THE STORIES: Actors. The scene is the bare stage of a theatre, where two actors, one young, one old, await the start of rehearsals. They play chess and exchange theatre stories, but as they do so deeper chords are touched. Just as they represent two generations, and two schools of acting, so do they reflect two distinct ways of thinking—the older man has learned to compromise and to hold back his true opinions; while the younger man must live, and act, as openly as his emotions dictate. Ultimately sparks are struck, and their conversation cuts to the root of human relationships. But, when they part, it is evident that both, in finally revealing their deepest and most honest thoughts, have also gained much from each other—perhaps even more than they have been aware of giving. (2 men, 1 woman.)
At Home. A young actor, cued by his wife, is struggling to learn his lines in a new play. Inevitably, their attention wanders, and before long they are deep in a discussion of sex and role-playing—with alarming results. What began casually moves briskly toward ultimatum and confrontation, and both are stunned to realize that their relationship, if it is to continue, will demand a great deal more understanding and concern from each of them than they have heretofore contributed. (1 man, 1 woman.)
