Backstage.
Dank, dusty, sweat-smells in the soft blue light. Rope, sandbags, tape-marks glow. Scene-stay, props on the table in regimental order marked for Act 1,2,3.
Black on white sign yells ‘Silence for Performance’.
Soft sneakers pressed gently one in front of each other. Movements slow – considered care.
Audience clapping. Material and audience murmur as Curtains Close Act 1.
Audrey rushes off-stage, clattering – chattering LOUDLY to her waiting beau, declaring her excitement at first performance.
Stage Manager lifts two fingers to mouth for silence – ignored.
Quick! Frustrated grab in the once-again dim light. His hand wraps around the wooden grip of a ‘Silence’ sign banged impatiently against a thigh as he follows.
Hushed stumble down to the dressing rooms, annoyed – door locked – can’t knock – too loud.
Scratch a little – reign in – wait with rebuke ready. Click, unlocked door creaks open. Force the sign through the crack and whisper. “Quiet”.
He races back upstairs with heart pumping – ‘Damn!’ missed the bloody Curtain Open for Act 2.
All through Act 2 Audrey blithely entertains, celebrating her debut in the change rooms with popping champagne and muffled giggles.
Curtains Close Act 2.
‘Places Please’ bell for Act 3.
Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. 1,2,3 steps stage left.
Curtains Open Act 3.
Heavy heels approach uncaring, echo through dimly lit wooden stairs and empty stage.
Audrey bumps out.
Giggle – stumble – giggle. ‘Hic – Oh sorry Love – Hic…’
Frustration bites hard and a mouth thunders. “QUIET!”
A deathly scream and silence at last, as Curtains Close Act 3.
#francesmacaulayforde
Perth Words... exploring possibilities. 