Old Friends
A. Gautam
ANTWAN, a thirteen-year old boy
GINA, Antwan’s classmate
SAM, Gina’s cousin and Antwan’s friend
[Curtains open to the bus stop. Antwan and Gina are waiting for the bus. Gina is writing on her notebook. Antwan tries hard to read what Gina is writing. Enter Sam.]
SAM: Hey, guys. I’m riding with you guys. No early band practice today.
[Gina continues to write]
ANTWAN: [whispers] Can you find out what she’s writing? Her main points?
SAM: No. Why would I do that?
ANTWAN: You're my best friend.
SAM: I'm also her cousin.
GINA: Hey, Sam. When did you get here? How’s Aunt Tilda? Better?
SAM: Yeah. Much better. Still can’t drive yet. So, I'm taking the bus. What are you working on?
GINA: Nothing your friend Antwan needs to know.
SAM: Sorry. Sorry. My life would be so much easier if you two got along.
[Gina and Antwan exchange looks and turn away from each other]
GINA: Maybe after I win the debate and crush him.
ANTWAN: Maybe after I wipe her tears with my medal’s ribbon.
SAM: Goodness. You are vicious. Always trying to beat the other. What happened to being best friends?
GINA: 2020 to Sam, that was three years ago. [softly] Antwan used to be a sweet guy.
ANTWAN: [softly] Gina used to help me out.
GINA: Until you took all the credit for the science trophy when they interviewed you.
SAM: [grunts] Not again.
[Bus rolls in and stops. Curtains fall.]
Question
What is the effect of the setting on the play?
Responses
A Because the play takes place in the morning, the characters are in a bad moodBecause the play takes place in the morning, the characters are in a bad mood
B Because the play takes place before school, the characters are full of energyBecause the play takes place before school, the characters are full of energy
C Because the characters can’t leave the bus stop, they cannot avoid one anotherBecause the characters can’t leave the bus stop, they cannot avoid one another
D Because the play takes place near their homes, the characters feel safeBecause the play takes place near their homes, the characters feel safe
C Because the characters can’t leave the bus stop, they cannot avoid one another.
The setting of the bus stop serves as a confined space where the characters are forced to interact with each other, despite their conflicts. This creates tension and allows for the underlying issues between Antwan and Gina to be addressed.