SCENE 1
(Curtain opens, Screen with “The SHIFT”, music playing, other screen with shadow of musicians, BLACKOUT. LIGHTS UP, PETER SR on phone, Door to far left, screens with oil refineries and deforestation)
PETER: Just do whatever you need to do to persuade the Environmental Committee to support that new oil bill. Use what's in that fund of yours. (pause) You can count on gas prices going up. (sits) Of course the people will pay. If they want to go anywhere, they will pay whatever we charge.(sits) Will you be at the benefit tonight? (pause) Yes, I'll be bringing that one. Her name is Lisa. I believe we are at the same table. (knock at door) Have to go. See you tonite, then. (Hangs up) Come in. (Heather enters)
HEATHER: Good morning sir. I believe you are expecting me. My name is Heather, from Hart & Hanson, and I have the mock ups for your new advertising campaign. I have been working on something to soften your image, to focus on the humanitarian work you do.
PETER: You certainly are a pretty young thing, and with brains too. We won't hold that against you.
HEATHER: ( she is not embarrassed, but offended)Would you like to see the mock ups?
PETER: All business, eh? Well, just leave them here, and I'll take a look. (pauses looking at her as she puts folder on the desk)
HEATHER: (stepping back) You will contact us later today, then, and let us know we have your approval to move ahead?
PETER: Yes, yes. (dismisses her with hand, Heather, angry, exits as JOHN enters, he overhears some, and is angered by his father's lack of respect, they look at each other, JOHN watches Heather go) John, come in! (glad to see JOHN).
JOHN: (As he enters, calms himself) Dad, we have to talk. As of today, I'm starting a new life, deciding what I want to be doing and how I'll do it.
PETER: I am not telling you what to do, (sits) only that you have to be ready, because opportunities are going to be coming your way.
JOHN: Whatever.
PETER: I’m counting on you to be responsible and take over my business.
JOHN: I have no faith in this corporate system. It’s not working.
PETER: I know how to use the system to get to the top, each step is contingent on the previous one. That is how you become successful.
JOHN: I don't want the life you have created, and I won't support this system, it's broken and crumbling. And as for your latest "pretty young thing”(pointing to the door)…That's why mom divorced you!
PETER: I am enjoying the benefits that go with my success. I need to have the right visual image in my position.
JOHN: I refuse to be part of your “image", and I have decided not to take the summer Job you lined up for me, or train to be a CEO in your oil company.
PETER: You're my son, JOHN. This is the only world you know.
JOHN: I have this deep urge to find real meaning in my life.
PETER: You sound like a "Hippee". If your hair gets any longer, you could pass for one.
JOHN: You can’t look at what I am saying, can you? Because, if you did, you’d see that the life you've built is an illusion. I know there is something better. I can feel something guiding me, and I trust these feelings.
PETER: You’ve been spending too much time reading way out books and playing that music. I wish I could have somehow kept you from pursuing your music... but I was sure you would outgrow it. You will always be chasing after something new, if you don't settle down now. There is no need to search for anything, because you and I can take whatever we want in this world.
JOHN: That's the thing. You and others like you have created a world that is heading for destruction. If life as we know it ends, it will be because of people like you.
PETER: I am not responsible for any destruction. I am supporting workers and families. The world turns on oil. There is no way to stop it.
JOHN: I don't believe that! You don't care about anything but money, and use it to justify what you are doing.
PETER: (stands) That's not true, JOHN, I care about you... and I won't let you do this to me... and to yourself.
JOHN: I have to leave, Dad. I don’t fit in here. I will find a world I can believe in. If I don't find it, I'll create a new one... where Truth exists... and people are accountable for their actions. I know there's a place somewhere, where people work together... to take care of the Earth, and each other.
PETER: I'll disinherit you. You'll never make it out there on your own.
JOHN: I have to follow my own path.(JOHN turns to leave.)
PETER: If you go out that door, it will be the end.
JOHN: ( turns back to his father) I wish you could understand my point of view.... You'll see, I can make my own way. I have to claim my own power, and stand for what I know is my Truth. I can see this is the way to change the world. What incredible things would happen in the world, if people like you would realize this, and turn themselves around! I love you Dad, but I have to find a life I can love.(JOHN leaves) ( fade on Peter, angry, to BLACKOUT.)
(Lights up dim, JOHN crosses with music segment, Screens with Corporate then forest, HEATHER crosses to music segment, screens with city, bus station with 60's peace sign)
SCENE 2 (Patricia and Rowan walk in from SL and sit on park bench)
PATRICA: Z has been working on a new song he wants to run by us at our next practice.
ROWAN: Looking forward to hearing it. (Pause) Guess who I got a call from yesterday?
PATRICIA: Who?
ROWAN: Heather. Something happened with her Job and she's going to make some big changes. She actually said she is thinking about coming home.
PATRICIA: Wow! Leave that "Perfect" Job and apartment? How does that sit with you? I know you two have had some challenges.
ROWAN: I would love to see her - time changes everything. She had to go her own way and prove she could, that rejection of “what you were taught by your Mom thing". There was something about my life style and bringing in babies that was like oil on water for her. I can't blame her, because I am so different from her friends' parents, and she tried hard to fit in.
PATRICIA: Being a female minister is what being different is all about. I love my work as much as you love midwifery. Heather took your lead, and went looking for something of her own, something she could love.
ROWAN: She was pretty passionate about marketing and advertising. That’s a different world though. It may have had a magic to it, but in a lifeless, loveless, cutthroat sort of way. She must have realized there are more important things.
PATRICIA: Sounds like it.
ROWAN: Anyway, I love her and will welcome her back home with open arms.
PATRICIA: I’ve missed her too, and hope she decides to stick around.
ROWAN: (pause) I was thinking. We could practice here at the park, and I could make a picnic supper, if we practice early. I don't have any babies coming, so I'm free today. It's not the full moon in any case.
PATRICIA: I like that idea, we all love to eat. It would be good to try out the acoustics. Good food, good music, what could be better?
ROWAN: That's what I was thinking. Say, about 5:30?.
PATRICIA: Great!
ROWAN: I'll let the others know.
PATRICIA: Say, there’s Clark now. (Clark enters)
CLARK: Hi, Rowan, Patricia. How’s it going?
ROWAN & PATRICIA : Hi, excellent,etc.
ROWAN: We were just thinking about having practice here in the park tonite. I’ll make a picnic supper, with brownies?
PATRICIA: I think it sounds great, and we can get used to the acoustics before Sunday.
CLARK: Sounds like fun. I'm in. I’ll be seeing Z later and will let him know.
ROWAN: Perfect. I'd better get going. See you then. (Rowan exits, others Bye, see you)
PATRICIA: (pause as Clark sits on bench) Haven't you always had a "thing" for Rowan?
CLARK: (takes off his backback, says "Walk gently on the Earth", sets it on bench) That was years ago. We are good friends now. She needs me around occasionally to keep things light. You two can get too serious. Besides, I can get past relationship issues with a little focus.
PATRICIA: We just get passionate about life. I wish more men felt free to be passionate about life.
CLARK: You know, I think the problem men have, is competition for energy. Like… that’s the source of all conflict, and probably the root of our society's sexual problems.
PATRICIA: Building yourself up at the expense of others, just makes us disconnected, and insecure.
CLARK: If only we can remember, there is abundant energy, and like… just share it. We all win when no one loses.
PATRICIA: Women compete for energy too. They use their bodies and beauty to get what they want.
CLARK: .. And men have been conditioned to think their "net worth" is the same as their "self worth" and use money to get what they want. We're not being completely honest with each other, and that just separates us more.
PATRICIA: We all think that we are isolated individuals, but I think it's not true.
HAROLD: (enters SR with frizbee) Hi guys. Just ran into Rowan. Guess there will be a practice here tonite.
PATRICIA: Yea, Rowan is bringing a picnic. Clark and I were talking about why people have trouble coming together. We've all been seeing a collective shift of perspective, like what happened at the end of the 60's.... People are talking about collectives again, and starting to work together cooperatively, ..into synergy. It's that next step into sharing and serving ....and we're having trouble making the move into abundance.... I think the new reality is not going to be about money….. Why do you think the communes of the 60's failed? (start spreading out for frisbee)
CLARK: Back then, we were sharing... feeling the onenes..., and had a common focus - love and peace. We were open to exploring everything in new ways with our minds.
HAROLD: We were pushing out all boundaries we ran into... and breaking away from social structure.
CLARK: .. you know… “anything goes” and "free love". But, there was a lack of integrity in "love the one you’re with” and “go with the flow", devoted and respectful love was rare…
HAROLD: There wasn't enough accountability and responsibility for our actions... or good communication.
CLARK: The music was really good though! ...We were so focused on peace, that when they pulled the troops out of Viet Nam, we thought we had won our fight against war.
PATRICIA: How's that for a great oxymoron?
CLARK: Like… the rug was pulled out from under us, we forgot about the "Love" part, and everybody went home. I remember the feeling of being in a void. It was the end of our dreams. (pause) I do miss the limitlessness I felt back then ...and the music.
HAROLD: Coincidentally the similarities between now and the 60’s came up today for me too. Physicists are now proving the Unified Field Theory, that there is a “Oneness” underlying everything. If we would accept this fact, man could move into a global consciousness centered around Love and Unity. We would all understand, that when anyone is hurt, we all are affected.
PATRICIA: Likewise, if the harmonious balance on this precious jewel of a planet is disrupted, we will all feel it. Our Earth is a piece of the puzzle too. We just need to free ourselves from the enslaving systems of money, energy and food production.
CLARK: Power to the People!
PATRICIA: It’s more like empower the people.
CLARK: Right! To be free, we need to assume our sovereignty, and not depend on others to supply our needs... and move away from fear.... NO FEAR!
HAROLD: We have to become aware of violence in all aspects of our lives.... break out of those physical and mental cycles of pain.... and take a stand and hold up the common "Truth" - There is no situation in which violence is acceptable.
PATRICIA: Fighting for peace obviously doesn’t work. No more anti this and anti that, we have to focus our thoughts on what we want.
CLARK: Resistance is futile. (in a theatrical voice) (Laughter all)
HAROLD: Well... I know whatever I am thinking about, influences my reality.We have proved that the quantum world responds to our thoughts, and so by focusing and directing our thoughts, we can cause changes in physical mass, even move objects
PATRICIA: ... and when large groups focus their thoughts on something, it is amplified, and affects the world around them!.. and when enough individuals learn something, others suddenly know it .
CLARK: Our Love and our passionate desires can drive our thoughts to manifestation.
HAROLD: There is a lot more going on than mainstream science is willing to look at. Once we start tapping into the latent potential of our brains, we may be astounded at what is possible. (start moving back to bench)
PATRICIA: Physics is now proving what mystics and spiritual leaders have taught for centuries. It’s all coming together!
CLARK: Einstein and others knew about this, and accessed knowledge through inspiration and dreams, basically tuning in to the collective mind.
HAROLD: We also know that the brain does not distinguish between what we see with our eyes and what we envision with our imaginations... (sits) The problem is, that our minds are limited by our beliefs. Beliefs should be used as signposts to help us in our evolution and not to separate us from each other. If we can become aware of how we are limiting ourselves with our beliefs and with what has been the Truth in the past, our world will change.
CLARK: Yes, (sits) I think awareness is the key. People were exploring some of these ideas at the end of the '60s, but we have greater knowledge now…
HAROLD: …and need to use it responsibly.
JOHN: (Enters SR with backpack and guitar case) Excuse me. I was told there is camping in this park. Is it near here?
PATRICIA: You are almost there, brother. Go on down around the bend, and take the left fork in the walkway. Where are you from?
JOHN: I am travelling for now, and home is wherever I am. I'm JOHN.
PATRICIA: I'm Patricia, this is Clark and this is Harold. There are lots of interesting people travelling these days, looking for a place they belong with other like minded people. You a musician?
JOHN: I play the bass.
PATRICIA: There will be a gathering on Sunday, and we are playing music here in the Park. Lots of good people will be there.
JOHN: Sounds great! That's the thing about travelling, I get to be around lots of high energy folks. When I tune into the Source, everything falls into place, and following my heart keeps me on the best path.
PATRICIA: Yes, more of us are knowing this now. We were just talking about giving the energy of our thoughts only to what we love, not to what we don't want.
HAROLD: ...and that what we can create together will be better than what we can create alone. We are finding that raising our vibration is the way to free ourselves from whatever limits us.
JOHN: I think the right music helps us raise our vibration. (all nod)
CLARK: It sounds like we all feel the same way about music. Would you consider playing with us on Sunday? We were just planning a practice here at 5:30, and one of the women in our group is bringing a picnic supper, and lots of brownies. You could Join us if you like.
JOHN: I would like that. (They walk off together SR, segment of rhythm, lights have shifted to SR and down)
ALL: Brownies, mmmm brownies etc.
SCENE 3 (ROWAN'S HOUSE)
HEATHER: (Quick set up SL as actors exiting, basket on, LIGHTS UP down left, doors to far L and up L) (Knocks and enters far R door with bags) Hello! Mother!
ROWAN: (Rowan putting food table, turns) Heather! You are here. Welcome home! (not sure how warmly to greet her) Come in, come in! I fixed up your old room for you, so just put your things in there. I hope you like it. ...Let me take a look at you. Besides a little tired, you look beautiful. Are you hungry? (goes to table )
HEATHER: Thanks, I am, and it smells really good. ....Would you mind terribly if I stay for a bit until I figure out what I want to do now?
ROWAN: Wow! Fantastic! You will have lots of time to yourself, because I am still on call, and gone for long periods at a time. You remember. (HEATHER nods) When I'm here though, I would love to spend some time with you. We could get to know each other again. I didn't know when you were coming, and tonight I have music practice in the park, and I'm taking a picnic supper. Of course, you are welcome to join us.
HEATHER: Thanks mom. That sounds great. I'd love to play some music again. (she sits)
ROWAN: It’ll be good. …What made you come home? We haven't been the best of communicators, but I always think about you, and I'm curious about your life in the big city. You were always such a gentle spirit, I was wondering how you were managing in that jungle. (stands behind giving shoulder massage) I really want to hear your story.
HEATHER: That feels really good. (Pause) For a while now it has been getting harder for me to get into my work. I used to think it was the greatest place to be, and I was passionate about my life, but lately everything feels so meaningless. Everyone is racing around being… busy. Even in my relationships I was disconnected, more like bumper cars. I have this strong urge to find out what I want to be a part of, something worthwhile. I just knew that I needed to come home.
ROWAN: Always expect the very best. Never settle for less! (plants kiss on her cheek) You'll figure it out. You are a clever girl.
HEATHER: Thanks, Mom, I love you. (rises, hug)
ROWAN: I love you too, Heather. Take a few minutes to get adjusted and we'll head for the park.(BLACKOUT)
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