wouldn’t it have been easier just to read my play?
SHOSHANA
This is an incredibly important program—for the Civic and
for me personally.
(beat)
You have reservations?
ELLIOT
No.
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SHOSHANA
He’s wondering, with a Rolodex full of established
playwrights, why is she asking me?
ELLIOT
I don’t see a Rolodex.
SHOSHANA
I thought about approaching Guare or Gilman. But I’m afraid
that might be even more intimidating for Bongani. You’re around
his age, familiar with his culture...
(referencing his application)
you speak African languages...
ELLIOT
I don’t speak siSwati.
SHOSHANA
You won’t have to. What do you say, Elliot?
ELLIOT
Anything that I can do...
SHOSHANA
I’ll let Bongani know you’ll be meeting with him after group.
And thank you.
Elliot rises.
ELLIOT
(with a polite nod)
You have a good evening. He turns to leave.
SHOSHANA
Elliot. How are you getting home?
ELLIOT
Oh right. Strongly suggested Gay curfew.
SHOSHANA
The Mayor sounded even more ridiculous with that than he does
attempting Spanish. But I'd feel better if you took a cab.
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ELLIOT
I have a ride.
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END OF SCENE