GRUOCH MACBETH

Act I Scene i

Premise:

The real story of Macbeth has never really been told, mostly because it centers on Gruoch’s husband’s point of view. And what if we set the story in a more modern setting, say this decade, what would happen then? (Apologies to Shakespeare)

Act I Scene i

In a tea shop in downtown London, Ontario.

FIRST WOMYN:         So, when is our next girl’s night out? If we try really hard, we can make it the third time we’ve met during a torrential downpour. [grins]

SECOND WOMYN:     Is it too much of a good thing to suggest the final game of the World Cup? There should be lots of people out and about. [files nails to a sharp point, smiling]

THIRD WOMYN:        That’s tomorrow evening. That’s quick. [checks out womyn at next table, bold once-over]

FIRST WOMYN:         I’m in. Where should we meet up?

SECOND WOMYN:     At the pub?

THIRD WOMYN:        We’ll run into Gruoch’s ex but sure.

FIRST WOMYN:         What the hell is that noise? It’s the goddamned cat. Fucking thing followed me here. Hang on, Bagheera.  Don’t get your balls in a bunch. [Begins to gather her things]

SECOND WOMYN:    Christ, I forgot to feed my daughter’s frog. If it’s dead, that’ll be the fourth frog in as many months that I’ve croaked off. [Reaches for her coat and purse, chuckling at her own pun]

THIRD WOMYN:        Frogs’ legs are always an option, my dear. Alright, ladies. Tomorrow night at the pub it is. [Also gathers up her things]

ALL:                             [They lay hands on one another’s hands as in a team cheer]

Life’s a bitch [they clap hands]

                                    And then you die.

[They exit the tea shop cackling]