Play 136: Cult

CHARACTERS
MAN 1, mid 20s
MAN 2, early 30s

(Man 2 is sitting behind a desk in a fancy looking office. There is an empty chair on the other side of the desk.)

(There is a knock at the door.)

MAN 2
Come in.

(Man 1 enters.)

MAN 1
Hi.

MAN 2
So, are you here to join my cul—

(He coughs in a very forced manner.)

I mean, life guidance system?

MAN 1
Yeah, a friend of mine told me it was great.

MAN 2
Oh, it is. Please, sit down.

(He motions to the chair.)

(Man 1 sits down in it.)

MAN 1
So (beat.) what’s the program exactly?

MAN 2
Well, it is a program to brainwa—I mean, help you take control of your life.

MAN 1
So (beat.) what exactly do you teach us?

MAN 2
Well, it’s a long and complicated process that helps you to come to realize the true power of the your inner self, and how you can utilize this power to gain wealth, happiness, and respect from the people around you.

MAN 1
Well, that sounds pretty good.

MAN 2
Thank you, I designed the program myself.

(Beat.)

MAN 1
So, how much does it cost?

MAN 2
Keep in mind, this program will allow you to make all your money back thousands of times over, and can you really put a price on contentment?

MAN 1
(Flatly.)
How much?

MAN 2
Just a one time payment of forty thousand dollars.

MAN 1
Forty thousand?

MAN 2
Yes.

MAN 1
Forty thousand dollars to join your cult?

MAN 2
Life guidance system.

MAN 1
Whatever.

(Beat.)

MAN 2
So will you pay?

MAN 1
Are you serious?

MAN 2
As I said, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

MAN 1
So yes?

MAN 2
Yes.

(Beat.)

MAN 1
Okay, sure, why not.

(Beat.)

MAN 2
Really?

MAN 1
Hell no, what do you take me for, an idiot?

MAN 2
No.

(He pulls out a gun.)

MAN 1
What the hell?

(Man 2 points the gun at him.)

MAN 2
How do you think I got so many people to join?

(Man 1 remains silent in mute horror.)

MAN 2
So, why don’t you just sign here.

(He puts a paper on the desk.)

(Pause, Man 1 remains still.)

MAN 2
(Angrily.)
I said sign it!

MAN 1
Okay, okay!

(He takes out a pen and signs the form.)

(Man 2 smiles.)

(Blackout.)