The Sandbox by Edward Albee

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The Sandbox by Edward Albee The Players: THE YOUNG MAN MOMMY DADDY GRANDMA THE MUSICIAN At the beginning, it is brightest day; the YOUNG MAN is alone on stage, to the rear of the sandbox, and to one side. He is doing calisthenics; he does calisthenics until quite at the end of the play. These calisthenics, employing the arms only, should suggest the beating and fluttering of wings. The YOUNG MAN is, after all, the Angel of Death. MOMMY and DADDY enter from stage-left, MOMMY first MOMMY: (Motioning to DADDY) Well, here we are; this is the beach. DADDY: (Whining) I’m cold MOMMY: (Dismissing him with a little laugh) Don’t be silly; it’s as warm as toast. Look at that nice young man over there: he doesn’t think it’s cold. (Waves to the YOUNG MAN) Hello. YOUNG MAN: (With an endearing smile) Hi! MOMMY: (Looking about) This will do perfectly…don’t you think so Daddy? DADDY: (Vaguely) Whatever you say Mommy. MOMMY: (With the same little laugh) Well, of course…whatever I say. Them, it’s settled, is it? DADDY: (Shrugs) She’s your mother, not mine. MOMMY: I know she’s my mother. What do you take me for? (A pause) All right, now; let’s get on with it (She shouts into the wings, stage-left) You! Out there! You can come in now. (The MUSICIAN enters, seats himself in the chair, stage-left, places music in the music stand, and is ready to play. MOMMY nods approvingly) MOMMY: Lovely. Are you ready Daddy? Let’s go get Grandma. DADDY: Whatever you say Mommy. MOMMY: (Leading the way out, stage-left) Of course, whatever I say. (To the MUSICIAN) You can begin now. (The MUSICIAN begins playing; MOMMY and DADDY exit. After a moment, MOMMY and DADDY re-enter, carrying GRANDMA. She is borne in by their hands under her armpits; she is quite rigid; her legs are drawn up; her feet do not touch the ground; her expression on her ancient face is that of

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