Overview
- Female: 3
- Male: 2
Context
It is time for the senior drama class to put on their annual show. Led by Kim and Eric, the students have decided to develop a show that addresses their concerns over climate change. Their teacher, Ms. Carlson, wondered whether they would be able to devise an original show but gave them two weeks to prove whether they could. She is pleasantly surprised by their efforts but she has one major concern--their choice of language.
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MS. CARLSON First, let me give you the good news. I have to say, you've gotten off to an admirable start. I like the direction you're going in.
(Class reacts positively.)
Now, for the bad news. And I think you know what I'm referring to. Can we please edit out the curse words?
ROD Why? If now isn't the time for all the fury we can put into words, when will it be? When it's too late? Besides, what are curse words? Just sounds in the air. But, at least, they have shock value.
MS. CARLSON I'm not thinking so much about myself as I am about your parents. What about what some of your parents will call "taking the name of the Lord in vain"?
JAN I'm sure we all love our parents. But they need to get wake up, get off their asses and do something about the problem.
SUE I agree. Actually, we need to get them mad as hell.
MS. CARLSON If you edit out the curse words, I'll give you permission to do the show.
(Class rebels.)
MS. CARLSON (CONT'D) Let me put it another way. If I give you permission to include whatever you want, next year I may not be here.
ROD We'll go to the wall for you.
MS. CARLSON Thank you, Rod. But I don't know how much good that will do. Many of your parents are very religious, including yours, Kim. What will the fundamentalists think?
KIM We've talked about that. If their religion was based on taking good care of life on earth, we probably wouldn't be facing the problems we are. So I think it's OK to go all out to give them something to think about besides looking forward to the "End Times."
MS. CARLSON Kim, I admire your idealism and the intensity of you feelings. Tell you what. Make one change and I'll take it up with the principal. And I think it works with the meaning better. Rod, how about "How hellish hot does it have to get?"
ROD I'll think about it.
MS. CARLSON Fair enough. Then I'll take it up with the principal. If Mr. Grayson says curse words are justified, then, as far as I'm concerned, fire away!
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