Play 197: Shhh

CHARACTERS
DAN, 18
AMY, 17
MAN 1
MAN 2
WOMAN

(They’re sitting watching a movie in a fairly crowded theater.)

(Dan reaches over and puts his hand on hers.)

(Beat.)

(He starts stroking her hand, and she immediately swats his hand away.)

AMY
(Whispering.)
Cut it out, I’m trying to watch.

DAN
(Whispering.)
Whoa, relax.

AMY
(Whispering angrily.)
Don’t tell me what to do.

(The people around them look at them in annoyance.)

DAN
Shhh.

AMY
(Barely whispering anymore.)
Now you’re telling me to be quiet?

(A man sitting behind them taps her on the shoulder.)

MAN 1
(Whispering.)
Could you keep it down?

(She flashes him a hostile look.)

AMY
You know what? I’m leaving.

DAN
(Whispering.)
I’m sorry, just please keep it down.

AMY
Fuck you!

(Everyone around them turns towards them.)

DAN
Amy!

(She gets up and storms out of the theater.)

(Dan shakes his head.)

DAN
(Muttering to himself.)
Goddamn it.

(He gets up and exits the theater after her.)

(Beat.)

MAN 2
(He shakes his head, and mutters to someone next to him.)
People these days.

WOMAN
Shhh!

(Blackout.)