Without Saying Goodbye

WITHOUT SAYING GOODBYE

A three act play by Elizabeth Gerringer (Ceshune)
Previously titled Special Appointment - A Clown in Town
Produced by Reader's Theater in San Francisco, 1984

Whenever I see an art exhibit and someone invites the artist to explain the paintings, I am reminded of a great wise man whose name I forgot but who once remarked that the best paintings are those which the artist need not describe. The wise man also mentioned that it was not significant whether authors and artists wrote and painted from their own experience, whether the observer was aware that the work of art was real or imaginary or out of the artist’s own life or dreams and further, that knowledge about the artist or author’s own life is not necessary in understanding the work of art that was created.Without Saying Goodbye is about art, and about the consequences one faces when one paints, acts, thinks, and dreams as an individual and the art is a product thereof and the consequences of choosing life styles and acquaintances which appear to contradict the work of the artist.Therefore, since my story requires no further introduction, I shall not attempt to further introduce it.

WITHOUT SAYING GOODBYE (a synopsis)
Elizabeth Gerringer
A three-act play

Act One, Scene I

Discovery

Gretchen and the clown Bozo meet at Pier 39 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. They discuss the girl for whom Bozo is searching and his reasons for trying to find her. Bonnie warns him the girl is difficult to find because of her various disguises.

Act One, Scene II

Inquiry

Bozo confronts Mitramb who he believes is a former friend of Gretchen, the girl he is seeking. Bozo accuses Mitramb of being jealous and is infuriated at the stubborn, selfish, attitude of the priest whom Bozo accuses of murdering Gretchen’s husband.

Act One, Scene II

Rediscovery

Gretchen appears on the wharf as a clown. She meets Bozo and begins a conversation about clowns. They discuss different kinds of clowns and their purpose in life. Bozo realizes Bonnie is the girl for whom he has been searching.

Act Two, Scene I

Revelation

Mitramb telephones his attorney, Mr. Calera to discuss his side of his story. He is afraid he is going to be discovered because of his plot to kill Gretchen’s husband and destroy Gretchen before Gretchen exposes him or brings charges against him.

Act Two, Scene II

Motivation

Bozo and Gretchen discuss Mitramb’s plot and Gretchen expresses faith in her situation. She claims her belief in astrology is important and has developed strength through reading worthwhile books and through creative arts. Bozo and Gretchen discuss the political motivations and the individual lawsuits on which they are working. Gretchen warns Bozo someone may seek revenge against him.

Act Two, Scene III

Retribution

This scene is a play within a play in which four clowns appear including Gretchen. Bozo talks to the audience and introduces the scene. Mitramb is in the audience watching the scene. Two men appear from each aisle and shoot him, then disappear out the back stage door.

Act Three, Scene I

Transition

Gretchen defends herself in court against the attempted murder of Mitramb. Mr. Calera, the prosecuting attorney, is sarcastic and rude, but later changes his attitude when he realizes Gretchen is innocent and challenges the judge’s right to hear the case based on prejudice. Mr. Calera raises several legal issues and withdraws as the attorney for Mitramb. The trial is to continue as Gretchen acts in her own behalf as her own attorney.

Act Three, Scene II

Farewell

Gretchen and Bozo discuss the trial and Gretchen expresses an interest in Bozo’s work and computers. Gretchen senses she is being betrayed by Bozo and tells him, “I love you, honey, but the season is over.”

Act Three, Scene III

An Appropriate Justice

This scene is a trial in which Gretchen anticipates she will be tried for the attempted murder of Mitramb. Instead, she is quizzed about her intent to draw a parallel between her methods of evaluating the legal field and the medical profession. She declares her right to privacy and argues with the doctor Mitramb hired to destroy her through his efforts at psychological blackmail. The doctor changes his attitude in favor of Gretchen and the judge rules in her favor.