An Alley of Morality

Scene: A dank alleyway with minimal lighting. Alley must appear dark and seedy.

It is early night time.

In the alley sits a piano side on to the wall, a man stands nearby aiming a torch at the pianist, on the side opposite the piano chair on the floor sits a homeless beggar.
The piano is of the best quality.

The Pianist is wearing a tuxedo but is barefoot.
The beggar is wearing everything he owns.

The Pianist walks up to the piano, sits down and begins to play. He plays instrumentals until quite a crowd has gathered.

Pianist: Thank you thank you very much, now for my last piece.


Enter rich pompous man. Rich man strolls up to piano near beggar.

Rich man is pretentiously; his manner shows his distain for the lower classes.

Enter violinist from the back of the crowd already playing violin. Violinist takes up position behind the pianist and continues to play.

Beggar: Hey buddy can ya spare some change?

Rich man: Get away from me.

Beggar moves closer to the Rich man.

Beggar: oh come on mate, you can spare it.

Rich man: Get away from me you pathetic excuse for a human.

Beggar: just a dollar, you can spare that.

Beggar grabs rich man by the leg in a begging position.
Rich man takes a little while to shake beggar off
Rich man kicks beggar to the floor.
Rich man repeatedly kick beggar until beggar stops moving.
Pianist looks toward the Rich man with concern and annoyance.
Torchbearer shifts torch light to the scuffle.
Pianist notices the crowds focus shift and plays the piano with more vigour.
Rich mans beating of the beggar runs in time to the music, getting more violent as the music gets louder.
Rich man spits on beggar and throws a dollar on his motionless body



Enter two police officers in uniform, a male and female.

Male officer: All right what’s going on here? Break up this crowd.

Female officer: Look (she approaches the beggar)

The beggar remains still.

Male officer: you are all witnesses, no body move. I’m calling this in.

Pianist finishes his piece

Rich man applauds and holds his hat out to the onlookers

Rich man: come on show your appreciation for the piano performance.

Pianist appears hesitant, looking to the other side of the piano.

Pianist: Er thank you

Beggar stands up, seemingly unharmed

Beggar: Yeah we hoped you enjoyed it

Beggar, Rich man, Police and Pianist all laugh and take a bow.

Male officer: All you onlookers, you played the part of observers tonight, in the future we hope you will do more, Charlie certainly does.

Beggar: Yes, yes it would be nice to not take another pounding.

All performers bow again.