Page 9 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 1

HALFWIT 3:
So, we must conclude our task is impossible—
If we still had tails we would now be chasing them,
Wasting our energy in a circular search
For an end whose beginning will lead to that end.

HALFWIT 1:
Well, I don’t know why events have left us deadlocked,
But my stomach has come to its own conclusion:
It’s food that it wants, and I see none before me;
Therefore, I propose that we go back down the hill.

HALFWIT 2:
An excellent plan! One we can all subscribe to;
But the fact remains: we came here for a reason,
Although it seems too complicated to recall.
Perhaps we should try again before we give up.

HALFWIT 3:
Try what? Even that task is fading from my mind.
But wait: look over there, walking through the bushes!
Those people are coming to this deserted place;
Let’s watch them carefully: they might have the answer.

(HALFWITS retreat to back of stage; CLOWNS enter left)

CLOWN 1: Hey! Here it is, or here it isn’t.

CLOWN 2: Why not here it is, AND here it isn’t?

CLOWN 1: Well, if a cave is the presence of something, then here it
is; but, if a cave is the absence of something, then here it isn’t. You
want it to be present and absent, both?

CLOWN 2: Of course I want it to be. I know what I want.
(approaches HALFWITS) You fellows, there: what do you say? Is it
here, or is it not?

HALFWIT 1: Here?

HALFWIT 2: Not?

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