This entry is a Trust Exercise
I just saw Hot Fuzz tonight and it BLEW MY MIND. I haven’t seen a movie that good since Children of Men. Completely different films, disparate in every way but one: they both kicked serious cinematic posterior. I would go so far as to say I enjoyed the former more than the latter. Just goes to show nothing beats great comedy. I came out of the theatre so intimidated that I’m afraid to start working on my own script because I know nothing that I’m currently writing could possibly be as good as the script for Hot Fuzz. It was that good. So to reiterate: Hot Fuzz is an instant classic.
Before going to see Hot Fuzz, I bought the original cast recording of Evil Dead: The Musical. Honestly, I was unimpressed. There were a couple of memorable songs (I particularly liked “Good Old Reliable Jake” and “All The Men In My Life Keep Getting Killed By Candarian Demons”), but the lyrics were lazy and the music was too pop-oriented for my tastes. It seemed to be coasting on its own campy charm, of which there was a lot, but in the end it didn’t meet my expectations. I also found it encouraging though. If this show can enjoy a successful off Broadway run, then Brick by Brick definitely can.
I just had a thought. Go back to the first paragraph and replace Hot Fuzz with Babe: Pig in the City. Thank you.
So you know how I like to post scenes that I've written? Here's one that was performed in the beginning of the school year for Midnight Cabaret.
“Julius Caesar’s Senate Retreat”
The location? Ancient Rome. The SENATORS wear togas and are clearly divided into two groups; one lead by CASSIUS and BRUTUS and the other lead by CICERO. They speak secretively amongst themselves.
BRUTUS
I won’t stand for it, Cassius, I won’t!
CASSIUS
We must have patience, my dear Brutus.
BRUTUS
Ooh, the nerve of Julius Caesar, commanding that we and the other senators take part in this isolated weekend retreat!
CASSIUS
Alas, we are miles away from civilization. Caesar’s soldiers have taken my stylus and wax tablets.
CASKA
We have no means of communicating with the outside world!
BRUTUS
I wasn’t even allowed to bring my abacus! And it’s so damn shady in these tents my sundial is useless!
DECIUS
Something must be done, if Caesar becomes king -
CASSIUS
Fear not. The Ides of March draw near. It will not be long now before we -
EVIL SENATORS
Kill Caesar!
CICERO and the GOOD SENATORS have come up behind the EVIL SENATORS without their noticing.
CICERO
Hello, Cassius. Brutus.
CASSIUS
Oh, Cicero! You startled us. We were simply discussing the latest reforms of the Roman calendar -
CICERO
Do not attempt to deceive us, Cassius. We have heard everything. We have known of your assassination plot for some time and will no longer stand for this treachery. When Caesar arrives he will learn of your atrocities.
BRUTUS
Caesar’s death will be for the good of Rome. If you will not side with us then you shall share his fate.
CICERO
That is a chance we are willing to take. Good day, senators.
CICERO and the GOOD SENATORS retreat to the other side of the stage.
CASSIUS
Pay no attention to them, Gentlemen. It is only a matter of time until we kill Caesar!
EVIL SENATORS
Kill Caesar!
BRUTUS
Kill Caesar!
EVIL SENATORS
Kill Caesar!
JULIUS CAESAR enters.
CAESAR
Gentlemen!
SENATORS
Hail Caesar!
CAESAR
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. In recent months the senate has become of a place malice, contempt and dishonesty. That is why I have ordered this retreat. This weekend we will learn to trust and respect one another through a series of exercises of my own invention.
CICERO
A brilliant idea, Caesar. If I may have a word -
CAESAR
Cicero, this is not a good time -
CICERO
Yes, but it is of the utmost importance -
CAESAR
There will plenty of time to talk after we learn to trust one another. Now, let us start with the first exercise. I call it the “trust fall”. Who would like to go first?
BRUTUS
Cicero wants to go first.
CICERO
What?
CASSIUS
Yes, I distinctly heard him say, “I’ll go first.”
CICERO
I said no such thing -
CAESAR
You needn’t be shy, Cicero. Come on up here.
The EVIL SENATORS nudge and push CICERO to the front.
Excellent. The exercise goes as follows. Cicero, turn your back to the group. Everyone form a group on either side of me and face each other. At my say so, Cicero will surrender himself to the group, falling into your arms -
CICERO
Are you certain this is safe?
CAESAR
You must trust the group, Cicero. Is everybody ready?
SENATORS
Yes.
CAESAR
Cicero?
CICERO
Ready to fall.
SENATORS
Ready to catch.
CICERO
Falling.
SENATORS
Catching.
CICERO falls into backward into the group’s arms, but not before the EVIL SENATORS brandish their daggers, plunging them into his back as he falls. CICERO cries out in agony and the SENATORS drop him.
CAESAR
Zounds! What mischief is this?
POPILIUS
No mischief, my lord. Cicero is dead!
PUBLIUS
These are the stabbings of daggers! These men hath murdered him!
CAESAR
And even you, Brutus?
BRUTUS
Forgive us, Caesar. We had brandished our daggers earlier and forgot we were holding them.
POPILIUS
They lie! These men murdered Cicero to silence him!
CAESAR
That’s enough, Popilius. I trust that our fellow senators meant no harm, and as a testament to my trust I will go next.
CAESAR turns his back to the SENATORS. The EVIL SENATORS brandish their daggers and chuckle amongst themselves. The GOOD SENATORS intervene.
POPILIUS
My lord, with all due respect, the other senators and I grow tired of the “trust fall” and wish to learn new ways to trust one another.
CAESAR
Very well. The next exercise is called “All Aboard”. It’s very simple. In order to complete this exercise you must fit everyone in the senate on this pillow.
CAESAR throws a small pillow onto the ground.
CASSIUS
A single pillow?
BRUTUS
Impossible!
CAESAR
Not at all. All we need is a little teamwork. I’ll be in the center.
CAESAR steps onto the pillow.
On the count of I-I-I you will all step onto the pillow. Ready? I, I-I, I-I-I!
The SENATORS step onto the pillow, holding each other tight and balancing on the pillow.
Hold on tight. Now you see? When we work together anything is possible. This exercise is a monument to the strength of the Roman senate. Apart we are but men, but as one we are immortal!
POPILIUS falls limply to the ground.
Popilius get up. Popilius you are ruining the exercise!
PUBLIUS
(breaking from the group) My lord it’s happened again. Popilius is dead!
CASSIUS
Dead?
BRUTUS
Impossible!
PUBLIUS
Stabbed through the heart. Don’t you see, Caesar? Members of the senate are conspiring against you! They’re murdering anyone who tries to warn you!
CAESAR
Not another word, Publius. That sort of talk breeds distrust. There is no call for panic and I will prove it to you. The final exercise is called “The Walk of Trust”. I’ll just put on this blindfold -
CASSIUS
Allow me, my lord.
CASSIUS blindfolds CAESAR as he speaks.
CAESAR
Thank you, Cassius. Now form a circle around me. Now I will walk. If at any point I am about to leave the circle simply turn me in the opposite direction. My life is in your hands. On the count of I-I-I. I -
PUBLIUS
Don’t do it!
CAESAR
I-I -
PUBLIUS
They’ll kill you!
CAESAR
I-I-I!
The EVIL SENATORS attack PUBLIUS and begin stabbing him relentlessly.
You see, Publius? I’m perfectly safe. The key is to trust one another. Plunge in! Cast off your fears and go for it! Publius?
CAESAR takes off his blindfold. PUBLIUS is on the floor, dead.
What has happened?
CASSIUS
It’s most disgraceful, my lord!
BRUTUS
The moment you donned your blindfold Publius took out his dagger and attempted to murder you!
CASSIUS
He was a traitor all along, my lord.
CAESAR
I’m astounded.
BRUTUS
As were we. Luckily we were able to protect you in your vulnerable state.
CAESAR
I’m touched Brutus. Despite our differences you were willing to risk your life when mine was in danger.
CASSIUS
Absolutely, my lord. Now if you please, we have a petition we’d like you to read.
CAESAR exits with the SENATORS, all of whom are holding daggers behind their backs. The End.
Cast of Characters:
JULIUS CAESAR…Ross Wade
CASSIUS…Chet Siegel
BRUTUS…Katie O'Sullivan
CICERO…Eli Taylor
PUBLIUS…Theo Wilson
POPILIUS…Nick Falgout
DECIUS…Christine Spinelli
CASKA…Rachel Sacks
Before going to see Hot Fuzz, I bought the original cast recording of Evil Dead: The Musical. Honestly, I was unimpressed. There were a couple of memorable songs (I particularly liked “Good Old Reliable Jake” and “All The Men In My Life Keep Getting Killed By Candarian Demons”), but the lyrics were lazy and the music was too pop-oriented for my tastes. It seemed to be coasting on its own campy charm, of which there was a lot, but in the end it didn’t meet my expectations. I also found it encouraging though. If this show can enjoy a successful off Broadway run, then Brick by Brick definitely can.
I just had a thought. Go back to the first paragraph and replace Hot Fuzz with Babe: Pig in the City. Thank you.
So you know how I like to post scenes that I've written? Here's one that was performed in the beginning of the school year for Midnight Cabaret.
“Julius Caesar’s Senate Retreat”
The location? Ancient Rome. The SENATORS wear togas and are clearly divided into two groups; one lead by CASSIUS and BRUTUS and the other lead by CICERO. They speak secretively amongst themselves.
BRUTUS
I won’t stand for it, Cassius, I won’t!
CASSIUS
We must have patience, my dear Brutus.
BRUTUS
Ooh, the nerve of Julius Caesar, commanding that we and the other senators take part in this isolated weekend retreat!
CASSIUS
Alas, we are miles away from civilization. Caesar’s soldiers have taken my stylus and wax tablets.
CASKA
We have no means of communicating with the outside world!
BRUTUS
I wasn’t even allowed to bring my abacus! And it’s so damn shady in these tents my sundial is useless!
DECIUS
Something must be done, if Caesar becomes king -
CASSIUS
Fear not. The Ides of March draw near. It will not be long now before we -
EVIL SENATORS
Kill Caesar!
CICERO and the GOOD SENATORS have come up behind the EVIL SENATORS without their noticing.
CICERO
Hello, Cassius. Brutus.
CASSIUS
Oh, Cicero! You startled us. We were simply discussing the latest reforms of the Roman calendar -
CICERO
Do not attempt to deceive us, Cassius. We have heard everything. We have known of your assassination plot for some time and will no longer stand for this treachery. When Caesar arrives he will learn of your atrocities.
BRUTUS
Caesar’s death will be for the good of Rome. If you will not side with us then you shall share his fate.
CICERO
That is a chance we are willing to take. Good day, senators.
CICERO and the GOOD SENATORS retreat to the other side of the stage.
CASSIUS
Pay no attention to them, Gentlemen. It is only a matter of time until we kill Caesar!
EVIL SENATORS
Kill Caesar!
BRUTUS
Kill Caesar!
EVIL SENATORS
Kill Caesar!
JULIUS CAESAR enters.
CAESAR
Gentlemen!
SENATORS
Hail Caesar!
CAESAR
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. In recent months the senate has become of a place malice, contempt and dishonesty. That is why I have ordered this retreat. This weekend we will learn to trust and respect one another through a series of exercises of my own invention.
CICERO
A brilliant idea, Caesar. If I may have a word -
CAESAR
Cicero, this is not a good time -
CICERO
Yes, but it is of the utmost importance -
CAESAR
There will plenty of time to talk after we learn to trust one another. Now, let us start with the first exercise. I call it the “trust fall”. Who would like to go first?
BRUTUS
Cicero wants to go first.
CICERO
What?
CASSIUS
Yes, I distinctly heard him say, “I’ll go first.”
CICERO
I said no such thing -
CAESAR
You needn’t be shy, Cicero. Come on up here.
The EVIL SENATORS nudge and push CICERO to the front.
Excellent. The exercise goes as follows. Cicero, turn your back to the group. Everyone form a group on either side of me and face each other. At my say so, Cicero will surrender himself to the group, falling into your arms -
CICERO
Are you certain this is safe?
CAESAR
You must trust the group, Cicero. Is everybody ready?
SENATORS
Yes.
CAESAR
Cicero?
CICERO
Ready to fall.
SENATORS
Ready to catch.
CICERO
Falling.
SENATORS
Catching.
CICERO falls into backward into the group’s arms, but not before the EVIL SENATORS brandish their daggers, plunging them into his back as he falls. CICERO cries out in agony and the SENATORS drop him.
CAESAR
Zounds! What mischief is this?
POPILIUS
No mischief, my lord. Cicero is dead!
PUBLIUS
These are the stabbings of daggers! These men hath murdered him!
CAESAR
And even you, Brutus?
BRUTUS
Forgive us, Caesar. We had brandished our daggers earlier and forgot we were holding them.
POPILIUS
They lie! These men murdered Cicero to silence him!
CAESAR
That’s enough, Popilius. I trust that our fellow senators meant no harm, and as a testament to my trust I will go next.
CAESAR turns his back to the SENATORS. The EVIL SENATORS brandish their daggers and chuckle amongst themselves. The GOOD SENATORS intervene.
POPILIUS
My lord, with all due respect, the other senators and I grow tired of the “trust fall” and wish to learn new ways to trust one another.
CAESAR
Very well. The next exercise is called “All Aboard”. It’s very simple. In order to complete this exercise you must fit everyone in the senate on this pillow.
CAESAR throws a small pillow onto the ground.
CASSIUS
A single pillow?
BRUTUS
Impossible!
CAESAR
Not at all. All we need is a little teamwork. I’ll be in the center.
CAESAR steps onto the pillow.
On the count of I-I-I you will all step onto the pillow. Ready? I, I-I, I-I-I!
The SENATORS step onto the pillow, holding each other tight and balancing on the pillow.
Hold on tight. Now you see? When we work together anything is possible. This exercise is a monument to the strength of the Roman senate. Apart we are but men, but as one we are immortal!
POPILIUS falls limply to the ground.
Popilius get up. Popilius you are ruining the exercise!
PUBLIUS
(breaking from the group) My lord it’s happened again. Popilius is dead!
CASSIUS
Dead?
BRUTUS
Impossible!
PUBLIUS
Stabbed through the heart. Don’t you see, Caesar? Members of the senate are conspiring against you! They’re murdering anyone who tries to warn you!
CAESAR
Not another word, Publius. That sort of talk breeds distrust. There is no call for panic and I will prove it to you. The final exercise is called “The Walk of Trust”. I’ll just put on this blindfold -
CASSIUS
Allow me, my lord.
CASSIUS blindfolds CAESAR as he speaks.
CAESAR
Thank you, Cassius. Now form a circle around me. Now I will walk. If at any point I am about to leave the circle simply turn me in the opposite direction. My life is in your hands. On the count of I-I-I. I -
PUBLIUS
Don’t do it!
CAESAR
I-I -
PUBLIUS
They’ll kill you!
CAESAR
I-I-I!
The EVIL SENATORS attack PUBLIUS and begin stabbing him relentlessly.
You see, Publius? I’m perfectly safe. The key is to trust one another. Plunge in! Cast off your fears and go for it! Publius?
CAESAR takes off his blindfold. PUBLIUS is on the floor, dead.
What has happened?
CASSIUS
It’s most disgraceful, my lord!
BRUTUS
The moment you donned your blindfold Publius took out his dagger and attempted to murder you!
CASSIUS
He was a traitor all along, my lord.
CAESAR
I’m astounded.
BRUTUS
As were we. Luckily we were able to protect you in your vulnerable state.
CAESAR
I’m touched Brutus. Despite our differences you were willing to risk your life when mine was in danger.
CASSIUS
Absolutely, my lord. Now if you please, we have a petition we’d like you to read.
CAESAR exits with the SENATORS, all of whom are holding daggers behind their backs. The End.
Cast of Characters:
JULIUS CAESAR…Ross Wade
CASSIUS…Chet Siegel
BRUTUS…Katie O'Sullivan
CICERO…Eli Taylor
PUBLIUS…Theo Wilson
POPILIUS…Nick Falgout
DECIUS…Christine Spinelli
CASKA…Rachel Sacks