NOVEL NEXT 91. practice monologue.
Billy was in the middle of the room, delivering his monologue, reaching the ideal performance sensation that can only be achieved by understanding the feelings of the rusty-armored knight he portrays. He's entering a war he's likely to lose, his sorrow is in the fear of death and what his family might endure after his demise. A war against a mightier foe than the empire's small army he managed to gather. His wife, who is likely pregnant, must wait for him at home. He may never see her again.
(The stage is lit by a soft light in a corner, representing the evening's glow. A soldier, played by an actor, stands, gazing into the distance. There's a small table with a letter and a framed photograph. The background music is gentle and melancholic, played by piano, violin, or cello.)
(…)
Soldier: (With determination) Now, I must depart. Every step I take brings me closer to the distance that separates us. Though the path will be arduous and the days will grow dark, I will keep the light of our love burning in my heart.
(The soldier adjusts his knight's attire, the chainmail, and the red cape that blends with the fervor of blood.)
Soldier: I hope to see you, my beloved wife when the tears of war hide behind the horizon and when our bodies grow weary. May our souls forbid us to move, and returning to each other becomes the only logical solution. Amidst my sorrows, the greatest is not enjoying the love you shower upon me every day, with your kisses, caresses, and words.
(The soldier continues adjusting his armor, a thick sword hangs by his side.)
Soldier: For it is my sword, my only companion in these hands, that men commit follies out of fear, anger, or the will to survive... the madness of men lost in steel and blood. It's not a good place to be, for amidst the fear, within the shadow, reason begins to unravel. Your memory can only give me hope to endure such perils, against the desolation I see as an unbearable, endless journey, my dear Beatrice.
Beatrice!
Billy huddled closer with each noticeable change.
Soldier: Beatrice, my love, my strongest hope. Pray in the mornings when you wake, pray at night when you sleep, pray when you dine, for my sustenance will be earth and iron.
(A profound silence falls as the soldier walks towards his horse, ready to depart alone.)
The one who woke from the dream, in which they were immersed, closed their eyes at the end to evoke that feeling of sadness that hadn't yet reached their performance.
-A very fine representation, Billy. I like how your body conveys emotions, and your voice tone is also quite strong, enough to reach everyone in the audience. I hope you work more on the nuances of your voice; sometimes, soft words can resonate with the audience even better. - Susan said.
-The next person, please, for their monologue. Thank you, Billy. - Susan exclaimed loudly.
None of the following monologues stood out. Among all the participants, no one was worth mentioning to Billy. Above all, their acting style failed to capture Billy's attention.
Only two individuals demonstrated the skills to act convincingly. However, one of the acts that caught his attention for the opposite reason was Cameron's, who, amid his performance, caused much amusement. His clumsy portrayal of a sailor drew significant attention due to exaggerated expressions and his poor attempt at impersonating a stereotypical pirate with a peg leg, a parrot, and an eye patch, the complete opposite of a sailor. It had a certain charm if you overlooked his awkward movements and the fact that he forgot his eye patch. He even made the charming teacher Susan laugh.
Sea Captain: Well, a man has only his hands to forge his path on the sea.
(…)
That's how the monologue concluded.
-Thank you very much for your curious interpretation. At first, I thought I had given you the monologue of a sailor. But your pirate idea shed some light on it, Mr. Cameron and you improvised quite well. - Susan said.
-Thanks, teacher. Although from my perspective, he's a sailor who's unlucky enough to look like a pirate. - Cameron said from the front of the classroom, always ready with answers to any questions people asked him.
Cameron took a seat next to Billy, wearing a smug smile. In his mind, his performance was a perfect 10.
-So, handsome boy, what did you think of my performance? - Cameron asked Billy.
-Quite entertaining, better than I expected. You could extend your monologue a bit; your exaggeration is refreshing, a monologue guided by comedy. - Billy said.
-Comedy, huh? I had never thought of it that way, but it's in my nature to do things brilliantly. - Cameron replied.
-I'm sure you could earn some merit in the performance. - Billy said.
-Please, I know my talent doesn't reach that far. Save those merits for future stars like you. But what do you say, will you keep a spot in your busy schedule for a drink? - Cameron asked.
-I'm underage. - Billy said.
-Of course, of course. We'll drink something mixed with cola, enough so that no one notices. - Cameron suggested.
-I don't think I can. - Billy said.
As they paid attention to the last set of monologues, a 21-year-old woman with remarkable talent took the stage. Her monologue was about Mother Earth and how she wept in the forest due to the wear and tear caused by human hands.
-Come on buddy, we can have a bit of fun, I promised to take care of you. - Cameron said. - Don't drink, but come have some fun, You have a scowl on your face all the time, so come on meet some good music, I'll introduce you to some amazing ladies, they'll play with you for sure.
-I'm fourteen. - Billy said in a whisper.
But Cameron's insistence, he was reflecting.
-Oh well, we can work on that, You're sixteen now, it's more acceptable, to open up to some women that only takes you two years. - Cameron said.
-If I'm 16 they'll take me two years. –
-Haha, don't worry old man, it'll be a few kisses and some pool time. With your elegance, they'll drool on the ground you walk on. - said Cameron.
I'm not really in the mood for a party. -said Billy.
-I've never mentioned a party. It's just hanging out. It's fun to go to the restaurant, people are always lively. - said Cameron.
-I'll go, I just hope I don't get too bored. - Billy said.
- Great! - said Cameron. -Let's invite the pretty girls. The blonde is Clove, and her friend is Sarah for sure, they'd love to hang out with us. - said Cameron.
-See. - Billy said.
-What do you say? Help me invite them. - said Cameron.
-You're the one with the idea, I think you should be the one to take the first step. - Billy replied smiling, it's enough that I'm participating in the meeting.
-Give me a moment. -He came back with a cheerful smile on his face, his long, sprawling hair was fluttering the more he moved.
- Well? -
-They will come later, They have a paper due in the afternoon, so they probably won't attend, but I'm positive they probably will. - he said.
They left the university the beautiful lawns and some students were coming and going from here and there, this is the main lawn, from there you get to the library, crossing the whole park, there are the faculties of arts, it is curious that we see these classes in the main halls, they are dedicated to giving classes of the faculties of administration.
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