True West

Act One

Scene One

At his mother’s house in the California desert, Austin tries to write and ignore distractions from his older brother, Lee. Austin is looking after the house while their mother is in Alaska. Lee plans to “make a little tour” of the houses in the neighborhood, but Austin tries to talk him out of it and offers to give him some money. Infuriated, Lee lunges at Austin violently. Austin suggests he sleep, but Lee insists he doesn’t sleep.

Scene Two

The next morning, Lee mentions that their mother has everything in the house locked up. Austin asks Lee about where he went the night before and tells him a movie producer is coming by later to talk to him about a movie script. Lee makes a series of snide remarks about Austin’s work and the fact that he’s afraid Lee will embarrass him. Austin agrees to loan Lee his car if he will have it back by six.

Scene Three

Movie producer Saul Kimmer tells Austin he is confident in the movie project. Suddenly, Lee enters with a stolen