Page 246 - Musings 2020

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The Puppet Master

Rajeev Singh Naruka 2017A7PS0010P , Sarkar Bharat A Waresh 2017A7PS0087P, Yash
Bhagat 2017A7PS0063P and Sharang Sharma 2017A7PS0054P

CHARACTERS

Edward Miller & Ava Miller: a married couple in their early thirties

Puppet Master: 63, mysterious man, old and frail body

SETTING

House of Mr. and Mrs.Miller somewhere in Bradfield, England. The scene unfolds in the
Living room having dilapidated walls of pale-yellow tint. All the curtains are tightly-drawn
and the only source of light in the room is a single incandescent pendant light at the centre of
the room. Just below the lamp is a large black wooden table with ivory chairs on both sides.
Photographs of a young child with the couple are hanging on the back wall. The dust-covered
room and furniture along with the withered plants in the north-east corner indicate a state of
neglect. An antique ebony tower clock at the centre of the back wall strikes 1 PM. Mr. and
Mrs.Miller are standing on the right side of the table staring at a white wooden box atop the
table. On the left side of the table is the Puppet Master who is facing the couple.

BEGIN.

Ava: So, does this even work?

Puppet Master: Never met a single dissatisfied customer in my life. (Removing the top of the
box.) Ta-Da! Take a look at this.

Edward: (with an unimpressed and disapproving gesture) It’s just a doll, (in a low tone)A
stupidly overpriced doll.

Puppet Master: It’s a lot more than that.

Ava: How does this work?

Puppet Master: Just take him in your arms.

(Ava gently lifts the puppet in her arms)

Ava: (tearing up) It’s...It’s my boy!

(Edward surprisingly looks at the puppet in his wife’s hand)

Puppet Master: Go ahead take a look. Take the overpriced stupid doll in your hands.

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