Dr Death and The Grim Reaper

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.

Cast

Dr Death

The Grim Reaper

Fred (a person who has a car accident)

Stage Directions

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.

Opening Music

I suggest 'The Yellow Brick Road' from 'The Wizard of Oz'.

Script

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.

Discussion Points

Is it ever right to 'allow someone to die'?
Is it ever right to actively help someone die?
Should doctors listen to the patient or his family?
Should they just act in the best interests of the patient?
What are those 'best interests'?
How do they ensure there are no hidden agendas?
Who are a patient's 'family'?
Is there a difference between being 'disabled' and being 'sick'?
Does it affect a patient's rights if they can't communicate?
Give some examples of 'useful' people. Why are they useful?
Does disabled mean 'useless'?
Do people have different value? Why? What is 'value'?
What is acceptable and unacceptable behavour towards people?
Can you turn an 'ex-person' back into a person? Why is this important?
Are we heading toward another 'final solution'?
Do busy doctors have tme to find out what patients really want?

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Any Comments?

I'm really keen to hear what you think of this. Please email any comments to: andy@tof.co.uk