Punishment And Crime

Synopsis:

Niki, a teenager, has been caught shoplifting from a convenience store.

Her punishment involves sign-shaming outside of the store from which she stole.

The process is being supervised by Sonya, an upstanding member of the community who uses the time to study for her PhD.

It ‘s a scorching hot day.  The sign is heavy.  Niki keeps pushing the envelope of what Sonya will allow.

A passerby questions what is happening, and ends up offering Niki a job.

Niki is finally allowed to enter the store for water but, having no money, steals a bottle.

Niki’s boyfriend, Dimi, shows up and, together, they make a farce of the punishment.  Unbeknownst to Sonya, Dimi steals the bell from the bicycle belonging to the convenience store employee.

The employee, Osimo, ends his shift, comes out, discovers the crime, and things get out of hand.

A further crime is committed, Officer Petrovich is called in, and suddenly the tables of crime and punishment are turned.

Punishment And Crime is a timely social document which has us questioning our preconceptions on the whole subject of ethics and the law.

Character Breakdown:

The play is a three-hander: Two females, one male

NIKI – teenager

SONYA – 40

VIDI  / DIMI / EMPLOYEE / OSIMO / OFFICER PETROVICH  – one actor.

Setting:

Outside a convenience store.

Running-time: 70 minutes.

Production History: Not yet produced.

Excerpt available for download for free.