Acting in the eyes

So yes, I had lived in Derry Northern Ireland for eight years, and I tell ya, that was an experience.  I was only supposedly to stay for thre months.  But after three months my aunt asked me what I was planning on to do the night before departure.  I ended up staying as I wanted to feel the nature and experience Northern Ireland.

Around 1994 I wanted to do something in my spare time, something fun, so I went to MaGee University and had taken up an acting class.  I had completed five out of six terms (two years) of Community Drama.  I still remember it as if it was yesterday.  The class had to travel for a residential weekend that we had to work together to prepare for our show as our final.  The production was divided in three group performances.

There were five of us in our group and we worked on a skit called C'mere, a 25-minute play, a family met up at a hospital's waiting area where their mother collapsed and someone called the ambulance.  It was a big mystery to the family.  They suddenly found themselves into a pile of secrets they didn't know about each other.

I could still hear the announcement in my head. "Arnold McCleary!  Arnold McCleary!  Your mother's condition is deteriorating rapidly, Doctors had diagnosed with a major cerebral thrombosis and they don't hold out much hope...at all.  Will you and your party care to proceed to the Intensive Care Unit where last rights are now being served.  The Mental Health and Social Services board would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your family for having a breavement with us at this hospital. We look forward to hearing from you again.  Thank you and have a nice day."

Our skit was so histerical that I couldn't believe that we were coming up with these funny ideas.  I had decided extend this 25-minute skit to a full length play because I believe that it has potential.