I'M OFF by Chloe O'Reilly #TinyPlayChallenge

Keep your creativity flowing with Fishamble's #TinyPlayChallenge
In these challenging times, Fishamble - along with many of our colleagues in the wider Irish artistic community - is working hard to keep imaginations lively, communities engaged - and most of all offer people the opportunity of creative expression. We asked our audiences: Would you welcome the challenge of exploring your thoughts and feelings through drama? Do you have a dramatic story that you feel the urge to work out for yourself, and maybe share with your fellow citizens?
​Below is one of the chosen plays from our weekly submissions.

I’m Off by Chloe O’ Reilly

A simple living room set up - perhaps just a circular rug under an armchair. The armchair has decorative arm and back covers and there is a small table beside it, on the table is a lace overlay and an old fashioned lamp with a floral shade.

Woman sits on arm chair, she is in her late 60s early 70s and is reading a book. Perhaps she has a rug over her lap.

Man enters, he is about the same age if not a bit older. However, he is spritely in his nature.

He is carrying a small reusable shopping bag. Maybe he is holding a hat in his hand inpreparation to leave.


Man : Right so love I’m off.

Woman : Right so.

Man turns to leave

Woman : Do you have the list?

Man rushes back

Man: What?

Woman: The list love.

Man: Oh yes, Man takes out list. Tea, milk, eggs, newspaper, and biscuits Man delights in saying the last item, he loves biscuits.

Woman: We need sugar as well love. Oh, and maybe some more butter before we run out.

Man: How are we for bread?

Woman : Yes, bread as well sure.

Man writes down the extra items on the list.

Man: Right so, I’ll tell them you were asking for them.

Woman: Do, I’m just not up for it today.

Man: No, well I’m off so, I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Man turns and exits. Brief pause

Woman: Hello?

Man returns in a rush

Woman: Do you have the list?

Man patiently takes out list

Man : I do love, Tea, milk, eggs, newspaper, biscuits, sugar, butter and bread. Alright?

Woman: Hang on so I’m not ready to go yet.

Woman attempts to get up, she is flustered.

Man : No no love you’re alright, you’re here with your book yes?

Woman: Oh yes, yes. My book that’s right. And you’re going to the shop to get some bits for us.

Man : Yes that’s right, I won’t be long.

Woman: Yes that’s right.

Man: Right, I’m off so.

Woman : Right so.

Man leaves, brief pause, Woman returns to her book. Man returns again a bit rushed.

Man : I love you.

Woman : I love you too.

Small beat

Man: (Laughing) Right! Right! I’m off so I’m off so.

Man exits.

Pause. Woman returns to read her book.

Woman: Not looking up from her book. Love? Any chance you could run to the shop for me? Love?



End of play.


​

Chloe O'Reilly is a 24 year old actor from Cork. Currently training at the Lir Academy on their BA Acting degree. Her instagram handle is chloe_oreilly. Currently taking this time out to catch up on all the books on her shelf that she's been meaning to read. Right now she is nearly finished One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

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