ERAN/ARIEL: It’s a game-
Plumbob is a one-act play in two worlds. One of the simulated world of a popular life simulator game and the world of the teenager playing it. Noticing how open the game is, they discover something new about themselves. Their mother does not approve.
It first premiered as a part of Antelope Valley College’s 25th Original One-Act Play Festival on April 22, 2022
It then premiered as a part of Moorpark College’s Spring 2022 Original Student One Acts on April 28, 2022.
The first draft of Plumbob was completed April 17, 2021 as a part of Moorpark College’s Playwriting class taught by Nicholas C. Pappas for the “Geek” Prompt.
Setting
A winter Sunday in the mid 2000’s. The stage is split into two worlds, the real world and the simulated world. The real world is represented by Eran/Ariel’s bedroom. The simulated world is represented by Aaron/Ari’s bedroom.
Characters
- Eran/Ariel — (Pronounced eh-RAHN/ah-REE-elle) Deeply closeted teenage boy/girl who finds respite controlling the characters in their game.
- Eran/Ariel’s Mom — Deeply religious mother who finds respite controlling her child.
- Aaron/Ari — Teen with an aspiration for family. Looks a lot like Eran/Ariel. They dress like they were ripped straight from the Emo movement of the early-to-mid 2000’s.
- Ripp Grunt — Taken from The Sims 2: “Ripp totally doesn’t care what you think of him. He is going to do whatever he wants to do, which is mostly what everyone else is doing.”
Should Ariel be the focus, Ripp must be played as a girl.
Production History
Antelope Valley College — April 2022
- Directed by Jasmine Lopez
- Final Cast:
- Ariel: Kim Camia
- Vince: Dominic Pooley
- Ariel’s Mom: Rachel Jennings Tafarello
- Ripp Grunt: Kate Checkwood
- Performed as a part of the 25th Original One-Act Play Festival: 4/22 & 4/23 at 8:00pm with a 4/24 2:00pm matinee.
Moorpark College — April/May 2022
- Directed by Dani Lorin & Karly Elyse
- Final Cast:
- Ariel: Brianna Csellak
- Vince: Kennedy Martin
- Ariel’s Mom: Sea Tellez
- Ripp Grunt: Isa Rojas
- Performed as a part of the Spring 2022 Original Student One Acts Bill B: 4/28, 4/30, 5/4 & 5/61 at 7:30pm with a 4/27 1:30pm matinee.
Excerpt
ERAN/ARIEL’S MOM
I bought this laptop. Whatever’s on here is my business.
She wrenches the laptop out of their grip. She opens
the laptop and holds it away from Eran/Ariel’s reach.
Light floods Aaron/Ari’s room. The two sims resume
their course and kiss, awkward and hesitant.
But it’s cute.
MOM (CONT’D)
Wha…
Eran/Ariel is frozen in place.
MOM (CONT’D)
What the hell is this?!
Aaron/Ari and Ripp finish the kiss and separate.
RIPP
Wow.
AARON/ARI
…
RIPP
That was…
AARON/ARI
…
RIPP
That was really nice.
AARON/ARI
…
RIPP
So…
AARON/ARI
…
RIPP
What next?
ARI
…
RIPP
Aaron/Ari?
ERAN/ARIEL
U-um. I. It’s.
MOM
Why are you watching this.
ERAN/ARIEL
…
MOM
Do not lie to me.
ERAN/ARIEL
It’s. I wasn’t watch- It’s
not a- It’s-
MOM
It’s what? Speak up.
ERAN/ARIEL
It’s a game-
MOM
This is a game? You’re making
this happen?!
ERAN/ARIEL
No! No no nonono they just-
they just started doing it
on- on their own and-
MOM
You’re lying to me.
Ari is still as a statue with a vacant smile. Ripp
tries to get any reaction from her but to no avail.
ERAN/ARIEL
Mom I swear I’m not-
MOM
Swear you’re not what?! Lying or gay/a lesbian?!
Eran/Ariel freezes.
MOM
Answer me Eran/Ariel!
They can’t.