Page 194 - Musings 2021

8

The Unforeseen Prediction
Atmesh Mahapatra
2019B4A30560P

CHARACTERS

Trithemius: an eccentric "seer", who is dressed in a shabby, long black robe with an overly
large hat on top.

Harris: a bald, middle-aged government employee dressed formally in a black suit.

Morrison: a middle-aged professor, also officially dressed in a long grey woolen coat

SETTING

A busy Train station. At the center is a bench, which is used by waiting passengers. The
background is grey but well lit. There is a tiny snacks shop in the background. The platform
has multiple dustbins, and it’s clean. People walk by at regular intervals, none bothering to
look around. (The edge of the stage is the border of the platform)
Harris and Morrison are each holding a folder.

BEGIN.

(Harris and Morrison settle down on the bench and start talking)

Morrison: Rumor has it that the Chief Minister had requested the prime minister to attend
today’s conference.

Harris: (Sigh) Well, he’s not coming. And I’m not complaining! Having more important
people won’t do any good for my nerves.

Morrison: So, all set for your presentation, then? I hope mine gets some positive response. I
had to work the office for four straight nights to get it done finally!

(Trithemius picks up a newspaper, looks at it with dramatic pretense, walks to the two
gentlemen sitting on the bench)

Trithemius: (With a hint of excitement) Aye, sirs, terrible day today! Harris (Looks up at
Trithemius with curiosity): Uhm.

Morrison: (to Harris in an undertone) don’t listen to him, he’s a lunatic.

Trithemius (With a wider smile): Lunatic, is it, sir?

(Morrison looks away haughtily)

Harris: Can we help you, pal?

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