Overview
- Female: 1
- Male: 1
Context
Paul and Mary are a couple in their fifties, getting ready for Christmas. Paul returns from the shops to find Mary setting the table for three people, instead of two. He is frustrated and annoyed to see what she is doing, as he knows it means she is having a tough day. Six years ago, they lost their daughter and Mary is struggling with her grief. Paul never knows how she will be feeling day-to-day, and he is struggling to cope with his wife's turbulent emotions.
to read the context for this scene from Year After Year and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Text
Paul: The stores weren’t nearly as bad as I thought they’d be but the shelves were just about emptied out. Still able to get milk but only a pint.
Mary: That’s fine, we won’t be having more than that anyway.
Paul puts the milk in the fridge then walks over and kisses Mary on the head as she continues setting the table.
Paul: What are you doing?
Mary: Setting the table.
Paul: You know what I mean.
Mary: …. I’m just setting the table.
Paul: Don’t do that.
Mary: Don’t do what?
Paul: Please, Mary, just stop.
Mary: Would you rather set the table?
Paul: No, I would not rather set the table.
Mary: Because you can certainly set the table if you don’t want me to set the table.
Paul: Can we stop saying, “set the table”?! (beat) I thought we were past this.
Mary: Past what?
Paul: Don’t play games.
Mary: I’m not playing games.
Paul: You don’t see what you’re doing?
Mary: I’m cooking dinner, I’ve decorated, I’m setting the table.
Paul: I never asked you to decorate, I could have done that.
Mary: I wanted to.
Paul: And now we see how well that’s worked out.
Mary: I think it all looks rather nice.
Paul: Look at what you’re doing.
Mary: What?!
Paul: You’re setting the table for three.
Mary looks down at the table, takes a moment and realizes what she did. She sits down, defeated.
Links
Year After Year was developed with The CRY HAVOC Company
For licensing inquiries, please contact [email protected]
More Scenes
All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners.
Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.