Title: Smile
by James | in writing, fiction
MUM and SON are apart.
SON stands downstage left. MUM stands upstage right.
They are both lit with a spotlight and the remainder of the stage is dark.
SON addresses the audience. MUM speaks as if addressing SON.
MUM:
One.
SON:
Two.
MUM:
Three.
SON takes a deep breath, trying to calm down.
SON:
Mum said I should count to one hundred when they say things like this.
MUM is comforting and positive.
MUM:
Count to one hundred and smile, because we all smile in the same language.
SON:
She said that I shouldn't let it get to me.
MUM:
Because you're better than them.
SON looks at his hands, turning them over.
SON:
Just because my skin is a different colour-
MUM:
-or your sexuality isn't the same as everybody else's-
SON:
-or I because I don't have a Dad. To them it all matters so much.
MUM:
But to you, it doesnï'½t matter at all. It's your world. And that's what's important.
SON:
So I just smile.
SON and MUM suddenly smile in unison.
SON and MUM:
(In unison)
Because we all smile in the same language.
Fade to blackout.
NOTE:
The script can instead be performed replacing SON with DAUGHTER for a female lead.
Directions are only guidelines and basic ideas.
Smile is a 100 word play about a young boy who is being bullied at school for being 'different'. He recalls the advice his Mum once gave him to help him through the situation. My inspiration for writing the script came from an experience of my own, when I was in secondary school, where I was laughed at and ridiculed for my love of performing arts. I had always been told never to retaliate, but to simply smile at the bullies, because I am happy with who I am and, as the play states, that's what's important.
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