Act I, Scene 2
A group of working men are putting together a play to perform for the Duke and
Duchess of Athens on the night of their wedding. This is their first meeting, and
they are discussing the play and assigning roles.
Characters:
Nick: A weaver
Frank: A handyman
Rob: A tailor
Tom: A metal-worker
Steve: A construction worker
1) Peter: When I call your name, say, “Here!” and I will tell you what part you’ll play.
I have here the list with all of your names on it. Of all the men in Athens, you all
are the best…the most qualified…the only ones who volunteered to put on this
play.
Nick: First, please…what is the play about?
Peter: Oh, it’s a fine play, Nick. It’s probably the best play ever written. It is the
Rob: You’ve seen the play, Nick?
Peter: I just wrote it last night!
2) Nick: One of the finest plays. I assure you, gentlemen. Peter, call the roll and
Peter: Fine, fine. Nick! Nick? Are you here, Nick?
Nick: Here, Peter! Tell me, what role will I play?
Peter: You, Nick, will play Pyramus.
Nick: Wonderful! Oh what luck! Pyramus! Indeed! I shall play Pyramus! Peter, is
for the woman he loves. He will literally give his life for love.
Nick: If I play the part well enough, which I will, the audience will be in tears!
They’ll be crying like babies at how romantic I am. But the thing is, Peter, I’m really
Peter: Frank?
acting – very dramatic] From the tops of the mountains! From the top…to the
crushing rocks below…below…below [voice fades]. I will find them! I will
find them! And I will…
Peter: Frank?
3) Frank: Here, Peter. What role will I play?
Peter: You, Frank, will play Thisbe.
Peter: No.
Peter: No. Thisbe is not a hero.
4) Peter: No. Thisbe is the girl Pyramus is in love with.
Frank: A girl? A girl! No...no...no… I can’t play a girl! Look! I’m growing a beard.
Peter: [Examines Frank’s chin] No, I don’t see it. You will play Thisbe.
Nick: Wait! I can wear a mask and I can play Thisbe too! Listen [speaks in a high
voice] Oh Pyramus! Oh Pyramus! I love you so much, Pyramus!
Frank: That’s a great idea! Let Nick play a girl.
Peter: No! Frank, you will play Thisbe and Nick, you will play Pyramus. Let me
continue. Rob?
5) Rob: Here, Peter!
Peter: Rob, you will play Thisbe’s mother.
Nick: Thisbe’s mother is not very pretty.
Peter: Tom?
Tom: Here, Peter!
Peter: You’ll play Pyramus’s father. I’ll play Thisbe’s father, and Steve, you’ll play
the lion.
Steve: Do you have the lion’s part written? Can I have it? I know it will take me a
long time to learn it.
Steve: I’ll do what?
Peter: Extemporaneously. You’ll make it up on your own.
Nick: Wait! Let me play the lion! I’ll be the fiercest lion that ever walked on a
lion performance [roars]. The Duke, himself, will stand up and say, “Let the lion
Peter: No, no, Nick. You’ll be too realistic. You’ll be so much like a real lion that
threatening members of royalty.
7) Peter: Nick - the only part you may play is Pyramus. That’s it. You can play one
part - Pyramus.
Peter. That’s fine. Wear a beard. But you can only play Pyramus. Now - are we all
set? Does everyone know their part?
All: Yes!
rehearse without anyone seeing us. Be sure you’re on time!
