All for a Loaf of Bread

 

All For a Loaf of Bread

Jasmin Hu

July 30, 2021

CHARACTER LIST

THEVIR —  A fifteen-year-old thief living on the streets. He gets into a scrape with other street kids who want the bread he stole.

CONQUER — Leader of the gang. He loves to manipulate people and getting ‘free’ stuff from other kids he picks on. He especially like to pick on Thevir, as Thevir is a good thief with food quality standards.

KID I — A part of Conquer’s gang. He’s muscular and brutish. He likes to boss people around, especially people smaller than him. Has pride issues. He prefers to get his hands dirty and fights with his fists.

KID II — A part of Conquer’s gang. Does whatever Conquer tells her to do. Tough, foul-mouthed, and ill-tempered. Wields a make-shift club.

KID III — A part of Conquer’s gang. Follows Conquer around with some consternation. She looks a little bit mousy but has a sharp, fierce temper. She uses a slingshot and likes sharp, nasty projectiles.

KID IV — A part of Conquer’s gang. Tall, muscular, and looks to be very fast. He’s the least angry / grumpy looking out of them all. He’s a runner and often is tasked with stealing. Fights with kicks and agile movements.

KENVERITE SOLDIER — Mysterious soldier who Thevir is forced to steal from.

EXTRAS — people in the market. There can be as many as twelve or as few as five; there just needs to be some people in the market. Two should be at the stalls and at least three should be at the bar. The rest can pretend to be doing everyday life.

PROPS

Crates

Scraps of cloth / garbage (no plastic)

Three tables

Five or six mugs

Nine or twelve chairs

Wooden stalls

Fake or real food; veggies or fruits.

Knife (fake or real)

Two loaves of bread

One bag, preferably not modern-looking

SETTING ACT I & ACT III:

It’s a medieval summer. Brick wall with the sense of shade. Scraps of cloth, sticks, and garbage paraphernalia lie strewn about on the floor (no obvious plastics). Crates are stacked on stage left and upstage left. Dim light, but characters and prompts are still easily seen.

SETTING ACT II:

Three tables arranged around / near a bar in stage left and stage center. Bar has mugs supposedly filled with beer. The tables are sturdy, thick, and wooden with lots of dents in them. The chairs are wooden and beaten up-looking. Three or four each for the tables. Crates are stacked in the upstage center. Two stalls are in stage right and upstage right, stocked with food. The market / street is busy and bustling with people. The bar is full except for one table which only one man sits at.

ACT I

THEVIR

(enters; running, a loaf of bread under his arm. Stops center stage and leans on his knees. Straightens after a moment of panting and looks behind him at the alley opening) Ha. Lost them already. Those ol’ slow mollusks don’t stand a chance against me! (laughs a little, grinning while he sits down on a crate) Too easy. (leans back and crosses ankles. Take a loaf of bread and tears off a chunk. Cheerily) Good thievery, Thevir! (pats his shoulders with one hand and snickers. Tears off more chunks and stuffs them in his pockets. Eats a chunk.)

CONQUER & THE FOUR KIDS

(enter; blocking off the alleyway entrance and surrounding Thevi)

CONQUER

(smirking. Menacingly) Well, well, well, look who we have here.

THEVIR

(mutters sarcastically) Oh, this is going to go down well. (not turning around or looking up from stuffing his face with bread. Through a mouthful) You know, this is why I wish you would up your villainry game a little. (looks over shoulder at Conquer, eyebrows raised) What am I supposed to say to that cheesy, cliche line? Shudder in fear? Tremble in my boots? (turns to face Conquer fully) Oh, I know! I’m supposed to put my hand dramatically on my forehead and faint in utter terror. Yeah, that’s definitely it.

CONQUER

(unimpressed. Gestures with his chin at the other kids. They step forward. Three grab Thevi’s arms, shoving him back while he fights, the last snatching the half-eaten loaf of bread out of his hands)

THEVIR

(struggling) What? HEY! That’s my bread! Give it back! (lunges forwards. The other kids hold him back, shoving him forcefully against the wall. He hits his head) Ah!

CONQUER

(kid who took the bread hands Conquer the loaf. Conquer holds the bread in one hand. Innocently) Oh, you mean this bread? (tosses the bread from one hand to the other) It’s a mighty fine bread. One of the best. And the best should go to the strongest...don’t you think? It’d be such a shame to let it go to waste on a kid like you. Better save it for the likes of me. It’s the only thing to do. (gives Thevir a charming smile.)

THEVIR

Oh no. I would never do that to my bread. It needs to be eaten by those who need it. You obviously don’t need another slice of bread while kids like me— (waves a hand at himself) Thin, gaunt, — oh, you know — starving three weeks in because SOME kids keep taking MY stolen goods. (pointedly glares at Conquer.)

CONQUER

(smirks and mockingly bows) I thank you for your gracious donations. They were very...delicious.

THEVIR

(growls through gritted teeth. Attempts to escape again, gaze staring at the bread with a desperate hunger. After a moment of struggling he gives up, leaning back, breathing a little harshly. Glumly and through clenched teeth) Just give me the bread.

CONQUER

(smirk grows and eyes twinkle with malicious delight) No.

THEVIR

(explodes/yelling) What’s the use of STEALING from me?! It’s a loaf of bread! HALF a loaf of bread! WHY in the SUNbaked, ROTTEN-crayfish, STINKING-mollusc WORLD would you want it?! Go steal a fresh loaf for yourself for dirt's sake!

CONQUER

(shakes head slowly, clicking his tongue) Tut, tut, tut, so naive. (slowly walks forwards so he stands in front of Thevir) That’s not how it works, child. You see, I want this bread because you, the greatest thief in BlueRoof sector, chose to steal it. And of course, you have the best taste, since you are the best. It’s only fair if you share with me this lovely bread. (Smiles and taps the bread. Turns on his heel and starts to pace slowly from side to side.)

THEIVER

(glares at Conquer. In a spitting manner) Flattery does not work on me, flea-infested rat.

CONQUER

(raises eyebrows) Naming calling, now are we? How very immature of you.

THEVIR

(snarls, jerking forwards) How very immature of YOU to steal MY  bread and try to charm me into feeling better!

CONQUER

(shakes head and waves hand flippantly) Oh, by the snakes in the sea, calm down, street rat, or we’ll have to teach you some proper manners.

THEVIR

(narrows eyes) Was that (pause) a threat?

CONQUER

(shrugs and smiles darkly) You could take it that way.

THEVIR

(growls under his breath) Which translates to yes, it is a threat. (louder) Let me go already and you won’t have to bother with my ‘immature’ manners.

CONQUER

(chuckles. Pauses in his pacing and turns to face Thevir) Ah, ah, ah! Not just yet. I have a proposal to make.

THEVIR

(stares at Conquer warily, apprehensive. Spits) What now?

CONQUER

(smiles wolfishly) What I propose is a trade. (raises his eyebrows a bit) Out of the gratefulness of your heart, you put your skills of thievery to use and steal something for me. In return, I give you this. (lifts bread)

THEVIR

(narrows his eyes. Scoffs) ‘The gratefulness of my heart’? Ridiculous. If you wanted to subtly insult me you can do it later when I’m not so hungry.

CONQUER

(sniffs disdainfully) Fine. (waves hand at the other kids) Beat him up. If he doesn’t want to steal more things, we can make sure he can’t. (turns to leave)

KID ONE

(nods at Conquer with a gleeful glint in his eyes. He lifts his fists.)

KID TWO

(lifts a makeshift bat)

KIDS THREE AND FOUR

(quickly pin Thevir)

THEVIR

(eyes wide) Wait!! Don’t! (struggles)

CONQUER

(ignores Thevir and continues to leave)

KID ONE

(sneers and slugs Thevir across the face) Shut yer trap.

THEVIR

(grunts and struggles some more. gasps) Stop! (pants) What (pause) do you want me to steal?

CONQUER

(stops. Turns slowly, grinning, looking pleased with a gleam in his eye. Feign nonchalance) There’s this soldier. Tall, blonde, covered in scars, sitting alone at a bar. No armour, but it’s obvious what he is from the way he holds himself. Impossible to miss. He has a knife on his belt; that’s what you have to steal.

THEVIR

(straightens, anger flashing in his eyes) Steal from a soldier?! Are you mad?! I can’t do that! No one can! It’s a death warrant! Only an idiot would attempt such a stupid idea. Especially with that soldier. He’d catch me like a crow snatches up a crumb! 

CONQUER

(slowly walks forwards. Stops in front of Thevir, waving the bread in front of his face) Is that a no, then? (pulls back the bread, turning his body half away as if to protect the bread from Thevir) That’s a pity. No bread for you, poor starving little boy.

THEVIR

(growls in frustration, his eyes fixated on the bread. With a hint of hopelessness) I can’t do it. I’ll lose my hand.

CONQUER

(shrugs) Alright. (gestures at the other kids. To other kids) Continue.

THEVIR

(alarmed) Wait! No! Don’t hit me. (looks around him and sighs harshly. Mutters defeatedly) Fine.

CONQUER

(raises eyebrows) What’s that?

THEVIR

(glowering at the floor. mumbles under breath) I’m an idiot for doing this. (louder, spits) I’ll do it.

CONQUER:

(grins) Wonderful. You made the right choice. (gestures with his hand to the other kids) Let him go.

KID ONE

(looks disappointed. Reluctantly lets Thevir go.)

OTHER KIDS

(lets Thevir go)

THEVIR

(stands up and backs away from the kids so they can’t take him again. Rubs his arms where the kids had held him. Glares at them all) Give me the bread first.

CONQUER

(laughs) Oh no, you have to bring me my knife first. The bread would only slow you down, anyway.

THEVIR

(mutters) Was worth the shot. (sighs harshly, shaking his head) I can’t believe I’m doing this. (stalks past the kids, glaring as he passes)

CURTAIN

ACT II

(the street is bustling with noise and people. A fishmonger (/ person selling a type of food of choice) calls out to the people walking by. It’s sunny and in the middle of a busy part of the day)

THEVIR

(enters from stage right, (aka, the dim alleyway) blinking and muttering under his breath. He looks around) This is lunacy. Sneaking up to steal a knife from a soldier. I might as well jump up and down and yell ‘thief! I’m here! I’m a thief! Come and cut off my hand!’ (shakes head and peers into the crowd. Spots the blonde-haired, Kenverite guy) Hmph. It is that guy. Just my luck. (sighs heavily and looks at hands) If this is goodbye, please know you’ve served me well, hands. (starts sneaking up on the Kenverite soldier)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(takes a sip from cup)

THEVIR

(stops a few paces away. Whispers to himself) I can’t do this. I should run away now and avoid potentially losing my hand. I should do it right now. (hesitates. Snorts harshly, shoulders sagging) Oh phooey. If I run, they’ll just find me again and pound me twice as hard. (in insulting tone) Conquered smug-face. (sighs, shaking his head)I have to do this. (pause) This is so crazy. (starts sneaking again)

THEVIR

(now behind the Kenverite soldier. slowly inches forwards, hand reaching for the hilt of the knife on the Kenverite’s belt)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(just as Thevir grabs the hilt, the Kenverite soldier puts his hand on Thevir’s)

THEVIR

(freezes, looking up at the Kenverite soldier)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(looking down at Thevir. Raises eyebrows) You again?

THEVIR

(makes strangled noise) Uhm, YES! Hi. (scrambles to his feet, pulling his hand away quickly) Erm, I was just… TRYING TO get your attention! My sister got her clothes caught on one of the metal things on the roofs and it’s her only clothes so we can’t just pull her away. So, uhm (sweating), I was wondering if I could…. BORROW IT! (Smiles too wide)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(eyebrows raised as high as can go. Obviously not buying it) Uh-huh. (stares at Thevir with dubious expression)

THEVIR

(nervously) Uhm, I— I promise to bring it right back after she’s free! I’ll return it as fast as I can.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(blithely) You are a thief.

THEVIR

(jumps a little) Er...yes… that, I am, sir. BUT— (clears throat and says rapidly) I’m not going to steal your knife. A knife would be really useful on the streets for self defense and, er, for warding off other kids from your food, not to mention all the practical uses….. (trails off, noticing the Kenverite soldier’s unimpressed expression) But! uh, there’s no real point unless I steal the sheath too, WHICH IS impossible and I am not going to try — just so you know. (nervously sucks in breath)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(stares at Thevir for a long moment with narrowed eyes. In a calm voice) You will bring it back?

THEVIR

(nods quickly, a little jerkily) Yes! Right away, sir.

KENVERITE SOLDIER: (eyes Thevir for another long moment. Raises an eyebrow and lifts one shoulder in a half shrug. Pulls out knife and offers hilt to Thevir)

THEVIR

(looking greatly surprised; Takes knife. Looking down at the knife and in quiet, amazed voice) Wow, that actually worked. (looking at the Kenverite soldier, alarmed. Loudly) I MEAN THANKS! (clears throat) Thanks, sir. I’ll bring it back. (spins on heel and walks away quickly)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(thoughtful expression) How interesting.

THEVIR

(stops right before the crates. Looks down at the knife in his hand) I can’t believe that worked. It was so obvious! (snorts and shakes head) Either that soldier is less attentive and mildly daft, or I’m a better thief than I thought. (pause) I’m inclined to believe the latter, I don’t think that soldier is daft. (pause) He’s too terrifying to be daft. (shrugs and sighs, looking off stage right ruefully) Time to face that rotten crowd, I guess. (pulls back his shoulders and exits off stage right)

(A short silence)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

Hmph. (stands up. Looks over at stage right thoughtfully. In a musing tone) What are you going to do with my knife, I wonder? (Exits, following Thevir offstage)

CURTAIN

ACT III

THEVIR

(enters from stage left) I got the knife.

CONQUER

(standing near stage right, takes a step forward) Wonderful, wonderful.

OTHER KIDS

(steps behind Thevir, cutting off the entrance to the alleyway)

THEVIR

(takes a few steps forwards to get out of range of the other kids. He looks around him, knowing he’s trapped. Huffs and snaps his head around to face Conquer. To Conquer, harsh voice) Now give me the bread.

CONQUER

(Laughs and wags a finger at Thevir. Puts hand out) Nah, ah, ah. Not so fast; the knife first. 

THEVIR

(scowls. Glances around him, hesitating. Sighs harshly and steps forward, handing the knife over. Crosses arms over his chest)

CONQUER

(takes the knife and inspects it. grins)  What a beauty it is. Deadly. Flashy. Perfect for conquering my enemies. (holds it up to the light, turning it so it flashes) In perfect condition, too. (lowers the knife and turns to Thevir with a malicious look)

THEVIR

(wrinkles nose and uncrosses his arms. Holds one hand out)  I’ve held up my part of the deal, now it’s your turn. Bread.

CONQUER

(smirks and spreads hands out in front of him, shrugging. Innocently) Sorry, don’t have it.

THEVIR

(bristles, clenching one fist) What do you mean you don’t have it?!

CONQUER

(shrugs, still smiling) I don’t have it, is what I mean. (weighs knife in the palm of his hand)

THEVIR

(snarls) You’re lying! You must have the bread!

CONQUER

(shakes head) Thevir, Thevir, (clicks his tongue disapprovingly and looks at Thevir) I don’t lie. I don’t have the bread. (grins) It was very delicious.

THEVIR

(yelling, throwing out his hands) YOU ATE IT? You dirt-idiot-rotten-cod-fish-guts-pride-face-rat-infested-lie-wielding-stuck-up-CONQUERED SCOUNDREL!

CONQUER

(stills. With veiled fury) What (pause) did you just call me?

THEVIR

(meets Conquer’s eyes. Spits) A Dirt-Idiot-rotten-cod-fish-guts-pride-face-rat-infes—

CONQUER

(red faced, yelling) SHUT UP! (swipes knife through the air, a dangerous glint in his eyes. Snarls as he approaches) I’ve had enough with that mouth of yours! I think it’s time I tried out how deep this knife cuts.

THEVIR

(aghast. Clenches his hands into fists) You scoundrel! Fish-stealing-lie-breathing-bread-eating-putrid scoundrel! You can’t even conquer your gluttonous stomach!

OTHER KIDS

(start closing in on Thevir)

CONQUER

(shrieks with rage) Kill him! (lunges forwards, knife slashing)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(steps out of the shadows and grabs Conquer, pulling him back. Plucks the knife out of Conquer’s hand and calmly places it at Conquer’s neck) I suggest none of you move if you want your leader to live.

CONQUER

(freezes with a look of horror on his face)

OTHER KIDS

(stop advancing)

(beat of silence)

THEVIR

(Pants, staring at the Kenverite soldier. Exclaims) YOU! I KNEW you weren’t that daft to fall for that terrible lie!

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(looking vaguely amused) ‘That daft’?

THEVIR

(A little taken aback. Looking not so sure he should speak. Huffs a little, nervous) Er, well, you did let me take the knife.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(snorts) I figured something drastic had to be going on if you were desperate enough to try stealing it. Especially since you have already failed once.

CONQUER

(glares at Thevir) You tried to take my knife before?

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(looks down at Conquer) It is my knife, Conquered. And no, he tried to steal some bread.

CONQUER

(furious. Spits through gritted teeth) It’s Conquer.

THEVIR

(snickers) Conquered! Ha. That’s funny.

CONQUER

(glares at Thevir. Snaps) Shut your trap, street ra—

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(presses knife a little harder into Conquer’s neck, cutting him off. A little harshly / curtly, in a low, threatening tone) It would be wise if you stop talking, Conquer. I am not particularly fond of your voice, nor is anyone here, I presume. It is in your best interests to stay on my good side so that I will not be inclined to stop your talking permanently.

CONQUER:

(gulps, eyes wide)

KENVERITE SOLDIER:

(removes knife from Conquer’s neck and shoves him away)

CONQUER

(stumbles and falls on the ground. He turns quickly to face the Kenverite Soldier)

KENVERITE SOLDIER:

(hard expression and voice) Leave and do not ever bother the thief in blue again. Steal your own food. If I ever see you, or anyone else, bothering him, I will add to your scars and it will be much, much worse than the one on your cheek.

CONQUER

(frightened expression but with a glint of hatred in his eyes. Nods and scrambles to his feet. Brushes past Thevir. Snarls quietly to Thevir) You will pay for this. (Exits)

OTHER KIDS

(glancing at the Kenverite soldier then quickly follow Conquer. Exits.)

THEVIR

(watches them go. Glances back at Kenverite soldier)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(sheaths knife) Hopefully that will keep them off of your back for a while.

THEVIR

(scrunches up face) Yeah. (Pause) did you really mean it?

KEVERITE SOLDIER

(looks at Thevir) The threats? Yes, I did.

THEVIR

(squints) Why? (waves hands vaguely) People don’t generally like thieves, especially one that tries and fails twice in the day. You shouldn’t care if I get picked on or not. It makes no difference to you.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

But it makes a difference for you.

THEVIR 

(huffs) But why? Why would you care? I’m a thief! I stole from you!

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(tilts head to the side a little) I wanted to care. I have been in situations like yours. I know the grief it causes and I could save you from it. So I did.

THEVIR

(silence. Peers at Kenverite Soldier) You were a street kid?

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(shrugs) Something of the like.

THEVIR

(squints) So you took pity on me and threatened another street kid.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

It sounds much less noble that way, but yes, that is the gist of it.

THEVIR

(grunts. pause. Stares at Kenverite soldier for a long moment. Sighs and scuffs feet. Takes a few steps back. Tentatively) Well, I guess...uhm, I’m going to go now…

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(raises hand) Wait, not just yet. (pulls off bag from shoulders. Kneels and digs around in the bag)

THEVIR

(pauses, looking uncomfortable. Shifts to the side, watching the Kenverite soldier)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(pulls out loaf of bread. Closes the bag and stands up) Here, for you. (tosses bread at Thevir)

THEVIR

(catches bread. Looks down at the bread. Looks up at the soldier, brows furrowed in confusion) I can’t take this, it’s your last bread.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(shrugs. Puts bag over shoulder) I can buy another one.

THEVIR

(confused expression. Looks down at the bread again) Why would you give me your bread?

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(smiles) You went through all that for a loaf of bread, it is only right that you get one. (shrugs again) You need it more than I do, anyway.

THEVIR

(stares at the Kenverite soldier in shock and wonder. Shakes head and looks at bread. Tears off a chunk and eats it hungrily)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(steps forwards) I come here every month. If you ever need something, just ask, I may be willing to help.

THEVIR

(glances up from bread, chewing,  with a little bit of suspicious and confused expression) I’m a thief, you know, the annoyance of the streets. Why would you help me?

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(pauses, thinking) Cutting off your hand won’t stop you from being hungry. The best thing I can do is give a helping hand.

THEVIR

(glances down at the loaf of bread. Pulls off another chunk and pops it into his mouth) You’re a very weird soldier. (Swallows and starts, looking panicked) UH— I MEAN— (takes a breath) Thanks. Erm, for the bread. And uh...for scaring Conquer off. (glances up at the Kenverite soldier timidly)

KENVERITE SOLDIER 

(laughs softly) Least I could do…

THEVIR

(quickly jumps in) Thevir.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(smiles) Least I could do, Thevir.

THEVIR

(nods. Looks down at his feet and shuffles them. Hesitantly) Uhm...so...am I supposed to….walk away now? Do I need to...say bye? 

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(chuckles) If you want to be polite.

THEVIR

(blinks and looks up at the soldier) Er, bye, then.

KENVERITE SOLDIER

Farewell, Thevir. I hope our paths will cross again.

THEVIR

(small smile) I think they will. (glances at the soldier then turns. Exits)

KENVERITE SOLDIER

(watches Thevir go. Smiles) I think so, too. (shifts pack on shoulders and exits)

CURTAIN

THE END