Internal Memo (excerpt)

Synopsis:

In an open-plan office high above Manhattan, Kate, Liz, James and Hank daily live out the capitalist destiny of the American dream.

The pace is always frenetic but, this morning, something is different.

An internal memo, apparently emanating from the office of the CEO, arrives on each of their emails, save that of Hank, who immediately indulges his most paranoid fantasies.

The memo is couched in generic, almost cryptic terms, allowing of a multitude of interpretations.  The problem is that the CEO, along with his PA, is nowhere to be found.  There are rumours that they have left the country.

Kate interprets the memo as a covert criticism of the unbalanced nature of her single, work-obsessed life.

James is convinced that the CEO has uncovered his secret, extra-marital liaison with Liz.

Liz is fearful for her job, and possibly her life, given the standard of her work and the means by which she has retained her job.

Hank, though not privy to the memo, suspects that the internet porn empire he has disseminated via the office software has been sprung.

The action of the entire play, which occurs in real time, without a break, sets up a dizzying, heartstopping momentum, resulting in a climax that is utterly devastating.

With the unerring trajectory of a jet airliner impacting a skyscraper, the author tracks the inevitable collision course between conscience and capitalism.

Character Breakdown:

KATE
JAMES
LIZ
HANK

Setting:

A large, open-plan office, with four desks at odd angles to one another.

Backdrop is mainly azure sky, as seen through floor-to-ceiling office windows.

Manhattan skyline beneath the sky.

Running-time: 100 minutes.

Production History: Not yet produced.

Awards:  Shortlisted for Griffin Award 2009.

Excerpt available for download for free.