The Druid & the Bard

Lights come up slowly to reveal a bare stage, undressed except for a backdrop on which is painted the impression of an orchard; the painting is so light that it suggests a water-colour. Two men enter, a young man dressed in a plain white robe, the BARD, and a considerably older man dressed in a robe of six colours, the DRUID. They walk slowly to STAGE CENTER, the slowness indicative of the older man' advanced years and the younger man's respect for him. BARD: Must the actor always play a role? DRUID: What is an actor? BARD: Must the actor always play a role, even off stage? DRUID: The apple trees look sore tired this season. I've no longer the strength to prune them properly. BARD: Oh. Aye, aye. (Pause) What of the actor's contention that we are all actors, that all intercourse whether within the dyad, the community, or merely with ourselves 'tis but an act? DRUID: Who put the words in the actor's mouth? The 'wright? BARD: I think it was extemporaneous, miLord. (Pause) It was an improvisation class.