Foresight Saga
(Theatre of the Absurd)
Act One
In a train compartment. Man 1 is a self-assured businessman, Man 2 is probably his side kick. They are seated on the same side, each at a window. Young Man , dishevelled could be a student, and he is sitting in the middle of the seats opposite. Train is travelling at speed.
Man 2. I think we might get there on time.
Man 1 grunts. Young Man seems nervous, and is rummaging in his rucksack. Suddenly he looks in the direction of the 2 men.
Young Man: Excuse me, what’s the time.
Man 2 shakes his head, he has no watch. Man 1 ignores the question.
Young Man: Sorry, but could you tell me the time?
Man 2: Don’t have a watch.
A watch can clearly be seen on Man 1’s wrist. He pulls his sleeve to cover the watch.
Man 1: Neither do I.
Man 2 is perplexed and looks disappointed. Young Man seems unaware that Man 1 has a watch. Young Man shrugs and stands up.
Young Man: I think I’ll go take a leak.
The older men ignore him and he walks out. Man 2 slides a bit towards Man 1.
Man 2. That was a bit … how shall I put it? Uncharitable. All the young man wanted was to know the time. That was so thoughtless … unkind of you refusing to respond. So unlike you...
Man 1 looks shocked.
Man 1. Did you say thoughtless? Is that what you think? My friend I was anything but thoughtless. In fact mine was a thoughtful reaction. Based on my experience of the world, my foresight … eh … my maturity if you will.
Man 2 gapes in disbelief.
Man 1. I’ll explain. Your young man wants to know the time right? So I tell him (looks at his watch) fifteen to seven. Then what?
Man 2. He says thank you and that’s the end of the affair.
Man 1. That’s where you are wrong. It’s the beginning.
Man 2 looks amazed.
Man 1. You know my good nature. So I engage him in conversation, ask for his name, what he’s studying, reminisce about my own student days … and when our train arrives, I offer to give him a ride home. Then, you know me, I ask him to come home and have a meal with us … you know Marguerite always make a fuss when I go away for a whole week, there’ll be enough food for a regiment.
Man 2. OK, so you invite him. So what?
Man 1. There’s the rub. Amélie is back from La Sorbonne too this week, and it’s inevitable that the youngsters will get talking. He’s a handsome lad our student … reminds me of myself at his age … they get on famously, and before you know what they fall in love. And he ends up proposing to her _
Man 2. Well if they do, that’s normal. That’s what young people do. What’s wrong with that?
Man 1: (exploding) But everything, my friend! You want me to give away my daughter to that young wastrel?
Man 2: A wastrel?
Man 2: A chap who doesn’t even own a watch!
TBC.
