by Andy Berry (based on a concept by Gill Gerhardi)
This short playlet illustrates some issues on euthanasia. It's intended to be used in schools by students who are 14 or 15. At the end of the script, you'll find some points that may help focus the discussion following its performance.
Dr Death
The Grim Reaper
Fred (a person who has a car accident)
Dr Death is standing to the left of Fred. The Grim Reaper is standing to the right of Fred. They are both standing but Fred is sitting, probably in a wheelchair.
I suggest 'The Yellow Brick Road' from 'The Wizard of Oz'.
Actor | Says: | |
DD | I've got a good 'un here, all ready for you! | |
TGR | Well, he doesn't look too bad to me. | |
Fred | I'm not, I'm alive. | |
TGR | Hey, he talks! | |
DD | Yep, but his great-uncle asked me to help him. | |
Fred | I haven't seen him for twenty years but, as soon as there's money around, he appears. Typical! | |
TGR | I think we'd better listen to Fred. | |
DD. | What does he know, he's only the patient? | |
Fred. | No, I'm Fred and I'm disabled, not sick | |
DD | Look, ignore him. Just treat him the same as all those who can't speak. | |
Fred | But I can talk. I'm talking now! | |
TGR | I'm not sure about this one. That last one you gave me, he were a load of bother. | |
DD | I got in trouble over that 'un too. I don't know, some people just don't understand! | |
Fred | I don't, for a start. | |
DD | Look, I've already said, you're just a patient | |
Fred (interrupting) | Are you deaf or daft or just pig-headed? I'm not a patient, I'm a person. | |
DD | Right, so you're a 'person' are you? What use are you? What good do you do? | |
TGR | I think I'd better get back to the darkness, I'm plainly not needed here. | |
Fred | Not so fast, I might need you in a minute! | |
TGR | But... | |
Fred | Not for me, for him (pointing at DD) when I murder him. | |
DD | Very funny, you're disabled and therefore useless. You can't do anything. | |
TGR | Now, even I find that unacceptable. | |
DD | Why is everyone against me? After all, all I try to do is help people. | |
Fred | By turning people into ex-people. | |
TGR | Some of my best friends are ex-people. | |
Fred | Yes, like Hitler? | |
TGR | He's a lovely fella, if you ignore the salutes... | |
DD | Look, this ain't getting anywhere and I've got another patient. | |
Fred (to TGR) | Do you take him now or shall I wrap him up first? | |
TGR | No, I don't want him. | |
Fred | Well, I certainly don't either. |
I'm really keen to hear what you think of this. Please email any comments to: andy@tof.co.uk