May I Have Your Attention, Please?
The Borthwick family gathers in the living room after being asked to convene there by the self-appointed black sheep of the family, Chris. He, however, has not shown up, and the family is none-too-eager to take time away from busy schedules. Chris finally arrives via video and speaks to them from the television screen (real or constructed on stage with an actor inside). We begin to see his perspective on how each family member has treated him, gaining an understanding of how poor communication and the family’s misguided intentions have led Chris to feel like an outsider. By the end of the recording, the family finally realizes how Chris has cried out for their attention, but due to his class clown nature, they cannot be sure if what he does next is another one of his jokes or is in fact real. ’You know it’s funny and a little sad,’ Chris expresses at the end of his message, ’but this is probably the longest I have ever had your attention, and tonight, even if through a TV set, I have finally felt a part of this family.’ With those words, he puts a gun to his head. As the family pleas for him to stop in a highly climatic ending, they all freeze, and speakers come out to deliver alarming statistics and share warning signs about teen suicide.
Scripts and performances may be ordered through the publisher by clicking on title below.
Published by Pioneer Drama. Englewood, CO 800-333-7262
May I Have Your Attention, Please?
#Theatre4Change : Suicide, Sibling Rivalry, Struggles of parents torn between balancing work and family time
For help with suicidal thoughts call: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or visit www.yellowribbon.org