The Lesson
The Lesson
[Scene: A professor's study. The professor is sitting at his desk, and the pupil enters.]
Professor: Today, we shall embark on a lesson of great importance. We will delve into the
depths of knowledge and unravel the mysteries of existence.
Professor: Excellent. Let us begin. The first lesson is on the nature of language. Language is a
powerful tool that shapes our reality and our understanding of the world. It is through language
that we communicate, express our thoughts, and connect with others. But beware, my dear
pupil, for language can also be deceptive and manipulative.
Professor: Language can be used to distort the truth, to conceal intentions, and to exert control
over others. It is a double-edged sword, capable of both enlightenment and manipulation. As
we explore further, you will come to understand the complexities and contradictions of
language.
Professor: Indeed, my dear pupil. Now, let us move on to the next lesson, which delves into the
absurdity of human existence. Life is a series of inexplicable events, a chaotic dance of
meaninglessness. We search for purpose and order, but often find ourselves lost in a
bewildering maze of absurdity.
Professor: Indeed, it is. But through the absurdity, we can find glimpses of truth and moments
of revelation. Embrace the absurd, my dear pupil, and you will discover a new perspective on
life.
[The scene continues as the professor imparts more lessons to the pupil, delving deeper into
the absurd and challenging the pupil's understanding of reality.]
The Lesson" by Eugene Ionesco:
Characters: The Professor, The Pupil, The Maid
Setting: A private room in a house
Plot: The Professor gives a lesson to the Pupil, which becomes increasingly absurd and
violent.
Conflict: The conflict arises from the power dynamics between the Professor and the
Pupil, leading to a battle for control.
Dialogue: The dialogue explores themes of authority, education, and the loss of
individuality.
Characters:
1. Sarah - A young woman in her early 20s, searching for something meaningful in her life.
2. James - Sarah's best friend, a supportive and caring individual.
3. Stranger - A mysterious person who helps Sarah find what she's been looking for.
Setting:
A park with a bench and a tree.
Plot:
Sarah is feeling lost and empty, unsure of what she's missing in her life. James, her best friend,
tries to comfort and support her. A Stranger overhears their conversation and offers Sarah a
box of possibilities. Sarah opens the box and discovers symbolic objects representing different
aspects of life. This gives her hope and a renewed sense of purpose. She thanks James and the
Stranger and decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Conflict:
The conflict in the play is internal, as Sarah grapples with her feelings of emptiness and the
search for meaning in her life. The conflict is resolved when she receives the box of possibilities
and finds hope for the future.
Dialogue:
The dialogue between the characters reflects Sarah's feelings of emptiness, James' support and
encouragement, and the Stranger's mysterious yet wise words. The dialogue helps convey the
emotions and thoughts of the characters and drives the plot forward.
Overall, "Lost and Found" is a short and simple one-act play that explores themes of self-
discovery, friendship, and finding meaning in life.
Title: "Lost and Found"
(Scene 1: Sarah is sitting on the bench, looking lost and deep in thought.)
Sarah: (sighs) I feel like something is missing in my life, James. I don't know what it is, but I can't
shake this feeling of emptiness.
James: (sitting beside Sarah) I understand how you feel, Sarah. Sometimes, we all go through
moments of uncertainty. But remember, you're not alone. We'll figure it out together.
Stranger: Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. It seems like you're
searching for something.
Sarah: (curious) Yes, I am. I feel like there's something missing, something that would bring
meaning to my life.
Stranger: (smiling) I might have just the thing for you. Close your eyes and imagine what you
seek. Let your heart guide you.
(Scene 3: Sarah closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. The Stranger disappears momentarily,
then returns with a small box.)
Stranger: It's a box of possibilities. Inside, you'll find different paths, opportunities, and
adventures. It's up to you to choose which one resonates with your heart.
(Scene 4: Sarah opens the box and finds a collection of symbolic objects.)
Sarah: (examines the objects) Each of these objects represents a different aspect of life. A
paintbrush for creativity, a compass for exploration, a book for knowledge... This is incredible!
James: (excited) Sarah, this is your chance to discover what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
Embrace the possibilities!
(Scene 5: Sarah looks at James and smiles, feeling a renewed sense of hope.)
Sarah: Thank you, James, and thank you, Stranger. I may have been lost, but now I feel like I've
found a path worth exploring. I'm ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery.
Stranger: (nods) Remember, the journey may have twists and turns, but as long as you follow
your heart, you'll find what you're looking for.
(Scene 6: Sarah, James, and the Stranger part ways, with Sarah holding the box of possibilities,
ready to embark on her new adventure.)
End of play.
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Blocking and Movement | Movement is purposeful and enhances the story. | Movement is
mostly purposeful and enhances the story. | Movement is somewhat purposeful and somewhat
enhances the story. | Movement is often aimless and does not enhance the story.
Costume and Props | Costumes and props are highly effective and enhance the performance. |
Costumes and props are effective and mostly enhance the performance. | Costumes and props
are somewhat effective and somewhat enhance the performance. | Costumes and props are
ineffective and do not enhance the performance.
| | |. |
Satisfactor Needs
Excellent Good (3
Category y (2 Improveme
(4 points) points)
points) nt (1 point)
Characters Characters
Characters are not
Characters are
are mostly developed
are fully somewhat
developed or have
developed developed
Characterizati with some unclear
with clear with
on clear motivation
motivation vague
motivation s and
s and motivation
s and reactions.
reactions. s and
reactions
reactions.
Voice is Voice is Voice is Voice is
clear, mostly somewhat often
Voice expressive clear, clear, unclear,
Projection , and easy expressive expressive unexpressi
to hear at , and easy , and easy ve, or hard
all times. to hear. to hear. to hear.
Consistent Mostly Somewhat
ly confident confident Lacks
confident, and and confidence
poised, poised, poised, or poise,
Stage
and makes makes makes makes no
Presence
strong some little connection
connectio connectio connectio with
n with n with n with audience.
audience. audience. audience.
Performan
Performan
ce is Performan
ce is
mostly ce is Performanc
engaging,
engaging somewhat e is not
compellin
and holds engaging engaging
Overall g, and
the and holds and fails to
Performance holds the
audience's the hold the
audience's
attention audience's audience's
attention
for most attention attention.
throughou
of the at times
t.
time.