By Alden Frye
The Gallery owner is interested in quite different works from what the artist considers to be his best.
Artist
Gallery owner
(Pat, carrying large portfolio, approaches Owner entering stage right.)
PAT -- I was wondering if I could show you some of my work... for your gallery?
OWNER -- I'll be happy to take a look!
(Pat presents folio; owner starts to look at contents)
PAT -- This is some of my very best work. Actually, it is my best. I wouldn't bring you anything that wasn't. I know it's not as good as some people's work, I know you get a lot of professionals, but I'm still proud of it though!
OWNER -- You have some very fine work here, there's no question about that, but...
PAT -- (disappointed) But... you don't like them. Look! Look at this one! And this one here! Look at the detail, the balance, the composition! Don't you see? I worked so hard to get it just right!
OWNER -- Yes, I can see that a lot of effort went into these. They show a lot of talent. But I'm afraid they're not what I'm looking for. My Gallery is about motive more than talent. (looks to back of folio) I see you have more works. May I see them?
PAT -- I mean no disrespect, Sir, but I really feel that you might be able to find some space to display these works...
OWNER -- Perhaps you might want to start your own gallery. May I see the others?
PAT -- (reluctant) Well... I guess. But those were my very best. These... well, they're not much good...
OWNER -- In whose judgment?
PAT -- I don't know. But these others are just rough sketches. Kind of trial-and-error, you know? I wanted them to be good, but they're pretty much failures.
OWNER -- In whose judgment?
PAT -- They lack color, they're just all... a mess!
OWNER -- (examines one with great enthusiasm) I like this one! Very much!
PAT -- (incredulous) That one?!
OWNER -- I see my Son in this one--very clearly!
PAT -- That is your Son. You're right! But how could you tell? I mean, I really messed up a lot of the details. I didn't think it came out very well. I wanted it to be good, but...
OWNER -- It is very good! It's exactly what I'm look for!
PAT -- (humbled) Thank you. You're going to use it... in your Gallery?
OWNER -- My Son will be very pleased with this. I want to honor Him, and this Gallery is filled with works that honor Him.
PAT -- So talent isn't really what's important here then?
OWNER -- Only if it is used to honor Him. Have you seen His work?
PAT -- Yes, but mine doesn't even begin to measure up to His!
OWNER -- I don't expect it to. That's not what this Gallery is for. Let's go put this one on display. Then we'll look at some of your other works! (they exit)
My Son will be very pleased with your work. He'll be back soon, you know!
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Copyright Alden Frye, all rights reserved.
This script may be used free, provided no charge is made for entrance to the
performance. In return the author would like to be told of any performance.
He may be contacted at pandafrye@yahoo.com